UNPAID VOLUNTEER -Technology Officer- Blockchain-Ditributed Ledger Technology

Role Title: Technology Officer – Blockchain / Distributed Ledger Technology
Role Type: Unpaid Volunteer
Number of Positions: 2
Location: Home-based / Remote
Reporting To: Chief Technology Officer / Senior Technology Leadership

THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEER ROLE.

About DTID

The Digital Technology Institute for Development (DTID) is an international non-profit institute advancing the responsible use of artificial intelligence, blockchain and emerging digital technologies to support sustainable development and policy implementation.

DTID brings together professionals, researchers, technology specialists and other stakeholders to generate research, develop practical solutions, strengthen partnerships and support informed decision-making at the intersection of technology, climate change and sustainable development.

The Role

DTID is seeking passionate and technically capable Technology Officers – Blockchain / Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to contribute to the development, testing and application of blockchain and distributed ledger solutions across the organisation.

The successful candidates will support research, technical development and proof-of-concept initiatives involving blockchain and related emerging technologies. They will work with technology specialists, researchers and other DTID teams to explore practical applications of DLT in areas including climate finance, energy, sustainability and international development.

The role requires technical capability, analytical thinking, an interest in emerging technologies and the ability to translate technical concepts into practical applications.

Key Responsibilities

The Technology Officer – Blockchain / Distributed Ledger Technology will:

• Support the development, testing and implementation of blockchain and DLT applications.
• Research and evaluate blockchain platforms, protocols and emerging distributed technologies.
• Contribute to the development of Proof-of-Concept applications across relevant DTID projects.
• Develop and test smart contracts using appropriate blockchain platforms and standards.
• Support the assessment of blockchain architectures, consensus mechanisms and protocols for specific use cases.
• Contribute technical input to DTID research projects, technical papers and publications.
• Assist with the development of prototypes and technology demonstrations.
• Conduct technical research and analysis on developments within the blockchain ecosystem.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, specifications and knowledge resources.
• Collaborate with technology specialists, researchers and other teams across DTID.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of DTID's technology capabilities and technical practices.
• Undertake other reasonable responsibilities relevant to the role as assigned by the reporting manager or senior leadership.

Skills and Abilities

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good software development and technical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to conduct independent technical research and analysis.
• Ability to manage assigned tasks and meet agreed deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a remote and internationally distributed team.
• Strong professional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to explain technical concepts clearly to technical and non-technical colleagues.
• A methodological, proactive and solutions-focused approach to work.
• Willingness to continuously learn and remain current with developments in blockchain and emerging technologies.

General and Specialist Knowledge

Candidates should have knowledge or experience in one or more of the following:

• Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology.
• Ethereum, Hyperledger or other blockchain platforms.
• Public and permissioned blockchain environments.
• Smart-contract development.
• Token and smart-contract standards such as ERC-20 or comparable standards.
• Consensus mechanisms such as Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, Delegated Proof of Stake, PBFT or Raft.
• Cryptography and encryption principles relevant to blockchain systems.
• Programming languages such as Java, C++, Solidity, JavaScript, Go or Python.
• Linux-based systems.
• Cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Platform.
• GitHub and other version-control or open-source development environments.
• Docker, Kubernetes, microservices and DevOps practices.

Knowledge or interest in climate change, sustainability, international development, artificial intelligence and emerging digital technologies would be advantageous.

Education and Training

Candidates should preferably possess:

• A Bachelor's degree, diploma or equivalent qualification in Computer Science, Computing, Software Engineering, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Information Technology or another relevant discipline.

Relevant professional qualifications, certifications or specialist training in blockchain development, software engineering, cloud technologies or related areas would be advantageous.

Equivalent technical training, professional experience or demonstrated capability may also be considered where appropriate.

• Professional proficiency in English.

Knowledge of an additional international language would be advantageous.

Experience

Candidates should ideally demonstrate:

• Experience in software development, blockchain, Distributed Ledger Technology or another relevant technical area.
• Experience developing or testing blockchain-based applications or smart contracts.
• Experience working with relevant programming languages and development environments.
• Experience using cloud infrastructure, Linux or open-source development tools.
• Experience contributing to technical projects, research or documentation.
• Experience working independently and taking responsibility for assigned deliverables.
• Experience collaborating within technical or multidisciplinary teams.

Experience contributing to Proof-of-Concept applications, open-source projects or a GitHub portfolio would be advantageous.

Experience within an international organisation, think tank, nonprofit organisation, research institution, technology organisation, climate or sustainability-focused organisation would also be advantageous.

What Difference Will You Make?

Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies can support greater transparency, traceability, accountability and innovation across sectors including climate finance, energy, sustainability and international development.

As a Technology Officer – Blockchain / Distributed Ledger Technology, you will contribute technical expertise to DTID's research, innovation and technology initiatives.

Your contribution will help strengthen DTID's ability to research, test and develop practical applications of blockchain and emerging digital technologies in support of sustainable development and policy implementation.

Benefits

What Will You Gain from Volunteering with DTID?

Although this position is unpaid, volunteering with DTID provides opportunities to:

• Gain practical experience within an international, volunteer-led organisation.
• Apply and strengthen blockchain and software-development skills.
• Contribute to blockchain Proof-of-Concepts, prototypes and technical research.
• Gain exposure to artificial intelligence and other emerging digital technologies.
• Develop experience applying technology to climate, sustainability and international-development challenges.
• Work within a fully remote and globally distributed team.
• Collaborate with researchers, technology specialists and professionals from different countries and disciplines.
• Strengthen technical research, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Build international professional networks and long-term professional relationships.
• Contribute directly to DTID's mission and institutional development.

Selection Process

DTID is committed to identifying talented individuals with both demonstrated expertise and strong potential.

As a volunteer-led organisation, DTID recognises that candidates may have acquired their skills through different professional, academic or practical pathways. Applications may therefore be considered on the basis of demonstrated capability, relevant experience, transferable skills and potential.

The selection process will normally include:

1. Application screening
2. Written or technical assessment
3. Interview and/or technical discussion for shortlisted candidates
4. Final selection and onboarding

Candidates who successfully complete the written or technical assessment will be invited to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Important Notice

This is an unpaid volunteer position.