Exploring Web 3.0 Job board: A secure job platform, having built-in identity solution with seamless Web2.0 Integration

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Henrik Metsämäki

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

4

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

Prototype Secure Web3 Job Board on Cardano with verified postings, KYC/KYB as well as exploring seamless Web2 integration with interoperable credentials. Build trust & transparency in recruitment.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

No

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Our project utilizes a dual-licensing approach:

• Open Source (MIT License): The core functionalities like smart contracts and UI components will be open-source under the MIT License. This fosters community development, transparency, and attracts contributions.
• Commercial License: An extended version with additional features will be available under a commercial license for businesses needing them for production use. This ensures project sustainability and provides appropriate compensation for ongoing support and development.

This dual approach offers transparency and flexibility: users can choose the free version (MIT) for non-commercial use or the feature-rich commercial version, all with clear licensing and documentation.

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

• 8.5 - By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
• 8.6 - By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training

SDG Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

SDG Goal 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Current online recruitment lacks trust and transparency. Our Web3.0 job board leverages Cardano blockchain technology to address this by:

• KYC/KYB Verification: Job seekers and employers undergo identity verification (KYC/KYB) using Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) on the blockchain, reducing fraudulent activity.
• Secure Job Postings: Employers post tamper-proof job descriptions directly on the blockchain, ensuring authenticity and immutability.
• Direct Candidate Connection: Verified job seekers can express interest and connect directly with employers, streamlining the application process.

Core Functionalities:

• DID Integration: Job seekers and employers connect securely using DIDs, establishing trusted digital identities.
• On-Chain Job Postings: Job descriptions are stored securely on the Cardano blockchain, ensuring data integrity and preventing tampering.
• Direct Communication: Verified candidates can directly express interest and communicate with employers through their DIDs.

Technical Exploration:

• DID Management: We'll explore existing DID solutions on Cardano to integrate secure identity verification.
• On-chain Storage: We'll research secure and cost-effective methods for storing job postings on the blockchain.
• Data Privacy: We'll develop mechanisms for user control over data stored on-chain, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

Benefits:

• Increased Trust & Transparency: KYC/KYB verification reduces fraudulent applications and enhances overall trust in the platform.
• Improved Efficiency: Streamlined application process connects qualified candidates directly with employers.
• Empowerment for Users: DIDs give users control over their data and facilitate secure communication.

This Web3.0 job board offers a secure and transparent solution for online recruitment, fostering trust and efficiency in the future of work.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

The Web3.0 job board built on Cardano will have a positive impact on the wider Cardano community in several ways:

1. Fostering Trust and Transparency in Recruitment:

• Reduced Fraudulent Activity: KYC/KYB verification on the platform minimizes fraudulent applications from both job seekers and employers, creating a more trustworthy environment for recruitment.
• Enhanced User Experience: DIDs empower users with control over their data and verified identities lead to a more secure and transparent experience for all participants.

2. Attracting Talent and Promoting Innovation:

• Global Talent Pool: The secure and decentralized nature of the platform attracts skilled individuals from around the world, expanding the talent pool for Cardano-based projects and companies.
• Skilled Workforce Development: The platform could potentially integrate with educational credential verification on Cardano, showcasing qualified individuals with relevant blockchain skills.

3. Strengthening the Cardano Ecosystem:

• Increased User Adoption: A user-friendly and secure job board encourages wider adoption of Cardano blockchain technology, attracting both new users and established businesses.
• Collaboration Opportunities: The platform can facilitate collaboration within the Cardano community by connecting skilled individuals with project needs.
• Innovation Showcase: The open-source core (MIT License) of the platform encourages developers to contribute and build innovative features, further enriching the Cardano ecosystem.

