UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Head of Standards Development

Role Titile: Head of Standard Development 

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 a passionate VOLUNTEER who takes a methodological approach to their work, conducts independent research and analysis, engages with key stakeholders and establishes strategic partnerships to progress the BCI’s core mission.

The Head of Standards Development plays a critical role in shaping and advancing standards within the Emerging Technologies Division (ETD). This position involves strategic leadership, collaboration with stakeholders, and driving innovation through standardisation. The successful candidate will contribute to the growth and impact of emerging technologies by ensuring effective standards development and implementation. It is a very senior position reporting to the CTO, collaborating closely with the Director of Legal Research (DRS3).

As with all roles in BCI, this role is a voluntary unpaid role.

You will have the opportunity to work with a diverse and passionate group of experts, collaborate with leading organisations and stakeholders in the field of climate and sustainability, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in this domain.

Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive standards strategy aligned with the division’s goals;
• Collaborate with senior management to integrate standards into the division’s overall vision.

2. Standards Development:

• Lead the development, review, and adoption of technical standards related to emerging technologies (including ISO, CEN, BSI and more);
• Engage with industry experts, research institutions, and regulatory bodies to stay informed about technological advancements;
• Ensure that standards are relevant, forward-looking, and adaptable to changing landscapes.

3. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Work closely with BCI divisions, including ETD and Legal, and also with external bodies, to develop standards and incorporate them into relevant regulation;
• Represent the division in industry forums, conferences, and standardisation bodies;
• Foster partnerships with other organisations to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing;
• Contribute to applying for funding for standards work.

4. Quality Assurance:

• Oversee the quality and consistency of standards documents;
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and best practices;
• Monitor the impact of standards on innovation and technology adoption.

5. Standardization Road-mapping:

• Develop roadmaps for the adoption and implementation of standards across various technology domains;
• Identify gaps and prioritize areas for standardization.

6. Team Management:

• Lead a team of standards professionals, providing mentorship and guidance.;
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Education & Training

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field;
• Fluent in English; and
• Aptitude in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish (desirable).

Relevant Experience

• At least 10 years of professional experience in Information Technology or a related field;
• Strong project management and reporting skills with a focus on inter-departmental and inter-organisational communication; and
• Experience of working independently and with teams to drive forward projects using your own initiative.

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 organizational skills and ability to balance competing demands under pressure;
• Proven ability in computing or math-related tasks of Agile technology projects;
• Experience in building constructive relationships with stakeholders;
• Experience in leading, managing and motivating a team of researchers;
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with ability to present ideas appropriately and persuasively

General & Specialist Knowledge

• Strong knowledge and experience in DLT/Blockchain, AI, IOT and Quantum technology and standards;
• Experience in leading and managing technology teams and projects, including agile methodologies, budgeting, reporting, and documentation; and
• Passionate and knowledgeable about climate and sustainability issues and solutions, with a sense of mission and willingness to learn not just about technology but also about all other aspects that could be necessary to deliver impactful climate actions. 
• Exposure to international standards bodies, such as ISO, CEN and BSI, and any relevant associated experience.
• Familiar with funding bodies and funding opportunities for standards work.

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.