Call for External Expertise in Participatory Governance and Participatory Design (WP1 & WP4) for the Interreg NEXT MED project “FOODGaP – Food Governance and Policies at Local Level” (Ref.No 2/2026)
Deadline for Application: September 30th 2026
The EPLO implements a large number of programs funded by the European Union and other international donors, assisting governments and institutions around the world. The main areas of intervention comprise: governance, the rule of law, human rights, public administration, democratization, legislative approximation to the EU acquis, migration and sustainable development. The external expert will be involved in the Interreg Next Med Project “FOODGaP: Food Governance and Policies at local level”, co-funded by the European Union and specifically will participate in the WP1 – Project Management and WP4 - Building local food systems' participatory governance models.
The FOODGaP project aims to strengthen cooperation governance in the Mediterranean by supporting local authorities and stakeholders in developing improved models for local food policies, in line with the new priority of the NEXT-MED programme. The project will enhance the capacity of public authorities to coordinate effectively with local actors, promote participatory governance approaches and test improved services through pilot actions. It aims to establish a Mediterranean Coalition for local food policy development, ensuring long-term impact and collaboration across the region.
This is a replacement position. The external expert is expected to contribute to the following tasks during the implementation period from October 2026 to July 2028:
• Assist in designing and implementing participatory governance methodologies and multi-stakeholder engagement processes for local food policy development aligned with EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork priorities.
• Facilitate co-design workshops, peer-learning sessions, and deliberative dialogues with municipalities, civil society organizations, academia, and private sector representatives.
• Contribute to the mapping of governance challenges, gaps, and opportunities across project pilot cities.
• Develop practical guidance and toolkits for participatory food governance, aligned with SDG 17 and EU Farm to Fork Strategy.
• Support the creation of the Mediterranean Coalition for local food policy development.
• Prepare policy briefs, methodological guidelines, and contributions to project deliverables.
• Ensure gender equality, youth participation, and inclusiveness in governance processes.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
• Advanced university degree (Master’s level or higher) in Public Policy, Governance, Political Science, Sociology, Sustainable Development, Environment, Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Engineering or a related field.
• Specialization in participatory governance, deliberative democracy, or stakeholder engagement is an asset.
Experience
• At least 5 years of professional experience in governance, public policy, stakeholder engagement, or participatory design processes, preferably in the context of EU- or internationally funded projects.
• Proven track record in designing and facilitating multi-stakeholder engagement (workshops, consultations, co-creation labs, participatory foresight).
• Demonstrated experience in policy co-design and governance models at local or regional level, ideally in the fields of food policy, sustainability, or urban development.
• Experience working with Mediterranean or EU local authorities and international organizations.
• Familiarity with the EU Green Deal, Farm to Fork, and SDG frameworks.
• Experience producing analytical reports, toolkits, and policy recommendations.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and intercultural dialogue skills.
Languages
• Fluency (oral and written) in English
• Fluency (oral and written) in Greek
• Competency in any other languages will be an asset
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications, including a CV in English to info@eplo.int, quoting the Reference number of the call, by September 30th 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
EPLO is an international organization promoting equality and equal chances. All candidates are evaluated without prejudice in terms of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, family status, disabilities, as well as other legally protected characteristics. Please be so kind as to remove from your CV any information that could be considered as prejudicial either from your side or EPLO’s side.