UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Head of Communications

TN United Kingdom; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 125,000 - 150,000

Job description

UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Head of Communications, gb

Client:

Blockchain & Climate Institute

Location:

gb, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

339406f86d99

Job Views:

4

Posted:

02.04.2025

Expiry Date:

17.05.2025

Job Description:

THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEERING ROLE.

Role Title: Head of Communications

Location: Home-based

The Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI) is an international volunteer-led think tank, with 160 volunteers from around the world, supporting and advocating the application of blockchain technology in the global fight against climate change.

We are looking to recruit a highly motivated and enthusiastic VOLUNTEER to serve as the Head of Communications (unpaid role) to lead the Communications Branch under the External Affairs Bureau. This individual will build and maintain relationships with key public affairs audiences to enhance the influence, reputation, and profile of BCI.

The ideal candidate is driven and experienced, and is looking to make a difference in international climate change governance. The successful candidate will have experience in public policy, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement with a track record of successfully engaging contacts to meet objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Overseeing the BCI External Affairs Bureau – a team consisting of 3 main pillars: The advocacy and Government Relations Branch; and the Communications Branch (covering social media management, branding and design, and video production). The core functions of this role will include but are not limited to the following:
• Support the Director-General and senior leadership team to engage effectively with senior policymakers and climate negotiators for impactful project opportunities;
• Lead lobbying and influencing activities among Heads of State, Ministers, and parliamentarians;
• Identify lessons learned from BCI’s pioneering projects and translate them to guide decision-making processes;
• Build and lead new teams to manage the future External Affairs strategic agenda;
• Hire and manage a team of volunteers within relevant external affairs and public policy landscapes;
• Develop and oversee the External Affairs policies;
• Work with the ExCo to develop a strategic vision in line with the BCI’s mission;
• Manage other ad-hoc cross-institute external affairs as needed;
• Raise the profile of the BCI among audiences both within and outside the climate change policy community;
• Develop and implement the BCI’s communications strategy;
• Oversee communications functions including media publicity, corporate website, social media channels, and production of materials for the fundraising campaign;
• Identify conferences and events suitable for BCI’s participation;
• Act as the key contact at the BCI for media inquiries and develop and maintain good media relations.

Requirements

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent oral communication skills (English and a second language would be a big plus), 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 organizational skills and ability to balance competing demands under pressure;
• Strong depth of knowledge on topics central to the BCI such as climate change, climate finance, and blockchain technology preferred;
• A relevant degree or training in Communications, Journalism, or PR is preferred.

General & Specialist Knowledge:

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

Education & Training:

• A relevant degree or training in Communications, Journalism, or PR is preferred;
• Proven ability to co-ordinate media campaigns and communications strategies in an environment-related organization(s);
• Experience in building constructive relationships with stakeholders;
• Experience in working independently and with teams to drive forward projects and campaigns using one's own initiative.

What difference will you make?

Blockchain and other emerging technologies, as well as climate change and sustainability 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.

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;
• Help you develop long-lasting professional relationships with others.

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.

Please note that if you are NOT a passport holder of the country for the vacancy you might need a work permit.