The International Research Consortium (IRC) under the AU-EU High-Level Policy Dialogue (HLPD) on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) is finalizing the composition of its Council. This Council is central to guiding, coordinating, and promoting AU-EU collaborative research and innovation in support of sustainable food systems transformation. To ensure balanced geographic and institutional representation, particularly from European institutions based in the EU, this supplementary call invites new nominations from qualified individuals affiliated with non-CIRAD European institutions.
This call is open to representatives from Full IRC member institutions in good standing (refers to paid-up IRC Signatories members) and aims to ensure the tenets of the IRC Charter on diversity, transparency and inclusivity in leadership. If you are eligible, download the nomination form: HERE
Role of the IRC Council
The IRC Council is responsible for:
- Providing strategic oversight and policy guidance to the FNSSA R&I partnership.
- Supporting coordination between African and European institutions and stakeholders.
- Reviewing and endorsing R&I priorities aligned with AU and EU frameworks.
- Overseeing communication, implementation, and evaluation of IRC activities.
Eligibility Criteria for Nominees
Nominations must satisfy the following:
Institutional & Geographic:
- Must be based at a European institution headquartered in the EU
- Institution must be active in FNSSA-related R&I, policy, or innovation ecosystems.
Expertise & Experience:
- Demonstrated expertise in food systems transformation, agricultural R&I, or STI policy frameworks.
- Proven experience in multistakeholder engagement, particularly in AU-EU or global partnerships.
- Familiarity with relevant frameworks (e.g., EU Green Deal, Horizon Europe, AU Agenda 2063, CAADP, Farm to Fork, etc.).
Other Considerations:
- Gender balance and regional diversity are key considerations.
- Nominees must not currently serve on the IRC Council through another institution.
- Nominees must be from Full IRC member institutions.
Nomination Package
Each nomination must include:
- Completed Nomination Form (use attached template)
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 5 pages)
- Statement of Interest (max 1 page), outlining:
- Motivation for joining the Council
- Relevant experience and anticipated contributions
- Institutional Endorsement Letter
Submission Instructions
IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE, DOWNLOAD THE NORMINATION FORM: HERE
- Deadline: [October 27, 2025, 11:59 GMT]
- Email to: [ifrempong@faraafrica.org with copy to Jannis.Dimitriou@slu.se]
- Subject line: “EU Nomination – IRC Council”
Review Process
Nominations will be reviewed by the CEA-FIRST Task leaders against established eligibility and balance criteria. The selected nominee will join an existing Council composition from African academia, private sector, extension, and continental bodies.
Contact for Inquiries
For further information, please contact:
[ifrempong@faraafrica.org and copy Jannis.Dimitriou@slu.se]