Support of a systematic review of available evidence

Job Description

Democracy is in a worldwide crisis. More countries are experiencing autocratization than democratization. While previous research on democracy promotion has focused on democratic transition and consolidation, far less is known about the increasingly relevant question of how states and societies can be protected from democratic erosion. Against this background, DEval’s evaluative study on democracy promotion synthesizes international evidence on the effectiveness of democracy promotion in different regime contexts and draws implications for development cooperation. The evaluative study, of which the herein requested systematic review is one component, aims to synthesise available international evidence with a focus on the (intended and non-intended) outcomes and impact of interventions. The study is stipulated as part of DEval’s three-year evaluation program (MEP) and began in October 2025. It will serve the learning function of evaluation, aiming to provide the BMZ with the necessary evidence to inform and shape its strategic programming. To support the evaluation team, DEval is requesting applications from a consultant team with experience in evidence synthesis to provide the database for a systematic review and consult the Deval team on the methodology of conducting a systematic review.

Contract period 16 February 2026 to 31 December 2026

Required qualifications

A-criteria:

• The core team consists of the team leader plus at least one more senior researcher. All core team members have a university degree (minimum master degree or equivalent from an accredited university). The core team can collectively demonstrate strong expertise in evidence mapping and / or evidence synthesis in the field of democracy/governance and within the context of international and/or development cooperation. Specifically, the core team should include members with previous experience of undertaking evidence synthesis and / or evidence maps in the field or combine team members with strong synthesis / mapping experience and team members with strong background in research in the field of democracy/governance. At least 6 years of professional experience in research (governance, democracy, political sciences, international development, or related field) and/or evaluation of all core members.
• Team leader has (co-)authored and significantly contributed to at least 1 SR or Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA).
• All supporting staff will fulfil all the 3 following qualifications: They have at least an undergraduate university degree or equivalent. They have participated in at least one initial session of training in SR / REA/ synthesis methods before starting work on the study and will receive ongoing training / support throughout the study.

B-criteria:
Applicants must submit the following:

• A technical proposal (up to 6 DIN-A4 pages) that recommends a methodological approach, suitable to address the research questions described in the Terms of Reference. This includes, but is not limited to, the approach to development of an appropriate scope and SR framework, presentation of some preliminary inclusion and exclusion criteria based on some scoping of the topic, as well as information on the estimated number of studies that can be included within the scope of the SR. Key risks to project delivery and mitigation strategies should also be mentioned.
• A concept for the search strategy (within the technical proposal), databases to be searched, the approach to keyword searching and approach to the use of alternative strategies to identify studies. Access to relevant databases for the consultant team should be described.
• A detailed and realistic time and work plan that is aligned with the expected duration of the assignment and the deadlines for the deliverables.

The tender documents can be found here.

Questions about the tender can be submitted electronically via the German Procurement Portal (DTVP) until 2 February 2026.

Offers can be be submitted electronically via the German Procurement Portal (DTVP) by 9 February 2026, 10.00 am CEST. Other ways of submission will not be accepted. An account on the portal is required for application submission; applicants are advised to create their accounts in advance. To ensure timely submission, please allocate sufficient time to complete the required information on the portal and upload the required documents.

About the Organization

About DEval

The German Institute for Development Evaluation (DEval) was founded in 2012 and is based in Bonn. The institute is organized as a German non-profit institution with limited liability (German Limited Liability Companies Act, GmbH). Its sole shareholder is the German Federal Government, represented by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The main task of DEval is the independent analysis and assessment (evaluation) of German development cooperation interventions. Additional tasks include the development of appropriate methods and standards, providing qualification measures, as well as supporting evaluation capacity building in the partner countries for German development cooperation. The institute thereby engages in various national and international forms of cooperation.

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