Overview
The role involves supporting FAO's work by designing, developing, and facilitating serious games and policy simulation games in various formats. The specialist will apply innovation methodologies to complex agrifood systems and policy environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead or participate in multidisciplinary teams applying game-based innovation methodologies.
- Design and develop or contribute to original serious games and policy simulations.
- Adapt and facilitate games for virtual environments using digital platforms.
- Facilitate high-level policy simulation exercises and participatory workshops.
- Lead or contribute to debriefing sessions to bridge game experiences with real-world policy outcomes.
- Develop or contribute to training materials and deliver capacity development activities.
- Prepare analytical reports, methodological guidelines, and documentation.
- Contribute to collaboration with government counterparts, research institutions, and development organizations.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Required Experience
- At least 1 year for category C and 5 years for category B of relevant experience in designing and facilitating serious games, policy simulations, or experiential learning processes (experience in both physical and virtual formats is required).
- Extent and relevance of experience in game mechanics design and the application of gaming to complex policy or technical topics.
- Demonstrated ability to design and facilitate participatory processes and manage group dynamics in both face-to-face and virtual settings.
- Proficiency in using digital collaboration and virtual gaming tools.
- Experience in translating complex data or systems into intuitive and engaging game-based formats.
- Experience working with government institutions, civil society, academia and/or international organizations.
- Relevance of experience in different geographical and cultural contexts.
Qualifications
- For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in game design, instructional design, social sciences, public policy, international development, or another relevant field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
- For PSAs: University degree (or technical degree/certificate) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in game design, instructional design, social sciences, public policy, international development, or another relevant field.
