Blockchain Specialist Consultant, Sao Paulo (home-based), Brazil (09 months)

Consultant Innovation

Overview

Provide technical support to develop and implement UNICEF Brazil's Blockchain/Web3 strategy.

You have:

• Postgraduate degree (Master's) in relevant areas or Bachelor's + five years of relevant experience.
• At least five (5) years of professional experience in innovation/technology for impact, digital transformation, partnerships, and/or innovation programs.
• Proven experience in applied blockchain/Web3 with the ability to translate technical topics for non-technical audiences.
• Experience in preparing studies, technical notes, and strategies.
• Experience in designing and/or implementing innovation programs, including mentorship and documentation of results.
• Knowledge and experience in risk management, safeguards, and privacy/data, including Brazil's LGPD.
• Fluent in Portuguese and working proficiency in English.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Within the scope of UNICEF Brazil's Country Program Document (CPD) 2024–2028, the innovation strategy seeks to accelerate results for children and adolescents through scalable solutions, partnerships, and capacity-building, connecting with government, the private sector, STI ecosystems, and emerging technologies. At the global level, UNICEF (Office of Innovation/Ventures) is already exploring blockchain technology as a frontier for transparency, financing, and accountability, including initiatives such as Crypto Fund and investments in open-source solutions that improve the lives of children.

In this context, this consultancy will provide technical support to UNICEF Brazil to: (i) conduct an applied study and develop UNICEF Brazil's Blockchain/Web3 Strategy integrated with the innovation strategy, with principles, safeguards, governance, and prioritized use cases; and (ii) implement the Youth Challenge Blockchain by August, using the program as a platform to mobilize the ecosystem (government, CTI, startups, companies, foundations), consolidate a qualified network of partners, and generate evidence for adoption and scale.

SCOPE OF WORK:

Develop and support the Innovation team to operationalize a Blockchain/Web3 agenda for UNICEF Brazil, aligned with the Country Programme Document (CPD) 2024–2028, through:

1. Blockchain/Web3 strategy integrated with the Innovation Strategy (vision, axes, governance, safeguards, portfolio of use cases, and 12–18-month plan); and
2. Implementation of the Youth Challenge Blockchain (by August) as a laboratory and platform for coordinating the ecosystem, producing evidence, a network of partners, and a pipeline of opportunities.

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DELIVERABLES: 1. INCEPTION REPORT AND DETAILED WORK PLAN

1.1. Deliverables/Outputs What:

· One (1) inception report (máx 10 pages) and detailed work plan, including:

· Detailed workplan with timeline, milestones, key activities, and expected deliverables.

· Stakeholder mapping and proposed coordination arrangements with UNICEF and relevant partners.

· Identification of main risks, assumptions, and mitigation measures for the implementation of the assignment; and

· Validation meeting and updated roadmap incorporating UNICEF feedback.

How (Minimum Technical Approach Requirements): •Conduct at least 3 alignment meetings with UNICEF and partners.

•Review existing Innovation Strategy documents, protocols, and available data; 1.2. Deadline: End of month one

1.3. Estimate Budget: 20% of the general budget

2. SUPPORT TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE YOUTH CHALLENGE BLOCKCHAIN

2.1. Deliverables/Outputs

What: · Implementation support package for the Youth Challenge Blockchain, including:

· Operational workplan and implementation roadmap for the Youth Challenge through its key stages.

· Support materials for outreach, engagement, onboarding, mentoring, selection, and final presentation moments.

· Documentation of the challenge journey, including key milestones, ecosystem engagement, and evidence generated.

· Systematization of lessons, opportunities, risks, and recommendations emerging from the Youth Challenge process.

How (Minimum Technical Approach Requirements):

· Provide technical support to UNICEF in the planning and execution of the Youth Challenge Blockchain process, without assuming direct management responsibility for the initiative.

· Support the preparation of materials, tools, criteria, and workflows for ecosystem mobilization, youth engagement, mentoring, and selection processes.

