Evaluation function consultants provide specialized assistance in executing its approved 2025-2027 Workplan and Budget. Their precise objectives and corresponding responsibilities are meticulously aligned with the work plan's goals.
Marta Maria Molinari
Research Analyst
Marta Maria Molinari, an Italian national, is a young and emerging evaluator specializing in research, data analysis, portfolio assessments, and resilience. With experience as a Junior Evaluation Analyst at FAO, she applied advanced data analysis techniques using tools like FishStatJ. Holding a Master's in Development Economics & International Cooperation from the Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata,” her research focused on the spillover effects of Cash-Based Transfer Programs on food security. Fluent in English and Spanish, with basic French skills, Marta is dedicated to results-oriented approaches for social and economic development. Her involvement in voluntary work reflects her holistic commitment to community welfare.
George Theuri
Evaluation Analyst
Kenyan evaluation specialist with expertise in project design, data analysis, and digital data collection tools (ODK, Kobo, SurveyCTO). He has led and supported evaluations for organizations such as Regional Pastoralists Peace Link and the Tony Elumelu Foundation. At the IAES Evaluation Function, he contributes to learning summaries on CGIAR’s new ways of working under the 2030 strategy. He previously worked with UNODC in East Africa on Kenya’s PLEAD program. George also builds data dashboards (PowerBI, Looker Studio) and websites for organizations like Pamoja Trust. He is active in the Evaluation Society of Kenya and NIERA.
Samriti Maharjan
Evaluation Analyst
Samriti, an emerging and dynamic evaluator from Nepal, is highly skilled in program management support, coordination, data analysis, and report writing. Her journey with CGIAR's IAES began in December 2022. She contributed significantly to the evaluation of CGIAR GENDER Platform and the Evaluability Assessment of CGIAR Regional Integrated Initiatives. Previously, she worked as a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Officer in Nepal and as a Junior Consultant supporting UNICEF's COVID-19 response efforts. Her dedication to gender equality and women's empowerment was fostered during internships at UNICEF and UN Women. Samriti's academic background includes a Master's in International Cooperation and Development from Mid-West University, Nepal.
Gaia Gullotta
Evaluation Analyst
Gaia is a Data Analyst and GIS Specialist with a background in biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. Over the past ten years at Bioversity International, she has worked across multiple research projects and helped develop a methodology for assessing on-farm biodiversity in Latin America and Asia under UNEP-GEF Initiatives. She is as a consultant in the Policy Unit, focusing on data analysis related to ex situ conservation. Since 2019 she has collaborated with IAES as an Evaluation Data Analyst. She contributed to developing the data analysis methodology for the 2020 independent reviews of the CGIAR Research Programs, was a team member of the Performance and Results Management System (PRMS) Study. In 2023, she supported evaluability assessments of the CGIAR’s Regional Integrated Initiatives, and contributed to the EA Synthesis Report. In 2025, she co-authored a MELIA learning product presenting findings and recommendations drawn from the evaluation of previous CGIAR research portfolios, providing evidence-based guidance to inform the 2025–30 CGIAR Research Portfolio. Gaia is passionate about biodiversity conservation, landscape analysis and sustainability.
Federica Bottamedi
Evaluation Outreach Specialist
Federica supports the Evaluation Function of the CGIAR Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES), focusing on evaluation communication, outreach, publications, and stakeholder engagement. Before joining IAES, she worked at the FAO Office of Evaluation, where she contributed to the management, conduct, and communication of evaluations and engaged with the United Nations Evaluation Group — building firsthand experience in evaluation use and uptake. Her background in international relations and diplomacy, combined with evaluation work across four continents, sharpens her ability to translate evidence into messages that resonate across diverse cultural, institutional, and stakeholder contexts. She currently engages with the EvalforEarth Community of Practice and facilitates workshops in Spanish. Complementing this work, her training in coaching and neurolinguistic communication with the Madanes Institute informs her approach to facilitation, active listening, and evidence-informed dialogue.