UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Press Officers

THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEERING ROLE.

Role Title: Press Officers

Role Nature: Volunteer

Location: Home-based

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

As with all roles in BCI, this is a voluntary unpaid role. Press Officers are new roles in BCI’s Communications Officer Grade. We are looking for passionate VOLUNTEERS to take the roles of (senior) press officers (committing 1 day per week on average).

Hosted in the Director-General's Office, Press Officers will be responsible for monitoring media coverage on emerging digital technologies and climate change-related stories for the Director-General to assist with his strategic planning. We are looking for a highly self-motivated candidate with exceptional verbal and written communication skills who can operate with professionalism and discretion. This position will suit someone who thrives in high-paced, ever-changing environments and can adapt to work well both autonomously and within a team.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor media coverage on radio, TV, newspapers, magazines, and online in multiple regions;
• Provide regular press briefings for the Director-General and the Executive Committee;
• Phone or email journalists to try to interest them in the organization’s press releases and feature ideas in collaboration with the Communications Branch under the External Affairs Bureau;
• Contribute to the Institute’s media strategies;
• Attend or support DG before and during press conferences or interviews;
• Meet journalists and foster good relations with the media;
• Advise directorate officers on written responses to the media upon request;
• Draft press releases for Director-General’s Office if necessary.

Requirements

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication skills, including exceptional written English, 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;
• Proven ability to effectively multitask and prioritize work;
• Excellent problem-solving skills; and
• Excellent attention to detail and proactive attitude

General & Specialist Knowledge

• Press Officer/ Public relations experience is required for this role, preferably in multinational companies;
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint is essential to perform this role;
• Some knowledge on topics central to the BCI such as climate change, climate finance, and blockchain technology preferred;
• A second working language is a significant plus.

Education & Training

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in public relations, journalism, or Media studies. Professional qualifications will be considered.

Relevant Experience

• Proven experience working in a similar role is essential, ideally acquired in a not-for-profit environment;
• Experience in building constructive relationships with stakeholders;
• Experience in working independently and with teams to drive forward projects using own initiative;
• Previous experience within an international NGO is desirable but not a requirement.

What difference will you make?

Blockchain and other emerging technologies. Climate change and sustainability. These 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.

Benefits

Blockchain and other emerging technologies. Climate change and sustainability. These 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.

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

• You will hone or learn new skills including research, presentation, writing, professional etiquette,
• 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.