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.

Matt Armstrong

Evaluation Analyst

Matt is an economist and MELIA professional with extensive experience leading evaluations in agricultural research for development. Before joining IAES, he worked as a Research Officer at ACIAR and as a visiting researcher at CIAT in Colombia, focusing on climate adaptation among coffee farmers. He has worked across South and Southeast Asia and Latin America, gaining broad cross-cultural experience. Matt holds a BSc in Economics from the Australian National University and a joint MSc in Socio-Ecological Economics from Sorbonne University and the Vienna University of Economics and Business. He is passionate about sustainable agrifood systems.

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. 

Diana Cekova

Evaluation Analyst & Project Coordinator

Diana combines a unique blend of experience from both the private sector and international development, with a strong track record in leading business transformation initiatives over 10 years at IBM. She has worked across global functions to streamline policies and processes, driving efficiency and impact in complex organizational settings. Currently, she serves in a dual role at CGIAR’s Evaluation Function (EF): as an evaluation professional contributing to evaluations, and as a project coordinator responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing comprehensive evaluative activities aligned with the EF workplan. She is passionate about leveraging innovation and technology, including AI, to strengthen evaluation practices. She holds an MBA from the Corvinus University, Budapest and speaks English, Hungarian, Italian, and Spanish.

Marilyn Sanchez

Knowledge Management and Communications Consultant

Originally from Mexico City and now based in Portugal, she has 7 years of experience specializing in crafting effective communications for evidence-based and impact-oriented initiatives. She has held various communications roles within international organizations, language agencies, and startups globally, covering writing, translation, editing, content, and knowledge management. At IAES, her role involves supporting the production and dissemination of knowledge products and communication assets across all evaluation phases. She holds a BSc in Environmental Science from the National Autonomous University of Mexico and an MSc in Local Development from the University of Padova, Italy.