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- FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
- Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
- FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
Organizational Setting
The Office of Innovation (OIN) is an important instrument within FAO to provide strategic direction and help drive and coordinate innovation across the work of the Organization, i.e., to consolidate and strengthen FAO’s innovative spirit, including innovation of approaches and cooperation models. OIN supports the Programme Priority Areas, ensuring that FAO mainstreams innovation in its programmes, facilitates cross-collaboration between the various FAO units and aids in forging and reinforcing transformative partnerships.
The purpose of this call is to build a roster of Serious Game and Policy Game Specialist to support FAO’s work at global, regional and country levels. Assignments may be home‑based with travel as required.
Reporting Lines
The Serious Game and Policy Game Specialist will report to and work under the overall supervision of the Innovation Officer (Policies, systems and foresight) in OIN.
Technical Focus
Provision of innovation methodologies, tools and strategic support related to:
• Design, development, and facilitation of serious games and policy simulation games in both physical (including gamebooks) and virtual/digital formats.
• Participatory and experiential methodologies, systems thinking, and co-creation tools applied to complex agrifood systems and policy environments.
• Utilization of virtual gaming platforms and digital collaboration tools to enable remote stakeholder engagement and immersive policy dialogue.
• Strengthening countries’ capacities to integrate game-based learning and simulation into programmes, policies, and technical assistance activities.
Tasks and responsibilities
Depending on the specific profile, the incumbent will:
• Lead or participate in multidisciplinary teams applying game-based innovation methodologies to support FAO programmes, strategies, and country activities.
• Design and develop or contribute to original serious games and policy simulations, including game mechanics, narrative structures, and pedagogical frameworks tailored to agrifood system challenges.
• Adapt and facilitate games for virtual environments, utilizing digital platforms (e.g., Tabletopia, Miro, Tabletop Simulator, or custom web-based tools) to enable global participation.
• Facilitate high-level policy simulation exercises and participatory workshops for diverse stakeholders, including government officials, private sector partners, and local communities.
• Lead or contribute to "debriefing" sessions to bridge game experiences with real-world policy outcomes, ensuring that systemic insights are captured and translated into actionable results.
• Develop or contribute to training materials and deliver capacity development activities on game-based facilitation for FAO staff and national partners.
• Prepare analytical reports, methodological guidelines, and documentation on game-based interventions aligned with FAO standards.
• Contribute to collaboration with government counterparts, research institutions, and development organizations to advance the use of gaming in policymaking.
• Perform other related duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• 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.
• 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).
• Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English (Level C).
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• 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 (e.g., Miro, MURAL, virtual tabletop software, or interactive web platforms).
• Experience in translating complex data or systems (such as agrifood systems or climate models) 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.
Selection Criteria
• Candidates will be assessed on their demonstrated experience in their role of designer and/or facilitator, specifically focusing on serious games that address policy challenges.
• Proven capacity to design and deliver innovation-focused learning via virtual platforms will be a key consideration.
• Candidates will also be requested to submit a portfolio of relevant previous work (e.g., game prototypes, rulebooks, session reports, gamebooks, or digital game links) demonstrating the quality and range of their gaming practice.
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
- Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
- Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
- For more information, visit the FAO employment website
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
HOW TO APPLY
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp
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