Terms of Reference

The DERECKA project consortium searches for subcontracting an External Quality Expert (EQE) to provide an independent review, including recommendations, on the achievements of the project implementation and the overall performance against plans and objectives.

In lieu of an individual expert, the Consortium will consider applications and proposals by organizations (companies, agencies, foundations) specialized in monitoring and evaluating educational projects at the European level. The proposal by the organization has to identify the name of the staff (individual expert(s)) who will perform the assignment. Overall, the staff has to demonstrate the skills and experience required for individual EQE. The fee mentioned inthis Terms of Reference is intended as maximum contract value for the engagement as EQE, being the contract assigned to an individual expert or an organization.

1. Summary of DERECKA project

The DERECKA project aims to strengthen research and innovation capacities in Kyrgyzstan through the promotion of PhD degrees.

The KG partner universities are the core of the active working network established during cooperation started in the project piloted by the Kyrgyz Ministry of Education & Science to introduce the first PhD programs.

The project consortium is modernizing existing PhD studies and developing new innovative PhD programs compliant with EU standards on priorities for the country's socio-economic development and meet society's needs. To enhance academic staff's research competencies and build innovative research expertise in Kyrgyzstan, the EU partners are providing comprehensive training sessions for PhD supervisors and teaching staff on needed topics covering Renewable Energy Technology, Agroeconomics Public Health, Food Technology & Safety, and others. Training administrators of local PhD programs will enhance the administration of local PhD programs. The project activities are to promote PhD culture amongst academic & non-academic stakeholders and broader society in Kyrgyzstan.

2. Expertise and skills required for the external evaluator

Qualification

The candidate must have at least an MSc degree in any area, but Educational Sciences is preferable.

Skills and experience

EQE has to demonstrate some relevant skills, including:

• Proven professional experience in the evaluation process and monitoring process of international collaborative projects (previous experience in EU-funded project is an asset);
• Understanding of quality processes, expected activities, outputs, and quality review processes;
• Knowledge of the Bologna process, Erasmus+ projects, HE system, Quality Assurance (ESG);
• Regional and partner country expertise, partner country’s PhD system knowledge;
• Language skills (advance knowledge of English and Russian);
• ability to effectively communicate evaluation results and

To provide a professional and independent review, the individual EQE shall not have any concurrent contractual engagement with the consortium members.

3. Tasks and Deliverables

Tasks

• to review DERECKA processes and products, according to the evaluation criteriaof relevance and fulfillment of objectives, development effectiveness, impact, andsustainability, for project/program evaluation;
• to prepare the intermediate (on Month 18) and final (on Month 36) external evaluation reports;
• each 6 Months to provide feedbacks in the form of the online sessions on quality assurance processes and methodologies to the project consortium

Deliverables

• Mid-term report about project implementation provides an external perspective to achievements so far reached and the overall performance of the Project against plans and objectives; it also provides recommendations on the various aspects of Project implementation, including quality of the deliverables, consortium working relations, internal communication, processes, results,
• The final report ensures an external and professional perspective into project processes and results and captures the overall quality of the project in all its It also provides valuable lessons learned and good practices to inform partners' work in furtherexploiting project results beyond its lifetime.
• A series of feedback sessions provided for the DERECKA consortium members will strengthen the implementation of the project

Conditions for the service

EQE is provided full access to all project documentation to empower her/him to carry out a thorough assessment of the project. EQE undertakes to carry out the required service within the specified timeframe. EQE agrees to maintain the confidentiality of data generated or disclosedduring the provision of the needed service.

4. Total Fee

The total fee for the engagement of the EQE is up to EUR 3,000.00, with all taxes included.

5. Deadline and requirements for the application

The deadline for presenting the application for the job is May 28, 2021. The application shall be sent by email at the address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Applicants shall present their CVs, clearly demonstrating the skills, competencies, and experiences required in these terms of reference. In addition, the applicant has to submit a short memo/abstract on how he/she intend to perform the assignment.