Kickass Career Portal: Connecting Talent to Web3 Opportunities In Cardano Using Splash Job Portal

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

John-Patrick van Rensburg

[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)

We will expand Splash Job Portal into an extensive Web3 job listing site, offering free, verified listings and profiles to seamlessly connect Cardano-trained talent with recruiters and vice versa.

[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

The development is part of a much larger dev solution and can't be produced as open-source for that reason.

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG Goals

Goal 4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

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

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

Goal 10 - Reduce inequality within and among countries

Goal 16 - Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Having established a foundational job portal, we now aim to refine and expand this platform to more comprehensively serve the Cardano community's needs. This next phase will focus on advanced functionalities and deeper integration with educational programs, ensuring a seamless and efficient career development pathway for emerging and established blockchain professionals.

Our Approach for Phase Two:

1. Enhanced Job Matching Algorithms: Implement algorithm tools to better match candidates with suitable job opportunities based on skills, experience, and preferences.
2. Recruiter Dashboard Enhancements: Develop advanced tools for recruiters, including analytics and communication features, to streamline the hiring process and improve engagement with potential candidates.
3. Integration with Educational Outcomes: Strengthen connections with Cardano Foundation, Cardano RealFi locations, and other educational initiatives, including OLI, to utilize certification and training outcomes directly within the job portal.

Key Aspects of the Enhanced Solution:

• Advanced Matching Capabilities: Leverage sophisticated algorithms to refine how job seekers and opportunities are paired, enhancing the effectiveness of the placement process.
• Expanded User Support: Increase support for users with new tutorials, direct messaging features, and a responsive helpdesk to navigate the job market efficiently.
• Community-Driven Features: Introduce community voting on features, transparency in job placement success rates, and regular community feedback sessions to actively adapt to user needs.
• Direct Educational Integration: By integrating real-time data from educational programs, including OLI's "learn to earn" platform, we can offer verified certifications and skills directly to employers, enhancing trust and recruitment efficiency.

Uniqueness of Our Phase Two Solution:

• Building on Proven Success: We leverage the existing Splash platform, enhancing features based on phase one learnings and user feedback.
• OLI Integration: Partnering with OLI to integrate their educational platform will provide users with Cardano Foundation-certified courses and verified skills, making them more attractive to employers.

Beneficiaries and Importance to Cardano for Phase Two:

• Enhanced Opportunities for Job Seekers: Provide more precise matching and wider career opportunities for blockchain professionals.
• Employers: Offer recruiters a tool for finding and engaging the best talent, improving recruitment ROI.
• Strengthened Cardano Ecosystem: By enhancing job placement efficacy and employer satisfaction, the portal will drive stronger community cohesion and ecosystem growth.

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

Our Phase Two enhancements to the Web3 job portal are designed to deepen and extend its impact within the Cardano ecosystem by more effectively bridging the gap between emerging talent and substantial career opportunities. This platform aims to:

1. Boost Employment:

• Targeted Placement: Facilitate the targeted placement of individuals trained at Cardano Centers and through related educational initiatives into roles that match their skill sets within the blockchain sector. This includes a special focus on underrepresented groups to promote diversity and inclusion within the blockchain space.
• Career Development: Provide ongoing career development tools and resources, integrating continuous learning and upskilling features to help individuals adapt to the rapidly evolving blockchain technology landscape.

2. Strengthen Ecosystem Growth:

• Talent Matching Efficiency: Utilize advanced algorithms to enhance the matching of Cardano-centric businesses with the right talent, optimizing the recruitment process and reducing time-to-hire, which is critical for startup agility and growth.
• Innovation Support: Support innovative projects within the ecosystem by providing them with access to a pool of qualified and passionate professionals who can drive project success and technological advancement.

3. Enhance Community Engagement:

• Interactive Platform Features: Develop and implement interactive features such as forums, live chat, and networking events that foster a vibrant community hub for knowledge exchange, mentorship, and collaboration among blockchain professionals.
• Community-driven Development: Enable the community to suggest and vote on new features or community initiatives, ensuring the portal evolves in alignment with user needs and preferences.

Measuring Impact:

We will utilize a comprehensive set of metrics to measure and report on the impact of the job portal:

• Quantitative Metrics:
• Engagement Statistics: Track the number of job listings, profiles created, successful job placements, and active users to measure engagement and growth.

