Diego Benitez is a program officer on the Planning, Learning and Evaluation team, where he works to coordinate grants for USIP’s IMPACT Colombia initiative focused on supporting local organization’s efforts to monitor and gauge program outcomes. He comes into this role with an extensive background in international management and development and over ten years of international field work.

Prior to joining USIP, Benitez launched a theatre company in Burkina Faso focused on improving outcomes and raising awareness on girls’ education, forced marriages and women’s empowerment. He served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in West Africa from 2005 - 2007, where he was assigned to work with local and international stakeholders focused on preserving regional flora and fauna. Diego has also worked at the Center for Economic Opportunities at the NYC Mayor’s Office where he supported research on evidence based poverty reduction programs, and at the Institute for Economics and Peace. He is fluent in Spanish and proficient in French.

Benitez has studied and worked in France, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Cuba, South Africa and China. He holds a bachelor's in fine arts and comparative literature and a master's in public administration with a focus on international policy and management.