· Engage with relevant stakeholders from the blockchain/Web3 ecosystem, including government, private sector, civil society, innovation actors, and technical experts, to inform implementation and identify opportunities;

· Produce concise evidence and learning notes (máx 20 pages) throughout the process to capture insights relevant to UNICEF Brazil.

2.2. Deadline: By the end of month three 2.3. Estimate Budget: 40% of the general budget

3. UNICEF BRAZIL BLOCKCHAIN/WEB3 STRATEGY

3.1. Deliverables/Outputs

What:

· One (1) strategic document (max. 20 pages) for UNICEF Brazil, including:

· Strategic vision and rationale for a Blockchain/Web3 agenda aligned with the CPD 2024–2028 and the Innovation Strategy.

· Guiding principles, governance considerations, safeguards, and risk mitigation parameters.

· Prioritized portfolio of relevant use cases and partnership pathways.

· Implementation roadmap for the following 12–18 months, informed by evidence and lessons from the Youth Challenge Blockchain.

How (Minimum Technical Approach Requirements):

· Review relevant UNICEF global references, Brazilian ecosystem trends, and evidence generated during the Youth Challenge Blockchain.

· Conduct consultation and validation moments with UNICEF focal points and selected stakeholders, as agreed with UNICEF;

· Translate technical blockchain/Web3 content into practical recommendations suitable for UNICEF Brazil’s programmatic and partnership context.

3.2. Deadline: By the end of month six 3.3. Estimate Budget: 20% of the general budget

4. FINAL REPORT AND HANDOVER PACKAGE OF TOOLS

4.1. Deliverables/Outputs

What: · One (1) final report (max. 15–20 pages) including:

· Summary of activities carried out across the consultancy and key achievements.

· Consolidated lessons learned, evidence generated, and recommendations for next steps;

· One (1) organized handover package with practical tools and materials, which may include templates, trackers, decks, contact mapping, process notes, and reference materials produced during the consultancy.

How (Minimum Technical Approach Requirements): · Integrate relevant outputs from the Youth Challenge support process and the Blockchain/Web3 Strategy into a coherent final package.

· Organize and submit files in editable format, with clear structure for UNICEF’s future use.

· Present the final synthesis and handover package to UNICEF for review and final validation.

4.2. Deadline: By the end of month nine 4.3. Estimate Budget: 20% of the general budget

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Punctuality in meeting deadlines.
• Quality of the contents.
• Timely provision of deliverables.
• Full adherence to the monthly work plans and diligence as agreed with the supervisor.

Deliverable Acceptance and Review Process: All deliverables will be submitted in editable format (e.g., MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint) and as a final PDF upon request. UNICEF will review each deliverable within 10 working days of submission. Up to two rounds of revisions are included per deliverable and must be addressed by the consultant within 5 working days of receiving consolidated feedback. A deliverable will be considered accepted only upon written confirmation from UNICEF. Payments are conditional upon acceptance of deliverables. Immediately upon the agreement's signature, the UNICEF supervisor and the selected individual contractor will meet to discuss the Work Plan and the quality criteria for product delivery. Regular meetings will also be scheduled, either in person or remotely, to follow up on the activities defined in the Work Plan. If needed, UNICEF may request revisions and alterations related to quality and technical depth parameters. Only after final clearance from UNICEF Brazil will the payment be processed.

