This blog interview series was developed and is curated by Cristina Repede. It is an initiative of the Emerging Evaluators Thematic Working Group (TWG) of the European Evaluation Society (EES), published in partnership with EvalYouth Europe, and reflects EES’s ongoing commitment to spotlight diverse voices and experiences within the evaluation community.

Today we interview Mélanie Dubuis, who is a seasoned independent consultant specializing in evaluating humanitarian interventions across diverse contexts and has successfully led comprehensive, thematic, geographic, and partnership evaluations. Her expertise spans forced displacement, public health, nutrition, education in emergencies, protection, cash assistance, and the humanitarian-development nexus. She has conducted numerous field missions in complex environments, working in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Chad, and Mauritania, as well as in Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Pakistan.

In her interview, Mélanie Dubuis offers far more than practical career advice; she presents a vision of what true professionalism in evaluation means. Through her detailed, thoughtful responses, she shows that mastery is not a checklist of skills but a layered journey built through continuous learning, self-discipline, and reflection.

Her approach highlights that making complexity accessible is an active, structured effort, not a simplification, but a translation of expertise into action. It begins with fully understanding the big picture, then identifying concrete entry points, anticipating possible obstacles, and sequencing each step logically.

1. What is your area of specialization in evaluation, and how did you embark on your career as an evaluator?

My specialization lies in the evaluation of humanitarian policies and programs, primarily for the European Commission’s (DG ECHO). While I don’t have a specific technical specialization, I am well-versed in a wide range of evaluation methodologies and proficient in both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.

My journey to becoming an evaluator was a bit unconventional. I initially started in finance, but I quickly realized I was seeking a career with more meaningful impact. That desire led me to pursue a Master’s in International Development at the University of Manchester, which provided a strong academic foundation.

My entry into the evaluation field was somewhat serendipitous. My econometrics professor recommended I apply to ICF International and provided a contact. In 2014, I began working in public policy there, and while ICF didn’t have a strong international development focus at the time, so I started working on different projects from environment to social enterprises and market competition. ICF was beginning to expand into the humanitarian sector. I was immediately drawn to it and asked to be included in a humanitarian evaluation, and once I got my chance, I became a dedicated advocate, building a strong and passionate portfolio within the sector.

At ICF, I built a solid foundation in evaluation methodologies, data collection and analysis, and project management. Thanks to supportive colleagues and continuous learning, I was able to rapidly develop my skills and knowledge. Over six years, I progressed from research assistant to managing consultant, ultimately leading ICF’s humanitarian portfolio, managing large teams, and leading complex evaluations.

In 2022, I decided to return to Switzerland and transitioned to independent consulting. This move has given me the flexibility I desired, allowing me to continue pursuing my passion for evaluation while maintaining a better work-life balance.

2.Can you share an example of a mentor who significantly impacted your career in evaluation and the lessons you learned from them?

I was fortunate to work with great evaluators, and I believe that strong mentorship is absolutely essential for growth in this field. Two individuals, Petra van Nierop and Danielle Deboutte, stand out for me as having profoundly shaped my career.

First, Petra van Nierop at ICF International. She’s a highly experienced evaluator with exceptional methodological skills, a keen eye for detail, and superb communication abilities. I worked closely with Petra for a decade, and her continuous feedback and support were invaluable. She truly taught me the art and science of crafting compelling proposals and impactful reports. Her emphasis on clarity, precision, and evidence-based arguments has become a cornerstone of my own approach.

Second, Danielle Deboutte, with whom I conducted my first field mission in Ivory Coast and several others including in Greece, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Danielle showed me the practical realities of evaluation on the ground. She taught me how to effectively conduct fieldwork, identify and engage with key actors, and navigate complex cultural and political landscapes. She emphasized the importance of building rapport with stakeholders and understanding the local context. She has been fundamental in shaping my approach to fieldwork and stakeholder engagement.

3.How has the field of evaluation changed since you started, and what new opportunities should young evaluators look out for?

The field of evaluation has undergone significant transformation since I began my career. We’ve seen a marked increase in the emphasis on data analysis and visualization, reflecting the growing importance of data-driven decision-making. There’s also a greater focus on communicating evaluation findings to broader audiences, emphasizing knowledge sharing and learning. Technology and digital tools have revolutionized data collection and analysis. We are also seeing a stronger push for safeguarding, data protection, equity, inclusion, and participatory approaches. Finally, the demand for evaluation, including real-time evaluation, is rising, while budgets are often more limited.

These changes present exciting opportunities for young evaluators:

• Develop deep expertise in data analysis and visualization. The ability to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets and present them in compelling visuals is highly valued. Master tools like STATA, R, or Python for analysis, and explore visualization software like Tableau or Power BI.
• Cultivate strong communication and graphic design skills. Being able to translate complex findings into accessible and engaging formats is crucial. Learn to create infographics, develop visually appealing presentations, and craft clear and concise reports for diverse audiences.
• Embrace the potential of AI. AI is rapidly changing the landscape of data analysis and evaluation. Explore how AI tools can be used for tasks like natural language processing, automated data analysis, and predictive modelling. Understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations will be a valuable asset.
• Specialize in emerging areas. Consider focusing on areas like digital evaluation, impact evaluation of technology interventions, or evaluation of climate change adaptation programs. These areas are experiencing rapid growth and offer unique opportunities for specialization.
• Develop expertise in real-time evaluation. Learn how to design and implement evaluations that provide timely feedback. This is particularly relevant in dynamic and complex contexts.

