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

Job Posting Organization:
The organization behind this job posting is involved in a broader research initiative focused on the development and governance of artificial intelligence (AI) in South Africa. This initiative aims to address the implications of AI for sustainable and equitable food, land, and water systems. The organization is likely part of a larger network, such as CGIAR, which emphasizes research and innovation in agriculture and related fields. The organization is dedicated to bridging the gap between policy design and real-world implementation, particularly in sectors like agriculture that are rapidly evolving in their use of AI technologies.

Job Overview:
The role of the Individual Consultant is to support the design, execution, and analysis of qualitative interviews aimed at generating insights into the AI policy-making process in South Africa. This position is crucial for understanding how AI policies are formulated, who the key stakeholders are, and how their decisions impact the governance of AI in relation to agriculture and other systems. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders, including government officials, industry representatives, academics, and civil society members, to gather qualitative data that will inform the ongoing research project. The consultant's work will contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play in AI governance and its implications for food, land, and water systems, ultimately aiming to enhance the effectiveness of AI policy in practice.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key activities, including:

• Preparation and refinement of the interview protocol, which involves reviewing and refining existing materials, identifying and prioritizing key stakeholders across various sectors, and supporting the development of an interview plan and outreach strategy.
• Data collection, which entails conducting approximately 40-50 semi-structured interviews with relevant stakeholders, ensuring ethical and high-quality data collection practices, and maintaining clear documentation of interviews through notes and/or transcripts.
• Analysis of the interview data using qualitative methods such as thematic coding, identifying key patterns in policy processes, actor networks, and decision-making dynamics, with a focus on the connections between AI governance and food, land, and water systems.
• Reporting, which includes producing a concise analytical report summarizing key findings, such as how AI policy is shaped in practice, identifying key actors and influence pathways, and highlighting major trade-offs and governance challenges. The consultant will also present findings to the research team and incorporate feedback into the final report.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess the following qualifications:

• Must be based in South Africa.
• A Master's degree (MSc) or higher in sociology, political science, development studies, or a related field is required.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting and analyzing qualitative interviews is essential.
• Familiarity with AI governance, ethics, or digital policy is preferred.
• Strong analytical and writing skills are necessary for producing high-quality reports.
• The ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders across various sectors is crucial for the success of this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a minimum of a Master's degree (MSc) or higher in relevant fields such as sociology, political science, development studies, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the theoretical knowledge and analytical skills required to conduct qualitative research and engage with complex policy issues related to AI governance.

Experience:
The position requires demonstrated experience in conducting and analyzing qualitative interviews. This experience is vital for ensuring that the consultant can effectively gather and interpret data from various stakeholders involved in the AI policy-making process. Familiarity with AI governance, ethics, or digital policy is preferred, indicating that the consultant should have a solid understanding of the context in which they will be working. This role is particularly well-suited for a PhD candidate or postdoctoral researcher who is looking to contribute to applied policy research and gain practical experience in the field.

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 the South African context may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last between 12 to 16 weeks, 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. Regular check-ins with the research team will be scheduled to ensure alignment and progress throughout the consultancy period. The application process requires candidates to upload a cover letter, CV, and their rates to the IFPRI Taleo site.