National Impact Assessment Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF), is implementing a programme in Ghana (GCP/GLO/931 MUL) 2018–2026 aimed at strengthening Forest and Farm Producer Organizations (FFPOs) to contribute to climate-resilient landscapes, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive rural development. The initiative is part of a global partnership implemented in collaboration with the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and AgriCord.

Since its inception in Ghana in November 2018, FFF has supported apex organizations, grassroots producer groups, women and youth associations, and community-based organizations through Letters of Agreement (LoAs) and Direct Beneficiary Grants (DBGs). These interventions have focused on improving the institutional capacity of FFPOs, strengthening governance systems, enhancing market access and financial inclusion, and promoting sustainable natural resource management and climate-resilient practices.

The programme contributes to key national development priorities and supports the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty reduction, gender equality, climate action, and sustainable land use. Specific interventions include capacity building for producer organizations, support to non-timber forest product (NTFP) and agroforestry value chains, promotion of green landscape approaches, and facilitation of policy engagement processes at local and national levels.
Given the scope and scale of these interventions, FAO seeks to undertake an independent impact assessment to evaluate the results and outcomes of the FFF programme in Ghana. The assessment will examine the extent to which FFF has contributed to strengthening FFPOs, improving livelihoods, enhancing climate resilience, and influencing policy and governance processes. It will also document lessons learned, identify best practices, and provide recommendations to inform future programming and scaling of FFF interventions.

Reporting Lines

The National Impact Assessment Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Country Representative and the direct technical supervision of the National Coordinator, and in close coordination with the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and the FAO project team in Ghana.

Technical Focus

The National Impact Assessment Specialist will deliver a high-quality, independent and evidence-based impact assessment, focusing on institutional strengthening of producer organisations, inclusive value chain development, financial inclusion, climate resilience, sustainable land use, and social inclusion. It will apply FAO evaluation standards, OECD DAC criteria, and mixed-methods approaches to ensure credible, participatory, and results-oriented findings.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Apply critical thinking and analytical skills to conduct a comprehensive desk review of programme documentation, M&E systems, and financial data
•     Develop a robust inception report, ensuring methodological rigour, coherence, and alignment with FAO evaluation standards
•     Design data collection tools and frameworks using innovative and mixed-method approaches
•     Lead field data collection with strong 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 in delivering results
•     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 and organising, and strong results orientation
•     Ensure all deliverables comply with FAO standards, reinforcing professionalism and commitment to quality

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum 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

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and project management software (e.g., MS Project).
•     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

Selection Criteria

•     Prior experience working with FAO or any UN agency
•     Prior experience working with the government and other relevant institutions in Ghana

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION