Independent expertise. Collaborative approach. Lasting impact.
ABOUT
Standley-Johansen Consulting (SJC) is an independent consultancy established in 2016 by Sarah Johansen.
We work across climate, sustainable development and monitoring, evaluation and learning, helping organisations develop programmes, make sense of evidence and use what they learn.
Our work spans the programme and investment lifecycle, from developing ideas and securing finance through to delivery and evaluation. We work with governments, international organisations, businesses and consultancy partners, bringing in additional expertise where projects call for it.
Based in Cheshire, SJC works across the UK and internationally.
Meet Sarah
Sarah Johansen has spent nearly 20 years working across climate, sustainable development and evaluation. Her career has taken her from UK factories and local authorities to international climate policy, programme delivery and evaluation.
She began in environmental consultancy, carrying out climate risk assessments for UK local authorities and working directly with businesses and manufacturers to improve their use of energy, water and materials.
An interest in the relationship between climate change and development led her to complete an MSc in Climate Change and International Development at the University of East Anglia. She went on to work at the intersection of these fields, including advising the Government of Kenya on climate change and contributing to international climate and development initiatives.
Since 2013, monitoring, evaluation and learning has been a major focus of Sarah's work. She has led and contributed to evaluations of complex programmes, working with organisations to understand what has changed, why it matters and what can be learned.
Alongside her evaluation work, Sarah continues to support organisations, including UN agencies, with programme development, project pipelines and funding proposals for international climate and environmental funds. This combination of programme design and evaluation experience gives her a valuable perspective on how projects are developed, implemented and assessed.
Her clients have included UNDP, the World Bank and FCDO, and her work has taken her across Africa, Asia and Europe.
Sarah established SJC in 2016 to work independently while continuing to collaborate with clients, colleagues and specialist partners. She particularly enjoys work that combines different disciplines and draws on both technical expertise and practical experience.
Professional Affiliations
Sarah is a professional member of the European Evaluation Society and the UK Evaluation Society.
In 2026, she completed the UN Global Compact Sustainable Suppliers course, continuing SJC's work towards responsible and sustainable business practices.
Beyond Consulting
Sarah's interest in sustainability extends beyond her consultancy work.
She is involved in a community garden in Cheshire, serving on its board of directors and volunteering alongside others to support a shared space for growing, nature and community activities.
In 2026, Sarah received the Nantwich Salt of the Earth Inspiring Individual Award, recognising her contribution to the garden and her wider involvement in the local community.
When she's not working or volunteering, Sarah enjoys learning French and exploring new places with her family.
Let’s work together
Have a project in mind, or a challenge you'd like to discuss?
Get in touch to explore how SJC could help.