Serious Game and Policy Game Specialist

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.