At a Glance
- Tasks: Support climate action through tech roles like Data Scientist, DevOps, or Full Stack Developer.
- Company: Join the Blockchain & Climate Institute, a global volunteer-led think tank.
- Benefits: Gain real-world experience, develop skills, and make impactful connections in tech and climate.
- Other info: Flexible home-based role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team tackling climate change with innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: Passion for tech and climate; coding skills preferred; open to all experience levels.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
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 passionate VOLUNTEERS who take a methodological approach to their work, conduct independent research and analysis, engage with key stakeholders, and establish strategic partnerships to progress the BCI’s core mission. As with all roles in BCI, this role is a voluntary unpaid role.
The technical roles considered will aim to support end-to-end projects, from the start this will involve business or domain knowledge understanding (e.g. finance, energy, forestry, etc.) until a fully data-driven pipeline that delivers valuable insights. This entire pipeline can include (among others): “Data Scientists” developing machine learning and other statistical models, “Data Engineers” performing ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) and other data wrangling tasks, “DevOps” supporting the entire hybrid IT Infrastructure (e.g. cloud, on-premise) and “Full Stack Developers” supporting front end and back of Apps (e.g. Web, Mobile, APIs, etc).
The amazing opportunity provided by this role will help the successful candidate improve their skills in a wide range of cutting-edge technologies while helping to support a good cause. Technology Officers will be appointed to a specific technical role (e.g. Data Scientist, DevOps, etc.) or could be general in order to accommodate their personal interests and future career development. These roles will work extensively with other roles within BCI to support technical projects that could involve a wide range of Data Technologies, not just Distributed Ledgers (e.g. Blockchains, Directed Acyclic graphs) but also Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, etc.
In the Technology Officer Grade, volunteers with more experience may be appointed as Principal or Senior Technology Officer.
Responsibilities:
- To provide technical support for members of working groups in areas such as renewable energy, carbon trading, forest monitoring, natural resource management, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, etc.
- To generate opportunities for strategic partnerships.
- To 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.
- Strong technical skills (e.g. math and coding skills) and detail-oriented.
- Strong presentation skills and ability to present ideas appropriately and persuasively.
- Sense of mission and willingness to learn not just about technology but also about all other aspects that could be necessary to learn in order to deliver impactful climate actions.
- Aptitude in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish (desirable).
General & Specialist Knowledge
- Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g. Python, Java/C#, JavaScript, R, Scala, Go, etc.).
- Strong knowledge or interest in topics central to the BCI such as climate change, climate finance, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence preferred.
Education & Training
- A relevant degree or training in a relevant discipline is preferred.
- Experience in software development or other technical aspects of data-driven systems.
Relevant Experience
- Proven ability in computing or math-related tasks of Agile technology projects.
- A portfolio of supported Open Source GitHub projects (desirable).
- 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.
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 - Technology Officers (Data Scientists/DevOps/Full Stack)
✨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 - Technology Officers (Data Scientists/DevOps/Full Stack)
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!