Technical background and experience required

• Postgraduate degree (Master's) in relevant areas (Public Policy, Economics, Administration, Innovation/CTI Studies, Computer Science, Engineering, Law/Technological Regulation, Development, or related fields). A bachelor's degree + five (5) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a master's degree.
• At least five (5) years of professional experience in innovation/technology for impact, digital transformation, partnerships, and/or innovation programs.
• Proven experience in applied blockchain/Web3 (e.g., use cases, ecosystem, smart contracts, wallets/custody, public vs. permissioned networks), with the ability to translate technical topics for non-technical audiences.
• Experience in preparing studies, technical notes, and strategies (reports, briefs, executive presentations, matrices/trackers) geared toward decision-making.
• Experience in designing and/or implementing innovation programs (challenges, boot camps, acceleration, hackathons), including selection, rubrics, mentoring, and documentation of results (e.g., Youth Challenge).
• Knowledge and experience in risk management, safeguards, and privacy/data (including Brazil's LGPD), partner due diligence, and reputational and integrity risk mitigation.

Language Proficiency

• Portuguese (fluent) and English (working proficiency).

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF is here to serve the world's most disadvantaged children, and our global workforce should reflect the diversity of these children. The UNICEF family is committed to including everyone*, regardless of race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socioeconomic background, or any other personal characteristic.*

UNICEF provides reasonable accommodations for consultants with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, assistance with travel missions, or personal assistants. We recommend that you disclose your disability during your application if you require reasonable accommodation during the selection process and subsequently in your assignment.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy towards conduct that is incompatible with the goals and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child protection principles. All selected candidates must adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include verification of academic credentials and professional history. Selected candidates may be asked to provide additional information for the purpose of conducting a background check.

GENERAL CONDITIONS: PROCEDURES AND LOGISTICS

• The consultant will work from home, using their own equipment and office supplies. UNICEF will provide office space for consultative meetings when necessary.
• The consultant's travel expenses shall be included in the consultant's fees.
• No contract may commence without being signed by UNICEF and the consultant and without the mandatory courses being completed.

• Consultants will have no representative, certifying, or approving authority, nor will they have any supervisory responsibilities or authority over UNICEF's budget.

• The consultant will work remotely on a delivery basis.

• Data Protection, Privacy, and Responsible Innovation: The consultant will comply with UNICEF policies and applicable Brazilian legislation on data protection (including LGPD), confidentiality, and information security. Any collection, processing, storage, sharing, or analysis of personal data—particularly data related to adolescents and young participants—must be strictly minimized, purpose-limited, and subject to UNICEF’s prior written approval. The consultant shall implement privacy-by-design and security-by-design approaches, including data minimization, access controls, and secure storage.
• The consultancy will not involve speculative activities or financial advice, nor will it require the consultant to custody or manage digital assets on behalf of UNICEF. Any proposed blockchain-related use cases must include a documented risk assessment (legal, reputational, safeguarding, financial, operational) and mitigation measures, aligned with UNICEF’s responsible innovation principles.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

• The costs indicated are estimates. The final fee will follow the principle of "best value for money," i.e., achieving the desired result at the lowest possible fee.
• A financial proposal must be submitted that includes the fee for the task based on the expected results and the number of days. Consultants must stipulate all-inclusive fees, including a fixed amount, administrative costs, travel costs, and living expenses, as applicable.
• Payment will be based on the presentation of the agreed results. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if the results presented do not meet the required standard or in the event of delays in the presentation of results by the consultant.
• Financial proposals from local consultants shall be submitted in the local currency in effect at the time of submission. UNICEF will evaluate and contract based on this amount, which shall remain fixed and not subject to adjustment due to subsequent exchange rate fluctuations.

INSURANCE AND HEALTH COVERAGE

• The contractor is fully responsible for providing, at their own expense, life, health, and other insurance deemed appropriate to cover the term of the contract.
• The contractor is not eligible to participate in the life or health insurance plans available to UNICEF and United Nations employees.

RESTRICTIONS

• Consultants may not receive training at the expense of UNICEF. Notwithstanding, consultants must complete the applicable mandatory trainings before the signature of the contract.
• In case of government officials, the contract cannot be issued without prior written clearance by the Government​, or unless on leave without pay.

Remarks:

Individuals engaged under a consultancy will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants. Consultants are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

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Added 2 months ago - Updated 1 month ago - Source: unicef.org