By Beeta Tahmassebi
EnCompass
At EnCompass, we are proud to foster an inclusive, empathetic, and responsive approach to leadership in the evaluation field. Over the years, our engagement with young leaders—through initiatives like the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the American Evaluation Association’s Graduate Education Diversity Internship (GEDI) programme, and scholarships to the EnCompass Learning Center (ELC)—has deepened our understanding of the value of engaging young and emerging professionals in evaluation and earned us a 2024 Youth in Evaluation super champion designation from EvalYouth, under the framework of the Eval4Action campaign. Our practices have not only supported young professionals but have also enriched our organization, providing us with fresh insights that are driving innovation.
Supporting youth through scholarships and training
A key part of our commitment to youth engagement is providing scholarships through EvalYouth to the ELC, a practice we began upon launching the Center in 2020. These scholarships ensure that young evaluators from diverse backgrounds have access to high-quality learning opportunities, equipping them with the skills and tools they need to excel in the field. We have consistently received positive feedback from our EvalYouth participants, both about the engaged content and the well-designed, engaging training methods the ELC features. We have been thrilled to see the impact of this initiative, as it empowers young leaders to take on leadership roles in evaluation and actively contribute to building stronger, more equitable systems.
Since its inception, the ELC has become a hub for knowledge sharing and professional development, offering courses that reflect the evolving needs of the evaluation community. Through our partnership with EvalYouth, we’ve been able to extend these resources to the next generation, ensuring that young evaluators are prepared to drive meaningful change in their communities.
“Through the EnCompass Learning Center classes on Programme Monitoring and Participatory Data Analysis, Integration, and Synthesis that I participated in, I learned many of the elements of project design, something that I was really looking forward to. I am glad I will be going back home with insights on how I can turn my project ideas into activities that will bring meaningful impact in the communities.” Mandela Fellow, 2022
Expanding support through P2P+ and Eval4Action
In addition to our work with scholarships, EnCompass is proud to serve as a regional partner in the P2p+ effort. P2p+, founded by the World Bank Group, UNFPA, GEI, and other global leaders, is designed to address the technical and career advisory needs of young and emerging evaluators (YEEs) through a network of peer support. This initiative connects YEEs with mentors and peers who can provide them with the guidance and resources needed to advance in their careers.
For EnCompass, this partnership reflects a continuation of our longstanding commitment to Eval4Action and our support of the YEE community. By contributing to the P2P+ initiative, we are helping to build a robust network of young evaluators, ensuring that they have access to the technical knowledge, career guidance, and professional development opportunities required to thrive in the field. Through this effort, we are contributing to a global movement that empowers the next generation of evaluation leaders to take on leadership roles, shaping more equitable and impactful systems worldwide.
Broadening horizons through youth leadership
Our work with Mandela Fellows, GEDI interns, ELC scholars, and YEEs more broadly has expanded our perspectives and deepened our understanding of how evaluation can better serve diverse communities. These young leaders bring fresh ideas and lived experiences that help us challenge traditional approaches, fostering innovation in how we design and implement evaluations and programmes. Their insights have enriched our work, providing new angles to address complex social issues.
Reinforcing inclusivity and empathy
Through these partnerships, we are constantly reminded of the importance of creating inclusive and empathetic evaluation processes. The young professionals we engage with often raise important questions about equity, access, and representation, urging us to think more deeply about how we approach our work. Their voices help us to ensure that our evaluations are not only culturally responsive but also inclusive of marginalized communities.
Supporting young leaders also allows us to reflect on our own organizational values, reinforcing our commitment to being a space where diverse perspectives are welcomed and youth are empowered to take on leadership roles. This aligns with EnCompass’ mission to create evaluations that are not just methodologically sound but also reflective of the communities we serve.
Learning through engagement
One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned through these initiatives is the importance of mentorship and support. Whether it’s through our Mandela Fellows, GEDI interns, or EnCompass Learning Center scholarship recipients, we have found that investing in young leaders strengthens not only their professional development but also our organizational capacity. Their energy, innovative thinking, and commitment to social change keep us motivated to push the boundaries of what is possible in evaluation.
Through these engagements we have learned quite a bit —about new trends in evaluation, the challenges facing emerging leaders, and innovative solutions to persistent social problems. By engaging in these intergenerational dialogues, we ensure that our work remains cutting-edge and responsive to the changing needs of the evaluation field.
Looking forward: A future of inclusive leadership
As we look to the future, we are excited to continue our work with the next generation of evaluators. The insights and leadership that young professionals bring to the table are critical to shaping a more inclusive, just, and equitable world. By continuing to provide scholarships, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, we hope to not only contribute to their growth but also ensure that the field of evaluation remains dynamic and responsive to global challenges.
At EnCompass, we believe that youth engagement is essential to achieving our mission of fostering inclusive, high-impact evaluation practices. Through initiatives like the ELC, Mandela Washington Fellowship, and GEDI programme, we are proud to play a role in shaping the leaders who will drive the future of evaluation. These young professionals are powerful agents of change, and we look forward to continuing to support their journeys in leadership and social impact.
For YEEs who are interested in learning more about opportunities with EnCompass, please visit EnCompass’s careers and consulting portal.
Beeta Tahmassebi oversees EnCompass' knowledge management and communications teams, manages enterprise risk management, and is the Executive Director for the EnCompass Learning Center (ELC). She has managed evaluation and development programs for a range of clients. Beeta serves on the Board of Directors (2021 President) for Washington Evaluators, the largest local affiliate of the American Evaluation Association. She is a champion for young and emerging evaluators, bringing a strong commitment to lifelong learning to EnCompass' clients. Connect with Beeta on LinkedIn.
Disclaimer: The content of the blog is the responsibility of the author(s) and does not necessarily reflect the views of Eval4Action co-leaders and partners.
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