Based on Decision N^o. 02-89/2of 31.01.2025, the National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility announces

PUBLIC CALL

for the engagement of 1 (one) expert to prepare a study based on research, analysis and evaluation of the results of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes for the period 2021–2024

National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility (National Agency) in the achievement of the core activity of the implementation of the European education programme Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) in the Republic of North Macedonia, which is a flagship initiative of the European Union aimed at improving mobility, cooperation and innovation in education, training, youth and sport. Covering the period from 2021 to 2024, the programme focused on inclusion, digital transformation, environmental sustainability and active citizenship. This study aims to evaluate the results and impacts of the Erasmus+ and ESC programmes during this period, providing useful analysis that will ensure future quality development of the programme in the Erasmus+ programme period (2025-2027).

The National Agency announces this Public Call for the engagement of 1 (one) expert to prepare a study based on research, analysis and evaluation of the results of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes for the period 2021–2024 to: 

- Evaluate the overall impact of the programme on individuals, and organisations;

- Evaluates the effect of key activities, including:

Mobility for pupils/students and professionals;

Collaborative partnerships and small partnerships;

- Analyses the contribution of the programme to themes such as:

Inclusion and diversity;

Digital transformation;

Environmental sustainability;

Active citizenship and social cohesion;

- Identifies good practices, challenges and areas for improvement.

- Provide recommendations for improving the design and implementation of the future programme after the Erasmus+ and ESC programme period (2025-2027).

The study should be conducted in English.

Scope of Work of the Expert

The selected expert will:

- Conduct a review of relevant documents and reports of the Erasmus+ and ESC programmes for the period 2021-2024;

- Design and implement a methodology for data collection and analysis, including:

Prepare surveys and questionnaires for participants, organisations and stakeholders,

Produce case studies that illustrate programme implementation,

Conduct focus groups and interviews to determine quality,

- Synthesises findings into a comprehensive report, including:

Executive summary,

Methodology,

Key findings and impact analysis,

Good practices and lessons learned,

- Recommendations for greater impact at the national level and future setting of the future programme after the Erasmus+ and ESC programme period (2021-2027).

Deliverables

The selected expert should prepare:

- An inception-timeframe report which should contain a detailed work plan, methodology and timeframe for carrying out the analysis and evaluation of the results of the Erasmus+ and ESC programme for the period 2021-2024 should be submitted within one month of the signature of the agreement;

- Interim reports: Periodic reports which should summarise the progress and preliminary findings.

- Final report: A comprehensive document addressing all objectives, accompanied by a presentation.

- Synthesis report: A concise version of the final report adapted for the wider public.

Application criteria

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Higher education;
• At least 5 years of experience in implementing EU projects or other international organisations and/or participation in the implementation of at least 3 EU projects or other international organisations;
• Knowledge of European and national policies and strategies in the field of education, training, youth and sport;
• Proven experience in evaluating EU-funded or similar programmes.
• Familiarity with the Erasmus+ programmeand the EU's ESC policies.
• Excellent knowledge of English;
• Working with ICT tools.

The time frame for performing the analysis

The research is expected to be completed within 6 months from the start of the contract. A detailed schedule should be proposed, consistent with the Expert's Terms of Reference.

Budget

The expert should propose a detailed budget that will include:

- Costs for personnel involved,

- Travel and accommodation costs (if applicable),

- Data collection and analysis tools,

- Miscellaneous additional costs.

Required documents for application

Candidates who will apply are required to submit the following documentation:

1. Technical proposal:

–         Understanding the issue,

–         Proposed methodology and work plan.

1. Financial proposal:

–         Detailed overview of costs.

1. Supporting documents:

–         Curriculum Vitae in Europass format in English,  

–         Proof of work experience Cases/Examples of similar previous work (research) – at least 3, with references included.

The National Agency will sign a contract with the selected expert for a period of 1 (one) year, which will determine the rights and obligations and the compensation for the performed obligations.

How to apply

The application with the required documentation should be submitted to the following e-mail address info@na.org.mk with the e-mail title: Application for an expert on analysis and evaluation, with the application deadline of February 15, 2024, by 4:00 p.m.

Candidates must meet the requirements stated in the announcement at the time of application. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered by the Commission for Review and Evaluation of Received Applications.

Application evaluation criteria:

The received applications for experts will undergo a check of the conditions of the public call based on the submitted documents. The selection of the received applications will be carried out in the following phases:

1. Technical expertise, maximum 30 points, for:

–         Relevant experience and qualifications,

–         Appropriateness of the proposed methodology.

1. Proposed approach, maximum 30 points, for:

–         Clarity and feasibility of the work plan,

–         Alignment with the objectives of the study.

1. Cost-effectiveness, maximum 20 points, for:

–         A reasonable and detailed financial proposal.

1. Experience, maximum 20 points, for: 

–         Cases/Examples of similar previous work (research), with recommendations included.

The condition for selecting the expert is to have scored a minimum of 70 points out of a possible 100. After the qualitative assessment, the Commission will invite the three best-ranked candidates for an interview.

General measures to prevent corruption

The National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility, in the procedure for selecting an expert for analysis and evaluation of the results of the Erasmus+ programme for the period 2021–2024 and during the execution of the contract, will take all necessary measures to promptly detect corruption and eliminate or reduce its harmful consequences.

If there is a reasonable suspicion regarding corruption in the procedure, you can report it to the following email address: ukazuvaci@na.org.mk and nepravilnosti@na.org.mk.