Background:
The Netherlands Embassy is commissioning an evaluation of its cultural programme in Macedonia in the period 2004-2012 and invites experts to submit a proposal before 15 September 2012, based on the requirements mentioned below. The Embassy will contract 2 experts – a senior and a junior consultant - that will jointly carry out a desk and field research, taking as a starting point the background information provided by the Embassy, but also upgrading it with a proposed set of persons and organizations to be approached.
The Netherlands Embassy in Skopje has been supporting various cultural activities in Macedonia, especially in the period of 2004-2012. The support was provided via the following funding mechanisms: Small Embassy Project Funds (PKP NON-ODA) in the period of 2004-2012; Culture and Development (C&O) Programme of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the period 2004-2011; and MATRA delegated fund for Culture, in the period of 2010-2012.
The activities supported by the Embassy, while diverse in nature, were primarily directed to two main goals: promotion of the Dutch culture in Macedonia, especially contemporary forms of cultural expression; and support to Macedonian culture, with a special stress of contemporary culture (film, jazz and contemporary music, modern dance.
The specific reasons for the evaluation are:
- Assessing progress of the Embassy cultural programme;
- Reviewing relevance and appropriateness of the programme;
- Recommending changes in the strategy and focus, depending on the outcome of the findings.
More specifically, information is needed on the actual impact the Embassy funded interventions have had on the direct beneficiaries of funds, related actors in the sector of culture, and the broader public.
Deliverables of the Engagement of the Consultants:
The interested consultants will have to provide a letter of interest and a project proposal along with their letter of intent, including their CVs and references, proposed methodology (interviews, meetings, survey conducted by e-mail and phone, and a minimum representative group of individuals and organisations to be interviewed), work plan (including field visits to implementing organisations) and budget.
The consultants that will be hired based on a contract and more specific Terms of Reference will have to provide an in-depth report on the qualitative impact of Embassy funded activities in the area of culture, containing data on the persons and organizations approached, work methods and techniques used, also containing their summarised conclusions and recommendations for further Embassy activities.
Consultants Qualifications:
The consultants should have the following specific qualifications:
- Professional background in contemporary arts and culture in Macedonia of at least 5 years;
- Relevant international experience in the cultural sector;
- Experience with monitoring and evaluation techniques and financial and budgeting issues, preferably in the cultural sector;
- Fluent in Macedonian (speaking and writing); command of Albanian is an asset;
- Excellent command of English (speaking and writing);
- Excellent communication and networking skills.
Implementation period:
The implementation period will be from 20 August to 20 September 2012, according to a schedule that the consultants will prepare themselves.
Deadline: 15 September 2012
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