Consultant (Individual): Facilitator and Strategy Drafting for Myanmar Agrifood System Forum

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a research center that focuses on food policy and agricultural development. Established in 1975, IFPRI aims to provide evidence-based solutions to reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. The organization operates in over 40 countries and employs a diverse team of researchers and policy experts dedicated to improving food systems and agricultural practices globally. IFPRI collaborates with various partners, including governments, NGOs, and private sector actors, to influence policy and practice in the agrifood sector.

Job Overview:
The Consultant will play a crucial role in facilitating a two-day Forum in Bangkok, aimed at discussing Myanmar's agrifood system. This position requires the individual to lead discussions, synthesize insights, and draft a strategy/roadmap based on the Forum's outcomes. The Consultant will engage with approximately 100 participants, including development partners, private sector representatives, and technical experts, to ensure that discussions are structured and focused on key objectives. The role involves pre-Forum preparation, active participation during the event, and post-Forum drafting of strategic documents that reflect the insights gained from the discussions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review background materials prepared by IFPRI, including the agenda and thematic briefs, to understand the context and objectives of the Forum.
• Participate in preparatory meetings with the IFPRI team and partners to align on expectations and key discussion questions.
• Serve as the lead facilitator for thematic sessions during the Forum, ensuring that discussions remain focused and productive.
• Encourage balanced participation from all attendees and manage time effectively during sessions.
• Capture key points and recurring themes from discussions to inform the strategy/roadmap.
• Prepare an initial draft of the strategy/roadmap post-Forum, incorporating insights and evidence gathered during the event.
• Engage in feedback meetings with IFPRI and partners to refine the draft based on their input.
• Submit a revised draft within the agreed timeframe following the Forum, ensuring that it meets the expectations of IFPRI and its partners.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree and/or substantial professional experience in agriculture, economic development, international development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in developing strategic frameworks or investment-oriented strategy documents for donors or development partners.
• Strong facilitation skills, particularly in high-level, multi-stakeholder discussions.
• Proven ability to synthesize complex discussions into clear, strategic written outputs.
• Experience in agrifood systems, markets, and private sector development, with knowledge of trade and inclusive economic growth.
• Familiarity with development challenges in fragile or politically constrained contexts, particularly in relation to market functioning.
• Knowledge of Myanmar's political, economic, and development context, with relevant experience in the country.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, capable of engaging with senior technical and policy audiences.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess an advanced degree in agriculture, economic development, international development, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of agrifood systems and the socio-economic factors influencing them.

Experience:
The position requires substantial professional experience, particularly in leading discussions and developing strategic documents in the context of agriculture and economic development. Candidates should have a proven track record of facilitating multi-stakeholder discussions and synthesizing complex information into actionable strategies.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the role involves engaging with senior technical and policy audiences. Additional language skills relevant to the region may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The assignment is expected to require up to 15 days of effort, including preparation, two days of in-person participation in Bangkok, and subsequent drafting and revisions. The Consultant must confirm their availability to travel to Bangkok for the Forum dates (March 24 – 25, 2026) and their eligibility to enter Thailand. Travel arrangements will be managed by IFPRI in accordance with their travel policy.