UNPAID VOLUNTEER

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THIS IS AN UNPAID ROLE

Role Title : Director of Legal Research

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 technology in the global fight against climate change.

We are looking for a passionate academic legal researcher VOLUNTEER who takes a methodological approach to their work and plays a leading role in conducting independent research and analysis, engaging with key stakeholders, and establishing strategic partnerships to progress the BCI's core mission.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise Legal Research Officers in providing research support in the intersection of internet/DLT law and renewable energy, carbon trading, forest monitoring, natural resource management, etc.
• Provide technical and strategic leadership for analytical research, and set the agenda for research across the organization.
• Generate opportunities for strategic research or knowledge partnerships.
• Contribute across the organization as a member of the Executive Committee.
• Anticipate and respond to the organization's tactical and strategic business support needs.
• Manage Research Division's time budget effectively to deliver organizational objectives.
• 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 and communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent English writing skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to balance competing demands under pressure.
• Well-developed understanding of the priorities, operation, and strategy of relevant funding bodies as evidenced by a track record of funded research.
• Strong presentation skills and ability to present ideas appropriately and persuasively.
• Ability to deliver successful outcomes from large-scale, long-term thematic research.
• Ability to integrate the skills and expertise of highly motivated staff into multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to engage a range of internal and external stakeholders to collaborate in identifying problems and appropriate solutions.
• Effective monitoring and decision-making skills to implement corrective action if a research activity is challenging.
• Strong personal values for committed and collaborative leadership.
• High levels of professional judgment in choosing analysis pathways that yield rapid, high-quality, actionable results.
• Influential and credible with the ability to convey the value of research findings and programs effectively.
• Aptitude in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish (desirable).

Relevant Experience:

• Proven ability in organization/business development (e.g., experience working in a target-driven role).
• 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 meeting tight deadlines.
• Successful and sustained leadership demonstrated internationally.
• Experience in cross-disciplinary research initiatives and collaboration.
• Proven experience in managing staff and their performance.
• Demonstrable track record in strategic and operational management and planning.
• Experience in financial planning and resource allocation.
• Experience in leading and successfully initiating and implementing change.

Education & Training:

• A relevant Ph.D. degree or training in academic research skills is preferred.
• Experience in producing research outputs and structured reports for different audiences.

General & Specialist Knowledge:

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office.
• Strong depth of knowledge on topics central to the BCI such as climate change, climate finance, blockchain technology, and/or artificial intelligence preferred.

Benefits:

• Hone or learn new skills including research, presentation, writing, and professional etiquette.
• Mental stimulation and a sense of purpose.
• Advance your professional career by making professional connections and gaining real-world experience at the intersection of climate and emerging technologies.
• Develop long-lasting professional relationships with others.

Selection Process:

As a voluntary organization, we welcome 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 from the volume of applications received, it is BCI's policy to consider inexperienced candidates for our voluntary unpaid roles, provided they can demonstrate the required skills in the written assessment.

Candidates who pass all three sections will be invited to attend a phone screening, first interview, and final interview online.