Principal Research Officer - Circular Economy (Unpaid Volunteer)

About the role

The Digital Technology Institute for Development (DTID) is seeking an experienced Principal Research Officer on circular economy, working remotely and home-based within its Research Division II (Energy & Environment). This is an unpaid volunteer position reporting to the Deputy/Director of Research, focused on circular economy, resource efficiency, waste reduction and sustainable resource management.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate research on circular economy policies, sustainable resource management, waste reduction and resource efficiency.
• Conduct primary and secondary research using qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate circular economy practices and policies.
• Analyse international circular economy frameworks, regulations and sector-specific sustainability initiatives.
• Investigate how AI, blockchain, IoT and other digital technologies can support circular economy solutions.
• Develop research proposals, concept notes, policy briefs, technical reports and publications.
• Evaluate circular economy strategies and identify improvements in resource efficiency, waste management and materials recovery.
• Provide research guidance and technical support to Research Officers and working groups.
• Collaborate with other DTID research and technology teams on renewable energy, biodiversity, climate adaptation and carbon management projects.
• Promote research collaborations and partnerships with governments, research institutions and international organisations.
• Present findings at webinars, conferences and technical meetings, and help improve research quality and knowledge management.

Required profile

• Strong knowledge or experience in circular economy, sustainable resource management, waste management, product lifecycle assessment, environmental policy and/or emerging digital technologies.
• Advantageous: knowledge of ISO 59004, ISO 59010, ISO 59020, ISO 14040/14044, GIS (e.g. ArcGIS) and AI, blockchain and IoT applications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and research, data-analysis or project-management tools.
• Preferably a Master's degree in a relevant field; a PhD is advantageous.

Required skills

• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Independent research, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and evidence-based recommendation writing.
• Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills, able to work independently and in a remote, internationally distributed team.