By promoting trust, transparency, and talent acquisition within the Cardano community, this Web3.0 job board contributes to a more robust and thriving ecosystem for developers, businesses, and individuals interested in blockchain technology.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Fairway's Expertise & Track Record:

Fairway brings a strong foundation to this Web3.0 job board concept. Here's how:

• Blockchain & Recruitment Experience: We have experience working on Catalyst-based recruitment solutions, demonstrating our understanding of blockchain technology and the recruitment landscape.
• Community Engagement: We actively engage with Cardano community members, fostering trust and gathering valuable insights.
• Market Research & Analysis: Past work in Europe and Ethiopia has provided us with a strong understanding of diverse hiring needs and regional considerations for online recruitment platforms.

Proof-of-Concept Development and Prototyping:

• Technical Feasibility Assessment: In this initial concept stage, we will partner with Cardano blockchain experts to assess the technical feasibility of core functionalities, such as KYC/KYB integration with DIDs and secure on-chain job posting storage.
• Prototype Development: We will create a basic prototype showcasing the user interface and core interactions of the proposed job board. This prototype will be used for internal testing and potential community feedback sessions.

Validation and Future Development:

• Market Research Deep Dive: We will conduct further in-depth market research to identify the specific needs of job seekers, employers, and recruitment agencies in the Web3.0 space.
• Community Feedback and Refinement: We will actively seek feedback from the Cardano community on the prototype, gathering valuable insights to refine the concept and ensure alignment with user expectations.

Building on a Strong Foundation:

Fairway's experience, coupled with a commitment to comprehensive planning and community engagement, strengthens the potential for this Web3.0 job board concept to become a reality. By prioritizing proof-of-concept development, thorough market research, and iterative design based on user feedback, we can create a secure, transparent, and efficient job board that benefits the entire Cardano ecosystem.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Market Research & User Needs Assessment (Duration: 1 Month)

Acceptance Criteria:

• Conduct in-depth market research to identify specific needs and challenges of job seekers, employers, and recruitment agencies within the Web3.0 space, with a focus on both developed and developing countries (including Ethiopia).
• Analyze existing solutions in the online recruitment landscape and identify opportunities for integration with the proposed Web3.0 identity solution for job boards, considering the specific context of developing regions.
• Identify potential partnerships or collaborations with organizations working in the recruitment space within developing countries.
• Based on market research findings, refine the concept and functionalities to better serve the target user base.
• Develop user personas representing key user groups (job seekers, employers) to guide the design process.

User Interface Design & Schema Development (Duration: 2 Months)

Acceptance Criteria:

• Develop low-fidelity wireframes in Figma that illustrate the core user flows and functionalities of the job board (e.g., DID connection, job posting creation, candidate-employer communication).
• Design detailed schema for:
• Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) - Specifying data points captured for user identity verification.
• Job Postings - Defining the data structure for storing job descriptions and related information securely on-chain.
• Verifiable Credentials (VCs) (Optional) - Outlining the data elements to be included in VCs upon successful job contract signing (e.g., signatures, contract details).
• Conduct internal testing and user experience (UX) evaluation of the wireframes.
• Refine the wireframes and schema designs based on internal testing results and ongoing market research insights.

Prototype Development & Community Engagement (Duration: 1 Month)

Acceptance Criteria:

• Develop a non-functional prototype using Figma that simulates core functionalities of the job board. The prototype will focus on user interactions and flows, not actual data storage or processing.
• Conduct online surveys and workshops with the Cardano community, specifically targeting individuals from developing countries (including Ethiopia) to gather feedback on the wireframes and functionalities presented.
• Refine the concept, functionalities, and user interface based on community feedback and ongoing market research.
• Prepare a detailed project roadmap outlining future development phases, including functionalities to be incorporated in the next stage.

Deliverables:

• Project documents (concept document, user stories, system architecture)
• Non-functional Figma prototype of the Web3.0 job board
• Schema designs for DIDs, Job Postings, and (Optional) VCs
• Market research report
• Project presentation deck (Optional)

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

To develop a robust proof-of-concept for this Web3.0 job board, we propose a collaborative team with expertise in blockchain technology and user-centered design.

Project Lead (1 Person) Heikki Ruhanen: Responsible for overall project management, including budget oversight, adherence to timelines, and communication with stakeholders.

