Breaking the Mould? Expanding our Conceptualization of Evaluator Competencies

Abstract

Evaluation capacity building (ECB) is an area of practice that many evaluators engage in. Previous ECB scholars have described ECB as distinct from the practice of evaluation, although the two are related. This research empirically examined competencies needed for practicing ECB, why those competencies are important, and how expert practitioners obtained those competencies. The findings suggest the role of an evaluation capacity builder is different from the role of an evaluator. The authors attempt to make the case that recognizing this difference is critical for the professionalization of the field.