The Council provides strategic oversight and represents the General Assembly between its formal meetings. It serves as a governance body that sits between GA meetings to ensure continuity in oversight and strategic guidance for the IRC. It supports the IRC Secretariat in steering operations and decisions.

It does not implement activities directly but supports decision-making and policy direction for the Consortium.

Council members are expected to provide strategic oversight and guidance of Secretariat activities, participate in Council meetings, and represent the IRC in key platforms.

The Council will consist of 15 members:

• 11 selected members (6 regional representatives, 3 thematic experts in FNSSA-related areas (e.g., climate change, food systems), 2 at-large members to ensure gender/youth representation)
• 2 Funders
• 2 Strategic Entities (e.g., Co-Chairs of FNSSA Working Group)

Continental institutions (e.g., AFASS) can nominate candidates if they are full IRC members. However, regional balance is prioritized during selection (East, West, North, South, Central Africa and Europe). There is currently no separate “continental” category.

The EAC serves as an independent advisory body providing expert, strategic, and technical input to ensure the relevance, scientific quality, and impact of IRC activities. EAC members offer external perspectives to strengthen IRC programmes and strategies.

EAC members are expected to:

• Provide strategic and technical guidance to the General Assembly, IRC Council, and Working Groups
• Offer expert advice upon request
• Promote alignment of IRC activities with FNSSA priorities and the SDGs
• Help shape the long-term direction and vision of the IRC

Only individuals from full IRC member institutions are eligible for Council nomination.

Candidates for the Council should bring expertise relevant to the thematic areas of focus, particularly FNSSA. Nominees must be from an active IRC member institution in good standing, demonstrate commitment to IRC values and responsibilities, and have relevant expertise in FNSSA-IRC themes.

Similar to the Council, only Full IRC members can be nominated to serve on the EAC. In addition, nominees must be recognized experts in FNSSA or closely related fields. These fields may include academia, development agencies, innovation hubs, or financial institutions. Furthermore, nominees should demonstrate commitment to the SDGs.

However, all IRC Signatories – regardless of membership status – can nominate qualified experts for the EAC nominations.

Yes. EAC nominees are chosen based on their individual expertise in FNSSA-related themes, not institutional membership.

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Yes. EAC nominees are chosen based on their individual expertise in FNSSA-related themes, not institutional membership.

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Each eligible institution or organization may submit up to two nominations for each body (Council and/or EAC).

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For both Council and EAC nominations, the following are required:

• Completed Nomination Form
• 1-page Statement of Interest
• Updated CV or professional profile

The selection process is led by the CEA-FIRST project team, with the IRC Secretariat playing a key role. The process involves:

• Eligibility screening by the Secretariat
• Review of the candidate slate by the GA Co-Chairs to ensure balance

Final election by simple majority vote at the next

An evaluation panel under CEA-FIRST, including the Secretariat will review nominations, with final endorsement in consultation with the General Assembly to ensure strategic and balanced representation.

The selection process is led by the CEA-FIRST project team, with the IRC Secretariat playing a key role. The process involves:

• Eligibility screening by the Secretariat
• Review of the candidate slate by the GA Co-Chairs to ensure balance

Final election by simple majority vote at the next

The selection process is led by the CEA-FIRST project team, with the IRC Secretariat playing a key role. The process involves:

• Eligibility screening by the Secretariat
• Review of the candidate slate by the GA Co-Chairs to ensure balance

Final election by simple majority vote at the next

Both serve a two-year term, renewable once.

Both serve a two-year term, renewable once.

The Council meetings may vary, but they are held as needed to provide oversight and address any pressing matters that arise between General Assembly sessions; the EAC meets at least once a year.

Yes. Membership on the Council or EAC does not restrict individuals or their institutions from participating in IRC Working Groups or similar platforms. For example, if a Council member’s institution is interested in joining a thematic working group (e.g., on climate change, or any other area), that is fully permitted.

In general, yes—but it depends on the circumstances:

• No conflict of interest: If the Council or EAC is not involved in the selection or evaluation process for a particular call (e.g., a call issued on behalf of a third party like the European Commission), then Council or EAC members and their institutions may participate without issue.
• Potential conflict of interest: If the Council or EAC plays a role in the design, evaluation, or selection process of the call, members with a direct or institutional interest in the call must declare a conflict of interest and recuse themselves from any related decision-making.

Yes. IRC member institutions can nominate individuals from other IRC member institutions.

Yes, a person can be nominated for both. However, they will only be selected for one role.

No automatic restriction. However, since two HLPD Working Group members sit on the Council, care is taken to avoid overlap or conflicts. Nominees should not be in dual roles of representation.

Six of the 11 Council members are selected based on regional representation. The selection process ensures balanced geographic distribution (e.g., across Africa and Europe), even if nominees come from similar regions.

• Council: Selection considers regional, thematic, gender, and youth balance, and institutional representation.
• EAC: Selection is based solely on individual FNSSA expertise, not on regional or institutional affiliation.

Yes, if your organization is a full IRC member, you can nominate up to two individuals for the Council.

Yes. Nominees should:

• Belong to a full IRC member institution
• Have relevant experience or thematic expertise in FNSSA
• Represent regional, gender, or youth balance where possible

A list of eligible institutions will be made available to guide nominations.

You may consult the list of eligible IRC member institutions to explore qualified candidates. Nominations should be based on professional reputation and fit for strategic oversight.