Head of Communications

Summary

Join the Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI) as the Head of Communications, a volunteer role leading the Communications Branch under the External Affairs Bureau. You will build and maintain relationships with key public affairs audiences to enhance BCI's influence and reputation. Responsibilities include overseeing the External Affairs Bureau, leading lobbying efforts, identifying lessons learned from projects, building and managing volunteer teams, developing External Affairs policies, and raising BCI's profile. You will also develop and implement the communications strategy, oversee communications functions, identify suitable conferences, act as the key media contact, and support senior leadership in engaging with policymakers. The ideal candidate has experience in public policy, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement. A relevant degree in Communications, Journalism, or PR is preferred, along with excellent communication and organizational skills. Volunteering with BCI offers opportunities for skill development, professional networking, and real-world experience in climate and emerging technologies.

Requirements

• 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
• Close attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to balance competing demands under pressure
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office
• 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

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)
• To support the Director-General and senior leadership team to engage effectively with senior policymakers and climate negotiators for impactful project opportunities
• To lead lobbying and influencing activities among Heads of State, Ministers, and parliamentarians; and
• To identify lessons learned from BCI’s pioneering projects and translate them to guide the decision-making processes
• Building and leading new teams to manage the future External Affairs strategic agenda
• To hire and manage a team of volunteers within relevant external affairs and public policy landscapes
• To develop and oversee the External Affairs policies
• To work with the ExCo to develop a strategic vision (especially the Chief Strategy Officer and his Strategy Section under the Director-General’s Office)in line with the BCI’s mission
• To manage other ad-hoc cross-institute external affairs as needed such as BCI’s COP26 Work Programmes
• To raise the profile of the BCI among audiences both within and outside the climate change policy community
• To develop and implement the BCI’s communications strategy
• To oversee communications functions including media publicity, corporate website, social media channels, production of materials for the fundraising campaign and the BCI News Service (as the Editor-in-Chief of our monthly feature in the sponsoring magazine)
• To help identify conferences and events which would be suitable for BCI’s participation
• Act as the key contact at the BCI for media inquiries – Developing and maintaining good media relations

Preferred Qualifications

• 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
• 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

Benefits

• 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