Terms of Reference

Title of Consultancy: Open call for an independent consultant or a team of consultants for the final evaluation of project “Integrity Watch in the Western Balkans and Turkey: civil society combating corruption with political integrity data”

Application Closing Date: 30 June 2026

Consultancy Start and End Date: 13 July to 30 September 2026

Location of Consultancy: Remote (home-based)

Kosova Democratic Institute (KDI) is a non-for-profit organization based in Kosovo, and its work is guided towards a corruption free environment where institutions, business and citizens exercise their rights and roles with integrity and dignity. Its mission is to support the development of participatory democracy and the fight against corruption in Kosovo and the region through promotion of transparency, accountability and integrity at all levels and sectors of society.

KDI is seeking an independent evaluator/consultant to conduct the final project evaluation of the EU-funded action “Integrity Watch in the Western Balkans and Turkey: civil society combating corruption with political integrity data” implemented in the Western Balkans and Türkiye by national chapters of Transparency International (TI). This regional project was led by KDI based in Kosovo in partnering with Transparency International chapters in Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye, whilst Transparency International Secretariat based in Berlin provided thematic and technical support.

This regional project with an implementation period extending from March 2023 to June 2026, aimed to empower citizens and civil society actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye to hold their political office holders to account for the integrity of political finance, law-making and resource allocation. Hence, strengthened political integrity had to foster more public decisions consistent with the common good. The project is an innovative civil society initiative in the field of anti-corruption and political integrity implemented by lead CSO Kosova Democratic Institute based in Kosovo in partnership with Transparency International chapters in Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye. In addition, Transparency International Secretariat based in Berlin provided thematic and technical support.

For more details of this consultancy, please download HERE the Terms of References.

Deliverables

This evaluation is expected to be mostly desk-based, conducted remotely.

The consultant or team of consultants is expected to deliver:

• An inception report outlining the proposed methodology, stakeholders for interviews and FGDs, data collection tools and timeframe of planned actions.
• A draft evaluation report for review and comments by KDI, including annexes. While considering the comments provided on the draft, the consultant(s) shall use their independent and impartial judgment in preparing the final report.
• An online validation meeting with key stakeholders to discuss findings and feedback on draft report, with design, facilitation and documentation of a participatory workshop, incl. PowerPoint presentation, to discuss and validate the draft report.
• A final evaluation report documenting the evaluation process and results following a clear structure. The evaluation report will contain the findings, conclusions, and recommendations as well as lessons learned with action-oriented recommendations
• An online learning/validation workshop to engage TI-S and the project partners on the evaluation findings and strengthen the recommendations.

The final report should not be longer than 30-35 pages, excluding the annexes and the executive summary, and should be accompanied by a summary PowerPoint presentation. All evaluation deliverables are to be submitted in English, in electronic form, in accordance with the agreed deadlines. The consultant is responsible for the quality of the final product, including editing and quality control of language.

Selection criteria

KDI is inviting expressions of interest from individual consultants or a team of consultants to carry out the final evaluation of the project. Applicants should have the following skills and experience:

• Substantial experience in conducting evaluations, including in the anti-corruption field.
• At least 7 years of proven relevant professional experience in an international development environment, of which at least 5 years should be in Monitoring & Evaluation of multiple country projects & programmes. Experience with the evaluation of EU-funded projects would be considered an advantage.
• University degree in social sciences or a related area. A post-graduate degree in project management, and/or related fields would be an advantage.
• Excellent drafting and report-writing capacities.
• Knowledge and experience of working with advocacy-oriented organisations.
• Proven experience in the conceptualisation and facilitation of participatory workshops.
• Highly motivated and committed to the values of transparency and integrity.
• Regional experience and a good understanding of political and socio-economic issues in the Western Balkans and Türkiye, as well as the EU enlargement policy priorities in the region, would be an advantage.

Submission of applications

Applications must be submitted in English by email to [email protected] not later than 30 June 2026. Please indicate “IW WBT Final Evaluation” in the subject line of your email application.

Applications should contain these documents in English:

• A detailed technical proposal of how the assignment will be approached, including a budget and tentative timeline.
• A letter of motivation, focusing on concrete examples relating to the necessary skills and experience requested in this Terms of Reference.
• Curriculum Vitae with a full description of the applicant’s profile and experience.
• Contact details for at least two independent referees with in-depth and proven knowledge of the applicant’s expertise and relevant work experience.
• A sample evaluation, as the first author, published in the last 3 years.
• A completed VAT Form for Tenders/Vendor Form. The form is available HERE

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted and that it is unfortunately not possible to provide individual feedback on applications.

KDI retains the right to reject any or all the applications and/or to enter into additional negotiations with one or more of the tendering parties.

Selection of candidates is made on a competitive basis, and we do not discriminate based on national origin, race, colour or ethnic background, religious belief, sex, gender identity and expression or sexual orientation, marital or family status, age, or ability. We kindly ask applicants to refrain from including in their application information relating to the above as well as from attaching photos.

This activity is funded by the European Union. Its content is the sole responsibility of Kosova Democratic Institute (KDI) and its partners, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.