Subject Matter Expert in information security, cryptography, blockchain security
Conduct security risk assessments in blockchain and quantum technologies.
Overview
Conduct security risk assessments in blockchain and quantum technologies.
You have:
- Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Computer Science, Information Security, Cryptography, Mathematics, or closely related field.
- PhD degree with dissertation focused on applied cryptography, reliability of distributed system design, distributed systems security, blockchain security, or quantum computing.
- Academic publications in peer-reviewed journals or conferences related to computer science, information security, and cryptography.
- Minimum 20 years of professional experience in information security and distributed systems, including blockchain technology and distributed ledger systems.
- Proven expertise in cryptographic protocols underlying major blockchain platforms (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Hyperledger, etc.).
- Demonstrated knowledge of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) threats, including Shor's and Grover's algorithms and their impact on current cryptographic standards.
- Experience advising financial institutions or government organizations on technology risk management.
- Strong analytical and technical writing skills with ability to translate complex security concepts for executive audiences.
- Experience in working in a multi-cultural environment.
- Teaching experience in information security, blockchain technology, cryptography at the university level.
Contract
This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.
Result of Service
Assessment of blockchain and post‑quantum security risks for UNJSPF, including vulnerability analysis, quantum‑resilient migration options, and clear recommendations delivered through reports, briefings, and knowledge transfer.
Work Location
Remote
Expected duration
12 months
Duties and Responsibilities
• Conducting comprehensive assessment of blockchain information security risks relevant to UNJSPF operations. • Analyzing current and emerging post-quantum threats to blockchain infrastructure, including threat timelines and probability assessments. • Evaluating quantum vulnerability of major cryptocurrencies and blockchain platforms in UNJSPF operations. • Reviewing existing security controls, governance frameworks, and risk mitigation strategies for blockchain-based operations. • Identifying quantum-resistant blockchain projects and migration pathways for existing solutions based on classical cryptography. • Developing actionable recommendations for post-quantum security preparedness, including migration strategies and timeline for implementation. • Preparing detailed technical reports and executive summaries on blockchain security posture. • Presenting findings and recommendations to UNJSPF senior management. • Advising on due diligence frameworks for evaluating blockchain security in future relevant domains. • Providing knowledge transfer sessions to internal teams on blockchain security best practice. • Expected deliverables include a comprehensive security assessment report, risk mitigation roadmap, and presentation materials. • Any other duties as required.
Qualifications/special skills
Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Computer Science, Information Security, Cryptography, Mathematics, or closely related field. Preferred • PhD degree with dissertation focused on applied cryptography, reliability of distributed system design, distributed systems security, blockchain security, or quantum computing. • Academic publications in peer-reviewed journals or conferences related to computer science, information security, and cryptography. • Post-doctoral research experience in relevant fields. Minimum 20 years of professional experience in information security and distributed systems, including blockchain technology and distributed ledger systems. Proven expertise in cryptographic protocols underlying major blockchain platforms (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Hyperledger, etc.). Deep understanding of consensus mechanisms, smart contract security, and blockchain network vulnerabilities. Demonstrated knowledge of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) threats, including Shor's and Grover's algorithms and their impact on current cryptographic standards. Track record of conducting security audits, risk assessments, or penetration testing. Familiarity with NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography standardization process and emerging quantum-safe algorithms (lattice-based, hash-based, code-based cryptography). Experience advising financial institutions, government organizations, on technology risk management. Strong analytical and technical writing skills with ability to translate complex security concepts for executive audiences. Experience in working in a multi-cultural environment. Active involvement in academic research with publications in top-tier security or cryptography conferences (IEEE Transactions, CRYPTO, EUROCRYPT, ACM CCS, USENIX Security) is desirable Participation in standards-setting bodies (NIST PQC standardization, ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 27, IETF), and Advisory Committees is desirable Teaching experience in information security, blockchain technology, cryptography, at university level.is desirable Contributions to open-source blockchain security projects or quantum-resistant cryptographic libraries.is desirable Experience with formal verification methods for smart contracts and cryptographic protocols.is desirable. • Knowledge of quantum computing fundamentals and access to quantum computing research environments. • Professional certifications (i.e., ISO; CISSP; CISM; CEH; etc.). • Published books, white papers, or technical articles on blockchain security or quantum cryptography. • Speaking engagements at major industry or academic conferences; chairing of information security events; member of expert committees in information security and cryptography. • Grants or funding received for research in blockchain security or post-quantum cryptography. • Cross-disciplinary expertise connecting information security with financial risk management. • Multilingual capabilities to engage with global research and regulatory developments.
Languages
Expert knowledge of English is required.
Additional Information
Not available.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
Potential interview questions
| Describe a comprehensive assessment of blockchain information security risks you have conducted. | The interviewer is looking for insight into your analytical approach to security assessments. | Discuss your methodology, tools used, and outcomes. |
| How do you approach analyzing post-quantum threats to infrastructure? | This assesses your understanding of current quantum threats and their implications. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your experience with evaluating quantum vulnerabilities in cryptocurrencies? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you explain a migration pathway from classical to quantum-resistant solutions? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Discuss your understanding of consensus mechanisms and their vulnerabilities. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your perspective on emerging quantum-safe algorithms? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Share your experiences with security audits related to blockchain projects. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you translate complex security concepts for an executive audience? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |