Blockchain technologies have been tested in the humanitarian sector with positive use cases emerging. Benefits of using blockchain tend to sit with the implementating agency as it can provide greater transparency and efficiency across operation delivery, especially financial transactions. A key example can be found here: https://views-voices.oxfam.org.uk/2019/09/blockchain-technology-cash-pacific/

This assignment is an opportunity for Plan International to further understand what other organisations are doing with Blockchain in emergencies, with particular attention to Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA); understand how it could be implemented at Plan with a focus on its potential for adding value and benefit to our beneficiaries in emergency settings. In particular, can blockchain technology enable us to be held more directly accountable to our beneficiaries? Via blockchain, can they have access to our systems to track [cash] assistance they are registered to receive? 

These considerations must be made keeping in mind the challenges and limitations faced by the people we work with in humanitarian settings including low literacy levels; access to connectivity and data; understanding of blockchain etc. 

The assignee will:
•    Provide expert analysis on the readiness of Plan to use blockchain internationally; identify potential for test cases of funds flow into Plan programme countries; investigating potential for Blockchain to remit into diverse locations;
•    If applicable, outline pilot project ideas – based on scoping across the sector and other examples of blockchain in emergencies; 
•    Provide examples of applicable uses keeping human-centred/beneficiary “user experience” design at the heart of the project – with a focus on girls and women, in emergencies/development contexts; 
•    Identify potential blockchain companies/ providers who would be a good fit for the Plan federated structure and financial systems  
•    Explain key pre-requisites for implementation such as financial flow mapping, infrastructure required (global and in-country level), investment requirements, staffing competencies, ‘last mile’ opportunities (final delivery of aid to beneficiaries) in remote locations and developing economies
•    Identify the next steps to initiate pilot projects and the creation of a work plan to support the team to progress the pilot