OES Evaluation Fellowship: A Path to Evidence-Based Policy Change
The Office of Evaluation Sciences (OES) within the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is offering a unique opportunity for researchers, policy experts, and evaluators. The OES Evaluation Fellowship, a fully remote, one-year program beginning in Fall 2026, allows professionals to work directly on critical policy challenges facing the United States. This fellowship focuses on using rigorous scientific methods to improve government programs and deliver better outcomes for citizens.
The OES Evaluation Fellowship is designed for individuals who want to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world policy impact. Fellows will collaborate with federal agencies, design and implement large-scale evaluations, and apply cutting-edge social science to enhance public services. This program offers a chance to contribute to evidence-based governance and shape policies that affect millions of Americans.
About the Office of Evaluation Sciences (OES)
The Office of Evaluation Sciences is a specialized team within the U.S. General Services Administration. Its primary mission is to partner with federal agencies to generate actionable evidence and improve government performance. OES helps agencies answer key questions such as which programs are most effective, how services can be improved, and what interventions produce measurable results. They also explore how public resources can be used more efficiently and what evidence should guide future policy decisions.
OES brings together experts from diverse fields, including economics, psychology, behavioral science, public policy, statistics, data science, evaluation research, and sociology. By using rigorous scientific methods, OES supports government agencies in making better-informed decisions that positively impact the lives of Americans.
Why the OES Evaluation Fellowship Stands Out
The OES Evaluation Fellowship distinguishes itself from many traditional research fellowships by placing participants directly at the center of real government challenges. Fellows apply rigorous scientific evaluation methods to address these challenges. Since its inception, OES has completed over 130 government collaborations and conducted more than 100 impact evaluations, working with dozens of federal agencies. These efforts have influenced policies affecting millions of people and developed innovative approaches to evidence-based governance.
This fellowship combines the intellectual rigor of academic research with the practical impact of public service. It offers a chance to contribute to national policy while gaining hands-on experience in program evaluation and evidence generation.
Fellowship Overview and Responsibilities
Selected fellows will serve as Evaluators within OES, collaborating with federal agencies to improve programs through evidence generation and policy evaluation. The fellowship typically lasts one year, starting in Fall 2026, with potential for extension. All positions are fully remote, location-flexible within the United States, and embedded in high-impact federal projects focused on evidence generation and policy improvement.
Key responsibilities for fellows include:
Designing Impact Evaluations
Fellows develop rigorous evaluation frameworks to determine if government programs are achieving their intended outcomes. This involves developing research questions, designing evaluation methodologies, building measurement frameworks, and establishing causal inference strategies.
Implementing Evidence-Based Interventions
Participants assist agencies in testing and implementing interventions aimed at improving program outcomes. Examples include increasing participation in government programs, enhancing service delivery, improving program efficiency, and supporting vulnerable populations.
Data Analysis
Fellows utilize large-scale administrative datasets to measure program effectiveness, identify policy improvements, generate actionable insights, and inform decision-making processes within federal agencies.
Policy Collaboration
Participants work closely with federal agency leaders, program managers, policymakers, researchers, and behavioral scientists. This direct engagement ensures that generated evidence is translated into practical action and policy changes.
Publications and Knowledge Sharing
Fellows contribute to various forms of dissemination, including academic publications, policy reports, evaluation summaries, government guidance documents, and other evidence-building resources.
Real-World Impact of OES Projects
The Office of Evaluation Sciences has partnered with various federal agencies to address significant challenges. These projects span several key areas:
Government Efficiency
OES projects focus on helping agencies deliver better services while making the most of public resources. This involves identifying areas for improvement and implementing evidence-based strategies to increase efficiency.
Improper Payment Reduction
The office works to identify methods that reduce errors and improve accountability in government spending. This effort aims to ensure that public funds are used effectively and appropriately.
Veteran Support
Research collaborations are undertaken to improve services and outcomes for veterans. These projects use data and evaluation to understand and address the specific needs of the veteran community.
Public Program Improvement
Evidence generated through OES collaborations helps agencies redesign and strengthen their programs for greater impact. This ensures that programs are effective and meet the needs of the public they serve.
International and Domestic Policy Challenges
OES applies behavioral science and rigorous evaluation methods to address complex issues both within the United States and internationally. This broad scope allows for the application of evidence-based approaches to a wide range of societal problems.
Fellowship Structure and Eligibility
The fellowship is structured to accommodate different professional backgrounds.
For Academic and Nonprofit Professionals
Individuals from universities, research institutions, nonprofits, and government organizations can participate through the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Mobility Program. Under this program, fellows remain affiliated with their home institution and join OES on loan. Appointments can be either reimbursable or non-reimbursable. Previous fellows have come from institutions such as Harvard University, Reed College, and the University of California San Diego.
For Federal Employees
Federal employees can join OES through temporary detail assignments, Inter-Agency Agreements (IAA), rotational opportunities, or Presidential Management Fellow rotations. Past participants have come from agencies like the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Benefits of the OES Evaluation Fellowship
Successful fellows gain access to numerous professional benefits designed to foster growth and impact.
Professional Development
Fellows receive hands-on experience with federal policymaking, exposure to large-scale impact evaluations, and advanced evidence-building expertise. They also have opportunities to shape national policies.
Research Opportunities
The fellowship allows participants to conduct rigorous evaluations, work with large administrative datasets, publish research findings, and apply leading social science methods in a practical setting.
Networking and Collaboration
Fellows collaborate with senior government leaders, work alongside interdisciplinary experts, engage with federal agencies across the government, and build a national professional network.
Career Advancement
The OES Evaluation Fellowship provides a highly respected credential for careers in public policy, government leadership, academia, evaluation research, behavioral science, data science, international development, and program management. It offers a strong foundation for professionals seeking to make a significant impact in public service and research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the OES Evaluation Fellowship?
It’s a one-year, fully remote fellowship starting Fall 2026 where professionals work with the Office of Evaluation Sciences (OES) to improve government programs using scientific evaluation methods.
Who is eligible for the fellowship?
The fellowship is open to professionals from academic, nonprofit, and government sectors, including federal employees, through programs like the IPA Mobility Program or temporary details.
What are the main responsibilities of a fellow?
Fellows design impact evaluations, implement evidence-based interventions, analyze data, collaborate with policymakers, and contribute to publications and knowledge sharing.
What are the benefits of participating in the fellowship?
Benefits include hands-on experience with federal policymaking, advanced evidence-building expertise, opportunities to shape national policy, research with large datasets, and enhanced career advancement.
