Terms of Reference (ToR) for Evaluation of ProSkills 2 Project

This ToR outlines the framework for evaluating the ProSkills 2 project's impact and effectiveness. It aims to provide actionable insights for enhancing project outcomes and contributing to the advancement of vocational education and training.

Introduction

The ProSkills 2 project, aimed at enhancing vocational education and training (VET) through business collaboration, work-based learning, and career orientation, requires a comprehensive evaluation to assess its impact, effectiveness, and areas for improvement. This ToR outlines the objectives, scope, methodologies, and deliverables for the evaluation process.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this evaluation are to:

• Assess the extent to which ProSkills 2 project goals have been achieved in Peja Klina and Istog
• Identify successful strategies, interventions, and collaborations that have positively impacted VET schools, businesses, and students.
• Analyze challenges and barriers faced during project implementation.
• Provide actionable recommendations for optimizing future project iterations and similar initiatives.

Scope

The evaluation will cover the following key aspects of the ProSkills 2 project:

• Effectiveness of work-based learning opportunities pro vided to students.
• Collaboration and engagement of businesses in VET education.
• Impact on VET schools' development and curriculum enhancement.
• Career orientation and guidance outcomes for students.
• Contribution to policy development in the field of VET education.
• Sustainability and long-term viability of project outcomes.

Methodology

The evaluation will employ a mixed-methods approach, including:

• Data collection through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and document analysis.
• Quantitative analysis of key performance indicators (KPIs) related to student outcomes, business involvement, school development, and career orientation.
• Qualitative analysis to capture stakeholders' perspectives, lessons learned, and success stories.
• Comparative analysis against project objectives and benchmarks.

The evaluation will involve the following target sample

• 50 VET students participated in the skills development programs.
• 12 Business representatives and industry partners engaged in the project.
• 10 Key personnel from participating VET schools and institutions.
• 10 Relevant government officials or policymakers connected to VET education.

Deliverables

The evaluation will result in the following deliverables

• Comprehensive evaluation report detailing findings, insights, and recommendations.
• A summary presentation for stakeholders, highlighting key outcomes and actionable insights.
• A set of best practices and lessons learned to guide future project iterations.

Stakeholder Involvement

Stakeholders, including VET schools, businesses, students, and relevant government bodies, will be actively engaged in data collection and feedback processes.

Ethical Considerations

All data collection and analysis will adhere to ethical standards, ensuring participant confidentiality and data privacy.

Reporting and Dissemination

The final evaluation report and summary presentation will be shared with project stakeholders and relevant institutions. Findings will also be utilized to inform future project planning and policy discussions.

Necessary skills and capacities of the Evaluator:

• Proven experience in conducting field research with a wide range of stakeholders and target groups
• Expertise in participative data collection techniques
• Experience or background in, youth employability, career orientation, social inclusion, education
• University degree in a relevant field (social sciences, international development, education)
• Knowledge of the Kosovo and Peja region context
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and organizational skills

Desirable skills and capacities of the Evaluator:

Knowledge of local languages (Albanian, Bosnian, and Romani) Experience working with non-majority groups in Kosovo

Timeframe / Schedule

The assignment is expected to occur between 20 October to 05 November 2023, with the desired number of working days between 10 and 14.

Award criteria

The selection will be made on the following criteria:

Quality of Offer (50%)

• Good understanding of challenges of the minority and women participation in education, professional career and their as well as their cultural implications related to employability
• Experience and profile of the experts/company/NGO
• Good understanding of the education system in Kosovo and the region;
• Demonstrated ability to work in multicultural environments;
• Capacity to meet the required deadlines.

Proposed methodology (30%)

Financial offer (20%)

Application process

Interested applicants /companies/NGOs should submit:

• CVs or copy of business registration certificate, fiscal number;
• A cover letter detailing their suitability for the assignment;
• Proposed work plan and summary of the methodology for the assignment (3 pages)
• A financial offer (including daily fees, transportation costs, and translation/interpretation costs if applicable)
• At least two references of similar work in the past

The offermust be sent in PDF format via email to: info@solidar-suisse-kos.org and CC to a.kadriu@solidar-suisse-kos.org

The deadline for submission of bids is October 06, 2023, at (17:00hrs)

Any bid submitted after the deadline specified above or that does not follow the instructions mentioned will not be considered.