OES Evaluation Fellowship 2026: A Path to Evidence-Based Policy Change

The OES Evaluation Fellowship 2026 offers a unique chance for researchers, policy experts, and evaluators to directly influence U.S. government programs. This one-year, fully remote fellowship, hosted by the Office of Evaluation Sciences (OES) within the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), focuses on using rigorous scientific methods to improve public services. Fellows will work on pressing policy challenges, collaborating with federal agencies to generate evidence that drives better outcomes for millions of Americans.

The fellowship is designed for individuals who want to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world policy application. Unlike traditional academic roles, this program places participants at the heart of government decision-making. They will design and carry out large-scale evaluations, work with senior government leaders, and apply cutting-edge social science techniques. This hands-on experience is invaluable for anyone looking to make a tangible impact on public policy.

About the Office of Evaluation Sciences (OES)

The OES is a specialized team within the GSA dedicated to helping federal agencies improve their performance through evidence. They partner with agencies to answer critical questions about program effectiveness, service delivery, and resource efficiency. OES brings together experts from various fields, including economics, psychology, behavioral science, public policy, statistics, data science, evaluation research, and sociology. Their work aims to ensure that government resources are used effectively and that programs achieve their intended goals.

OES has a proven track record of success, having completed over 130 government collaborations and more than 100 impact evaluations. They have worked with numerous federal agencies, influencing policies that affect millions of people and developing innovative approaches to evidence-based governance. This experience highlights their commitment to rigorous scientific methods and evidence-based decision-making.

Fellowship Overview and Responsibilities

The OES Evaluation Fellowship is a one-year program beginning in Fall 2026. All positions are fully remote and location-flexible within the United States, allowing fellows to contribute from anywhere. Fellows will serve as Evaluators, working directly with federal agencies on high-impact projects.

Key responsibilities include:

Designing Impact Evaluations

Fellows will develop rigorous frameworks to assess whether government programs are meeting their objectives. This involves defining research questions, designing evaluation methodologies, creating measurement systems, and establishing strategies for causal inference. The goal is to create robust plans that can accurately measure program success.

Implementing Evidence-Based Interventions

Participants will help agencies test and put into practice interventions aimed at improving outcomes. This could involve efforts to increase participation in government programs, enhance service delivery, boost program efficiency, or provide better support for vulnerable populations. The focus is on practical application of research findings.

Data Analysis

Fellows will utilize large-scale administrative datasets to measure program effectiveness, identify areas for policy improvement, and generate actionable insights. This analytical work directly informs decision-making processes within federal agencies, ensuring that policies are guided by data.

Policy Collaboration

A significant part of the fellowship involves working closely with federal agency leaders, program managers, policymakers, and other researchers. This direct engagement ensures that the evidence generated is understood and translated into practical actions, fostering a culture of evidence-based governance.

Publications and Knowledge Sharing

Fellows will contribute to various forms of dissemination, including academic publications, policy reports, evaluation summaries, and government guidance documents. This sharing of knowledge helps to build a broader understanding of effective practices across government.

Real-World Impact of OES Projects

The OES has a history of tackling major challenges across the federal government. Their projects have focused on improving government efficiency, reducing improper payments, enhancing support for veterans, and strengthening public programs. They also apply their methods to address complex international and domestic policy issues, often using behavioral science and rigorous evaluation techniques. These diverse applications demonstrate the broad reach and impact of the fellowship’s work.

Fellowship Structure and Benefits

The fellowship is structured to accommodate professionals from different backgrounds. Academic and nonprofit professionals may participate through the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Mobility Program, remaining affiliated with their home institutions while on loan to OES. Federal employees can join through temporary detail assignments, Inter-Agency Agreements (IAA), or rotational opportunities.

Successful fellows gain significant professional development, including hands-on experience with federal policymaking, exposure to large-scale impact evaluations, and advanced evidence-building expertise. They will have opportunities to conduct rigorous evaluations, work with large datasets, and publish their findings. The program also fosters networking and collaboration with senior government leaders and interdisciplinary experts. This experience is a strong credential for careers in public policy, government leadership, academia, and various research and data science fields.

Application Process

To apply for the OES Evaluation Fellowship 2026, candidates must submit their applications through the official OES application portal. The process requires completing an online form, submitting supporting materials, and providing a writing sample that demonstrates qualifications and relevant experience. The application deadline is June 24, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Late applications will not be accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the OES Evaluation Fellowship?

It’s a one-year, fully remote fellowship for researchers and policy experts to use scientific methods to improve U.S. government programs and policies.

Who can apply for the fellowship?

The fellowship is designed for researchers, policy experts, and evaluators who want to influence public services through evidence-based approaches.

What are the main responsibilities of a fellow?

Fellows design impact evaluations, implement evidence-based interventions, analyze data, and collaborate with federal agency leaders on policy projects.