UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Economist / Econometrician / Research Officer

Role Title: Economists / Econometricians / Research Officers

Role Nature: Voluntary

Location: Home-based

The Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI) is an international volunteers-led think tank supporting and advocating the application of blockchain technology in the global fight against climate change.

We are looking for passionate volunteers Economists / Econometricians / Research Officers with a desire to contribute their skills towards tackling environmental and climate change issues. We seek applications from candidates who take a methodological approach to their work, have experience conducting independent research and analysis, and enjoy engaging with stakeholders and developing strategic partnerships. The role will involve driving research projects end-to-end, conducting independent economic research and analysis, providing research support to members of working groups, producing written reports and briefing materials for speeches and presentations, and turning actions into impacts to shape climate policy on a global platform. Volunteers with more experience may be appointed as Principal or Senior Research Officer. Candidates with experience in the insurance sector are preferred.

Responsibilities:

• Providing economic/econometric analyses to support research projects across a range of sectors, including renewable energy, carbon trading, natural resource management, and biodiversity and conservation, particularly for developing-country governments;
• Conducting research and analysis of both primary and secondary data using a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods;
• Presenting findings as high-quality research outputs including written reports, breifing documents, concept notes and presentations;
• Generating opportunities for strategic partnerships and engaging with key stakeholders; and
• Attending meetings, conferences and events to promote the BCI.

Education & Training

• An undergraduate degree in (Environmental) Economics, Econometrics or a closely related subject, or equivalent professional experience (essential); and
• A postgraduate degree or equivalent research experience (desirable).

Relevant Experience

• Proven ability to undertake economic and/or econometric analysis in feasibility studies;
• Experience of working in a target-driven role;
• Experience in building constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders and colleagues, especially in the insurance sector;
• Experience of working independently and within teams to drive forward projects using own initiative; and
• Experience in designing, planning and facilitating independent/academic research and the ability to meet tight deadlines.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent oral communication skills, including the ability to develop effective working relationships, work flexibly across professional and operational boundaries, and communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders at all levels;
• Excellent English writing skills;
• Excellent economic and/or econometric analytical skills;
• Excellent organisational skills;
• Strong presentation skills and ability to present ideas appropriately and persuasively; and
• Aptitude in a language other than English (desirable).

General & Specialist Knowledge

• Demonstrable knowledge of appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methods, and experience in using suitable software to conduct such analysis;
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office;
• Knowledge on topics central to the BCI such as climate change, climate finance and economics, blockchain technology and artificial intelligence preferred; and
• Strong depth of knowledge of economic and econometric research approaches.

Blockchain and other emerging technologies. Climate change and sustainability. These are two hot topic groups that have been headlining media outlets, dominating conferences & events, and gaining increasing traction in research and pilot projects. BCI is here as an expert platform to help governments, inter-governmental and regional organisations as well as relevant corporates to negotiate the complex landscape of emerging technologies for environmental good. We cement our expertise by putting in the hard work in researching, identifying and analysing the applications of emerging technologies so that informed decisions can be made by the stakeholders in the climate change and action network.

Benefits you will get from volunteering with BCI are enormous and some include:

• You will hone or learn new skills including research, presentation, writing, professional etiquette,
• Your mind will be mentally stimulated, hence providing you a sense of purpose;
• You will advance and boost your professional career by helping you to make professional connections and giving you real-world experience at the intersection between climate and emerging technologies; and
• Help you develop long-lasting professional relationships with others. People who come together to make the world a better place forge close connection.