National Impact Assessment Specialist

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

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

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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