UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Legal Research Officer (Climate Change/Emerging Tech) (EUR)

Blockchain & Climate Institute
1 week ago
Create job alert

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEERING ROLE

Role title:Legal Research Officer (Climate Change/ Emerging Technologies)

Role nature:Volunteer

Location:Europe (United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway) (Home-based)

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

The candidates for thisVOLUNTARY, unpaidrole should possess the required knowledge about climate change-related legislation and affinity with distributed ledger technologies, but also be motivated to accomplish BCI’s mission.

Able to develop rigorous methodologies for legal research projects, candidates are expected to conduct independent legal research and analyses, as well as engage key stakeholders, including legislators, regulators, lawyers, and policymakers, to establish strategic partnerships for accomplishing the BCI’s core mission. With support from Members of the Regulatory Reform Working Group and under the guidance of the Head of Legal Research, Legal Research Officers are given opportunities to publish research papers and produce briefing materials for the consumption of partner governments. Principal/Senior Legal Research Officers will also be assigned to draft speeches and/or deliver presentations on behalf of the BCI at external conferences.

The standard time commitment for all BCI roles is, on average, one day per week to be flexibly spread across the week.

Responsibilities:

  • To provide research support on topics around legislation or regulation regarding international climate and environment-related treaties, etc.
  • To engage relevant stakeholders in the change and sustainability policy space for developing strategic partnerships or collaboration opportunities
  • To communicate BCI’s research findings and insights at international conferences or high-level events

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
  • Purpose-driven professional, with a passion for climate justice, innovation, and complex systems
  • Fluency in one of these languages is desirable
    • Arabic
    • Chinese
    • French
    • Russian
    • Spanish

General & Specialist Knowledge

  • Strong in-depth knowledge of the following topics:
    • Big data (security)
    • Climate change
    • UNFCCC processes
    • Public international laws related to climate change and the environment
  • Basic understanding of the functioning of
    • Distributed ledger technology
    • Token economy
    • Smart contracts
    • Crypto-assets
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and legal research databases such as Lexis Nexis
  • Familiarity with academic and referencing tools such as Mendeley

Education & Training

  • A degree in law is required
  • A master’s degree in one of the following fields is highly desirable:
    • International Environmental Law
    • Climate Policy
    • Information Technology Law

Relevant Experience

  • Proven ability to conduct (academic) research in the fields of international environmental law, climate change policy, and/or Internet/Technology law (desirable)
  • Proven experience working independently and collaboratively in a team to drive forward projects using his/her own initiative
  • Experience in designing, planning, and facilitating independent research and the ability to meet tight deadlines
  • Law firm/start-up experience is not required, but is desirable

Benefits

Blockchain and other emerging technologies, as well as 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. 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 deepen BCI's legal research on the interaction between existing legal frameworks and innovative technologies.

The benefits you will get from volunteering with BCI are enormous and include:

  • You will refine existing skills or acquire new ones, including legal research, presentation, writing, and professional etiquette
  • Your mind will be engaged, providing you with a fulfilling sense of purpose
  • You will enhance and elevate your professional trajectory by building meaningful connections, gaining practical experience at the convergence of climate and emerging technologies
  • You will cultivate enduring professional relationships with individuals united in their mission to improve the world and will establish close connections in the nonprofit sector

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.

Related Jobs

View all jobs

UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Legal Research Officer (Climate Change/Emerging Tech) (EUR)

Product Management Assistant

Data Analyst

Principal Data Engineer - Core Systems

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Top 10 Books to Advance Your Machine Learning Career in the UK

Machine learning (ML) remains one of the fastest-growing fields within technology, reshaping industries across the UK from finance and healthcare to e-commerce, telecommunications, and beyond. With increasing demand for ML specialists, job seekers who continually update their knowledge and skills hold a significant advantage. In this article, we've curated ten essential books every machine learning professional or aspiring ML engineer in the UK should read. Covering foundational theory, practical implementations, advanced techniques, and industry trends, these resources will equip you to excel in your machine learning career.

Navigating Machine Learning Career Fairs Like a Pro: Preparing Your Pitch, Questions to Ask, and Follow-Up Strategies to Stand Out

Machine learning (ML) has swiftly become one of the most in-demand skill areas across industries, with companies leveraging predictive models and data-driven insights to solve challenges in healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing, and beyond. Whether you’re an early-career data scientist aiming to break into ML, a seasoned engineer branching into deep learning, or a product manager exploring AI-driven solutions, machine learning career fairs offer a powerful route to connect with prospective employers face-to-face. Attending these events can help you: Network with hiring managers and technical leads who make direct recruitment decisions. Gain insider insights on the latest ML trends and tools. Learn about emerging job roles and new industry verticals adopting machine learning. Showcase your interpersonal and communication skills, both of which are increasingly important in collaborative AI/ML environments. However, with many applicants vying for attention in a bustling hall, standing out isn’t always easy. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to prepare meticulously, pitch yourself confidently, ask relevant questions, and follow up effectively to land the machine learning opportunity that aligns with your ambitions.

Common Pitfalls Machine Learning Job Seekers Face and How to Avoid Them

Machine learning has emerged as one of the most sought-after fields in technology, with companies across industries—from retail and healthcare to finance and manufacturing—embracing data-driven solutions at an unprecedented pace. In the UK, the demand for skilled ML professionals continues to soar, and opportunities in this domain are abundant. Yet, amid this growing market, competition for machine learning jobs can be fierce. Prospective employers set a high bar: they seek candidates with not just theoretical understanding, but also strong practical skills, business sense, and an aptitude for effective communication. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a data scientist transitioning into machine learning, or a seasoned developer pivoting your career, it’s essential to avoid common mistakes that may hinder your prospects. This blog post explores the pitfalls frequently encountered by machine learning job seekers, and offers actionable guidance on how to steer clear of them. If you’re looking for roles in this thriving sector, don’t forget to check out Machine Learning Jobs for the latest vacancies across the UK. In this article, we’ll break down these pitfalls to help you refine your approach in applications, interviews, and career development. By taking on board these insights, you can significantly enhance your employability, stand out from the competition, and secure a rewarding position in the world of machine learning.