National Short-Term Expert for Developing an Economic-Financial Analysis for Career Guidance and Counselling Services

Background and Context

The Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC) assigned NIRAS Germany GmbH to implement the project "From Education to Employment" (E2E) – Phase III starting in May 2024 till the end of April 2028 operating in Serbia. The overall goal of the E2E project is to increase the employability of women and men in Serbia in a socially inclusive and sustainable way. On the local level, the project strengthens the career guidance and counselling (CGC) ecosystem through JOB INFO Centres (JICs) – mostly local civil society organisations that provide CGC services to young people, jobseekers, and the wider community.

As part of Intervention Area 3 (Strengthening Local Labour Market Governance), the project works to support local self-governments (LSGs) in improving the quality of Local Employment Action Plans (LEAPs) and other strategic planning documents. A key element of this strategy is providing local decision-makers with credible, evidence-based arguments demonstrating the economic benefits and public value of investing in CGC services delivered by JICs.

Objectives and Key Activities

The objective of this assignment is to develop a methodologically sound and practically applicable Economic-Financial Analysis (EFA) that quantifies the public value of CGC services provided by JICs, building on the existing preliminary analysis and historical survey data.

• Inception and Context Analysis: Review existing survey data, the current preliminary economic-financial analysis and relevant project documentation; assess the quality, consistency, and statistical validity of existing data; identify data gaps and additional variables needed.
• Survey Instrument Revision: Work with the E2E team to revise and improve the existing beneficiary tracer survey questionnaire; ensure the revised questionnaire remains practical for implementation via phone interviews by non-specialist interviewers; maintain comparability with historical survey data.
• EFA Model Development: Develop an improved economic-financial analysis that builds on the existing preliminary analysis and incorporates additional relevant variables; ensure the EFA-model is methodologically transparent and grounded in recognised statistical and economic analysis practices; design the EFA-model to be simple and practical enough that JIC staff can independently collect the required data and use the EFA; provide the EFA-model in an accessible format (e.g. Excel-based tool with clear instructions).
• Data Analysis and Findings Generation: Apply the developed EFA to existing and newly collected survey data to generate concrete findings on the economic effects of CGC services; produce findings suitable for integration into JIC accountability/impact reports and presentations to local decision-makers.
• Documentation and Knowledge Transfer: Prepare a methodology and user documentation covering the EFA's assumptions, data sources, calculation logic, limitations, and practical instructions for JIC staff; conduct a brief orientation session (online or in-person) with E2E team and selected JIC staff.

Expert Profile

• University degree in statistics, economics, public policy, social sciences, or a related field (master's degree or higher preferred)
• At least 5 years of professional experience in quantitative data analysis, economic modelling, or cost-benefit analysis, economic financial analysis
• Demonstrated experience in designing or improving survey instruments for research or project evaluation purposes
• Familiarity with labour market analysis, employment policy, or public sector programme evaluation in Serbia or the Western Balkans will be considered an advantage
• Professional knowledge of both Serbian and English language
• Excellent analytical and writing skills

Deliverables

• Phase 1 – Inception and Survey Revision: Revised beneficiary tracer survey questionnaire, developed in cooperation with the E2E PIU and grounded in recognised statistical methodology.
• Phase 2 – EFA-Model Development, Analysis and Documentation: EFA model in an accessible format (e.g. Excel-based tool) with clear calculation logic; analytical report presenting key findings on the economic effects of CGC services, including methodology documentation and a practical user guide for JIC staff; conducted orientation session with E2E team and selected JIC staff.

All written deliverables should be presented in English and Serbian language.

Timeline, Venue and Reporting

The assigned number of days is up to 20 working days, expected to be realised in the period from 30.3.2026 until 1.6.2026. The expert is reporting to Ilija Stanković, MSD & MRM Coordinator. The mandate shall be performed in close cooperation and consultation with the E2E PIU.

Estimated Budget and Contracting

The service contract shall cover the period from 30.3.2026 until 1.6.2026. Remuneration shall include gross fee per day based on a service contract agreed and signed by the two parties.

Application Procedure

Deadline for Application: 23.3.2026. Applicants are requested to submit: Technical Proposal, CV of the Expert, Cover Letter, and Financial Offer (based on person-days in CHF/gross). Submission to E2E@Niras.com and ilst@niras.de in CC no later than 23.3.2026.