Principal Research Officers (Sustainable Finance) (Belgium)

at  Blockchain Climate Institute

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.

THIS IS AN UNPAID ROLE

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 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.

The credentials of candidates should include:

• 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.