Deputy Director of Research - Energy & Environment (Unpaid Volunteer)

About the role

The Digital Technology Institute for Development (DTID) is an international non-profit advancing the responsible use of AI, blockchain and emerging digital technologies for sustainable development. It seeks an unpaid volunteer Deputy Director of Research for its Energy & Environment division, reporting to the Director of Research. The role leads and coordinates research on climate adaptation, renewable energy, carbon emissions, biodiversity, environmental policy, climate finance and the use of emerging digital technologies, and translates research priorities into projects, policy insights and recommendations.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the strategic research priorities of the division, especially energy, climate adaptation and environmental policy.
• Identify, investigate and report on emerging developments in climate policy, energy, sustainability and digital technologies.
• Lead applied research projects, from design and data collection to analysis and policy-relevant outputs.
• Supervise Research Officers, allocate responsibilities and give feedback on outputs.
• Review and approve concept notes, briefing papers and research reports before submission to the Director-General's Office.
• Work with other divisions on research proposals and cross-disciplinary initiatives.
• Turn research findings into recommendations and evidence for governments and international organisations.
• Represent the research agenda at webinars, conferences and policy forums.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and capability development, build external partnerships and improve research methods and quality standards.

Required profile

• Postgraduate degree in Environmental Policy, Environmental Science, Energy Policy, Climate Change, Sustainability, Public Policy or a related field; a Master's or PhD is advantageous.
• Ideally around 10 years of professional experience, including leading research projects and teams, and supervising researchers.
• Experience researching energy, environmental, sustainability or climate policy and producing policy briefs and technical reports.
• Strong English; knowledge of another international language is an advantage.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Research design, data analysis and stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledge of climate policy, carbon markets, climate finance, biodiversity and emerging digital technologies is an advantage.