The Orpington Group has solidified its position as a leading consultancy firm in Ghana’s development sector through a significant partnership with Oxford Policy Management (OPM), a globally recognized leader in international development. The Orpington Group has been contracted by OPM to serve as the Country Research Managers and Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) for its activities within the ambitious THRIVE (Transforming Health, Nutrition, Education and Well-being In Early childhood) research programme in Ghana.
The Orpington Group’s role as the Country Research Managers and Co-PI in Ghana is pivotal. This multifaceted position entails providing both strategic and operational leadership for the THRIVE research program within the country. Working in close collaboration with the National Principal Investigator, The Orpington Group will co-design a strategic vision and research agenda that is directly responsive to Ghana’s unique national needs, policy priorities, and emerging opportunities within the ECD sector.
Furthermore, The Orpington Group will spearhead the crucial “policy entrepreneurial” function at the country level. This involves proactively identifying and supporting national leaders in the ECD space to champion and drive impactful improvements at scale. Their deep understanding of the Ghanaian policy context and strong in-country networks in the social sector will be invaluable in fostering these critical relationships and facilitating policy uptake of the research findings.
Beyond the strategic aspects, The Orpington Group will also manage the intricate operational and financial aspects of the THRIVE program in Ghana. This includes supporting the implementation of a high-quality research program within agreed timelines, leading monthly financial reporting, monitoring project budgets, and coordinating work planning. Their expertise in managing fieldwork and research projects will ensure the smooth and effective delivery of the program’s objectives.
This partnership underscores The Orpington Group’s commitment to contributing to evidence-based policy-making and fostering positive social impact in Ghana. By leveraging their local expertise and research management capabilities in collaboration with OPM’s global expertise and the insights of other leading research institutions involved in THRIVE (including the Institute for Fiscal Studies, Yale University, Boston College, and others), The Orpington Group is poised to play a key role in generating valuable knowledge that can transform the lives of young children in Ghana and beyond.
The THRIVE programme, with The Orpington Group at its helm in Ghana, promises to deliver crucial insights into how to optimize ECD programming for lasting impact, particularly for girls and marginalized groups. This collaboration marks a significant step towards strengthening ECD systems and ensuring a brighter future for Ghana’s youngest generation.