UNDP IPSA Short term: Blockchain Research and Data Analyst​

Background

UNDP has been exploring blockchain technologies and their application since 2015, supporting the implementation of solutions across numerous countries. In collaboration with strategic blockchain partners, UNDP has been actively providing mentorship to nurture innovative ideas and pilot initiatives within the UNDP system that harness the transformative potential of blockchain technology. 

The UNDP Innovation Team in Europe and Central Asia is working with the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) on pioneering a blockchain-based digital payment solution tailored for countries facing economic challenges. Sixteen countries were identified to conduct the research including Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Moldova, Ukraine, Uruguay, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mali, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iraq, and Libya. In all mentioned countries, UNDP has its own country offices, and they report to Regional Bureaus. UNDP aims to leverage its expertise and network to build trust and foster the adoption of blockchain-based payment solutions among governments and citizens in developing countries. This solution seeks to address critical issues such as financial inclusion, transparency, and economic resilience. By providing access to secure and transparent digital payment systems, UNDP and SDF aim to empower individuals and businesses in these regions to participate more fully in the formal economy, thereby promoting financial inclusion and enhancing economic stability. 

Moreover, the versatility of this solution extends beyond traditional payment methods, offering promising applications in various sectors. From aiding agencies' provision of assistance to internally displaced persons, refugees, and other beneficiaries, to empowering diaspora communities in facilitating increased remittances and support to their home countries, the potential impact of this solution is vast and far-reaching. UNDP will engage with governments, other UN titles, private sector actors, and civil society organizations to share findings from the research; and further consult around digital payments in the selected countries.

Additionally, UNDP Blockchain initiatives such as Blockchain Academy and Blockchain Accelerator aim to enhance the skills of UN personnel in using and applying blockchain technology to promote sustainable development. It will provide a well-structured educational platform, consisting of recorded lectures, interactive workshops, hands-on assignments, and expert guidance and mentorship.

In this context, we are looking for a Blockchain Research and Data Analyst under the guidance of the Project Manager to support research on digital payments in Arab States and support in implementation of blockchain initiatives in Arabic States and the African region.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides research and knowledge generation support, focusing on the achievement of the following results:  

• Conducting research in selected Arab States to identify and reach out to key stakeholders operating in the digital payments space; mapping relevant companies, organizations, NGOs, think tanks, and relevant experts, etc. 

• Initiating dialogue with Ministries of Finance and central banks in these selected countries to introduce the digital payment concept, understand their perspectives, and define possible use cases in their national context, with the support of UNDP colleagues in these countries. 

• Identifying relevant UN projects that can take part in piloting blockchain-based digital payments 

• Supporting with expanding research and networking in blockchain and digital sector, and support with expansion of blockchain community of practice in UN 

 

Provides support to management coordination, focusing on the achievement of the following results: 

• Supporting the Blockchain Academy and Blockchain Accelerator implementation in Arab States and Africa through closely working with UNDP country offices and local ecosystem  

• Supporting a project manager in organizing webinars on blockchain and mentorship sessions with UNDP country offices during the Blockchain Academy and Blockchain Accelerator  

• Supporting a community manager in organizing Blockchain Talks within the blockchain community of practice in the UN 

• Assisting a community manager in preparing content for a website and newsletter on blockchain technology for the blockchain community of practice in the UN  

 

Competencies

Achieve Results: ​​LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline​ 

Think Innovatively ​​LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is a pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.

Learn Continuously ​​LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback​ 

Adapt with Agility ​​LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible ​ 

Act with Determination ​​LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident​ 

Engage and Partner ​​LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships​ 

Enable Diversity and Inclusion LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

 

Cross Functional and Technical competencies:

Digital: 

Blockchain Advice: Knowledge of how blockchain works, and ability to advise on the opportunities for further exploration

Data storytelling and communications: Skilled in building a narrative  around a set of data and its accompanying visualizations to  help convey the meaning of that  data in a compelling fashion

Data literacy: Understand the potential as well as the limitations of using data-driven innovation. Ability to use a mix of data sources (quantitative, qualitative, or real-time techniques) to develop understanding, identify patterns to inform decision-making, or identify opportunities for further exploration.

Data:

Data analysis: Ability to extract, analyse and visualize data to form meaningful insights and aid effective business decision making

Business Development:

Digital Awareness and Literacy: Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to UNDP | People for 2030 – Competency Framework – Cross-functional Competencies (2024) use them as needed. Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends. 

 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:  

• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Health Science or related field is required, or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Up to 2 years (with Master´s degree) or minimum 2 years (with Bachelor´s degree) of relevant professional experience. 
• Experience working with financial technologies is required

Desired skills:

• ​​Experience with digital transformation on a national level is an asset.
• Experience in working with UNDP or UN organizations is an asset
• Experience with stakeholders’ engagement is an asset
• ​​Experience in organizing webinars, events, trainings is an asset.​ 
• Experience working in the blockchain is an asset.
• ​Experience with digital payment and mobile money solutions is an asset.
• ​​Knowledge Arabic or French is an asset.​

Required language:

Fluency in English is required

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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