• Qualitative Metrics:
• Community Feedback: Regularly collect and analyze user feedback, testimonials, and success stories to gauge satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
• Stakeholder Surveys: Conduct periodic surveys with employers, job seekers, and educational program administrators to assess the portal's effectiveness and impact on their operations and success.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

• Regular Reporting and Transparency: Commit to transparency with regular detailed reports shared via forums, social media, and the Splash platform, highlighting key metrics, success stories, and strategic insights.
• Collaboration with Educational Programs: Strengthen ties with the Cardano Foundation and other blockchain education providers to align educational outcomes with market needs, ensuring the portal supports real-time skills applicability in the job market.
• Engagement with Cardano Businesses: Maintain active outreach to businesses within the ecosystem to encourage their participation in the platform, providing them with data-driven insights into hiring trends and candidate preferences to enhance their recruitment strategies.

[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?

Proven Capability and Strategic Approach for Phase Two Delivery:

The success of Phase One, with the launch of the initial job portal on Splash, has not only validated our approach but also reinforced our capabilities. With an operational product already serving the Cardano community, we are ideally positioned to undertake the expansion and enhancement of this service.

Advanced Technical Expertise from Splash:

Splash has a solid track record of deploying innovative Web3 tools, highlighted by the successful implementation of features like multisig minting solutions and the NFT Recycler. Our technical team's experience in developing and managing sophisticated blockchain technologies guarantees the development of a secure, efficient, and scalable job portal.

Enhanced Community Engagement and Insight:

Our engagement doesn't stop at tool deployment; we continuously analyze and integrate feedback from the community. This ongoing process has sharpened our ability to anticipate and meet diverse user needs, ensuring the job portal's features and functionalities are well-aligned with the community's expectations and requirements.

Robust Trust and Accountability Framework:

• Transparent Fund Management: Building on our successful management of previous Catalyst projects, we commit to stringent fund oversight with clear, regular reporting and independent audits, ensuring every ADA allocated is accounted for transparently.
• Comprehensive Feasibility Validation: We will employ a structured approach to validate the enhanced portal's effectiveness, using detailed engagement metrics, success stories of job placements, and direct feedback from employers and job seekers.
• Adaptive Project Execution: Our project structure is designed for agility, allowing us to quickly adapt to feedback and emerging needs. This includes regular updates to the Cardano community and stakeholders on progress, challenges, and adaptations.

Structured Steps for Phase Two Delivery:

1. Development Phase: Leveraging the refined technical frameworks developed by Splash, we will enhance the existing job portal with advanced functionalities such as AI-driven matching algorithms and expanded recruiter tools, ensuring seamless integration with the broader Splash infrastructure.
2. Testing and Iteration: Collaborating closely with the Cardano Center, we will engage in rigorous beta testing phases, employing both simulated environments and real-user testing scenarios to ensure the platform performs optimally under various stress conditions and usage patterns.
3. Community Integration and Improvement: Post-launch, we will continue to work intimately with the Cardano community to not only promote the portal but also to enact a continuous improvement loop based on user feedback, usage data, and evolving market conditions. This approach guarantees that the platform remains relevant and highly functional.

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

Enhancement of Technical Features (Month 1-2, 40,000 ADA)

• Develop Job Matching Algorithm: Implement advanced algorithms to enhance job matching accuracy, leveraging user interactions to refine results continuously.
• Expansion of Recruiter Tools: Enhance the recruiter interface with advanced search capabilities, detailed engagement metrics, and improved communication tools.
• User Experience Enhancements: Optimize the user interface for better navigation and accessibility, incorporating feedback from Phase One and applying mobile-first design principles.

Community/User Feedback And Marketing (Month 2-3, 40,000 ADA)

• Community Feedback Channels: Establish dedicated channels for ongoing feedback, including focus groups, and an open suggestion box on the portal. This will enable continuous community input into platform development and help prioritize new features.
• User Support Mechanisms: Develop a comprehensive support system including chatbots for instant assistance, a detailed FAQ section, and a ticketing system for unresolved queries. Training sessions will be organized for both job seekers and recruiters to maximize the platform's utility.
• Marketing: Implement marketing plan which will include digital advertising, social advertising and posting, product video and user testimonials.

Final Testing and Official Launch (Month 4, 15,000 ADA)

• Comprehensive Platform Testing: Conduct extensive testing phases, including stress testing, security audits, and user acceptance testing (UAT) with select community members to ensure the platform is robust and user-friendly.
• Interface Finalization: Refine the user interface based on feedback from the beta testing phase to ensure it is intuitive and meets the high standards expected by the community.
• Launch Preparations: Prepare for the official rollout and distribute press releases, informational videos, and comprehensive user guides.
• Post-Launch Support and Monitoring: Set up a dedicated team to monitor the platform's performance upon launch and to swiftly address any issues or bugs that may arise. Continuous monitoring will also help gather early post-launch feedback that can be used for immediate improvements.

