Consultant (Individual): Facilitator and Strategy Drafting for Myanmar Agrifood System Forum
Background
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), in partnership with the Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT) and the World Bank, will convene a two-day, in-person Forum in Bangkok focused on Myanmarโs agrifood system. The Forum will bring together approximately 100 participants, including development partners, implementers, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and technical experts.
The Forum is designed to support structured, candid discussion on how agrifood systems and markets are functioning under current conditions and the constraints shaping their performance, and to incorporate insights from these discussions into a practical strategy/roadmap to guide future engagement.
Objective of the Assignment
The objective of the assignment is to support the effective delivery of the Forum by facilitating structured discussions and preparing a draft strategy/roadmap that builds on existing evidence and incorporates key insights and priorities emerging from the Forum discussions.
Scope of Work
Before the Forum
Review background materials prepared by IFPRI, including the agenda, thematic briefs, and relevant evidence.
Participate in preparatory meeting(s) with the IFPRI team and partners to discuss the objectives of the Forum, expectations for the facilitation role, and the key questions guiding discussion.
Provide light input on session flow, discussion framing, and guiding questions, as needed.
During the Forum
Serve as the lead facilitator for thematic sessions at the Forum, attending in person in Bangkok on March 24โ25, 2026.
Guide the discussant segments and facilitated discussions to ensure sessions remain focused on the key questions and objectives of the Forum.
Encourage balanced participation across different types of participants and manage time within sessions.
Help surface key points and recurring themes emerging across discussions.
After the Forum
Prepare an initial draft of the strategy/roadmap that builds on existing evidence and incorporates key insights and priorities emerging from the Forum discussions.
Participate in feedback meeting(s) with IFPRI and partners to discuss the draft and clarify priorities, gaps, or areas requiring refinement.
Revise the draft based on comments and guidance from IFPRI and partners.
Submit a revised draft within an agreed timeframe following the Forum, after which IFPRI will lead finalization of the document.
Working Arrangements
To support efficient delivery of the assignment, IFPRI will prepare and share thematic briefs in advance of the Forum, which will provide the core evidence base for the strategy/roadmap. These materials will allow preliminary drafting to begin prior to the Forum. During the Forum, IFPRI will have a team documenting discussions across sessions, and these notes will be made available to the facilitator to support incorporation of key insights and perspectives from the Forum into the initial draft.
The facilitator will work closely with the IFPRI team throughout the assignment and will report to IFPRIโs Myanmar Program Leader. Travel for the facilitator to attend the Forum in Bangkok will be arranged by IFPRI, in accordance with IFPRIโs travel policy.
Expected Deliverables
Effective facilitation of thematic sessions during the two-day Forum.
An initial draft of the strategy/roadmap incorporating existing evidence and key insights emerging from Forum discussions.
A revised draft of the strategy/roadmap reflecting feedback from IFPRI and partners.
Duration and Level of Effort
The assignment is expected to require a level of effort of up to 15 days, including preparation prior to the Forum, two days of in-person participation in Bangkok, and post-Forum drafting and revisions over a short timeframe.
Qualifications
Advanced degree and/or substantial professional experience in agriculture, economic development, international development, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience leading or contributing to the development of strategic frameworks, roadmaps, or investment-oriented strategy documents for donors, development partners, or similar audiences.
Strong experience facilitating high-level, multi-stakeholder discussions, including with donors, implementers, civil society, and private sector actors.
Proven ability to synthesize complex technical discussions and evidence into clear, strategic written outputs oriented toward decision-making and prioritization.
Experience working across agrifood systems, markets, private sector development, and related areas such as trade or inclusive economic growth.
Familiarity with development challenges in fragile, conflict-affected, or politically constrained contexts, and the implications for market functioning and investment.
Knowledge of Myanmar and its current political, economic, and development context, including experience working in or on the country.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to engage credibly with senior technical and policy audiences.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit the following:
Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting relevant experience.
One-page statement of interest that includes:
a brief summary of relevant qualifications and experience for this assignment;
confirmation of availability to travel to Bangkok for the Forum dates (March 24 โ 25, 2026) and eligibility to enter the Kingdom of Thailand;
and the proposed level of effort (in days) and daily rate.
Application Deadline: 13 February 2026