Serious Game and Policy Game Specialist

Organizational Context

The Office of Innovation (OIN) drives and coordinates innovation across FAO, strengthening its innovative spirit and cooperation models. OIN supports Programme Priority Areas by mainstreaming innovation, facilitating cross-collaboration among FAO units, and forging transformative partnerships. This call aims to establish a roster of Serious Game and Policy Game Specialists to support FAO's global, regional, and country-level work. Assignments may be home-based with travel as required.

Job Purpose

The role involves providing innovation methodologies, tools, and strategic support for designing, developing, and facilitating serious games and policy simulation games in both physical and virtual formats. It emphasizes participatory and experiential methodologies, systems thinking, and co-creation tools for complex agrifood systems and policy environments. The specialist will utilize virtual gaming platforms and digital collaboration tools for remote stakeholder engagement and policy dialogue, and strengthen countries' capacities to integrate game-based learning and simulation into their programs, policies, and technical assistance activities.

Responsibilities

Incumbents will lead or participate in multidisciplinary teams using game-based innovation to support FAO programs and country activities. Responsibilities include designing and developing serious games and policy simulations with tailored mechanics, narratives, and pedagogical frameworks for agrifood challenges. Adapting and facilitating games for virtual environments using digital platforms for global participation is key. The role involves facilitating high-level policy simulations and workshops for diverse stakeholders, leading debriefing sessions to connect game experiences with real-world policy outcomes, and developing training materials for capacity building. Preparing analytical reports, methodological guidelines, and contributing to collaborations with government and development organizations are also expected.

Work Experience

A minimum of 1-5 years of relevant professional experience is required in designing and facilitating serious games, policy simulations, or experiential learning processes. Experience with both physical and virtual game formats is essential. Candidates with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of experience beyond the minimum requirement.

Skills

Key skills include expertise in game mechanics design and applying gaming to complex policy topics. Demonstrated ability to design and facilitate participatory processes and manage group dynamics in face-to-face and virtual settings is crucial. Proficiency in digital collaboration and virtual gaming tools (e.g., Miro, MURAL, virtual tabletop software) is required. Experience translating complex data into engaging game formats and working with international organizations is beneficial. A portfolio showcasing relevant work is requested.

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