Post-Launch Optimization and Community Engagement (Month 5 - 5000 ADA)

1. Final Close-out report and Video
2. Performance Metrics: Document highlighting the amount of users, data, job listings and platform changes/fixes.

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

John-Patrick van Rensburg - LinkedIn   

Coordinator

As a seasoned marketing and sales strategist with expertise in both Web2 and Web3 sectors, John-Patrick excels in evolving business approaches to align with dynamic market trends and cultural nuances. A notable achievement is the establishment of the Cardano Center, showcasing John-Patrick's ability to bridge technology with practical applications. He is adept at developing effective Account-Based Marketing (ABM) strategies, transforming sales and marketing efforts to optimize closure rates.

Dee Boshoff - LinkedIn

Ops Manager

Dee Boshoff is a digital marketing expert and blockchain enthusiast who spent a decade studying, living, and working in Asia with a leading digital marketing agency. He is currently helping to conceptualize, build, and grow Splash, a gamified NFT minting and data aggregation directory looking to onboard the next wave of Web3 projects and users into the creative ecosystem.

Ramon Vos - LinkedIn

Marketing

Ramon Vos has been a cross-chain NFT degen, crypto trader, and investor since 2021. He has over a decade of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, working in Asia, Africa, and Europe. He is Dutch by nationality, multilingual, and is currently based in France. He has a Master's Degree in marketing and finance.

Aaron Arfman - LinkedIn

Product

Aaron Arfman is an entrepreneur with 20 years of operations experience in China and a Cardano supporter since 2018. He is passionate about developing products that make blockchain more accessible to the masses by leveraging his cross-industry experiences from private equity, and fintech startups to wine production and distribution.

Jacques Bosch - Linkedin

CTO

Jacques Bosch, a tech entrepreneur from South Africa, loves the way harnessing software can reshape the real world. With a quarter of a century career spanning a diverse range of industries, from Blockchain and Auctioning to Education and Insurance, Jacques has a wealth of experience in implementing successful systems across many countries. For over 18 years, he has led competent teams founded on strong and respect-based relationships. Currently, he is concentrating on developing blockchain products and generative AI solutions for enterprise scenarios, highlighting his love of innovation and progress.

Piro Vorster - Linkedin

Developer

Piro Vorster is a skilled tech professional and founder of 2 successful software startups, Inversion and Pink Fish, with 17 years of experience in technologies like .NET, Azure, C#, and more. He's worked in a broad range of sectors, including Auctioning, Insurance, and Reinsurance, and relishes the thrill of solving complex challenges. Piro's credentials include a BSc (Hons) Computing degree and a wealth of leadership experience. He also boasts an unusual asset — a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, reflecting his commitment to discipline and strategic thinking.

Paul Cowan - Github

Developer

Paul Cowan is a seasoned programmer with over 20 years of experience, largely with C# .NET. He's worked across multiple industries, most notably in online retail, gaming, and now in the emergent fields of blockchain and NFTs. Working in both private and open source spaces and a keen problem solver, Paul brings a blend of expertise, lateral thinking, and collaborative spirit to every project.

Vitaliy Kydon

Designer

With over 10 years of dedicated experience, Vitaliy Kydon specializes in crafting immersive and user-centric interfaces that redefine the digital landscape of blockchain and crypto technologies.

From sleek and secure wallet interfaces to intuitive decentralized exchanges, each project exemplifies my commitment to creating visually striking yet functionally robust solutions tailored for the crypto ecosystem.

Danielle Erasmus - Portfolio

Creative Director/Senior Video Editor

Danielle Erasmus is a Creative Director, Senior Video Editor, and Copywriter with 13 years of industry experience. Dani’s Honours graduating film won a SAFTA amongst many other international awards, which launched her into the best of the industry. After spending many years as a freelancer, creating video content for local and international brands, including CROCS, Supersport, DSTV, Jaguar Land Rover, and many more, Dani joined the Splash/CUR8/Cardano Center team full-time to dedicate her skillset to showcasing their platforms.

