Individual Consultant

Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Policy Analyst(Individual Consultant)Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Project: Circular Food Systems for Rwanda (CIRF)
Duration: 6 months
Reports to: Rwanda Food Program Lead and CIRF Project ManagerStart Date: 1st July 2025
Contract Type: Individual Consultant Contract

• About the Program The Circular Economy for Food Systems Transition in Rwanda is a four-year project funded by the IKEA Foundation and managed by a consortium of partners led by the World Resources Institute (WRI). The consortium includes Resonance, African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), African Circular Economy Network (ACEN), and the Rwanda Cleaner Production and Climate Innovation Centre (CPCIC).These organizations represent a powerful alliance of actors who are at the forefront of building the circular economy movement at the national (CPCIC), regional (ACEN, ACEA), and global (WRI, Resonance) levels. The program envisions a resilient, circular, and regenerative food system that improves livelihoods while delivering positive environmental and social outcomes for communities in Rwanda and beyond.
  • Our MissionWe aim to catalyze cross-sectoral action that will:
    • Accelerate business growth for enterprises in the circular food economy (SME Workstream 1);
    • Advance a supportive enabling environment through smart policy design (Policy Workstream 2); and
    • Generate and distill actionable insights to guide food systems transformation across other geographies (Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning – MEL & Communications).
      • Job highlight WRI is looking for a skilled and proactive Policy Analyst Consultant to support the Circular Food Systems for Rwanda Project (CIRF). The consultant will help strengthen the policy landscape for circular economy approaches in Rwanda’s food system. Working closely with the Cleaner Production and Climate Innovation Center (CPCIC) and other partners, the consultant will support the coordination of the Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP)—a key space for evidence-based dialogue and policy collaboration. Reporting to the Country Representative and Food Program Lead, the consultant will contribute to policy analysis, cross-ministerial coordination, and the development of research and advocacy products. A key focus will be promoting policy coherence and advising on strategies to ensure the MSP’s long-term sustainability.
        • Objectives of the consultancyThe consultant will provide strategic and technical advisory support to the CIRF Policy Workstream to contribute to the following objectives:
          • Advise and support efforts to strengthen Rwanda’s enabling policy and regulatory frameworks for a circular food system.
          • Facilitate and provide guidance on stakeholder coordination and policy engagement through the Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP).
          • Support efforts to promote policy coherence across key ministries and ensure alignment with national policies and strategic plans.
          • Contribute to the development of evidence-based policy outputs, research, and advocacy materials to inform decision-making.
          • Offer recommendations and technical guidance to promote the institutionalization and long-term sustainability of the policy platform.5. Scope of Work and Key Responsibilities5.1 Policy Research, Analysis, and Advisory
            • Contribute to the development of actionable, high-quality issue papers, policy briefs, and technical notes to inform policy and regulatory decision-making.
            • Translate research findings into strategic advice for relevant ministries, regulatory bodies, and public institutions.
            • Conduct technical analysis on key circular food system issues, including food safety integration, sustainable packaging alternatives, standards and certification, SME financing mechanisms, and policy monitoring frameworks.
            • Support the consolidation and refinement of at least two issue papers or policy briefs to guide multi-stakeholder dialogue.
            • Provide targeted policy advisory support to relevant ministries and agencies, in coordination with the Food Program Lead and Country Representative.
            • Coordinate peer review processes for technical outputs with project partners and relevant stakeholders.
            • Collaborate with the CIRF team and partners to co-develop research and technical products that contribute to policy alignment and reform.
            • Capture insights and emerging lessons from Rwanda’s policy experience to inform WRI’s broader learning agenda.5.2 Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) Facilitation
              • Support coordination of the MSP in collaboration with CPCIC, including strategic planning, event organization, and documentation.
              • Assist in organizing quarterly MSP meetings and thematic technical workshops.
              • Track progress on MSP recommendations, and maintain the stakeholder database and communication channels.
              • Facilitate and support working groups within the MSP (e.g., focused on sustainable packaging, SME financing), ensuring inclusive participation and clear outcomes.5.3 Government and Ecosystem Engagement
                • In close coordination with the Country Representative& Food Program Lead , strengthen relationships with key ministries, government agencies, and public institutions.
                • Represent the CIRF policy workstream in key sector coordination forums (e.g., agriculture, environment, climate) to promote the integration of circular economy principles in food system policies.
                • Identify and engage policy champions across institutions to build momentum for key policy proposals.
                • Ensure CIRF’s policy contributions are reflected in national development dialogues and sector planning processes.5.4 Communications and Knowledge Sharing
                  • Work with WRI’s communications team to support the dissemination of project results and policy recommendations.
                  • Prepare clear and compelling presentations, policy summaries, and success stories to communicate impact and lessons learned.
                  • Contribute to public awareness and outreach activities, including the preparation of materials and participation in relevant engagements promoting circular food practices.
                  • Support messaging around key policy wins, innovations, and progress achieved through the CIRF platform.5.5 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
                    • Collaborate with the CIRF MEL expert to track progress against key performance indicators (e.g., policy uptake, stakeholder engagement, platform effectiveness).
                    • Analyze stakeholder feedback and integrate insights into policy workstream planning and activities.
                    • Participate in internal coordination meetings and contribute to project reporting as required by the Food Program Lead and Country Representative.
                    • Document key meetings, outputs, and examples of policy influence resulting from CIRF’s engagement.
                      • Key deliverablesDeliverableTimelineDetailed Work Plan for 6-month consultancyWeek 1Coordination and delivery of 1 quarterly MSP meetingBy Month 3Facilitation of one technical workshop (e.g., certification, finance)By Month 5Policy outcomes for the learning event were produced By month 4Monthly updates to stakeholder engagement and action tracking logMonthlyStakeholder engagement log and platform action tracking updatesMonthlyProgress report on the two policy issue papers By Month 6Final consultancy report summarizing policy outcomes and engagementMonth 6
                        • Required qualifications and competencies
                        • Master’s degree in economics, agricultural economics, rural development or economics, environmental studies, or a related field.
                        • At least 10 years of professional experience in policy analysis, government engagement, sustainable development, or circular economy.
                        • Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality written outputs, including policy papers, technical notes, and briefs.
                        • Proven experience in policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, proven experience working with Rwanda’s government institutions, and project coordination, including prior work with international development organizations
                        • Proven facilitation skills in organizing high-level policy meetings or workshops.
                        • Knowledge of circular economy, food systems transformation, or green financing is highly desirable.
                        • Excellent communication skills in English (Kinyarwanda and French are a plus).
                        • Strong interpersonal skills, with a collaborative and adaptive mindset.