Niamh Donohoe
Professional Background
Niamh brings extensive academic knowledge of the environment, critical thinking skills, an eye for detail and comprehensive data collection and analysis expertise to her role at First Person Consulting. Having worked on various risk management, community engagement and social research projects, Niamh has developed a thorough understanding of natural resource management issues, frameworks and practices.
Academic Foundation and Expertise
With a Master of Environment from the University of Melbourne, Niamh possesses deep knowledge in environmental geography, sustainability, and natural resource management. Her academic background provides a solid foundation for understanding complex environmental systems and the intricate relationships between human activities and environmental outcomes.
Research and Evaluation Focus
Niamh specialises in designing and implementing comprehensive research and evaluation methodologies. She excels at developing data collection strategies, conducting thorough analyses, and translating complex findings into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders. Her work consistently demonstrates attention to detail and methodological rigour.
Community Engagement and Stakeholder Collaboration
Throughout her career, Niamh has demonstrated expertise in engaging with diverse communities and stakeholders across environmental and social research projects. She understands the importance of collaborative approaches and ensures that community perspectives are meaningfully incorporated into research and evaluation processes.
Practical Application
Niamh's approach combines academic rigour with practical application, ensuring that research outcomes are not only methodologically sound but also useful for informing policy and practice improvements. Her work contributes to evidence-based decision-making in environmental management and community development contexts.
Areas of Expertise
Niamh's expertise encompasses environmental research, evaluation methodologies, and stakeholder engagement, with a particular focus on natural resource management and community-centred approaches to environmental challenges.
Research and Evaluation Methodologies
- Mixed-Methods Research: Expertise in combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to address complex environmental and social questions
- Data Collection and Analysis: Advanced skills in developing data collection strategies, implementing surveys, and conducting statistical and thematic analyses
- Evaluation Framework Development: Experience in designing comprehensive evaluation plans and monitoring frameworks for environmental programs
- Evidence Synthesis: Ability to integrate diverse data sources and synthesise findings into coherent, actionable recommendations
Environmental and Natural Resource Management
- Environmental Geography: Deep understanding of spatial relationships and environmental processes that inform land use and resource management decisions
- Sustainability Assessment: Capability to evaluate environmental sustainability across different scales and contexts
- Climate Change Analysis: Knowledge of climate impacts, adaptation strategies, and mitigation approaches
- Biodiversity and Conservation: Understanding of ecosystem dynamics and conservation strategies for natural resource protection
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
- Stakeholder Consultation: Experience in designing and facilitating meaningful engagement processes with diverse community groups
- Participatory Research: Skills in implementing community-based research approaches that centre local knowledge and perspectives
- Risk Communication: Ability to communicate complex environmental risks and uncertainties to diverse audiences
- Collaborative Planning: Experience in supporting collaborative approaches to environmental planning and management
Selected Projects
Niamh has contributed to a diverse range of research and evaluation projects focusing on environmental management, community engagement, and sustainability. Her work demonstrates expertise in data collection, stakeholder engagement, and translating research findings into practical recommendations.
Monitoring and Evaluation of Heat Lab
Evaluated the Heat Lab project's effectiveness in reducing extreme heat risks through community-focused interventions. Designed and implemented surveys, conducted stakeholder interviews, and analysed place-audit data to understand program impact on community heat resilience.
Bushfire Biodiversity Response and Recovery Program Evaluation
Conducted final evaluation of multi-faceted program responding to 2019-20 Victorian bushfires. Documented achievements in species recovery and ecological restoration, providing lessons for future emergency biodiversity response programs.
Queensland Climate Resilient Councils Program Evaluation
Evaluated capacity building program designed to increase local government capability in climate risk planning and response. Assessed effectiveness of governance assessments, training programs, and pilot grants in building climate resilience.
Net Zero Emissions Leadership Accelerator Pilot Evaluation
Evaluated pilot program providing technical and leadership knowledge to high-emitting organisations. Assessed impact on participant capabilities and organisational emissions reduction strategies through collaborative evaluation approach.
EstuaryWatch and WaterWatch Volunteer Survey
Designed and delivered comprehensive surveys with volunteer monitors for citizen science programs. Coordinated state-wide rollout across 10 CMAs and developed infographic materials to present findings to volunteer communities.
Environment and Community Programs Evaluation Challenge
Contributed to complex evaluation challenge spanning multiple programs and evaluation capacity building initiatives. Supported development of evaluation frameworks and delivered training to increase evaluative capabilities across DELWP.
Education & Qualifications
Niamh's educational background in environmental studies provides a comprehensive foundation for her work in research, evaluation, and natural resource management, combining scientific understanding with practical application skills.
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Master of Environment
University of Melbourne, 2017
Advanced study in environmental systems, policy analysis, and complex problem-solving approaches. Developed foundational understanding of systems thinking and interdisciplinary approaches to environmental challenges. -
Bachelor of Environment (Environmental Geography)
University of Melbourne, 2015
Comprehensive study in environmental geography, spatial analysis, and human-environment interactions. Developed expertise in geographical information systems, environmental assessment, and landscape analysis.
Professional Development
- Research Methodology: Advanced training in mixed-methods research approaches and evaluation design
- Data Analysis: Expertise in statistical analysis software and qualitative data analysis techniques
- Environmental Assessment: Knowledge of environmental impact assessment and sustainability evaluation frameworks
- Community Engagement: Training in participatory research methods and stakeholder consultation approaches
Previous Experience
- Environmental Officer - Premium Health (2017)
- Customer Service Officer - Premium Health (2011-2017)
- Volunteer - City of Melbourne Citizen Forester Program (2017)
- Volunteer - Moreland Energy Foundation (2016)
Recent Consultancies and Research
- Fresh Tastes Evaluation Support Services, ACT Health (2018)
- Evaluation of the Farming for Sustainable Soils Program, North Central CMA (2018)
- Evaluation of the School Crossing Supervisor Program, Transport Canberra and City Services (2018)