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

The Blockchain & Climate Institute is seeking a volunteer Deputy Director of Research (Energy and Environment) to manage research initiatives related to climate policy and digital technology. This home-based role involves leading applied research, liaising with various divisions, and presenting findings to leadership. The position focuses on enhancing BCI's influence in climate change advocacy and requires participation in forums and the development of research capabilities.
## Role Title and Nature

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

Role Nature: Volunteer (pro bono officer)

Location: Home-based / Remote (United Kingdom)

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

- General (DG), this Deputy Director of Research (Energy & Environment) will manage the focused research function for Research Division II – Energy & Environment (RD2), operationalize growth strategy, and help strengthen BCI’s position as a thought leader on digital technology trends and their influence or potential value in global climate policy actions.

### What the role involves

You will lead applied research across environmental and energy policy innovation and drive enhancement of existing capabilities, socializing research for stakeholders across climate-related actors. Research and evidence underpin all BCI projects — including green finance, renewable energy, carbon emissions trading, biodiversity conservation, and environmental law enforcement — and your role is to ensure BCI leadership has the evidence, insight, and understanding of industry issues and trends to support governments and international organizations with applied digital technology use cases and research-based policy innovation.

You will:

- Work closely with the Director

- General to further develop Research Division II with a primary focus on climate adaptation, energy, and environmental policy.

- Identify, investigate, and report the latest research on energy, digital technology, and climate policy development worldwide; monitor and evaluate how existing climate policies and regulations impact digital innovations in particular jurisdictions.

- Liaise with other divisions across BCI to conceptualise and develop proposals and project ideas, contributing research expertise to projects, external speaking engagements, and networking opportunities.

- Actively participate in webinars, climate forums, and sector engagement activities to effectively communicate the BCI research agenda and develop or strengthen research capabilities of relevant institutions through regular webinars or other engagement channels.

- Understand situational interpretations and analyze data to identify challenges, and present findings to the Executive Committee and Advisory Board.

You will take ownership of operationalizing the strategic priorities of Research Division II, coordinate research conducted within RD II, and be responsible for 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.

### Working with and leading people

Supervisory duties include overseeing RDII's team of Research Officers (task allocation, biweekly meetings, project execution tracking), providing feedback and guidance, reviewing and approving documents (concept notes, briefing notes, research reports) before forwarding to the DG's Office, leading recruitment activities for Research Division II, and holding onboarding sessions with new Research Officers.

You will utilize both traditional and modern technology assessment tools—interviews, surveys, evaluations, and strategic frameworks—for effective market engagement. You will provide digitized tools for advisory services to BCI strategic projects targeted to climate policymakers or negotiators, and execute subject research requirements for climate-related actions, the energy sector, and emerging technology patterns, particularly Artificial Intelligence & Blockchain.

### Education, experience and skills

- 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.

- 10+ years’ experience working in a similar role is essential, ideally acquired in consulting practice, start-up, public sector, and non-profit environments.

- Significant research experience in academic, industry or private sector settings, with experience in building long-term stakeholder relationships.

- General knowledge of environmental and energy-related policies, initiatives and issues, with more in-depth knowledge of one or more areas desirable (e.g. renewable energy, adaptation, biodiversity & conservation).

- Experience in stakeholder engagement, public speaking, and communicating research ideas to non-specialist audiences; experience writing research outputs from policy summaries to in-depth technical/scientific documents.

- Demonstrable experience in executive education focusing on blockchain, Artificial Intelligence or other emerging digital technologies; working experience using tool capabilities for research, advisory services, and talent development; proven experience executing tailored and specialised research projects.

Skills and attributes sought include strong working knowledge of talent development best practices; high-level awareness of climate frameworks, the energy industry, and Blockchain technology; familiarity with common business software, project management programs, and IT systems; ability to develop and present detailed, actionable research-based project proposals and plans; excellent organisational and time management skills; strong communication and interpersonal skills; excellent written English (a second language is advantageous); aptitude for innovative and big-picture thinking; a natural leader with a growth mindset; ability to multitask, prioritise, solve problems and manage data; attention to detail and a proactive attitude.

General and specialist knowledge required includes strong innovation skills or specialised research expertise, executive-level awareness of Blockchain Strategy and environment, sustainability & governance actions; experience publishing research-based articles in climate actions, sustainability, and technology use cases; proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, Powerpoint) is essential; some knowledge on topics central to BCI such as climate change, adaptation finance, energy sector and blockchain technology is preferred.

### Why volunteer with BCI

Volunteering with BCI offers substantial professional and personal benefits: your mind will be mentally stimulated and you will gain a sense of purpose; you will advance your career through professional connections and real-world experience at the intersection of climate and emerging technologies; and you will develop long-lasting professional relationships with others committed to making the world a better place.

### How to apply

Please apply with your CV and cover letter. If shortlisted, you will be contacted by one of our recruiters to complete assessments related to the role. If successful, you will be asked to complete an in-tray exercise based on the role prior to an interview with the Division Director. Your details will be held in respect of GDPR compliance for future volunteering opportunities with the BCI.