What are the internal and external program evaluators?

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Internal program evaluators are individuals or teams within the organization or program being evaluated. They possess insider knowledge, and program-specific context, and may include in-house evaluators, program staff, and subject matter experts. They contribute valuable insights based on their familiarity with the program.

External program evaluators are independent professionals or entities external to the organization or program being evaluated. They offer an objective perspective, and specialized evaluation skills, and may include independent consultants, research institutions/universities, and evaluation firms/organizations. They bring external expertise, rigorous methodologies, and fresh insights to the evaluation process.

Both internal and external evaluators play important roles in conducting program evaluations, with internal evaluators providing insider knowledge and external evaluators offering objectivity and specialized expertise. The choice between internal and external evaluators depends on the specific needs and context of the evaluation.