The American Evaluation Association (AEA) is accepting applications for an Evaluation Policy Fellow to support the work of the Evaluation Policy Task Force (EPTF) and the association’s ongoing evaluation policy strategy. The ideal applicant would possess the following attributes: 

• Basic knowledge of the field of evaluation
• Experience conducting policy research
• Knowledge of the structure and operations of the U.S. Congress and the Federal Executive Branch
• Proven communications and organizational skills
• Ability to multi-task in collaborative and independent settings
• Knowledge of the American Evaluation Association and commitment to supporting the mission and goals of the association
• Ready accessibility to Washington, DC

Graduate students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply for this fellowship opportunity. 

Budget: AEA will provide up to $25,000 per year, with an expectation of an average of 15-20 hours of work per week, though episodic periods may require more or less work. The award period will be one year from the date of award, with the possibility of renewal.

Scope of Work: This Statement of Work describes the tasks that will be performed related to Evaluation Policy Staff support to assist AEA’s EPTF in providing advice and expertise on evaluation policy matters. The following outlines the intended scope of the work.

The EPTF focuses on evaluation policy, rather than policy in general. Examples include the evaluation definition, requirements for evaluation, evaluation methods, human resources regarding evaluation, evaluation budgets, evaluation implementation, and evaluation ethics. The EPTF’s efforts currently focus on the federal level because evaluation policy decisions at that level have broad implications for many AEA members and for the field generally. That will remain the primary focus for the foreseeable future.

Tasks and Responsibilities: The Evaluation Policy Fellow will directly support the EPTF, which is guided by AEA’s Executive Committee.

AEA’s current charge to the EPTF outlines three core tasks. The first task consists of a focused, targeted consultative campaign designed to identify and provide useful consultation to legislators and executive branch staff on legislation and executive actions concerning evaluation. The second task is to enhance the public presence of AEA as a source of expertise on evaluation. The third task includes education for AEA’s membership about the import of evaluation policy issues and opportunities for action. Under guidance from the EPTF Chair and the EPTF members, the Evaluation Policy Staff Support must engage in each of these three tasks.

The Evaluation Policy Fellow will specifically be expected to:

• Provide logistical and coordination support for EPTF activities, including scheduling meetings, taking notes during dialogues, producing summaries as needed, and maintaining contact lists
• Participate in EPTF meetings and other correspondence
• Schedule meetings with congressional or agency staff, under the guidance of the EPTF Chair
• Track legislation and executive actions related to evaluation policy
• Maintain a database of opportunities for AEA members to provide comments and feedback about issues related to evaluation policy (e.g., evaluation-related information collection requests)
• Support efforts from the EPTF Chair and Members to provide updates to AEA’s Board and membership about activities to influence evaluation policy
• Draft or edit policy statements developed by the EPTF and recommended to the AEA Executive Committee related to evaluation policy
• Participate in key evaluation policy events, hearings, or other activities and reporting to members of the EPTF about potential issues, concerns, or opportunities for further action
• Support coordination of EPTF efforts to update the Evaluation Roadmap and other association documents and policy statements
• Coordinate and support drafting of the AEA Policy Watch newsletter column and other dissemination mechanisms for notifying AEA members of important evaluation policy issues
• Develop an annual EPTF report in conjunction with the EPTF Chair

To apply, please email evaluationpolicy@eval.org with the following information no later than March 22, 2019 at 11:59 PM ET:

• A statement of interest that includes your interest in the position, a narrative addressing the attributes listed above, and your availability to begin the position
• A resume or CV
• An example of a work product that illustrates your communication capacity and skills
• Contact information for up to 3 references

Applicants will be reviewed by the AEA Executive Director and EPTF members. The AEA Executive Committee will make the final selection.