Ghana THRIVE Performance Evaluation Consultancy
Abt Global (Abt) · INGO
- Monitoring, Evaluation & Research
- Accra, Ghana
- Consultant (US)
Overview of THRIVE 2030
Led by World Vision US, Transforming Household Resilience in Vulnerable Environments (THRIVE) 2030 is an eight-year economic empowerment business plan to build resilient and sustainable livelihoods and enable parents and caregivers to adequately support their children by 2030. World Vision’s THRIVE program operates in 11 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The program aims to reach 10 million people in 2 million households in these regions, particularly those living in extreme poverty or facing significant challenges such as food insecurity, lack of access to healthcare, and limited educational opportunities.
Description of Everyone THRIVE Ghana
Everyone THRIVE Ghana addresses the THRIVE goals in partnership with national and county governments, private partners, financial service providers, and local World Vision offices in 14 THRIVE Area Programs (APs) across rural and peri-urban areas, including in the arid and semi-arid parts of the country. Characteristics of these areas include food insecurity, malnutrition, and poverty, alongside other environmental and socio-economic challenges such as unreliable rainfall and low market access and production levels.
In 2024 Abt Global conducted a baseline household survey prior to the start of the Everyone THRIVE Ghana program. In 2026, Abt is conducting a mid-term evaluation. The primary objective of the Ghana follow-on evaluation is to assess progress and emerging results at mid-term, two years after the program start.
Purpose of the Consultancy
The purpose of this consultancy is to support the qualitative component of the Ghana THRIVE 2030 Mid-Term Evaluation by facilitating household-level Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) among THRIVE participants in selected Area Programs, as well as Key Informant Interviews (KII) with THRIVE program staff.
The qualitative research will have a strong implementation focus and will complement the quantitative analysis by:
Exploring pathways of change and perceived outcomes of THRIVE interventions
Assessing implementation fidelity, successes, and challenges of the THRIVE program
Capturing diverse participant experiences, including those of marginalized groups
Scope of Work and Key Tasks
Under the supervision of Abt Global and in coordination with World Vision Ghana and VisionFund Ghana, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:
Task 1: Preparation and Training
Participate in evaluation orientation led by Abt Global
Review the evaluation protocol, interview guides, consent forms, and sampling strategy
Provide input on contextual appropriateness of FGD and KII tools
Translate and back-translate the FGD and KII tools to ensure the meaning remains consistent
Pilot-test FGD and KII guides and incorporate feedback as needed
Task 2: Qualitative Data Collection
Conduct 14 KIIs and facilitate 6 FGDs with Everyone THRIVE Ghana participants and program staff in up to three selected Area Programs (e.g., Bodi, Bulsa Cluster, East Gonja, Kassena Nankana, Kpandai, Wa East, Wa West, West Gonja, Zabzugu)
Ensure informed consent, confidentiality, and ethical research practices
Coordinate logistics for in-person data collection
Task 3: Data Management Support
Ensure high-quality audio recording of FGDs using approved devices
Provide detailed notes for any parts of the transcript that remain unclear
Provide timely translation and transcription from local languages to English (maximum of 10 days after interview)
Review transcripts for completeness and clarity
Support secure labeling and transfer of qualitative data to Abt Global via approved file transfer systems (e.g., BOX)
Task 4: Reporting and Analytical Support
Participate in qualitative debriefs with Abt Global following data collection
Provide written inputs or summaries as requested to inform the mid-term evaluation report
Deliverables
The consultant will be responsible for the following deliverables:
Qualitative data collection implementation plan
Successful completion of FGDs and KIIs in selected THRIVE APs
High-quality audio recordings and verified transcripts for all FGDs and KIIs
Short field debrief notes
Timely participation in evaluation meetings and feedback sessions
Level of Effort and Timeline
The assignment is expected to require approximately 18–22 consultant days, allocated as follows (indicative):
Activity | Estimated Days |
Preparation, training, and tool review | 3–4 days |
Field-based data collection (KIIs and FGDs) | 12-14 days |
Transcription, translation, and data management support | 3–4 days |
The consultancy is expected to take place over a 3-4 week period in January 2027, aligned with the Ghana THRIVE mid-term evaluation timeline.
Required Qualifications and Skills
Minimum Education
Bachelor’s degree
Experience
Minimum of 5–7 years of experience conducting qualitative research in development, livelihoods, financial inclusion, or resilience programming
Demonstrated experience facilitating Focus Group Discussions and Individual Interviews in rural and peri-urban contexts in Ghana
Prior experience working with international NGOs, evaluation firms, or donor-funded programs preferred
Familiarity with participatory qualitative methods and ethical research standards
Technical Skills
Strong qualitative facilitation and interviewing skills
Experience working with vulnerable and marginalized populations
Ability to ensure accurate documentation, translation, and transcription processes
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Language Requirements
Fluency in English (spoken and written) required
Fluency in at least one relevant local language spoken in selected APs (e.g., Dagbani, Dagaare, Kasem, Frafra, Gonja, or other Ghanaian languages) strongly preferred
Ability to facilitate discussions in local languages and support accurate translation to English
Other Requirements
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively with Abt Global, World Vision, VisionFund, and IPSOS
Willingness and ability to travel to rural and peri-urban areas within Ghana
Commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality, and ethical research practices
Reporting and Supervision
The consultant will report directly to Abt Global’s Evaluation Team Lead and will coordinate closely with World Vision Ghana and VisionFund Ghana staff at national and Area Program levels.
Ethical Considerations
All work under this assignment must adhere to Abt Global’s and World Vision’s ethical research standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, safeguarding, and secure data handling procedures.