Impact Monitoring Officer - Participatory Development Associates

Job Summary

Participatory Development Associates (PDA) is seeking experienced and dedicated persons to work as Impact Monitoring Officers (IMOs) to systematically track, assess, and communicate the tangible and intangible outcomes and impacts resulting from the Mastercard Foundation’s initiatives and investments in Ghana. This will include quarterly data collection activities, and supporting the implementation of related monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities as will be assigned.

The role also involves adhering to the study's data quality assurance protocols to maintain accuracy and
reliability, as well as managing and uploading collected data into specified systems. Additionally, responsibilities extend to supporting longitudinal data collection efforts by enhancing participant retention, maintaining an up-to-date database of participants, and ensuring that those who wish to withdraw from the study can do so promptly and seamlessly. Assisting in the preparation of periodic field reports and data collection activities is also required.

The position will be based in selected districts or regions nationwide. Willingness to travel within the district/region, including weekends, is required. 

Key Responsibilities

• Conducting initial and follow-up interviews with youth-in-work and enterprises according to the sampling plan
• Ensuring a proper, rigorous, and ethical consenting process to successfully and ethically obtain participant consent.
• Adhering to the study's data quality assurance protocols to maintain accuracy and reliability,
• Managing and uploading collected data into specified systems.
• Supporting longitudinal data collection efforts by enhancing participant retention,
• Maintaining an up-to-date database of participants, 
• Ensuring that those who wish to withdraw from the study can do so promptly and seamlessly.
• Assisting in the preparation of periodic field reports and data collection activities
• Participating in all training activities and capacity building programs where required
• Adhering to all safeguarding protocols.
• Any other responsibilities as will be assigned from time to time.

Person Specification

Overall orientation

• Understanding of and a personal commitment to participatory culture and approaches in development.
• Willing to uphold the Values of PDA and partners.
• An organized and efficient person with good people skills.

1. 1. Able to coordinate self, others, and resources.
   2. Good communicator and team player with the ability to deal with a wide range of people.

• Good team player, and leader, and able to work with all operational levels.
• Able to create and maintain a supportive working environment for colleagues with a positive problemsolving attitude.
• Able to take initiative, be enterprising and think creatively.
• Able to work under pressure and manage responsibilities within tight deadlines.
• Have strong analytical skills
• Eager to learn, and committed to maintaining a culture of continuous learning in PDA.
• High level of integrity and honesty

Required Skills or Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Statistics, M&E, or a related field. Specialized training or equivalent experience in M&E or Impact Assessment is also considered.

Experience

• Minimum 1-2 years in data collection for evaluations or research, including M&E activities in development programs.
• Fieldwork experience in both rural and urban settings.
• Proven expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including data analysis and interpretation.

Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency in digital data collection tools (e.g., ODK, SurveyCTO, CommCare) is an advantage.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills and experience using laptops, tablets, and GPS recording.
• Strong critical thinking and accuracy in data collection
• Ability to engage effectively across diverse populations.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Strong rapport-building with participants and stakeholders
• Commitment to informed consent and data confidentiality.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage budgets and timelines effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills.
• A deep understanding of data collection methodologies
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• A commitment to ethical research practices and inclusivity.
• Fluency in English; and knowledge of relevant local language(s).

Additional Requirements

The role requires a willingness to travel extensively, including to remote areas, to conduct fieldwork. Candidates should also be able to support training sessions and assist in testing data collection tools.
Additionally, the position may require obtaining a criminal record certificate and undergoing background checks as part of the hiring process.

Employment status: Contract (1 year, renewable)