UNPAID VOLUNTEER - PrincipalSenior Research Officers (Energy & Environment)

The Blockchain & Climate Institute is seeking unpaid volunteer Principal/Senior Research Officers specializing in Energy or Environmental Policy. This remote role involves conducting research, analyzing data, and providing leadership within the Research Division. Candidates should have strong research skills, communication abilities, and knowledge of relevant topics. The position requires an undergraduate degree and a postgraduate research degree or equivalent experience.
## UNPAID VOLUNTEER

- Principal/Senior Research Officers (Energy & Environment)

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEERING ROLE. Role title: Principal/Senior Research Officers (Energy & Environment). Role nature: Volunteer. Location: Home-based (Remote, United Kingdom).

The Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI) is an international volunteer-led think tank advocating the use of blockchain and other emerging technologies in the global fight against climate change. We are recruiting senior research volunteers to join Research Division II – Energy & Environment (RD2) as Senior/Principal Research Officers, specialising in either Energy or Environmental Policy and supporting the Director of Research (Energy and Environment).

You will be expected to take a methodological approach to research and to provide leadership, stakeholder engagement and strategic partnership support to advance BCI’s mission. We are particularly interested in candidates with research experience in biodiversity (e.g. forest conservation), circular economy, renewable energy, and/or climate adaptation.

In this volunteer role you will:

- Conduct independent primary and secondary research in areas such as renewable energy, carbon trading, biodiversity and conservation, climate change adaptation, natural resource management, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence, especially for developing-country governments.

- Analyse both quantitative and qualitative data using suitable methodologies, draw appropriate conclusions, and present findings clearly and concisely.

- Deliver high-quality research outputs, including written reports, concept notes, briefing materials, and presentations.

- Provide research guidance and mentoring to Research Officers/Senior Research Officers within the Energy & Environment Research Division.

- Support project management, divisional administration tasks, and recruitment duties for the Director of Research (Energy and Environment).

We require strong communication and leadership abilities, including the capacity to develop effective working relationships, work flexibly across professional and operational boundaries, and communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders at all levels. Strong English writing skills and the ability to tailor communications to different audiences are essential. Candidates should demonstrate excellent research skills, a methodological and detail-orientated approach, strong organisational skills to balance competing demands under pressure, and strong presentation skills to present ideas persuasively. An aptitude in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish is desirable.

You must be able to demonstrate:

- Demonstrable knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and reference management software (e.g. Mendeley, Zotero).

- Specialist knowledge relevant to the role (Energy or Environmental Policy) and generalist knowledge on topics central to BCI such as climate change policy, adaptation and resilience, and blockchain technology.

Education and experience expectations are clear: an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline plus a postgraduate research degree or equivalent professional research experience. Relevant experience: 10 years experience in designing, planning, facilitating, and conducting independent/academic research. Experience in supervising colleagues and leading projects, working in target-driven roles with tight deadlines, building constructive relationships with stakeholders, and working independently and with teams using one's own initiative is expected.

Volunteering with BCI offers several non-monetary benefits: you will hone or learn skills in research, presentation, writing and professional etiquette; your mind will be mentally stimulated and gain a sense of purpose; you will advance your professional career by making connections and gaining real-world experience at the intersection of climate and emerging technologies; and you will have the opportunity to develop long-lasting professional relationships.

Selection follows a written assessment for most candidates. The assessment comprises:

- 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 first interview and a final interview online.

BCI positions itself as an expert platform helping governments, inter-governmental and regional organisations and relevant corporates navigate emerging technologies for environmental good. This role contributes to that work by researching, identifying and analysing applications of emerging technologies so stakeholders can make informed decisions.