Principal Research Officers (Sustainable Finance) (Belgium)

THIS IS AN UNPAID ROLE

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 who take a methodological approach to their work, conduct independent research and analysis, engage with key stakeholders, and establish strategic partnerships to progress BCI’s core mission. Driving the end-to-end research process, conducting both independent research and mentoring research officers, publishing research, producing briefing materials for speeches and presentations at high-level conferences; and turning actions into impacts to shape sustainable finance policy agenda on a global platform.

BCI is currently looking for outstanding VOLUNTEERS to join as Principal Research Officers in the Sustainable Finance Research Division. As with all other roles in BCI, this is a voluntary unpaid role.

The credentials of candidates should include:

• Understanding of major guidelines for financial institutions to assess climate risks and opportunities such as the TCFD Recommendations (Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures).
• Working knowledge of different aspects of finance, including important asset classes ( Fixed Income, Equities, Commodities, including Derivatives), types of stakeholders (Institutional Investors, Exchanges, Asset Managers, Regulators), risk assessment, New Regulations (e.g. Basel III/IV).
• Working knowledge of Sustainable Finance standards. This includes financial products such as Fixed Income (ICMA Green Bonds Principles, ISO 14030), Equities (SASB, GRI), EU Taxonomy.
• Working knowledge of Digital Data Technologies (e.g. Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, I4.0, Analytics, DLT) within the context of green and sustainable investments for social, environmental, and economic interests.
• Working knowledge of climate risk insurance, micro-finance and voluntary carbon markets would benefit greatly.
• Experience leading end-to-end projects and coaching more junior team members.

The responsibilities include:

To provide thought leadership, inputs, and or focus on project management for BCI’s sustainable finance projects in Research Division I.

• To lead and carry out research activities (including both quantitative and qualitative), analytical examination and to publish high-quality research papers in the growing field of sustainable finance;
• To generate opportunities for strategic partnerships for BCI; and
• To attend conferences and events to promote the BCI, communicate research findings, and engage with key stakeholders.

Requirements

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 and aptitude in other languages is desirable;
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to balance competing demands under pressure;
• Strong presentation skills and ability to present ideas appropriately and persuasively.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to lead end-to-end research project coaching research officers.

General & Specialist Knowledge

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office; and
• Strong depth of knowledge on topics central to the BCI such as Sustainable Finance, climate change, climate finance, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence preferred.

Education & Training

• A relevant degree or training in a relevant discipline (Master's or PhD preferred)
• Experience in producing research outputs and structured reports for different audiences.

Relevant Experience

• Experience in climate risk insurance, micro-finance and voluntary carbon markets would benefit greatly.

• Proven experience in leading end-to-end projects and coaching more junior team members.
• Proven ability in organization/business development (e.g. experience working in a target-driven role)
• Experience in building constructive relationships with stakeholders
• Experience in working independently and with teams to drive forward projects using own initiative
• Experience in designing, planning, and facilitating independent research and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Experience in digital technologies such as AI, and DLT.

Benefits

What difference will you make?

Climate change and sustainability 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 organizations 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 analyzing the applications of emerging technologies so that informed decisions can be made by the stakeholders in the climate change and action network.

One of the most important aspects of BCI’s mission is to support legislators and policymakers to create an enabling environment for the adoption of distributed ledger technologies. To that end, this opportunity will ensure BCI is financially sustainable before we make the developing-country communities sustainable.

What's in it for the volunteer?

• Your mind will be mentally stimulated, hence providing you with 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 a close connection.

Selection Process

As a voluntary organization, we are pleased to open the door for candidates who may not have the prior experience they need to start, progress, or switch their careers. To recruit the most suitable, talented, or potential new members out of the volume of applications received, it is the BCI’s policy to also consider inexperienced candidates to fill our voluntary unpaid roles as long as they can demonstrate the skills required in the written assessment. In the selection process, most candidates will be invited to complete the following assessment.

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 phone screening, first interview, and final interview online.