National Impact Assessment Specialist

The National Impact Assessment Specialist will conduct an independent impact assessment of the Forest and Farm Facility programme in Ghana, focusing on institutional strengthening, inclusive value chain development, financial inclusion, climate resilience, sustainable land use, and social inclusion. The role involves applying FAO evaluation standards and mixed-methods approaches to deliver credible and participatory findings to inform future programming.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive desk review of programme documentation, M&E systems, and financial data using critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Develop a robust inception report ensuring methodological rigour and alignment with FAO evaluation standards.
• Design data collection tools and frameworks using innovative and mixed-method approaches.
• Lead field data collection with emphasis on inclusive stakeholder engagement, ensuring participation of women, youth, and marginalised groups.
• Facilitate Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions demonstrating communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Build effective working relationships with partners reflecting FAO competencies in teamwork and collaboration.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis using evidence-based and results-focused approaches.
• Assess programme performance across OECD DAC criteria applying sound judgement and professional integrity.
• Generate case studies and synthesise complex information into clear, actionable insights.
• Prepare high-quality draft and final reports demonstrating clarity, accuracy, and accountability.
• Identify lessons learned, best practices, and strategic recommendations to support continuous improvement and organisational learning.
• Present findings to diverse audiences showcasing effective communication and knowledge-sharing competencies.
• Facilitate validation workshops ensuring transparency, inclusiveness, and stakeholder ownership.
• Deliver outputs within agreed timelines demonstrating planning, organising, and strong results orientation.
• Ensure all deliverables comply with FAO standards reinforcing professionalism and commitment to quality.

Requirements

• Advanced University degree/University degree in forestry, natural resource management, rural development, business/enterprise development, cooperative studies, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in programme evaluation or impact assessment.
• Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English.
• National of Ghana.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and project management software (e.g., MS Project).
• Experience with mixed-methods data collection and analysis.
• Proven experience in impact assessment, cooperative/producer organization development, SME formalisation, and/or social enterprise models.
• Strong knowledge of natural resource governance, value chains, and policy processes, with demonstrated work with FFPOs or similar rural organizations.
• Familiarity with gender-responsive programming and inclusive development approaches.
• Excellent analytical, interviewing, synthesis, and facilitation skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly to practitioner audiences.
• Strong report writing skills and a track record of timely delivery.
• Proficiency in the use of statistical software for data analysis (such as R, STATA, SPSS), or other tools considered relevant to the vacancy.
• Prior experience working with FAO or any UN agency is desirable.
• Prior experience working with the government and other relevant institutions in Ghana is desirable.

Skills

• Programme Evaluation
• Impact Assessment Design
• Mixed-Methods Data Collection
• Mixed Methods Analysis
• Cooperative Organization Development
• SME Formalisation
• Social Enterprise
• Natural Resource Governance
• Value Chain Analysis
• Policy Process Analysis
• Gender-Responsive Programming
• Inclusive Development Approaches
• Analytical Skills
• Interview Techniques
• Facilitation Skills
• Report Writing
• Statistical Software Stata
• STATA
• SPSS
• Microsoft Office Suite
• MS Project
• Project Management

Languages

English