At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IoT and Data Analysis projects to combat climate change and drive innovation.
- Company: Join the Blockchain & Climate Institute, a global think tank for sustainability.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, make professional connections, and contribute to meaningful climate action.
- Other info: Flexible home-based role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team tackling climate issues with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in IoT, Data Analysis, and a passion for sustainability.
THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEERING ROLE.
Role Nature: Volunteer
Location: Home-based
The Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI) is an international volunteers-led think tank supporting and advocating the application of blockchain and other data technologies in the global fight against climate change.
What will you be doing?
We are looking for a passionate VOLUNTEER who takes a methodological approach to their work, conducts independent research and analysis, engages with key stakeholders and establishes strategic partnerships to progress the BCI’s core mission. This role is for a Principal / Senior Technology Officer and is a senior position reporting to the CTO. The successful candidate will provide strategic and technical leadership for Internet of Things (IoT) and Data Analysis across all BCI projects. You will be responsible for overseeing and implementing the use of IoT, Data Modelling & Data Science and associated tooling for internal productivity and climate action. You will perform research of new data sets, collaborate with partners, onboard and train other team members, execute proof of concepts and pilots, and build applications using available data sets.
As with all roles in BCI, this role is a voluntary unpaid role. You will have the opportunity to work with a diverse and passionate group of experts, collaborate with leading organisations and stakeholders in the field of climate and sustainability, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in this domain. You will also gain valuable experience and skills in emerging technologies, project management, and leadership.
Responsibilities:
- Define and execute the IoT and Data Analysis technology strategy and roadmap for BCI’s projects and initiatives;
- Build, lead and manage the IoT and Data Analysis technology team, including hiring, training, mentoring, and performance evaluation;
- Research and identify the best IoT data sources and Data Analysis approaches for our use cases and objectives;
- Design, develop, test, and deploy applications and solutions using IoT, Data Analysis, Data Science, Data Modelling, and associated tooling;
- Ensure the quality, reliability, security, and scalability of our technology products and services;
- Monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of our technology solutions and provide feedback and recommendations for improvement;
- Communicate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including project partners, sponsors, donors, and beneficiaries;
- Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the field of emerging technologies, climate, and sustainability;
- Generate opportunities for strategic partnerships;
- Attend conferences and events to promote the BCI, communicate research findings and insights via PowerPoint decks, and engage with key stakeholders.
Requirements
Skills & Abilities:
- Excellent oral communication skills, including the ability to develop effective working relationships, work flexibly across professional and operational boundaries, and communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders at all levels;
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to balance competing demands under pressure;
- Proven ability in computing or math-related tasks of Agile technology projects;
- Experience in building constructive relationships with stakeholders;
- Experience in working independently and with teams to drive forward projects using own initiative;
- Experience in designing, planning, and facilitating independent research and the ability to meet tight deadlines;
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with ability to present ideas appropriately and persuasively.
General & Specialist Knowledge:
- Strong technical skills, proficient in various programming languages, frameworks, and tools for data analysis and data science, such as Python, R, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, etc;
- Familiar with various data sources, formats, and standards, such as APIs, JSON, XML, CSV, etc, and detail orientated;
- Experience in developing and deploying applications and solutions using cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, etc.;
- A portfolio of supported Open-Source GitHub projects (desirable);
- Experience in leading and managing technology teams and projects, including agile methodologies, budgeting, reporting, and documentation;
- Passionate and knowledgeable about climate and sustainability issues and solutions, with a sense of mission and willingness to learn not just about technology but also about all other aspects that could be necessary to deliver impactful climate actions.
Education & Training:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field;
- Fluent in English;
- Aptitude in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish (desirable).
Relevant Experience:
- At least 5 years of professional experience in IoT, Data Analysis, Data Science, Data Modelling, or a related field;
- Nimble business mind with a focus on developing creative solutions;
- Strong project reporting skills with a focus on inter-departmental and inter-organisational communication;
- Experience of working independently and with teams to drive forward projects using your own initiative.
Benefits:
What difference will you make? Blockchain and other emerging technologies. Climate change and sustainability. These are two hot topic groups that have been headlining media outlets, dominating conferences & events, and gaining increasing traction in research and pilot projects. BCI is here as an expert platform to help governments, inter-governmental and regional organizations as well as relevant corporates to negotiate the complex landscape of emerging technologies for environmental good. We cement our expertise by putting in the hard work in researching, identifying, and analyzing the applications of emerging technologies so that informed decisions can be made by the stakeholders in the climate change and action network.
