Job description
THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEERING ROLE
Role Title: PR & Media Officer
Role Nature: Volunteer
Location: Home-based
The Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI) is an international volunteer-led think tank supporting and advocating the application of blockchain technology in the global fight against climate change.
We are looking for innovative and driven communications professionals who are keen to join a VOLUNTEER team to play an important role within the climate action community. The PR & Media Officer will help shape and deliver the BCI Media and Communications Strategy to drive the achievement of BCI’s goals and objectives. When successful, you will get exposure to high-profile communications projects and handle a range of exciting responsibilities.
The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of public relations and campaign delivery as well as a passion for generating interesting content. The PR & Media Officer will support the Head of Communications and PR, as well as the wider Leadership and Communications teams.
Responsibilities:
- To help lead and execute the implementation of the BCI Communications strategy;
- To support content planning and maintain integrated communications programs across public relations, social media, website, newsletters, and audio-visual materials;
- To support a broad range of stakeholder engagement initiatives, including those involving COP every year;
- To raise the profile of BCI among relevant audiences, both within and outside the climate change policy community;
- To perform target audience research for insights on BCI’s target audience in order to execute successful communications activities;
- To support BCI’s external and internal events including major industry events;
- To build relationships with the media and act as a media contact when necessary;
- To maintain a strong knowledge of developments in the climate action and emerging technology sectors to ensure BCI content is on the pulse and engaged in trending conversations.
Skills & Abilities
- Experience in dealing with traditional and online media outlets, pitching story ideas to international journalists. Existing press relationships with mainstream and trade media will be highly preferred;
- 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;
- Complete fluency in English and an engaging writing style; Additional language skills are desirable, in particular, French and Spanish;
- Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
- A proven ability to build and maintain strong media relationships with key journalists;
- Demonstrated flexibility within a team environment;
- A wide degree of creativity and a good grasp of storytelling;
- Proven understanding of communication channels (e.g. media outlets, social media);
- Confident communicator;
- Strong attention to detail;
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to balance competing demands under pressure.
- Proficient in MS Office; experience with media analytics software (e.g. comScore) preferred;
- Good research skills;
- Strong organisational and multitasking abilities;
- Ability to meet tight deadlines under minimal supervision.
General & Specialist Knowledge
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office tools;
- A solid list of media contacts within climate and/or technology is preferred;
- Understanding of social media management tools;
- Strong depth of knowledge and a keen interest in the topics central to the BCI, such as climate change, climate finance, and blockchain technology, are desired.
Education & Training
- A relevant degree and experience in Communications.
Relevant Experience
- Proven relevant position in the communications area of an organisation (not-for-profit or environmental organisation is advantageous);
- Experience working in a target-driven role;
- Solid experience in leading and delivering strategic PR, social media, and/or communications campaigns;
- A portfolio of exceptional writing and editing;
- Experience working independently and with teams to drive forward projects using one’s initiative.
- Proven experience as a Media Assistant or in another administrative role;
- Experience in digital advertising is a plus.
- Familiarity with media planning and buying.
What difference will you make?
As an organization, BCI focuses on building the relationship between blockchain (and other emerging technologies) and finding sustainable climate solutions. This has been a hot topic that has been headlining media outlets, dominating conferences & events, and gaining increasing traction in research and pilot projects. BCI is an expert-led platform that helps governments, inter-governmental and regional organizations as well as relevant corporates, negotiate the complex landscape of emerging technologies for environmental good. With over 160 volunteers across BCI, we research, identify and analyze the applications of emerging technologies so that informed decisions can be made by leading stakeholders in the global climate change and action network.
The BCI Communications team aims to tell the BCI story and our role in driving innovation to mitigate climate change and create a cleaner and greener future. As a think-tank and advocacy group for such a major issue, we understand the importance of being a credible expert and advisor which is why it is essential to demonstrate our research-driven approach to the relevant stakeholders.
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; and
- Help you develop long-lasting professional relationships with others. People who come together to make the world a better place forge a close connection.
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. In the selection process, most candidates will be invited to complete the following assessment.
Section A: Verbal and Numerical Reasoning (20 multiple-choice questions)
Section B: Situation Judgement Test (20 multiple-choice questions)
Section C: In-Tray Exercise (An open-ended assessment relevant to the duties of the role)
Candidates who pass all three sections will be invited to attend a phone screening, first interview, and final interview online.
