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 Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA) and Emurgo Labs on the SDG Blockchain Accelerator to harness blockchain technology to develop, pilot, and scale innovative solutions to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDG Blockchain Accelerator leverages UNDPโs Blockchain Academy, the UN Innovation Network Blockchain Community of Practice, with affiliations to BGAโs Incubation Program, and EMURGO Labsโ technical expertise, equipping UNDP employees with the knowledge and tools needed to integrate blockchain solutions into real-world development challenges.ย The program will develop tailored curricula and educational modules, mentor project teams in implementing blockchain-based solutions, and document and share project outcomes through open-source resources.ย
One of UNDP's blockchain initiatives is the Blockchain Academy, a groundbreaking initiative designed to bridge the gaps in blockchain knowledge and Web3 technology adoption within the UN ecosystem.ย
In this context, we are looking for a Blockchain for Development Analyst under the guidance of the Project Manager to support the implementation of the SDG Blockchain Accelerator.
Duties and Responsibilities
Managing content delivery of the Blockchain Acceleration Program:
Co-manage the accelerator program, ensuring alignment with its goals to foster blockchain-based solutions for sustainable development.ย Working closely with colleagues, mentors, and participants to ensure that trainings have been conducted according to the curriculum with strategic partners, and that participants have received the support according to the Acceleration Program objectives.ย Facilitate workshops, webinars, and learning modules tailored to the evolving needs of participants.Ensure Mentorship of the Acceleratorโs participants:
Develop a Mentorship Methodology that includes clear mentorship goals, a curated list of mentors, a structured mentorship approach, a detailed mentorship schedule, and a mentor matchmaking process. Provide tailored mentorship to accelerator participants, helping them refine blockchain solutions, achieve readiness, and scale operations. Identify and onboard mentors with specialized knowledge relevant to the acceleratorโs thematic focus areas.Building the UNDP blockchain ecosystem:
Leverage an extensive network across blockchain communities to connect participants with mentors, investors, and strategic partners. Identify and secure funding and resource opportunities to bolster the development and scalability of participant projects. Foster a vibrant community of practice by engaging alumni, industry leaders, and blockchain innovators through ongoing communication and networking events, and facilitate long-term collaborations.Partnership-building and Communication:
Identify and engage with new emerging technology partners, manage partnerships with existing and new partners, and prepare partnership proposals for new blockchain initiativesย Support a communication lead in creating communication materials such as blog posts, lessons learned, and success stories from the accelerator solutions.ยManaging Blockchain Academy:
Develop modalities for the continuation of Blockchain Academy with new partners, and define the value proposition for potential partners. Create frameworks for curriculum adaptation of the Blockchain Academy. Developing e-learning strategy and user journey for the Blockchain Academy. Develop mechanisms for monitoring, evaluation, and feedback collection of the Blockchain Academy.ยEnsure Monitoring and Reporting:
Monitor the progress of participants, assess the impact of the accelerator and academy program against its objectives, and provide regular reports to stakeholders.Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic area(s):
Identify, synthesize and document best practices and lessons learned that are generated from the project and implementing partners.ยThe incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
Identify the direct supervisor (s) and attach a general overview (or Organigram) in an Annex to show the position of this function within the office and unit structure (without indicating names of individuals).
Competencies
Core 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 pragmatic problem solver, makes improvementsย 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 flexibleย 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 discriminationยCross-Functional & Technical Competencies:
Blockchain Advice:ย Knowledge of how blockchain works, and ability to advise on the opportunities and challenges for governments and society Innovation ecosystem curation:ย Ability to identify key players in an ecosystem, engage with them and mobilise them to build a community and over time a movement around a common mission. That can bring about changes at the system level.ย Ability to give a sense of purpose and build trust, develop programmes of activities and platforms to build and strengthen relationships. Connectivity and the digital divide:ย Knowledge of how connectivity and the digital divide work, understanding of the opportunities and challenges for governments and society Communication:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.ย Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels. Digital thought leadership:ย Ongoing research into emerging technologies and digital trends and the applications, risks, and opportunities associated with digital adoption, combined with the ability to communicate this synthesis with a broad audience. System Thinking:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
A university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Engineering, Business Administration, Economics, Political Sciences,International Relations, Global Studies, or related field is required, or A first-level university degree (bachelorโs degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional ย 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.Experience:
Minimum of two (2) years (with masterโs degree) or ย four (4) years (with bachelorโs degree) ย of relevant professional experience in financial technologies is required.Languages:
Fluency in English is required.Required Skills:
Proven experience leading and mentoring startups/NGOs in accelerator/incubator programs is required.ย Experience in working with multiple blockchain ecosystems and familiarity with their applications (e.g., digital identity, supply chain, financial inclusion) is required.ย Experience in working with blockchain foundations or alliances is required.ย Experience in developing and implementing strategic projects related to innovation, digitalization, and sustainable development is required.ยDesired Skills:
Experience in working with UNDP or UN organizations is an asset. Experience in organizing webinars, events, and trainings is an asset. Experience in leading and implementing hackathons or innovation challenges in collaboration with diverse actors across the innovation ecosystem, addressing development issues is desired.ย Experience in managingย Blockchain Academy is an advantage. Experience in developing Mentorship Methodologies is desired.ยEqual 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.ย
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.ย
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย 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.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
ย