 

4.How do you stay updated with the latest trends and methodologies in evaluation, and what resources would you recommend to newcomers?

Transitioning to independent consulting has underscored the importance of self-directed professional development. Unlike employment where learning opportunities are often readily available, I now prioritize dedicated time each week to stay abreast of the latest advancements. By combining active participation, targeted research, and ongoing learning, I strive to remain at the forefront of the evaluation field.

Firstly, I actively participate in the evaluation community through conferences and webinars. ALNAP, in particular, has been a cornerstone resource, providing insights into methodologies and unparalleled networking opportunities. These events are not just about passive learning; they’re about engaging in dialogue and exchanging perspectives with fellow professionals.

Secondly, I regularly engage with key publications and online resources, using mainly BetterEvaluation for comprehensive insights.

Thirdly, I actively subscribe to newsletters from key evaluation associations like the International Evaluation Association (IEA), the European Evaluation Society (EES), and EvalCommunity. These newsletters deliver timely updates on new research, guidelines, and events, ensuring I’m always aware of the latest developments.

Fourthly, I check LinkedIn regularly, not just for general networking, but as a curated source of evaluation-related information. Having built a strong network within the evaluation and humanitarian sectors, and following relevant pages, groups, and individuals, my LinkedIn feed consistently features posts on new approaches, guidelines, and industry trends.

Fifthly, when I work on proposals, I conduct in-depth research to strategically identify and incorporate cutting-edge evaluation methods and tools, drawing upon theoretical frameworks, existing literature, and successful final reports to optimize project design. ALNAP, Reliefweb and OECD DAC Evaluation Resource Centre are key sources for evaluation reports.

Lastly, I prioritize continuous learning through online courses (Coursera, HHI) and workshops (ALNAP, IDS, ODI, PHAP). This allows me to deepen my understanding of new evaluation methodologies, software, and tools, ensuring my skillset remains sharp and relevant.

5.How long does it typically take to become an established evaluator? How does the progress of an evaluator typically unfold over the course of the first three to five years?

Becoming an ‘established’ evaluator is a journey that typically unfolds over several years, often 5-10 or more, depending on your individual career path and goals. It’s not just about accumulating experience; it’s about building a strong reputation and network, developing deep expertise in a specific area, and actively contributing to the evaluation community.

The first 3-5 years are crucial for laying a solid foundation and should focus on:

• Building foundational skills: The initial years should be dedicated to mastering the core competencies of evaluation: data collection, analysis, and reporting. This includes becoming proficient in both quantitative and/or qualitative methods, as well as developing strong writing and communication skills.
• Gaining experience in diverse contexts and methodologies: Seek opportunities to work on a variety of evaluation projects, exposing yourself to different contexts and methodologies. This could involve working in different sectors, with diverse stakeholders, and using a range of evaluation designs. This breadth of experience will broaden your perspective and make you a more versatile evaluator. This will also allow you to identify your strengths and what you like for potential further specialization.
• Developing a robust portfolio: Document your work meticulously, creating a portfolio of evaluation projects and publications. This portfolio will serve as tangible evidence of your skills and experience, and it will be invaluable for future career opportunities.
• Progressing from support roles to leadership: Start by taking on support roles in evaluation projects, gradually moving towards leading small tasks, then evaluations, and eventually managing larger, more complex projects. This progression will allow you to develop your project management and leadership skills and gain confidence in your abilities.
• Building a professional network: Networking is essential in the evaluation field. Attend conferences, join professional associations, and connect with experienced evaluators on LinkedIn. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support.
• Specializing in a specific area: As you gain experience, identify an area of evaluation that particularly interests you and where you can develop deep expertise. This could be a specific sector, methodology, or type of evaluation. Specializing will make you a sought-after expert in your field.

6.What are three concrete actions young evaluators can take to effectively break into the highly competitive field of evaluation and start building a successful career?”

Here are three concrete actions I’d recommend to young evaluators:

First, prioritize developing strong quantitative and qualitative skills. Both are essential, so focus on the areas that resonate with you and where you excel. Personally, I started by honing my quantitative skills, focusing on statistical analysis and survey design, and later expanded into qualitative methods like participatory approaches. Master key software like STATA, Power BI, or NVivo, and actively seek opportunities to practice.

Second, build a robust professional network. Attend evaluation conferences and workshops to connect with experienced evaluators. Join professional associations and online communities. Reach out to evaluators in your field for informational chats and mentorship. Leverage LinkedIn to expand your connections. Within your company, build relationships with key colleagues who can mentor and support your growth. The people you know are key to advance your career.

Third, gain practical experience and build a compelling portfolio. Seek internships or entry-level positions with evaluation firms or research institutions. If you have a specific sector in mind or a technical area you want to specialise in, be proactive and push to be included in relevant evaluations, even for small tasks initially. Deliver high-quality work to get noticed and build a reputation for reliability. Crucially, document everything you do. Keep a log of your experiences and contributions, as this will be invaluable for applications, proposals, and showcasing your expertise.

Fourth, adopt a strategic and proactive approach to career development by continuously scanning the evaluation landscape for emerging opportunities and in-demand skills. Don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you; actively seek them out by regularly monitoring job boards, tender platforms, and professional networks, analyzing job descriptions and tender requirements to identify skill gaps, and developing a targeted learning plan to acquire those skills.