Terms of Reference

Individual Consultant to support design, execution, and analysis of qualitative interviews to generate insights into the AI policy-making process in South Africa

1. Background

This assignment is part of a broader research initiative examining the development and governance of artificial intelligence (AI) in South Africa, with a particular focus on implications for sustainable and equitable food, land, and water systems. While formal AI policy processes are emerging, there are important gaps between policy design, stakeholder engagement, and real-world implementation. At the same time, sectors such as agriculture are actively shaping how AI is adopted and governed, often moving ahead of formal regulatory frameworks. This study aims to better understand how AI policy is actually made in practice—who is involved, how decisions are shaped, and what trade-offs are emerging—using qualitative interviews with key stakeholders.

The objective of this consultancy is to support the design, execution, and analysis of qualitative interviews to generate insights into the AI policy-making process in South Africa, with specific attention to agriculture and related systems. It will contribute to an ongoing project in South Africa and the CGIAR Digital Transformation Accelerator Area of Work (AoW) 2 on Enabling Environment.

2. The collaborator will undertake the following activities:

a. Preparation and refinement

• Review and refine the existing interview protocol
• Identify and prioritize key stakeholders across government, industry, academia, and civil society
• Support development of an interview plan and outreach strategy

b. Data Collection

• Conduct semi-structured interviews (approx. 40-50) with relevant stakeholders
• Ensure ethical and high-quality data collection practices
• Maintain clear documentation of interviews (notes and/or transcripts)

c. Analysis

• Analyze interview data using qualitative methods (e.g. thematic coding)
• Identify key patterns in policy processes, actor networks, and decision-making dynamics
• Pay particular attention to linkages between AI governance and food, land, and water systems

d. Reporting

• Produce a concise analytical report (or contribute to a broader research output)
• Summarize key findings, including:
  • How AI policy is shaped in practice
  • Key actors and influence pathways
  • Major trade-offs and governance challenges
• Present findings to the research team and incorporate feedback

4. Deliverables

1. Refined interview protocol

1. Stakeholder mapping and interview plan
2. Interview dataset (notes/transcripts, cleaned and anonymized)
3. Analytical report (approx. 10–15 pages)
4. Presentation of findings

5. Duration

• Estimated duration: 12-16 weeks
• May – November, 2026

6. Qualifications and Experience

The consultant should have the following qualifications:

• South Africa-based
• MSc (or higher) in sociology, political science, development studies, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience conducting and analyzing qualitative interviews
• Familiarity with AI governance, ethics, or digital policy (preferred)
• Strong analytical and writing skills
• Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders across sectors

This role is well suited to a PhD candidate or postdoctoral researcher seeking to contribute to applied policy research.

7. Location

The consultant must be based in South Africa. Travel within the country may be required, depending on stakeholder availability.

8. Application

To apply, please upload cover letter, CV, and rates to IFPRI Taleo site.