Individual Consultant to support design, execution, and analysis of qualitative interviews

Job Posting Organization:
The organization behind this job posting is likely involved in research initiatives focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and its governance, particularly in relation to sustainable and equitable food, land, and water systems. The organization may be part of a larger network or consortium, such as CGIAR, which is known for its work in agricultural research and development. The mission of this organization is to enhance the understanding of AI policy-making processes and their implications for various sectors, including agriculture. They aim to bridge the gap between policy design and real-world implementation, ensuring that AI technologies are adopted in a manner that is ethical and beneficial to society. The organization likely operates in multiple countries, focusing on global challenges related to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual Consultant is designed to support a significant research initiative that investigates the development and governance of artificial intelligence (AI) in South Africa. This consultancy will focus on understanding the AI policy-making process, particularly in the context of agriculture and related systems. The consultant will be responsible for designing, executing, and analyzing qualitative interviews with key stakeholders to generate insights into how AI policies are formulated and implemented. The role requires a deep understanding of the interplay between AI governance and sectors such as agriculture, where AI adoption is rapidly evolving. The consultant will contribute to a broader project aimed at enhancing the enabling environment for AI governance, ensuring that policies are informed by real-world practices and stakeholder engagement. This position is ideal for someone with a strong background in qualitative research and a keen interest in the implications of AI for sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Preparation and refinement of the interview protocol, ensuring it is tailored to elicit meaningful insights from stakeholders.
• Identifying and prioritizing key stakeholders across various sectors, including government, industry, academia, and civil society, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the AI policy landscape.
• Supporting the development of an interview plan and outreach strategy to effectively engage with stakeholders.
• Conducting approximately 40-50 semi-structured interviews, ensuring that ethical and high-quality data collection practices are maintained throughout the process.
• Analyzing the collected interview data using qualitative methods, such as thematic coding, to identify key patterns in policy processes and decision-making dynamics.
• Producing a concise analytical report summarizing the findings, including insights into how AI policy is shaped in practice, key actors involved, and the major trade-offs and governance challenges identified.
• Presenting findings to the research team and incorporating feedback to refine the final output.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess several key qualifications, including:

• A South Africa-based residency, as the role requires local engagement with stakeholders.
• An MSc or higher degree in sociology, political science, development studies, or a related field, demonstrating a strong academic foundation relevant to the research focus.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting and analyzing qualitative interviews, showcasing the ability to gather and interpret complex data.
• Familiarity with AI governance, ethics, or digital policy is preferred, indicating a background that aligns with the research objectives.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, essential for producing high-quality reports and presentations.
• The ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders across various sectors, ensuring that the research captures a wide range of perspectives.

Educational Background:
Candidates for this consultancy are expected to have a strong educational background, specifically an MSc or higher in fields such as sociology, political science, development studies, or related disciplines. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of AI governance and policy-making processes, as well as for conducting rigorous qualitative research. The advanced degree should provide the consultant with the theoretical and methodological tools necessary to analyze the intricate relationships between AI technologies and societal impacts, particularly in the context of sustainable development.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, particularly in conducting qualitative research. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting and analyzing qualitative interviews, which is essential for gathering insights from stakeholders involved in the AI policy-making process. Familiarity with AI governance and digital policy is preferred, as it will enhance the consultant's ability to engage with the subject matter effectively. This role is particularly well-suited for PhD candidates or postdoctoral researchers who are looking to contribute to applied policy research and have a strong interest in the intersection of technology and social issues.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential, given the context of the research and the need to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders. Additional languages relevant to South Africa's multilingual context may be beneficial, particularly if they facilitate communication with specific stakeholder groups involved in the AI policy-making process.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last approximately 12-16 weeks, with an estimated duration from May to November 202

• The consultant must be based in South Africa, and travel within the country may be required depending on stakeholder availability. This position is likely to be a full-time engagement, and the consultant will need to upload a cover letter, CV, and rates to the IFPRI Taleo site as part of the application process.