Legal Research Officer

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Recruiting Organization: Blockchain & Climate Institute

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. One of the most important aspects of BCI’s mission is to support legislators and policymakers to create an enabling environment for the adoption of distributed ledger technologies in support of climate change goals. To achieve these ambitious endeavours, BCI requires a pool of qualified and motivated Legal Research Officers (LROs).

The candidates for this role should possess in depth knowledge about the international legal framework on climate change (UNFCCC / Paris Agreement), and related legislation at national level, as well as knowledge of distributed ledger technologies and related legal and policy issues. Further, as a volunteer-led organization, we strongly value candidates who are passionate about these issues and aim to make a difference, being motivated to accomplish BCI’s mission.

Candidates are expected to be able to:

• Conduct independent legal research and analyses, and produce/contribute to knowledge products such as research briefs, articles and longer publications
• Engage key stakeholders, including legislators, regulators, lawyers, and policymakers, to establish strategic partnerships for accomplishing the BCI’s core mission. This can mean participating in conferences, webinars, written exchanges, etc.

Under the guidance of the Director of Legal Research, LROs will be part of a global team in the Legal Research Division, Volunteers with more experience may be appointed as Principal or Senior Legal Research Officer.

Your responsibilities as a Legal Research Officer will include:

• To provide research on key topics of the current climate change framework and its intersection with emerging technologies such as blockchain, including for the implementation of the goals of the Paris Agreement on issues such as carbon markets and transparency, etc.;
• To engage with relevant stakeholders in the climate change and technology policy spaces for developing strategic partnerships or collaboration opportunities; delivering presentations and materials for events, etc.
• To communicate BCI’s research findings and insights at international conferences or high-level events.

Skills & Abilities :

• Legal research and analysis;
• 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 oral communication skills, including to deliver presentations in English (other languages are a plus)
• Excellent legal English writing skills;
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to balance competing demands under pressure; · Motivated, positive and proactive attitude towards colleagues;
• Purpose-driven professional, with a passion for climate justice, innovation, and complex systems;
• Fluency in one of these languages is desirable: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and legal research databases such as Lexis Nexis;
• Familiarity with academic and referencing tools such as Mendeley.

General & Specialist Knowledge:

• Ideally the candidate would possess an in-depth knowledge of the two fields below and the interaction between them, but knowledge of one and at least an interest on the other would also be acceptable:
• The climate change legal framework (UNFCCC and Paris Agreement), public international laws related to the environment;
• Technology related legal issues, and at least a basic understanding of the functioning of distributed ledger technology (e.g. blockchain), token economy, smart contracts, and crypto-assets;

Education & Training :

• A Degree in law is required; and ·
• A Master’s degree in one of the following fields is highly desirable: International Environmental Law; Climate Policy; Information Technology Law.

Relevant Experience:

• Proven ability to conduct legal research and analysis.
• Experience in the practice of international environmental law, climate change policy, and/or the Internet/Technology law (desirable); this can be in the context of a law firm, international or non-governmental organization, research institutions and think tanks; for junior candidates, internship experience would also be accepted.
• Experience in presenting relevant legal topics before a diverse audience;
• Proven experience working independently and collaboratively in a team to drive forward projects using his/her own initiative;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines;

Stipend ProvidedFalse

Training ProvidedFalse

Housing AvailableFalse

Language/Cultral Support AvailableFalse

Wheelchair AccessibleFalse

Fee RequiredFalse

Fee Amount: None

This opportunity is recurring