UNPAID VOLUNTEER - (Deputy) Director of Research (Energy and Environment)

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Role Title: Deputy Director of Research (Energy and Environment)

Role Nature: Volunteer

Location: Home-based

The Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI) is an international volunteer‑led think tank supporting and advocating the application of blockchain and other emerging technologies in the global fight against climate change.

We are looking to recruit a highly experienced and enthusiastic VOLUNTEER who will serve as the Deputy Director of Research (Energy & Environment), managing the focused research function of the organization, further developing the division with key objectives of operationalizing growth strategy and strengthening BCI positioning as the preferred thought leader of digital technology development trend and research into its influence or potential value in global climate policy actions.

The ideal candidate is a self‑starter and experienced, looking to make a difference in international climate change governance. The successful candidate will be a competent leader or senior executive with rich experience in working with globally distributed teams, managing ecosystem partners, and executing capability development projects from inception to completion. Experience as a researcher or senior thought leader in an academic organization will be highly beneficial, as will research experience in a non‑profit environment.

Reporting to the Director‑General, you will be responsible for leading applied research on a wide range of environmental and energy policy innovation and driving the enhancement of existing capabilities, socializing it for stakeholders across the various climate‑related actors. You will drive BCI's growth by forging new working relationships and synergies across the contextual organizational knowledge and establishing BCI as a leading player across the climate ecosystem of stakeholders. The key responsibility is to ensure that BCI leadership has the evidence, insight and understanding of industry issues and trends that allow them to provide the most appropriate support to governments and international organisations in terms of applied digital technology use cases and research‑based policy innovation.

Responsibilities

• Working closely with the Director‑General for further developing Research Division II with the primary focus on climate adaptation, energy, and environmental policy.
• Identifying, investigating, and reporting the latest research on energy, digital technology, and climate policy development worldwide.
• Monitoring and evaluating how existing climate policies and regulations impact digital innovations in particular jurisdictions.
• Liaising with other divisions across BCI to conceptualise and develop proposals/project ideas.
• Contributing research expertise to projects, external speaking engagements, and networking opportunities as appropriate; active participation in webinars, climate forums, and sectorial engagement activities to effectively communicate the BCI research agenda.
• Developing or strengthening existing research (including technical knowledge and skills) of relevant institutions with roles to play in climate policy, through regular webinars or other engagement channels.
• Understanding situational interpretations and analysing data to identify and understand challenges, present and explain findings to the Executive Committee and Advisory Board.
• Development of surveys, analysis of data, production of statistics, and review of existing research evidence in collaboration with other RD II members to provide timely, relevant, and robust research findings or briefings for BCI leadership and partner governments.
• Taking ownership of operationalising the strategic priorities of RD II.
• Coordinating the research conducted within RD II.
• Supervising RDII's team of Research Officers including task allocation, bi‑weekly meetings and project execution tracking; providing feedback, guidance and comment on Research Officers’ work.
• Reviewing and approving all documents (e.g. concept notes, briefing notes, research reports) before forwarding to DG's Office.
• Leading the recruitment activities for RD II and holding onboarding sessions with newly joined Research Officers.
• Utilising both traditional and modern technology assessment tools for effective market engagement.
• Providing digitised tools for advisory services to BCI strategic projects targeted to climate policymakers or negotiators.
• Executing subject research requirements for climate‑related actions, energy sector, and emerging technology patterns, particularly Artificial Intelligence & Blockchain.

Qualifications

Education & Training

• A postgraduate degree in environmental policy, environmental technology, or a relevant discipline (Digital Transformation, Sustainability) is required.
• Additional professional qualifications or certifications are a plus.

Relevant Experience

• 10+ years’ experience in a similar role, ideally acquired in a consulting practice, start‑up, public sector, and non‑profit environment.
• Experience in building long‑term relationships with stakeholders.
• Significant research experience in an academic/industry/private sector environment.
• General knowledge of environmental and energy‑related policies, initiatives, and issues (more in‑depth knowledge of one or more areas is desirable, e.g. renewable energy, adaptation, biodiversity & conservation).
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, public speaking, communicating research ideas to non‑specialist audiences.
• Experience writing a variety of research outputs ranging from summaries for policymakers to in‑depth technical/scientific documents.
• Demonstrable experience in executive education focusing on blockchain, Artificial Intelligence or other emerging digital technologies.
• Working experience with tool capabilities for research, advisory services, and talent development.
• Proven experience in the execution of tailored and specialised research projects.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of talent development best practices.
• High‑level awareness about climate frameworks, the energy industry, and Blockchain technology.
• Familiarity with common business software, project management programs, and IT systems.
• Able to develop and present detailed, actionable research‑based project proposals and plan.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills; ability to quickly and effectively build rapport.
• Excellent written English skills; a second language is advantageous.
• Aptitude for innovative and big‑picture thinking.
• A natural leader with a growth mindset and driving the innovation‑led research agenda.
• Proven ability to effectively multitask and prioritise actions.
• Excellent problem‑solving and data‑management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and proactive attitude.

General & Specialist Knowledge

• Strong innovation skills or specialised research expertise is essential for this role.
• Executive‑level awareness of Blockchain Strategy and environment, sustainability & governance actions.
• Innovative and creative leader to drive conceptualisation of contextual and deep research topics.
• Experience in publishing research‑based articles in the areas of climate actions, sustainability, and technology use cases.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel and Powerpoint.
• Some knowledge on topics central to the BCI such as climate change, adaptation finance, energy sector, and blockchain technology preferred.

Benefits

Blockchain and other emerging technologies, Climate change and sustainability – volunteering with BCI is a unique opportunity to contribute to global efforts. Benefits you will get from volunteering with BCI include:

• Your mind will be mentally stimulated, providing you with a sense of purpose.
• Advance and boost your professional career by making professional connections and gaining real‑world experience at the intersection between climate and emerging technologies.
• Help you develop long‑lasting professional relationships with others.

Before you apply, please submit your CV and cover letter. If shortlisted, you will be contacted by one of our recruiters to complete assessments related to the role.