From Rhetoric to Action: A Call for Genuine Engagement of Young and Emerging Evaluators (YEE)

Tashi Dendup, Young and Emerging Evaluator  

In the last decade, efforts to promote Young and Emerging Evaluators (YEEs) were made by evaluation networks and institutions. We have given due acknowledgment and many institutions have been praised and applauded for their commitment to supporting youth in evaluation. However, it is high time to be bold and honest in critically assessing the progress we have made. Our focus must now shift towards translating these well-intentioned initiatives into tangible outcomes that benefit YEEs on the ground. 

As I write this article, I hear my fellow Young and Emerging Evaluators calling for tangible action in the ongoing evaluation conferences in Asia Pacific and Europe. And it is equally heartening to hear our leaders and organizations echoing the call and joining the bandwagon of campaigners for youth in evaluation. Yet, the narrative is not new. For at least a decade, we have been discussing youth inclusion ritualistically, but the impact on the ground remains questionable. 

It has been a decade long promotion and campaign on the importance of including Young and Emerging Evaluators in development evaluation. Thousands of leaders and institutions have signed pledges and many recognized and declared champions of youth in evaluation. But are we happy with the outcome? At least we the Young and Emerging Evaluators are not. Not a single evaluation conference and event goes without including a theme or two on Young and Emerging Evaluators, but this is not translating enough on the ground. To some, this has become a mere rhetoric to window dress the evaluation industry. 

The real challenges facing Young and Emerging Evaluators 

As a Young and Emerging Evaluator, I see three common challenges that hinder us on the ground: 

i) Lack of opportunities in evaluation assignments 

First, there are still very few opportunities for YEEs in evaluation assignments. In Bhutan, for example, over the last five years, I have seen only one evaluation assignment that explicitly mandated the inclusion of a YEE as team member, that too by UNFPA who is at the forefront of youth in evaluation campaigns. I dare bet that the situation is no different in other regions as well. Unless the commissioning organizations explicitly mention the requirement of including young people in the evaluation team, it is unlikely that the seasoned evaluation team will include us. This clearly shows a systemic gap that leaves out participation of YEEs in the evaluation field. 

ii) A cliche ‘Lack of experience’ 

Secondly, there is a persistent complaint that young people lack the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience. While we acknowledge this claim, the complaint has become a cliche. Unfortunately, there are not many ready to provide us with the opportunities to gain that essential experience in the field. How are we expected to close the skill and experience gap if doors to the industry remain closed? Without practical exposure, there is little chance for us to develop the expertise needed to succeed in this profession. The only way for us to gain experience and practical knowledge is for established professionals to actively involve us in their teams. By providing hands-on opportunities, the industry can cultivate a new generation of skilled evaluators who are ready to contribute meaningfully. 

iii) Unpaid voluntary roles 

Thirdly, as fresh out-of-college graduates, voluntary roles are a common gateway to gaining experience, which are usually unpaid. While this is a valuable steppingstone to gain industry experience, most of the young people coming from financially underprivileged backgrounds cannot afford it. As an intern or volunteer, most of the time your workloads are that of an entry level employee without monetary compensation. Instead of doing good, such exploitation of young people risks negatively affecting those from financially underprivileged backgrounds, further exacerbating inequalities. This limits access to these opportunities to more privileged youths.  

What could be done to improve the situation? 

i) Policy mandate to include YEEs in evaluation team 

If you believe in the importance of including the voice of the young people in evaluation, and if you really see us as an agent of change to accelerate the progress towards Sustainable Development Goals, it is time we act accordingly. What is preventing us from embracing youth in the evaluation field? If necessary, evaluation policies of the key organizations such as UN agencies should mandate inclusion of YEEs in the evaluation team, at least in those projects and programs that directly impact young people. This would cost only a fraction of the fees paid to senior evaluators but would go a long way in developing a new generation of skilled evaluators. This is a real empowerment of young people and a true investment in the future of the evaluation industry. 

ii) Paid internship 

Another way to promote the development of YEEs is through paid internship opportunities in evaluation. Internships with a subsistence allowance are a gateway to enhance the evaluation skills, knowledge, and experience of young evaluators. Such arrangements provide equal access to opportunities, allowing young professionals from diverse backgrounds to gain hands-on experience, develop skills, and build industry networks. Without the financial burden, interns can focus on learning and contributing to real-world evaluation projects alongside seasoned professionals. This approach fosters diversity, ensuring a more inclusive and representative workforce. In the long term, such opportunities enhance the employability of YEEs, enriching the evaluation industry with fresh perspectives and skilled professionals who are better equipped to tackle challenges on the ground. 

Conclusion: Moving from rhetoric to action 

While we must continue campaigning and promoting inclusion of youth in evaluation, it is time we turn rhetoric into tangible actions. For over a decade we have been glorifying what we did but have not really critically evaluated the outcomes. We must prove that we are serious about our campaign by creating real opportunities for YEEs to participate, learn, and grow in the evaluation profession. The evaluation industry can set an example by mandating inclusion of young people in evaluation teams and encouraging their participation in internships and voluntary works with subsistence allowance. This would not only empower young people, but also reduce inequalities in society. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are my own as a Young and Emerging Evaluator and do not reflect the official policy or position of any organizations I am affiliated with.