UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Principal / Senior / Research Officers (Climate Adaptation)

THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEERING ROLE.

Role Title: Principal/Senior Research Officers (Climate Adaptation)

Role Nature: Volunteer

Location: Home-based

The Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI) is a progressive think tank providing leading expertise in the deployment of emerging technologies for climate and sustainability actions. As an international network of scientific and technological experts, BCI is at the forefront of innovative efforts, enabling technology transfers, to create a sustainable and clean global future.

The African Adaptation Initiative (AAI) was launched in 2015 at COP21 in Paris. AAI is the African-led initiative for coordinated adaptation actions across Africa. Backed by all 54 African Union member states, it has successfully evolved into a promising vehicle for achieving transformative adaptation results for African countries.

The BCI intends to support the AAI Work Plan 2020-2023 (across activities and flagship programmes) through pilot programmatic cross-regional projects which adopt “Data Technologies” such as Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) (including Blockchain), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), among others, as gaining access to satellite imagery is still challenging for many African state entities. The BCI is preparing for the AI and Blockchain Capacity Support Hub (AI4AAI) under the AAI for selected pilot countries from October 2023.

The AI4AAI Programme aims to examine and identify suitable areas where blockchain and emerging digital (data) technologies (including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Artificial Intelligence) can enhance or introduce efficiencies in project deployment, monitoring, and evaluation activities to better satisfy the objectives of the AAI. The AI4AAI will explore options to substantially reduce the costs of data for African countries

Research Officers (Adaptation) will be an integral part of the Research Officer Grade. The main purpose of these new positions is to assist with the preparation of the AI4AAI programme in different phases. The voluntary part of these positions will require 8 hours per week on average.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research and analysis on the potential and challenges of blockchain and emerging digital technologies for climate adaptation in Africa.

• Develop and implement pilot projects that demonstrate the use and impact of data technologies for enhancing AAI activities and flagship programmes;
• Conduct research on climate change adaptation, including developing new methods and tools for assessing and addressing climate risks;
• Coordinate and collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including the AAI secretariat, African governments, regional organizations, donors, the private sector, and civil society
• Monitor and evaluate the progress and outcomes of the pilot projects and report on the lessons learned and best practices
• Provide research support for members of working groups in areas such as renewable energy, carbon trading, forest monitoring, natural resource management, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, etc.
• Collaborate with other researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to generate opportunities for strategic partnerships;
• Write grant proposals and reports;
• Provide technical support to governments, businesses, and other organizations on climate adaptation;
• Attend conferences and events to promote the BCI, communicate research findings and insights via PowerPoint decks, and engage with key stakeholders

Requirements

Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge and experience in climate adaptation issues and policies in Africa;
• Familiarity and proficiency with blockchain and emerging digital technologies and their applications for climate adaptation;
• Strong project management, communication, and analytical skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team;
• Fluency in English and French, and preferably other African languages.

General & Specialist Knowledge

• In-depth understanding of the climate change impacts and adaptation needs in Africa;
• Awareness of the current trends and developments in the field of data technologies and climate adaptation.

Education & Training

• A minimum of a master’s degree in climate science, adaptation finance, environmental studies, data science, waste recycling, water and land management, or related fields from a recognized institution;
• A PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant field is desirable;
• Additional training or certification in blockchain and emerging digital technologies is an asset;
• Evidence of continuous professional development and learning in the field of climate adaptation and data technologies;
• Experience in producing research outputs and structured reports for different audiences.

Relevant Experience

• At least 1-2 years of professional experience in conducting research and analysis on climate change issues and policies in Africa;
• Experience in conducting or participating in climate change adaptation research projects in Africa or similar contexts, preferably with a focus on one or more relevant sectors, such as agriculture, water, health, energy, etc.

• Experience in applying various research methods and tools for climate change adaptation research, such as literature reviews, surveys, interviews, focus groups, case studies, participatory approaches, scenario analysis, etc.
• Experience in using various sources and types of data and information for climate change adaptation research, such as climate models and projections, vulnerability and risk assessments, adaptation indicators and metrics, stakeholder perceptions, and preferences, etc.
• Experience in producing and publishing high-quality research outputs and outcomes on climate change adaptation in Africa or similar contexts, such as peer-reviewed articles, reports, policy briefs, working papers, etc.
• Experience in communicating and disseminating research outputs and outcomes on climate change adaptation to various audiences and stakeholders in Africa or similar contexts, such as policymakers, practitioners, donors, media, academia, civil society, etc.
• Experience in collaborating and networking with other researchers and practitioners working on climate change adaptation in Africa or similar contexts, such as co-authoring publications, attending conferences and workshops, joining networks and platforms, etc.

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 some 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.