Terms of reference (ToR) for the external evaluation of the BRIDGE Project

“BRIDGE - Stepping forward in the protection of women and girls in Kosovo and Serbia”*

Published on April 15, 2026

1. Background

The project BRIDGE - Stepping forward in the protection of women and girls in Kosovo and Serbia* is implemented by NGO Atina (Belgrade) and the Center for the Protection of Victims and Prevention of Trafficking in Human Beings (PVPT) (Prishtina), with the support of the European Commission. The project responds to the need for improved cross-border cooperation and coordinated responses to trafficking in human beings (THB) and gender-based violence (GBV), particularly affecting women, girls, and migrant populations. It focuses on strengthening community-based service provision, enhancing institutional cooperation, and engaging youth in prevention and advocacy efforts. Given the complexity of the operating environment and the importance of sustainable, survivor-centered responses, an independent external evaluation will be conducted at the end of the project implementation.

2. Purpose of the evaluation

The purpose of the external evaluation is to assess the project's overall performance and results, identify key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned, and provide actionable recommendations for future programming and policy development. The evaluation will serve as a resource for project partners, beneficiaries, government institutions, local self-governments, donors, and wider stakeholders to inform future strategic approaches in community-based protection systems.

3. Objectives of the evaluation

The evaluation will assess the effectiveness of the project in achieving its objectives, examine the relevance of the intervention to beneficiaries’ needs and contextual realities, evaluate the efficiency of resource use and implementation modalities, analyze the impact of the project on target groups and systems, assess the sustainability of results and interventions, and identify good practices, lessons learned, and areas for improvement.

4. Scope of work

The evaluator will:

4.1 Methodology development

Develop a detailed evaluation methodology, including:

Evaluation matrix (questions, indicators, sources)

Data collection tools

Sampling strategy

Ensure a participatory, gender-sensitive, and trauma-informed approach.

4.2 Desk review

Review all relevant project documentation, including:

Project proposal and logframe

Reports (narrative and financial)

Monitoring data

Training and workshop materials

Outputs and publications

4.3 Data collection

Use a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods, including:

Interviews with stakeholders (partners, institutions, beneficiaries, youth participants)

Focus groups (where appropriate)

Surveys (if applicable)

Case studies

Apply participatory tools to ensure diverse perspectives, especially beneficiaries', are included.

4.4 Data analysis

Analyze data using both:

Quantitative indicators (numbers, percentages, trends)

Qualitative insights (experiences, perceptions, narratives)

4.5 Reporting

Prepare:

Methodology and plan until May 12, 2026

Draft evaluation report by June 22, 2026

Final evaluation report, incorporating feedback from the project team and stakeholders, June 29, 2026

5. Key evaluation questions

The evaluation should address, but not be limited to:

Relevance

To what extent does the project respond to the needs of women and girls affected by THB and GBV?

How appropriate is the cross-border approach?

Effectiveness

To what extent were the planned objectives and results achieved?

How effective were the youth engagement and prevention activities?

Efficiency

Were resources used cost-effectively?

Were implementation mechanisms appropriate?

Impact

What changes can be observed at the level of beneficiaries, institutions, and cooperation mechanisms?

Has the project contributed to improved identification, protection, and support of victims?

Sustainability

Are the results likely to continue after project completion?

What mechanisms support long-term cooperation and service provision?

6. Deliverables

The evaluator is expected to deliver:

Methodology, tools, timeline

Draft Evaluation Report

Preliminary findings and practical recommendations

Final Evaluation Report (revised based on feedback)

7. Duration and level of effort

Maximum 30 working days

Tentative timeline: May 8, 2026, until June 29, 2026

The total number of days includes:

Preparation and methodology design

Data collection

Analysis

Reporting

Communication with the project team

The total cost is calculated by multiplying the expert’s daily rate by the number of working days.

8. Management and coordination

The evaluator will work closely with the project team (Atina and PVPT)

The project team will:

Provide access to documentation

Facilitate contacts with stakeholders

Provide feedback on draft reports

9. Required qualifications

The evaluator (or evaluation team) should have:

University degree in social sciences, law, gender studies, or related field

Minimum 10 years of experience in the evaluation of similar projects

Proven experience in:

GBV / human trafficking/migration

EU-funded projects

Strong analytical and report-writing skills

Experience with participatory and qualitative methodologies

Knowledge of the regional context is an asset

10. Application procedure

Interested candidates should submit:

CV highlighting relevant experience

Technical proposal (methodology)

Financial proposal (daily rate, total cost)

References or examples of previous evaluations

11. Ethical considerations

The evaluator must:

Ensure confidentiality and data protection

Apply the do no harm principles

Use a trauma-informed approach, especially when engaging survivors

Ensure informed consent of all participants

12. Deadline for submission of bid is May 5, 2026

All bids need to be submitted no later than May 5, 2026, in an electronic version to the email zorana.parezanovic@atina.org.rs

A selection will be made no later than May 6, 2026, and the selected consultant will be contracted no later than May 7, 2026. Only the selected candidate will be informed.

*All references to Kosovo, whether the territory, institutions, or population, shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo. 

All references to Kosovo, whether the territory, institutions, or population, shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.