Evaluation Consultants

Evaluation consultants provide their expertise in evaluation and applied research on a temporary basis to a wide range of organizations. They assess program effectiveness and efficiency, answer policy questions, provide advice, and support organizational change. They design and implement tools to collect relevant information; review, analyze, and synthesize that information; and make judgments, report findings, and provide recommendations to improve organizational performance. As contractors, not employees, they have no authority to implement the changes they recommend.

[Page 629]Of course, they must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competencies required of any evaluator, as James Altschuld suggests, including knowledge about ethics; performance measurement; systems theory; history, theories, models, and types of evaluation; research design; sampling and measurement; capacity building; communications; and both interpersonal and project management.

To gain these ...