UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Principal Research Officer - Circular Economy

UNPAID VOLUNTEER – Principal Research Officer – Circular Economy

Role Title: Principal Research Officer – Circular Economy

Role Type: Unpaid Volunteer

Number of Positions: 1

Division: Research Division II – Energy & Environment

Reporting To: Deputy/ Director of Research – Energy & Environment

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 an experienced and highly motivated Principal Research Officer – Circular Economy to provide specialist research expertise and contribute to the development of DTID's research agenda on circular economy, resource efficiency, waste reduction and sustainable resource management.

Working within Research Division II – Energy & Environment, the successful candidate will lead and contribute to research initiatives examining circular economy policies, sustainable production and consumption, resource recovery, environmental sustainability and the application of emerging digital technologies to circular economy solutions.

The role will involve conducting independent research, analysing international policies and industry developments, evaluating circular economy strategies and developing evidence-based recommendations to support governments, international organisations, businesses and other relevant stakeholders.

The Principal Research Officer will also explore how artificial intelligence, blockchain, data analytics and other emerging digital technologies can support resource traceability, materials management, waste reduction, product lifecycle management and the transition towards more circular and sustainable economic systems.

This is a senior research position requiring strong analytical capability, independent research experience, excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex research findings into practical policy recommendations.

Key Responsibilities

The Principal Research Officer – Circular Economy will:

• 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 methodologies to evaluate circular economy practices, policies and emerging developments.
• Research and analyse international circular economy frameworks, regulatory developments and sector-specific sustainability initiatives.
• Investigate the application of artificial intelligence, blockchain, IoT and other emerging digital technologies to circular economy solutions.
• Develop research proposals, concept notes, policy briefs, technical reports and publications relating to circular economy and sustainable development.
• Evaluate circular economy strategies and identify opportunities for improving resource efficiency, waste management, materials recovery and environmental sustainability.
• Provide research guidance and technical support to Research Officers and working groups involved in circular economy and related environmental initiatives.
• Collaborate with other DTID research and technology teams on projects relating to renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, carbon management and sustainable resource use.
• Identify opportunities for research collaboration and strategic partnerships with governments, research institutions, international organisations and other relevant stakeholders.
• Present research findings and recommendations through webinars, conferences, technical meetings and other relevant engagements.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of DTID's research methodologies, research quality and knowledge-management practices.
• Undertake other reasonable research responsibilities relevant to the role as assigned by Research Division II leadership.