Volunteer Arabic Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

THIS IS AN UNPAID ROLE

Role Title: Director of Research (Sustainable Finance)

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.

We are looking for a passionate professional 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.

BCI is currently looking for an outstanding volunteer to undertake the role of Director of Research (Sustainable Finance) leading Research Division I at BCI. This is a voluntary unpaid role.

• Provide leadership, strategic planning, and administrative and personnel management across the entire Division, particularly with projects that combine “Sustainable Finance” and “Data Technologies” in response to demands from governments;
• Report to the Director‑General, the ExCo, and advisors on progress across the management and a wide range of projects taking place in the Division;
• Coordinate research support for fellows’ councils in areas such as sustainable finance, renewable energy, carbon trading, biodiversity conservation, etc.;
• Carry out primary and secondary research activities, including both quantitative and qualitative, analytical examination and publishing of high‑quality research which spearheads the growing field of sustainable finance (particularly climate/environmental aspects);
• Generate opportunities for strategic partnerships with the support of Strategy Officers;
• Attend conferences and events to promote the BCI, communicate research findings and insights, and engage with key stakeholders.

• Relevant degree or training in the relevant discipline, at Ph.D. level preferred;
• Experience in producing research outputs and structured reports for different audiences.

• 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 designing, planning, and facilitating independent research and the ability to meet tight deadlines;
• Experience leading technology projects (e.g. AI, IoT, DLT) that support sustainable development.

• Deep understanding of the TCFD (Task Force on Climate‑Related Financial Disclosures) Recommendations – The framework has become the most important guideline to help financial and non‑financial organizations assess climate‑related risks and opportunities;
• Working knowledge of different aspects of the finance sector – includes asset classes such as Fixed Income, Equities, Commodities, Derivatives; stakeholders like Institutional Investors, Exchanges, Asset Managers, Regulators; and risk assessment and new regulations such as Basel III/IV;
• Knowledge of important Sustainable Finance standards – includes financial products such as Fixed Income (e.g. ICMA Green Bonds Principles, ISO 14030), Equities (e.g. SASB, GRI, IFRS), and EU Taxonomy.

• Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies – Includes well‑known open‑source projects like Ethereum and domain‑specific ones such as Corda R3;
• Artificial Intelligence – Demonstrate experience with supervised and unsupervised ML for ESG investment data;
• Internet of Things – Collect data from real‑economy projects to demonstrate environmental impact of sustainable investments;
• Other aspects of Data and Distributed Computing – Working knowledge of Cloud Infrastructure, Version Control (GitHub), DevOps, Software Development, Data Engineering, Databases (SQL and NoSQL).

• Excellent oral communication skills, including developing effective working relationships, working flexibly across professional and operational boundaries, and communicating 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;
• Strong presentation skills and ability to present ideas appropriately and persuasively;
• Aptitude in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish (desirable).

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

• Mentally stimulating work that provides a sense of purpose;
• Professional development through real‑world experience at the intersection of climate and emerging technologies;
• Long‑lasting professional relationships with others who share a commitment to making the world a better place.

As a voluntary organization, we consider candidates who may not have prior experience, as long as they demonstrate the required skills in the written assessment. The assessment consists of:

• 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 a phone screening, first interview, and final interview online.