Summary of theTerm of ReferenceConsultant :
Program Midterm External Evaluation (CEE)Report Type :
External EvaluationPeriod covered :
Accelerator Programme :
1 / March / 2021 – 31 / August / 2024Refugee Employment Programme :
1 / July / 2022 - 31 / October / 2024Accelerator Programme :
1 / March / 2025 - 30 / September / 2025Geography :
Poland and RomaniaAccess the complete Term of Reference here.General purpose :
To evaluate the performance, including its impact and learnings, of the NESsT CEE Acceleration Programs implemented in partnership with IKEA Social Entrepreneurship (ISE).ContextThere is a significant gap in ecosystems where IKEA and NESsT are present. Social entrepreneurs often receive support to launch initial ideas but lack ongoing support during the growth phase, known as the “missing middle.” NESsT and IKEA have partnered to address this gap through a three-year program aimed at supporting 32 social entrepreneurs in Poland and Romania, helping them grow their enterprises and provide dignified employment to vulnerable populations.ComponentsThe program offers social entrepreneurs business services and financial capital to expand their markets and impact. It supports enterprises at the growth stage that have proven business models but need to develop their teams, systems, and structures. NESsT’s local teams, along with support from IKEA’s coworkers and NESsT’s network of advisors and mentors, facilitate this development, leveraging local value chain support where possible.Use and intended users of the evaluation :
The primary goal is to assess how the accelerator programs contribute to the performance and progress of participating companies. The evaluation will generate insights and lessons to improve the program’s design and effectiveness, informing NESsT’s leadership and funding partners like IKEA Social Entrepreneurship for impact reporting and strategic alignment.Deliverable :
The consultant will prepare a Program Midterm Evaluation Report focusing on relevance, efficiency, and effectiveness, with recommendations for improvement.Main objectives :
Assess the achievement of objectives as of the evaluation date and the likelihood of achieving them by program end.Identify findings, challenges, risks, and provide recommendations for improvement, which may inform future NESsT and ISE programs in Europe.Summarize learnings to guide NESsT’s best practices.Timeline :
Terms of Reference release:
June 12th, 2025Deadline for questions:
June 22nd, 2025Responses to questions:
June 30th, 2025Proposal submission deadline (including detailed budget):
July 15th, 2025Estimated assignment:
August 2025Proposals must be submitted via NESsT Bamboo system and include:
Detailed budgetTimelineReferencesEvaluator team resumesExamples of similar regional projects (uploaded through the provided link)J-18808-Ljbffr
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