UNPAID Volunteer - Principal​/Senior Research Officers; Energy & Environment

UNPAID VOLUNTEER – Principal/Senior Research Officer (Energy & Environment)

Role nature: Volunteer
Location: Home‑based
Organization: Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI), an international volunteer‑led think tank supporting blockchain technology in the global fight against climate change.

• Conduct independent primary and secondary research in renewable energy, carbon trading, biodiversity and conservation, climate change adaptation, natural resource management, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence, especially for developing‑country governments.
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate methodologies, draw conclusions, and present findings clearly and concisely.
• Deliver high‑quality research outputs such as written reports, concept notes, briefing materials, and presentations.
• Provide research guidance and mentoring to Research Officers and 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).

• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to work flexibly across professional and operational boundaries.
• Strong English writing skills, with the ability to tailor communications to the intended audience.
• Excellent research skills with a methodological and detail‑oriented approach.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to balance competing demands under pressure.
• Strong presentation skills and ability to present ideas persuasively.
• Proficiency in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish is desirable (not required).
• Demonstrable knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and reference management software (e.g., Mendeley, Zotero).
• Specialist knowledge relevant to energy or environmental policy.
• Generalist knowledge of climate change policy, adaptation and resilience, and blockchain technology.

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
• Postgraduate research degree or equivalent professional research experience.

• Minimum 10 years of experience designing, planning, facilitating, and conducting independent or academic research.
• Experience supervising colleagues and leading projects.
• Experience working in a target‑driven role with tight deadlines.
• Experience building constructive relationships with stakeholders.
• Experience working independently and with teams to drive projects using own initiative.

• Opportunity to hone or learn new skills: research, presentation, writing, professional etiquette.
• Mentally stimulating work that provides a sense of purpose.
• Professional career advancement through real‑world experience at the intersection of climate and emerging technologies.
• Development of long‑lasting professional relationships with like‑minded individuals.

Applicants will complete a written assessment comprising:

• 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).

Successful candidates will be invited to a first interview and, subsequently, a final online interview.

Mid‑Senior level.