External Evaluator for Quality Assurance

This Publication was developed in the framework of the Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnership in the field of Education: 101246086— SHIFT — ERASMUS-EDU-2025-PCOOP-ENGO

1. Background of the Project

The SHIFT project aims to transform higher education by promoting student-centred learning approaches and strengthening cooperation between higher education institutions, students, and labour market stakeholders. The project focuses on improving the recognition of learning outcomes, enhancing teaching practices, and supporting flexible and inclusive educational pathways across Europe.

The consortium consists of European-level organisations, universities, and research institutions working collaboratively to develop methodologies, policy recommendations, and practical tools for student-centred education.

2. Purpose of the External Evaluation

The purpose of the external evaluation is to ensure an independent, objective, and systematic assessment of the quality of the project’s implementation and results. The external evaluator will complement the internal Quality Assurance (QA) system by providing critical insights, validating project progress, and supporting continuous improvement.

The evaluation will focus on:

• Quality of project implementation
• Achievement of objectives and expected results
• Effectiveness of collaboration within the consortium
• Relevance and impact of project activities
• Alignment with Erasmus+ priorities and standards

3. Scope of Work

The external evaluator will be expected to:

• Review key project documents (e.g. deliverables, outputs, QA plan)
• Assess the implementation of activities and achievement of deliverables
• Analyse feedback collected through internal QA tools (e.g. meeting evaluations, periodic feedback forms, event evaluations)
• Participate (online) in selected project meetings (TPMs/OPMs), if relevant
• Provide independent feedback on project progress, risks, and quality

4. Quality Assurance Framework

The SHIFT project applies a comprehensive Quality Assurance system, which includes:

4.1 Tracking and Monitoring Tools and Evaluation

• Continuous monitoring of work packages, deliverables, and milestones
• Use of a QA Monitoring Tool to track progress and completion of tasks
• Regular updates through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal
• Focus on organisation, content quality, collaboration, and project progress
• Participant feedback collected for key activities (e.g. webinars, capacity-building, final conference)
• Focus on satisfaction, relevance, and perceived impact

4.2 Periodical Quality Reports

• Providing a report in a M13, M25 and M36 of the project
• Assessment of overall project coherence, performance, and internal cooperation

4.3 Quality Assurance Plan and Final Review

• QA plan established at the beginning of the project
• Final assessment comparing planned vs. achieved results

The external evaluator is expected to build on these tools and provide an independent perspective.

5. Expected Deliverables

The external evaluator will be expected to deliver:

• Inception Note (early phase)
  • Understanding of the project and proposed evaluation approach
• First Report (around Month 13)
• Second Report (around Month 25)
• Final Evaluation Report (around Month 36, end of project)

6. Profile of the External Evaluator

The evaluator should have:

• Proven experience in evaluation of EU-funded projects (preferably Erasmus+)
• Strong understanding of higher education and/or student engagement
• Experience with quality assurance and monitoring frameworks
• Ability to provide independent, analytical, and constructive feedback
• Excellent English writing and communication skills

7. Application Procedure

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

• CV highlighting relevant experience
• Short motivation letter (max. 0,5 page)
• Financial offer

9. Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Relevant experience and expertise
• Quality and clarity of the proposed methodology
• Understanding of the project context
• Value for money

10. Contact and Deadline

• Deadline for applications: 9/4/2026
• Contact: viktoria.malincakova@esu-online.org

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