Benefits you will get from volunteering with BCI are enormous and some include:
- You will hone or learn new skills including research, presentation, writing, professional etiquette;
- Your mind will be mentally stimulated, hence providing you with a sense of purpose;
- You will advance and boost your professional career by helping you to make professional connections and giving you real-world experience at the intersection between climate and emerging technologies;
- Help you develop long-lasting professional relationships with others. People who come together to make the world a better place forge a close connection.
Selection Process:
As a voluntary organization, we are pleased to open the door for candidates who may not have the prior experience they need to start, progress, or switch their careers. To recruit the most suitable, talented, or potential new members out of the volume of applications received, it is the BCI’s policy to also consider inexperienced candidates to fill our voluntary unpaid roles as long as they can demonstrate the skills required in the written assessment. In the selection process, most candidates will be invited to complete the following assessment.
- Section A: Verbal and Numerical Reasoning (20 multiple-choice questions)
- Section B: Situation Judgement Test (20 multiple-choice questions)
- Section C: In-Tray Exercise (An open-ended assessment relevant to the duties of the role)
Candidates who pass all three sections will be invited to attend a phone screening, first interview, and final interview online.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Principal/Senior Technology Officer - Internet of Things
✨Get Involved in Open-Source Projects
Dive into some open-source data science projects on platforms like GitHub. Contributing your skills to real-world problems not only hones your abilities but also puts your name out there in the community, making it easier to land volunteer roles with organisations that value your experience.
✨Join Local Data Science Meetups
Check out local data science meetups and events in your area. Networking face-to-face not only helps us pin down opportunities but also lets you connect with fellow data enthusiasts and professionals who might know of volunteering positions at places like Description This or elsewhere!
✨Utilise University Resources
If you’re associated with a university, tap into your career services for volunteer opportunities. They often have connections with local businesses and research projects that are looking for volunteers; even a few hours a week can make a difference on your CV!
✨Showcase Your Data Projects
Build a portfolio featuring your completed data projects, even if they’re from coursework or personal initiatives. Share this portfolio on platforms like LinkedIn or personal blogs to highlight your skills, which can grab the attention of potential volunteer roles at Description This and beyond.
We think you need these skills to ace UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Principal/Senior Technology Officer - Internet of Things
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Data Skills:Since you're aiming for a data-science role as a volunteer, make sure your CV highlights any relevant skills like programming languages (Python, R), statistical analysis, or machine learning. If you’ve worked on any data projects, include detailed descriptions to showcase your experience – even if they were for school or personal projects!
Include Relevant Coursework and Certificates:If you’ve taken any courses related to data science or have any certifications, don’t forget to include these in your application! Courses from platforms like Coursera or edX can really boost your credibility, especially if they include hands-on data analysis or machine learning components.
Share Your Passion for Data:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about volunteering in a data-science role. Share your passion for data analysis and how this opportunity aligns with your career aspirations. We're looking for enthusiasm as well as skills!
Keep Your Application Concise and Focused:Volunteer roles can attract many applicants, so make your application concise and relevant. Tailor your CV and cover letter specifically to this role at Description This. Focus on your most relevant experiences and how you can contribute to the team without going overboard on length!
How to prepare for a job interview at Description This
✨Show Off Your Data Skills
For a data science role, it’s essential to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on core concepts like regression, classification, and clustering algorithms. Be ready to discuss your experience with tools like Python, R, or SQL – maybe even walk us through a mini-project or analysis you've done, showcasing your problem-solving prowess.
✨Brush Up on Data Visualisation
Data science isn't just about crunching numbers; communication is key! Make sure you can explain your findings clearly through data visualisations. Having a portfolio of your visualisations ready will impress the interviewers at Description This. Bring along some examples that illustrate not just your technical skills but also your storytelling ability with data.
✨Highlight Your Enthusiasm for Learning
As a volunteer, your willingness to learn and adapt is crucial. Emphasise your passion for data science and any self-directed projects you've undertaken, like participating in competitions on platforms such as Kaggle. This shows that you’re keen to grow in the field and contribute to Description This while gaining valuable experience.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Challenges
Often, interviews in data science can involve live coding or analytical challenges. Don’t be surprised if you're asked to solve a problem on the spot! Practise with sample problems or challenges beforehand so you can keep your cool and demonstrate your thought process clearly—this can really set you apart from other candidates!
