National Short Term Expert for the Analysis to assess technical, operational, legal, and financial aspect of external assessment in Work-based trainings

• Background and context

The Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC) assigned NIRAS Germany GmbH to implement the project "From Education to Employment" (hereinafter: E2E) – Phase 3 starting in May 2024 till the end of April 2028.

The overall goal of the E2E project is to increase the employability of young people in Serbia in a socially inclusive and sustainable way.

In the first two phases , the project supported training of unemployed young people to acquire professional competences through work-based trainings in selected companies in twelve regions in Serbia (Mačvanski, Kolubarski, Zlatiborski, Moravički, Šumadijski, Podunavski, Pomoravski, Raški, Rasinski, Zaječarski, Nišavski i Pirotski). These training courses were jointly financed by the companies and the E2E project. All those interested in the training participated in the career guidance and counseling process implemented by local partner organizations – the JOB INFO Centers (JIC). Career practitioners from JICs and representatives of companies carried out the selection of trainees.

The Work-Based Learning (WBL) training courses have proven to be a very successful concept for training individuals to acquire the necessary work competencies. In total 2315 people participated in WBL trainings and 71.3% of them got a job. Trainings were organized in 250 companies through 125 different training programs. The practical part of the training was carried out by 476 trained mentors, some of whom are also instructors in dual education. A large number of these companies participate in vocational education (according to the dual and/or classic model) but also use NES funds for active employment policy measures (Trainings on Employers' request or Trainings for the Labour Market).

In the Phase III, the project supports companies to develop their own capacities for internal training of employees. The project also supports the development and accreditation of WBL training programs in companies and the acquisition of status of publicly recognized organizers of adult education activities (JPOA status).

The E2E also supports further development of the quality assured vocational training system in Serbia.

One of the elements of the training quality system is the introduction of an independent assessment of acquired competences at the final exams within the training. The independence of competence assessment in relation to training can be ensured by establishing an external assessment system as well as a pool of independent assessors of various professional competences.

This specific Terms of Reference is related to support the development of systemic solutions for independent assessment of professional competencies in vocational training.

• Job description and objectives

Objective of this assignment is to provide in the context of quality assurance a draft concept of external assessment in non-formal vocational trainings assuring quality and trust in acquired competencies and/or qualifications.

The Tasks Of The Expert Shall Be

• To draft a concept for external assessment in vocational training including institutional and legal settings
• To prepare the review of the legal framework governing external assessment of competencies in vocational education and training.
• To examine existing Serbian vocational training assessment and compare with three EU examples.
• To map the scope of external assessment (share of accredited training providers by programs, sectors, types, and regions that may benefit from new concept).
• To analyse the capacities of institutions involved in the implementation of vocational education and training at the system level.
• To conduct a consultation process with E2E, CCIS, companies and relevant social partners (e.g. structured or semi-structured interviews, focus group meetings, etc).
• To conduct a consultation process for drafting the concept.
• To propose a final version of a draft concept for external assessment in vocational training including institutional, legal and financial settings

The mandate shall be performed in close cooperation and consultation with E2E PIU, CCIS and relevant partners.

• The expert's profile

The consultant shall have the following skills, experience, and qualifications:

• University degree,
• At least 7 years of working experience in the field of education,
• Strong familiarity with systems of qualifications and occupations,
• Experience in conducting analyses or other written materials in the field of education and training,
• Experience in institutional and functional analysis at sectoral level,
• Experience in assessment of processes, responsible bodies, and institutions at intersectoral level,
• Strong familiarity with competency-based assessment will be considered as an advantage,
• Professional knowledge of the English language,
• Excellent analytical and Serbian writing skills.

For the realization of this task one person is needed. It is possible to apply as a single service provider or individual consultant.

• Deliverables & reports

The Deliverables Of The Assignment Shall Comprise
For the Task 1:

• 1st version of the draft concept for external assessment in vocational training including institutional and legal settings – by 17th February 2026

For The Task 2-3

• Conducted consultative process with relevant social partners and stakeholders on the draft concept for external assessment in vocational training including institutional and legal settings – by 4th March 2026
• Final version of a draft concept for external assessment in vocational training including institutional, legal and financial settings – by 25th March 2026
• Final report on implemented process of drafting concept for external assessment in vocational training with recommendation – by 25th March 2026

All deliverables should be presented in the English and Serbian language.

• Timeline, venue, and reporting

For the realization of tasks defined in Article 2, the assigned number of days is up to 15 working days, which are expected to be realized in the period 20th November 2025 – 27th March 2026.

Depending on performance and actual needs in the field the time might be extended, and the number of performance days increased.

The expert is reporting to the Senior Education, Training and Policy Advisor – Mirjana Bojanić.

• Estimated budget and contracting

The service contract which is to be signed by two parties shall cover the period between 20th November 2025 and 27th March 2026.

Remuration shall include gross fee per day based on a service contract which is to be agreed and signed by the two parties.

Financial offer should be calculated on gross amount/fee. If Consultant apply as a "physical person", and according to the Serbian Taxation and Labour Law, the Company (NIRAS) will calculate and pay taxes as a deduction from the gross amount and pay net amount to the Consultant.

E2E will further bear all costs regarding transportation and accommodation in the field as well as focus group meetings.

• Dynamics of payment
• First instalment: against timesheet and approved deliverables after the submission of the 1st version of the draft concept for external assessment in vocational training.
• Second instalment: against timesheet and approved deliverables after the submission of the Final report on implemented process of drafting concept for external assessment in vocational training and the Final version of a Draft concept for external assessment in vocational training including institutional, legal, and financial settings.
• Application procedure

Deadline for Application: 10th November 2025.

Individual consultants and organizations can apply for this assignment.

Applicants Are Requested To Submit The Following

• Technical offer – suggested work plan for implementation of the assignment including a precise list of actors (institutions, not names) within the consultative process.
• CV of the Expert.
• Cover letter with information on the experience of the Expert in the implementation of similar activities and financial offer based on person-days in CHF/gross.

Submission of Application should be done to the following email address: no later than 10th November 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 14th November 2025.

• Evaluation Grid