The purpose of the research is to develop a framework that analyses how the application of different digital technologies underpinning the digitization of finance can help achieve the SDGs. The research partner will assist in populating the framework based on secondary research as well as primary sources provided to her/him through consultations with industry leaders – Banking, Consulting, Insurance, Investment Management, Multilateral Institutions, Lawyers, Academicians, Regulators and Policymakers – facilitated by UNCDF. In addition, the research partner may undertake additional “deep dive” research into particular applications of digital finance technologies – digital banking, insurance, payments, pensions, lending, identity, etc. – as directed by the Secretariat to fill gaps in the framework.

The research is a primary output of a Digital Finance Task Force for which UNCDF is the Secretariat. The initial work will help frame the context and content that Task Force members can deliberate and subsequently provide their contributions to the final report to the Secretary General of the United Nations.

Timeline: The overall duration of the work is expected to take up to nine months (through July 2019)

Applications and RFA Calendar

• Publication date: 11 September, 2018
• Final deadline for applications: 30 September, 2018, no later than midnight Eastern Time (ET)

Applications should be returned to the UNCDF by email at dftf.secretariat@uncdf.org and carlos.escriva@uncdf.org. Applications must follow the submission format as outlined in Annex 1 of this RFA.