UNPAID Volunteer - Director of Legal Research

THIS IS AN UNPAID ROLE

Role Title
:
Director of Legal Research

Role Nature
:
Volunteer

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.

This position is for Legal Scholars or experienced Legal Researchers
.

We are looking for a passionate academic legal researcher VOLUNTEER who takes a methodological approach to their work and plays a leading role in conducting independent research and analysis, engaging with key stakeholders, and establishing strategic partnerships to progress the BCI’s core mission. Driving the end-to-end research process, conducting both independent legal research and support to members of fellowship councils, publishing research, producing briefing material for speeches and presentations for clients and external conferences;

and turning actions into impacts to shape climate policy on a global platform. Building on the success of the Legal Research Division in publishing the world’s first book on distributed ledger technology and carbon market governance as well as organizing Technology Information Session for Climate Negotiators prior to UNFCCC COPs, the Director of Legal Research (DRS3) will play a key role in BCI’s further engagement activities with government ministers, legislators and the leadership of United Nations agencies.

For this role, academic legal research experience with a track record of research publications is a MUST. Candidates who are practising lawyers with no prior legal research experience in digital technology or climate law research need not apply and should consider applying for our Legal Advisor or Legal Assistant role instead.

• To supervise Legal Research Officers in the provision of research support in the intersection of internet/DLT law and renewable energy, carbon trading, forest monitoring, natural resource management, etc.
• To provide technical and strategic leadership for analytical research, and set the agenda for research across the organization;
• To generate opportunities for strategic research or knowledge partnerships;
• To contribute across the organization as a member of the Executive Committee;
• To anticipate and respond to the organization’s tactical and strategic business support needs;
• To manage Research Division’s time budget in an effective way to deliver organizational objectives; and
• To attend conferences and events to promote the BCI, communicate research findings and insights via PowerPoint decks, and engage with key stakeholders.

• 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 detail-orientated;
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to balance competing demands under pressure;
• Well-developed understanding of the priorities, operation, and strategy of relevant funding bodies as evidenced by a track record of funded research;
• Strong presentation skills and ability to present ideas appropriately and persuasively;
• Ability to deliver successful outcomes from large-scale, long‑term thematic research;
• Ability to combine and integrate the skills and expertise of highly motivated staff into multi-disciplinary teams, developing and building upon existing collaborations as well as creating/facilitating new opportunities;
• Ability to engage a range of internal and external stakeholders to collaborate in identifying problems and appropriate solutions, within agreed timetables and budgets;
• Effective monitoring and decision‑making skills to implement corrective action if a research activity is difficult;
• Strong personal values for committed and collaborative leadership;
• High levels of professional judgment in choosing analysis pathways that give rapid, high‑quality, actionable results;
• Influential and credible. Fluent and engaging in conveying the value of research findings and programs; and
• Aptitude in Arabic, Chinese,…