Unpaid Volunteer - Head Of Communications in Edinburgh

Unpaid Volunteer - Head Of Communications in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Volunteer No working from home possible
Digital Technology Institute For Development (Dtid)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global communications strategy and manage a team of volunteers to amplify climate action.
  • Company: Join the Blockchain & Climate Institute, a nonprofit driving climate solutions with blockchain tech.
  • Benefits: Gain leadership experience, influence global climate narratives, and engage with international policy.
  • Other info: Work remotely and collaborate with a diverse team across 30+ countries.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change while developing your communication skills in a global context.
  • Qualifications: Experience in communications, strong writing skills, and knowledge of climate policy preferred.

This is an unpaid volunteering role. The Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI) is an international volunteer-led nonprofit organization advancing the use of blockchain and emerging technologies in support of global climate action. With more than 200 professionals across 30+ countries, BCI collaborates with UN bodies, national governments, and international standard-setting organizations to develop technical guidance, policy frameworks, and capacity-building programs.

The Head of Communications is the senior-most communications position at BCI, responsible for shaping the organisation’s global public profile, narrative authority, and messaging strategy across platforms. This role oversees communications planning, media engagement, editorial content, and digital storytelling, while aligning all outreach with BCI’s mission and multilateral policy objectives.

The ideal candidate is a strategic storyteller with a journalist’s instinct, a diplomat’s precision, and a leader’s clarity. This person is expected to stay ahead of international climate trends, identify moments of influence, and lead a team of communications volunteers in executing a dynamic, policy-aligned strategy.

Key responsibilities:
  • Strategic Leadership
    • Develop and execute BCI’s global communications strategy, aligned with institutional goals
    • Advise the Director-General and senior leadership on message development and positioning
    • Serve as the final approver for all public-facing messaging, tone, and media framing
    • Elevate BCI’s influence in public discourse, policy conversations, and the climate-tech space
  • Editorial Oversight
    • Manage communications leads across PR, media, editorial, social, and design functions
    • Oversee the BCI News Service and official editorial calendar
    • Lead high-level publications, policy briefs, and strategic content development
    • Ensure consistency and clarity across all institutional materials
  • Institutional Reputation
    • Guide high-profile media engagements, event communications, and COP-related coverage
    • Frame the organisation’s voice as a credible contributor to international dialogues on climate innovation
  • Team Management
    • Supervise and mentor PR officers, writers, designers, and platform coordinators
    • Establish clear workflows, approval processes, and content standards
    • Foster collaboration across teams and ensure timely delivery of all communications outputs
Requirements:
  • Proven experience leading communications teams
  • Expertise in shaping narratives across traditional and digital media platforms
  • Strong media relationships, with experience managing public statements and op-eds
  • Knowledge of global climate policy, digital technologies, and multilateral engagement preferred
  • Excellent writing, editing, and content strategy skills
  • Ability to manage remote teams and collaborate across time zones
Benefits:

What difference will you make? One of the most important aspects of BCI’s mission is to support legislators and policymakers to create an enabling environment for the adoption of distributed ledger technologies. To that end, this opportunity will deepen BCI's research on the interaction between existing policy frameworks and innovative technologies.

What You’ll Gain:
  • Direct impact on the global climate-tech narrative
  • Leadership experience in a multilateral-facing, policy-driven nonprofit
  • Exposure to global climate summits, UN engagements, and international working groups
  • A chance to build a dynamic communications function with global reach
Selection Process:
  • 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.

Unpaid Volunteer - Head Of Communications in Edinburgh employer: Digital Technology Institute For Development (Dtid)

The Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI) is an exceptional volunteer-led think tank based in London, dedicated to leveraging blockchain technology in the fight against climate change. As a volunteer, you will engage in meaningful research, collaborate with passionate professionals, and contribute to impactful projects that shape sustainable finance policy on a global scale. BCI fosters a supportive work culture that values innovation and personal growth, providing volunteers with unique opportunities to build professional networks and gain invaluable experience in a rapidly evolving field.

Digital Technology Institute For Development (Dtid)

Contact Details:

Digital Technology Institute For Development (Dtid) Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Unpaid Volunteer - Head Of Communications in Edinburgh

Get Involved with Local Causes

Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.

Leverage Social Media for Social Impact

Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!

Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms

Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.

Apply Directly Through Our Website

When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!

We think you need these skills to ace Unpaid Volunteer - Head Of Communications in Edinburgh

Strategic Leadership
Communications Strategy Development
Media Engagement
Editorial Oversight
Content Strategy
Team Management
Narrative Shaping

Some tips for your application 🫡

Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Digital Technology Institute For Development (Dtid), don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.

Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!

Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!

Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Digital Technology Institute For Development (Dtid).

How to prepare for a job interview at Digital Technology Institute For Development (Dtid)

Know Your Passion

Dive deep into the mission of Digital Technology Institute For Development (Dtid) and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.

Bring Your Skills to the Table

Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.

Get Ready for Scenario Questions

In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.

Show Your Commitment

Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!