Evaluation of Civic Education Program | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity for?

This opportunity is to hire an independent evaluator to assess a long-running, in-school civic education initiative in Bosnia and Herzegovina that the U.S. Embassy (Office of Public Affairs) has supported in partnership with Civitas Bosnia and Herzegovina.

2) Who is issuing the opportunity?

The U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, through its Office of Public Affairs (OPA), issued the funding opportunity.

3) What program is being evaluated?

The evaluation covers a civic education program that has been active since 1996 across kindergarten, elementary, and secondary levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

4) What parts of the civic education initiative are included in the evaluation?

The program includes several connected components, including teacher training and certification, curriculum development, civic education competitions, and related outreach such as social media activities. The evaluation is expected to look at the program end-to-end rather than focusing on only one activity.

5) What is the main purpose of the evaluation?

The Embassy wants an evaluation that goes beyond describing activities. It should critically examine how the program is administered and how well it performs, so the Embassy can make evidence-based decisions about future planning and the administrative structure of its civic education support in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

6) What does "end-to-end" evaluation mean in this call?

It means examining implementation plans, inputs, outputs, and outcomes/results. In practical terms, the evaluator should examine how the program is organized and managed, how teacher training is delivered and supported, how competitions are coordinated, and whether the overall system effectively promotes quality civic education.

7) Is the evaluation expected to measure outcomes and impact, or only activities?

The opportunity is framed to include outcomes/results and to assess program effects and impact, not only activity reporting. The Embassy specifically states the evaluation should do more than describe activities.

8) Will the evaluation cover all jurisdictions in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

No. Because the program operates across many jurisdictions, the evaluation is designed to focus on a smaller sample of participating cantons/regions/districts, using that sample to assess program effects and impact.

9) What deliverable is expected at the end of the project?

The final product is an English-language report based on data gathered in the local context. The report is intended to inform Embassy decisions about what to continue, adjust, or redesign.

10) In what language must the final report be written?

The final report must be in English.

11) What language requirements apply to the evaluator in the field?

The evaluation team should be either a single U.S. expert fluent in one of the local languages, or a U.S. expert working with a locally hired translator. The evaluator is expected to communicate effectively with local staff and teachers in one of the local languages.

12) What does the Embassy mean by evaluator independence?

The evaluator must not have been directly involved in designing or implementing the Bosnia and Herzegovina civic education programs being evaluated. The call emphasizes autonomy and the ability to conduct an impartial assessment.

13) What types of skills and methods are expected for the evaluation?

The opportunity calls for strong quantitative and qualitative evaluation skills. The evaluator should be able to design and administer surveys, conduct interviews, analyze numerical data, and perform qualitative analysis.

14) What kinds of evaluator experience are preferred?

Preference is given to evaluators with experience assessing educational and/or nonprofit programs in developing or transitional settings, especially where program administration and training are major components. Experience in Eastern European education systems is expected, ideally with civic education in the Balkans.

15) Can a single individual apply, or does it need to be an organization?

Eligible applicants include U.S. experts (individuals), as well as organizations such as U.S.-based NGOs and U.S. universities. Bosnia and Herzegovina-based NGOs, universities, and research centers are also eligible if they would contract U.S. civic education experts.

16) Are Bosnia and Herzegovina-based organizations eligible to apply directly?

Yes. Bosnia and Herzegovina-based NGOs/universities/research centers are listed as eligible applicants, provided they would contract U.S. civic education experts.

17) How many awards does the Embassy expect to make?

The opportunity indicates an expectation of a single award.

18) What is the funding mechanism and category?

This is described as a discretionary funding opportunity under a cooperative agreement, categorized under education.

19) What is the funding range for this opportunity?

The listed funding floor is $20,000 and the ceiling is $50,000.

20) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

21) How will proposals be evaluated?

Proposals are judged on: alignment with the purpose and focus of the evaluation; clarity and appropriateness of the proposed methodology; compliance with application requirements and mandatory components; the strength of articulated goals and target groups; cost effectiveness (with an emphasis on keeping implementation costs low); relevant past performance evaluating education programs in emerging democracies; and demonstrated capacity to conduct work across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

22) Does the call emphasize keeping costs low?

Yes. Cost effectiveness is a review factor, and the Embassy emphasizes keeping implementation costs low.

23) When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on July 24, 2015.

24) What was the application deadline?

Proposals were due by 5:00 PM on September 8, 2015.

25) In what language must the application be written?

Applications had to be written in English.

26) What was the page limit for the application?

The application was limited to six pages total, including the budget.

27) How were applications submitted?

Applications were submitted by email.

28) What email address was used for submission?

Applications had to be emailed to SarajevoHomestayBiH@state.gov.

29) Who is the point of contact for questions or access issues?

The listed contact is Rahela Dzidic, Education and Training Specialist.

30) What contact details were provided for the point of contact?

Email: dzidicr@state.gov. Phone: 0038733704000.

31) Are there any standard funding caveats mentioned?

Yes. Funding decisions depend on the availability of funds, and the Embassy may cancel the call at any time without committing to any applicant.

32) What geographic scope of work should applicants be prepared for?

The evaluator must demonstrate capacity to conduct work across Bosnia and Herzegovina, with fieldwork and data collection occurring in the local context, even though the evaluation itself will focus on a smaller sample of participating cantons/regions/districts.

33) Is the evaluator expected to work autonomously?

Yes. The opportunity notes the evaluator is expected to operate autonomously, with access to relevant information, and to produce rigorous analysis and reporting.