Step 2: Advice on how to develop evaluation terms of reference considering gender expertise
Below are some key elements you should consider when incorporating gender expertise into the terms of reference of an evaluation.
Subject matter
This should be defined in a gender-sensitive way.
- For example, in a contract for evaluating mobility services, the subject matter could explicitly refer to gender differences about journey types and the use of public transport. The contract's title and/or short description could explicitly refer to these gender aspects.
Selection criteria
Take account of the specific skills, experience and technical capacity needed to implement the gender aspects of the contract.
- For example, in a contract for evaluating mobility services which includes gender elements in the subject matter of the contract, the selection criteria could ask bidders to demonstrate prior experience and/or capacity for evaluating and integrating gender differences in the use of public transport.
- In the same contract, the selection criteria could ask bidders to demonstrate their capacity to build an evaluation team that includes gender and environmental expertise:
- Clearly outline the desired qualifications and expertise of gender and environmental expertise to be part of the evaluation team.
- Seek individuals with a strong background in gender analysis, gender mainstreaming, environmental sustainability and knowledge of the policy area of the intervention under evaluation. They should possess relevant experience in evaluating gender and environmental impacts, as well as knowledge of the relevant evaluation methods.
Award criteria
Consider adding a criterion that specifically concerns gender equality in the proposed evaluation methodology.
- For example, if the tender specifications require a gender and environmental perspective to be integrated throughout the evaluation, request that bidders present and explain the suitability of their methodological approach for conducting a gender-responsive evaluation.
In 2022, the European Commission’s Directorate-General (DG) for Mobility and Transport launched an open procedure for a framework contract for impact assessment and evaluation support studies in the field of transport.[4] As part of the tender specifications,[5] under both the selection and award criteria, the DG required contractors to prioritise equal opportunities between women and men during the selection process for experts, considering their level of expertise. In addition, contractors were encouraged to aim for gender and geographical balance across the assigned team, including supervisory and managerial positions.
How can DG Mobility and Transport and other DGs further enhance the integration of a gender equality and intersectional perspective into the procurement of evaluations and evaluation-supporting studies?
While incorporating a requirement for gender equality in the selection of experts and prioritising gender-balanced teams is commendable, the DG has the potential to further enhance the integration of a gender equality perspective in its evaluations. It can take additional steps to ensure the inclusion of gender experts with a robust background in gender analysis, gender mainstreaming and using an intersectional approach, and comprehensive knowledge of the policy area under evaluation. These experts should possess experience in assessing gender impacts and be well-versed in gender policy and legal frameworks. In the tender specifications, the DG could clearly define the roles and responsibilities of such experts, highlighting their valuable contributions to the evaluation process. In addition, the DG could explicitly incorporate gender considerations into the evaluation’s scope, objectives, methodology, data collection, and data analysis.
Further guidance can be drawn from the present tool, as well as TOOL 4 and TOOL 5.