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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Impact Officer

💰 $ - $

Social ImpactNon-ProfitSustainabilityData AnalysisMonitoring & Evaluation

🎯 Role Definition

The Impact Officer is a pivotal strategic role, acting as the organization's expert on measuring and understanding its effect on the world. This position is responsible for creating and managing robust frameworks for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (ME&L) to capture credible data. By translating complex data into compelling narratives and actionable insights, the Impact Officer ensures accountability to stakeholders, informs strategic decision-making, and powerfully communicates the organization's value and mission. They are the bridge between program activities and demonstrable, long-term change.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Program Coordinator
  • Research Assistant
  • Data Analyst (in a social impact context)
  • M&E Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Director of Impact & Learning
  • Head of Monitoring & Evaluation
  • Chief Strategy Officer
  • Director of Programs

Lateral Moves:

  • Senior Program Manager
  • Grants Manager
  • Strategy Consultant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Design, implement, and manage the organization's comprehensive impact measurement and management (IMM) or Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework to track progress against goals.
  • Develop and refine Theories of Change and logic models for new and existing programs to clearly articulate the pathway from activities to outcomes and long-term impact.
  • Lead the creation and deployment of data collection tools, including surveys, interview guides, and focus group protocols, ensuring they are methodologically sound and culturally appropriate.
  • Oversee the entire data lifecycle, from collection and cleaning to analysis, storage, and visualization, ensuring high standards of data quality, reliability, and integrity.
  • Conduct rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis of program data to assess performance, identify trends, and generate actionable insights for program improvement and innovation.
  • Prepare and author compelling, data-driven impact reports for a variety of audiences, including the board of directors, funders, partners, and the public.
  • Translate complex findings into clear, accessible, and powerful stories of change, case studies, and communication materials in collaboration with the marketing and communications team.
  • Manage and maintain the organization’s impact databases and technology platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Apricot, or other industry-specific software).
  • Provide training and ongoing technical support to program staff on M&E concepts, data collection protocols, and the use of data tools to build a strong internal data culture.
  • Facilitate regular data review meetings and learning sessions with program teams to interpret findings and co-create strategies for adaptive management.
  • Manage relationships with external evaluators, consultants, and academic partners, overseeing the scope of work, contracts, and quality of deliverables.
  • Stay abreast of emerging trends, best practices, and innovative methodologies in the fields of impact measurement, M&E, and social science research.
  • Support fundraising and business development efforts by providing robust impact data, evidence of effectiveness, and compelling content for grant proposals and donor pitches.
  • Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and impact metrics aligned with the organization's strategic goals and industry standards (e.g., IRIS+, SDGs).
  • Ensure all data collection and management practices adhere to strict ethical guidelines, including data privacy, security, and informed consent for program participants.
  • Lead the design and execution of special research projects, including baseline, midline, and endline evaluations, to measure long-term outcomes and attribution.
  • Synthesize and present impact findings to senior leadership to inform strategic planning, resource allocation, and organizational learning agendas.
  • Champion a culture of curiosity, learning, and evidence-based decision-making across all departments of the organization.
  • Perform Social Return on Investment (SROI) or cost-benefit analyses to articulate the holistic value created by the organization's interventions.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with finance, operations, and program teams to integrate impact considerations into all aspects of the organization’s work, from design to reporting.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the communications team in crafting data-driven content for social media, websites, and annual reports.
  • Contribute to organizational strategic planning sessions by providing an evidence-based perspective on program effectiveness and potential for scale.
  • Represent the organization at conferences, workshops, and industry events to share learnings and best practices in impact measurement.
  • Assist in the due diligence process for new partnerships or investments by assessing their potential for impact and alignment with the mission.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • M&E Frameworks: Expertise in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (ME&L) methodologies, including Theory of Change, Logic Models, and Results Frameworks.
  • Quantitative Analysis: Advanced proficiency in quantitative data analysis and statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R, or Python with relevant libraries).
  • Qualitative Analysis: Strong skills in qualitative data analysis methods and familiarity with software (e.g., NVivo, Dedoose).
  • Data Visualization: Proficiency with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Google Data Studio to create insightful dashboards and reports.
  • Survey Design: Experience with survey design and implementation platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, KoboToolbox).
  • Database Management: Competency in managing data within CRM systems (like Salesforce) and a working knowledge of SQL is a strong asset.
  • Advanced Spreadsheets: Mastery of Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets for complex data manipulation, analysis, and modeling.
  • Impact Standards: Knowledge of key impact management standards and principles (e.g., Impact Management Project - IMP, IRIS+, SDG alignment).
  • Project Management: Experience with project management methodologies and software (e.g., Asana, Trello) to manage complex evaluation timelines.
  • Research Design: Familiarity with various research designs, including experimental, quasi-experimental, and developmental evaluation methods.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Communication: Ability to articulate complex data and concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing.
  • Data Storytelling: The skill to weave data and qualitative evidence into compelling narratives that resonate emotionally and intellectually.
  • Critical & Analytical Thinking: A strong aptitude for dissecting problems, interpreting complex information, and making evidence-based judgments.
  • Stakeholder Management: Adept at building and maintaining positive relationships with internal teams, funders, partners, and beneficiaries.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: A natural ability to work effectively across different teams and departments to achieve shared goals.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A commitment to accuracy and rigor in all aspects of data collection, analysis, and reporting.
  • Strategic Mindset: The capacity to connect day-to-day M&E activities with the organization's broader strategic objectives.
  • Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Resourceful in finding solutions to challenges and flexible in adapting M&E approaches to fit program realities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree or higher

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • International Development, Public Policy, Social Sciences (e.g., Sociology, Economics, Political Science), Statistics, Public Health, Environmental Science, or a related field.

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of direct professional experience in a monitoring and evaluation, research, or data analysis role.

Preferred:

  • Experience working within a non-profit, foundation, social enterprise, or impact investing firm is highly desirable. Hands-on experience with both field-based and remote data collection is a significant plus.
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