Principal Technology Officer - Distributed Ledger Technology

Summary

Join the Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI) as a volunteer Principal Technology Officer (PTO) for Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). This senior role, reporting to the DCTO/CTO, requires strategic and technical leadership in DLT/Blockchain technology across all BCI projects. You will oversee and implement DLT/Blockchain technology, conduct research, train team members, execute proofs of concept, and build applications. The position involves defining and executing the DLT/Blockchain technology strategy, building and managing the technology team, researching data sets and AI models, and ensuring the quality and reliability of technology products. Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, staying updated on industry trends, and generating strategic partnerships are also key responsibilities. This is an unpaid volunteer position offering valuable experience and skill development in emerging technologies, project management, and leadership.

Requirements

• 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 organizational skills and ability to balance competing demands under pressure
• Proven ability in computing or math-related tasks of Agile technology projects
• 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
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with ability to present ideas appropriately and persuasively
• Strong technical skills, proficient in various programming languages, frameworks including DLT/Blockchain (e.g. Solidity/Ethereum and others), with tools for data analysis and AI development, also desired (such as Python, R, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, etc)
• Familiar with various data sources, formats, and standards, such as APIs, JSON, XML, CSV, etc, and detail-orientated
• Experience in developing and deploying applications and solutions using cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, etc
• Experience in leading and managing technology teams and projects, including agile methodologies, budgeting, reporting, and documentation
• Passionate and knowledgeable about climate and sustainability issues and solutions, with a sense of mission and willingness to learn not just about technology but also about all other aspects that could be necessary to deliver impactful climate actions
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field
• Fluent in English
• At least 5 years of professional experience in DLT/Blockchain or related field
• Nimble business mind with a focus on developing creative solutions
• Strong project reporting skills with a focus on inter-departmental and inter-organisational communication
• Experience of working independently and with teams to drive forward projects using your own initiative

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the DLT/Blockchain technology strategy and roadmap for BCI’s projects and initiatives
• Build, lead and manage the DLT/Blockchain technology team, including hiring, training, mentoring, and performance evaluation
• Research and identify the best data sets and AI models for our use cases and objectives
• Design, develop, test, and deploy applications and solutions using DLT/Blockchain anc complimentary technologies (AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Data Modelling, and associated tooling)
• Ensure the quality, reliability, security, and scalability of our technology products and services
• Monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of our technology solutions and provide feedback and recommendations for improvement
• Communicate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including project partners, sponsors, donors, and beneficiaries
• Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the field of emerging technologies, climate, and sustainability
• Generate opportunities for strategic partnerships
• Attend conferences and events to promote the BCI, communicate research findings and insights via Powerpoint decks, and engage with key stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• A portfolio of supported Open-Source GitHub projects (desirable)
• Aptitude in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish (desirable)

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. People who come together to make the world a better place forge a close connection