Principal Research Officers

THIS IS AN UNPAID ROLE

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.**

- 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?**

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