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

Total Budget Request: 95,000 ADA

Milestone 1: Enhancement of Technical Features (Month 1-2, 40,000 ADA)

• Development of Job Matching Algorithm: 12,000 ADA
• Includes costs for algorithm design, development, and initial testing.
• Expansion of Recruiter Tools: 14,000 ADA
• Development of advanced search capabilities, engagement metrics, and communication tools.
• User Experience Enhancements: 10,000 ADA
• Design and implementation of mobile-first UI/UX principles based on Phase One feedback.
• Third-Party Services: 4,000 ADA
• Software licenses and API integrations for enhanced functionalities.

Milestone 2: Community/User Feedback and Marketing (Month 2-3, 40,000 ADA)

• Community Feedback Channels: 10,000 ADA
• Set up of feedback channels including focus groups, and an open suggestion box.
• User Support Mechanisms: 10,000 ADA
• Development of chatbots, FAQ section, and ticketing system. Includes costs for software tools and developer time.
• Marketing and Publicity: 20,000 ADA
• Digital and social advertising, production of a promotional video, and user testimonials. Costs include content creation, ad placements, and professional services for video production.

Milestone 3: Final Testing and Official Launch (Month 4, 10,000 ADA)

• Comprehensive Platform Testing: 4,000 ADA
• Security audits, stress testing, and UAT with community members.
• Interface Finalization and Launch Preparations: 4,000 ADA
• Final UI tweaks and production of launch materials like press releases and user guides.
• Post-Launch Support and Monitoring: 2,000 ADA
• Setup of monitoring systems and initial support team operations.

Final Milestone: Post-Launch Optimization and Community Engagement (Month 5, 5,000 ADA)

• Performance Metrics and Reporting: 2,500 ADA
• Development of performance reports documenting user data, job listings, and platform updates.
• Final Close-Out Report and Video: 2,500 ADA
• Production of a comprehensive project report and a summary video showcasing project outcomes and impacts.

Additional Notes on Budget and Funding:

• Third-Party Products and Services: Across all milestones, third-party services include software licenses necessary for development and community engagement tools.
• Alternative Sources of Funding: Should additional costs arise, supplementary funding will be sought through partnerships within the Cardano community and reinvestment of revenue from the platform's operations.
• Publicity and Community Engagement: Included under marketing in Milestone 2 and in the ongoing community activities detailed in the final milestone.
• Project Management and Documentation: Costs associated with management, coordination, and documentation are distributed proportionally across all milestones.

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

Development Costs:

• The budget allocations for software development, including algorithm design and UI enhancements (40,000 ADA for Milestone 1), are based on prevailing rates for blockchain developers and UI/UX designers. According to recent industry surveys, the average cost for blockchain development services ranges from $50 to $100 per hour. Given the specialized nature of blockchain technology and the complexity of developing sophisticated job-matching algorithms, our budget reflects competitive rates within this spectrum. For instance, assuming an average rate of $75 per hour, the cost for approximately 533 hours of development work is justified.

Marketing and Publicity Costs:

• The allocated budget of 20,000 ADA for marketing and publicity efforts in Milestone 2 is set below the industry average cost for digital marketing campaigns, which can typically range up to $30,000 for comprehensive campaigns including video production, social media advertising, and content creation. By focusing on targeted digital and social advertising strategies and leveraging in-house capabilities for content creation, we optimize the budget to achieve extensive reach without excessive expenditure.

Post-Launch Support and Continuous Improvement:

• The investment in post-launch support and continuous platform improvement (5,000 ADA for the final milestone) ensures that the platform remains responsive and efficient. This allocation is crucial for maintaining high user satisfaction and operational stability, which are key to the long-term success of any digital platform.

Economic Considerations:

• The budget takes into account the geographical diversity of our team and the global nature of the Cardano community. By balancing rates between high-cost and low-cost regions, we ensure that the project is cost-effective while maintaining high standards of quality and innovation.

Value Addition to the Cardano Ecosystem:

Strengthening the Ecosystem:

• By connecting skilled professionals with opportunities within the Cardano ecosystem, the platform directly contributes to its growth and sustainability. This not only enhances the utility of the Cardano blockchain but also supports the broader goal of fostering a robust, innovative blockchain community.

Community Engagement and Feedback:

• The continuous engagement with the community through feedback channels and improvement based on this feedback ensures that the platform evolves according to the needs and preferences of its users. This approach maximizes user retention and satisfaction, providing long-term value.

Leveraging Existing Infrastructure:

• By building on the existing Splash infrastructure, the project avoids the higher costs associated with developing a new platform from scratch. This strategic decision significantly reduces the overall expenditure and accelerates the deployment timeline, thereby enhancing the return on investment for the Cardano community.