• Possesses strong leadership skills and experience managing software development projects.

Blockchain Expert (1 Person) Ermias Bunaro:Deep understanding of Cardano blockchain technology and its capabilities.

• Collaborates with developers to assess the technical feasibility of core functionalities (KYC/KYB with DIDs, secure job posting storage).
• Provides guidance on integrating the Web3.0 job board with the Cardano ecosystem.

User Experience (UX) Designer (1 Person)Abrham Bunaro: Proven experience in UX design principles and conducting user research.

• Analyzes market research findings and user needs to understand the challenges and opportunities related to online recruitment in Web3.0 and developing regions.
• Develops low-fidelity wireframes in Figma to illustrate core user flows and functionalities of the job board.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Milestone 1: Market Research & User Needs Assessment (1 Month) - 14,000 ADA

• Project Management and Research: 7,500 ADAIncludes research on existing solutions, identifying use cases in Web3.0 and developing regions, like Ethiopia, and initial project planning.
• User Research and Community Engagement: 6,500 ADAConducting online surveys and workshops with the Cardano community, focusing on individuals from developing countries.

Milestone 2: User Interface Design & Schema Development (2 Months) - 24,900 ADA

• UI Design and Wireframing: 14,000 ADADeveloping low-fidelity Figma wireframes for core functionalities.
• Schema Design and System Architecture: 10,900 ADADefining data structures for DIDs, Job Postings, and (Optional) VCs, and developing a high-level system architecture diagram.

Final Milestone: Prototype Development & Community Engagement (1 Month) - 20,000 ADA

• Prototype Development: 16,100 ADADeveloping a non-functional Figma prototype simulating core functionalities.
• Community Engagement and User Testing: 3,900 ADARefining the concept and functionalities based on online surveys and workshops with the Cardano community.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

This Web3.0 Secure Job Board project offers significant value for the Cardano ecosystem by:

• Empowering Users with Decentralized Identity: By leveraging Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), the job board fosters user ownership and control over personal data. This aligns with core Cardano principles of self-sovereignty and empowers users in the online recruitment landscape.
• Enhancing Security and Transparency: Secure job posting storage on the Cardano blockchain ensures tamper-proof data and transparency within the recruitment process. Users can trust the authenticity of job postings and have confidence in their interactions on the platform.
• Expanding Cardano's Use Cases: This project demonstrates the versatility of the Cardano blockchain for real-world applications beyond financial services. A successful Web3.0 job board showcases Cardano's potential to disrupt traditional recruitment models and create a more secure and user-centric ecosystem.
• Fostering Community Growth: The focus on user needs in developing regions like Ethiopia expands Cardano's reach and fosters a more inclusive global community. The project also leverages community engagement through workshops and surveys, fostering collaboration and valuable feedback.
• Building a Strong Foundation: This proof-of-concept lays the groundwork for future development. The low-fidelity wireframes, schema designs, and market research findings provide a solid foundation for building a functional Web3.0 job board prototype in subsequent stages.

Cost-Effective Approach:

The proposed budget of 95,000 ADA represents a cost-effective approach to achieving these goals. The focus on user research, UX design, and a non-functional prototype ensures efficient resource allocation in the proof-of-concept phase. This approach minimizes upfront costs while establishing a strong user-centric foundation for future development.

Long-Term Benefits:

The long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment. A successful Web3.0 job board on Cardano can attract new users and developers to the ecosystem, fostering innovation and further development of decentralized applications (dApps).

Transparency and Open Communication:

We are committed to transparency throughout the project. Regular updates on progress and budget utilization will be provided to the Cardano community. This ensures stakeholders understand the value proposition and can actively participate in the project's evolution.

By investing in this Web3.0 Secure Job Board project, the Cardano ecosystem gains a valuable tool that empowers users, enhances security, and expands its reach. The cost-effective approach ensures efficient resource allocation while laying the groundwork for a successful dApp with long-term benefits.