Consulting
Like fireflies in the dark, I help individuals and organisations find clarity, resilience, and connection across cultures. With a background spanning anthropology, consulting, and counselling, I help shine light on the unseen — bridging research with practice, policy with people, and insight with action.
Who am I?
Independent consultant helping international organisations strengthen strategy, communication, and impact through clear analysis and human-centred insight.
I’m Dr. Sarah Grosso — an anthropologist, consultant, lecturer, author and counsellor. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked with international organisations to evaluate programmes, strengthen communication strategies, and build organisational capacity.
My work sits at the intersection of evidence and empathy: I help clients understand whether their policies and projects are achieving impact, and how to adapt them to serve people more effectively across cultural contexts.
What makes me different
Research & Evaluation
I provide independent, evidence-based analysis that helps organisations see clearly what is working, what isn’t, and how to adapt.
Training & Capacity Building
With more than a decade of university teaching in communication, gender, and intercultural studies, I design workshops and training that turn research into practice, equipping people with practical tools.
Trauma-informed
My counselling expertise adds depth and sensitivity — especially in humanitarian or cross-cultural contexts where resilience, empathy, and well-being are critical.
About me
I am an independent consultant who helps international organisations analyse their impact and improve the effectiveness of their strategies, communications, and training programmes. Since 2009, I have collaborated with institutions such as the European Commission, the WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF, the ICRC, Médecins sans Frontières, and Oxfam, often through my partnership with OWL Research & Evaluation. Whether evaluating a global advocacy campaign, assessing an organisation’s learning culture, or developing an e-learning programme, I focus on bringing clarity, actionable recommendations, and a nuanced understanding of context.
I draw on an unusual interdisciplinary background: a PhD in Anthropology from the London School of Economics, a Master’s in Business from ESCP, and an MA in Counselling. This breadth allows me to approach problems from multiple perspectives. As an anthropologist and researcher, I bring rigour and a sensitivity to context. As a lecturer with more than a decade of university teaching experience in intercultural communication, media, and anthropology, I am skilled at translating complex ideas into engaging, accessible workshops and training tools. And as a counsellor, I bring an attunement to the human side of organisational change — recognising how policies and strategies affect people on the ground, and how listening and empathy are critical for lasting impact.
I have published widely, including a recent book, Judging Women’s Rights: Gender and Citizenship in Ben Ali’s Tunisia, Brill 2024, and a WHO report on effective risk communication for environment and health. These experiences reflect my ability to bridge research, policy, and practice, and to communicate complex issues to different audiences.
Sample Projects
Strengthening Learning Culture
Evaluated how knowledge was shared within a large intergovernmental body, identifying barriers and recommending strategies to foster collaboration.
Sharpening Advocacy
Assessed the effectiveness of an NGO coalition’s global advocacy, producing evidence-based recommendations that improved policy influence.
Building Capacity
Developed an e-learning programme for UNESCO that equips staff worldwide to integrate equality and inclusion into daily practice.
Founder
OWL Research & Evaluation
"Sarah is a valuable member of the Owl RE team and carries out research and evaluation for clients including major international organisations such as the ILO and the International Committee of the Red Cross and INGOs such as MSF and Oxfam.
Sarah has excellent research, analytical and writing skills and has the versatility to work across many sectors including health, gender, humanitarian, human rights and consumer rights. Sarah is reliable and delivers to deadlines: I'd highly recommend her as partner for research and evaluation."
Program Specialist,
UNESCO
"Dr. Grosso is a highly skilled professional, blending consultancy work, innovative academic research, and extensive teaching experience in the area of gender equality. Her expertise in integrating gender and diversity approaches into international development programs, including within the UN system, has made her an invaluable asset.
Dr. Grosso played a pivotal role in conceiving new capacity-building products for our personnel. I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work with Dr. Grosso and look forward to future collaborations."
