Contracting an European accreditation agency to conduct the international accreditation of selected higher education programs of Moldovan universities, ensuring alignment with European Higher Education Area (EHEA) standards and practices.

Project: P167790 - Higher Education Project Reference: MD-MOED-514138-CS-CQS Procurement method: Consultant Qualification Selection Financing: World Bank Republic of Moldova Moldova Higher Education Project Credit No. 6542-MD Reference No.: MD-MOED- 514138 -CS-CQS Assignment Title : European accreditation agency to conduct the international accreditation of selected higher education programs of Moldovan universities, ensuring alignment with European Higher Education Area (EHEA) standards and practices . The Ministry of Education and Research (MoER) has received financing from the World Bank Group toward the cost of the Moldova Higher Education Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds to engage a recognized European accreditation agency to conduct the international accreditation of selected higher education programs of Moldovan universities, ensuring alignment with European Higher Education Area (EHEA) standards and practices. The assignment will involve the selected international accrediting agency and the universities only. MoER will be informed about the process. The specific objectives are to: Evaluate selected Moldovan university programs against European accreditation standards. Issue accreditation decisions (accredited/conditional/not accredited) in line with international practice. Provide recommendations for continuous improvement of accredited programs. The assignment is expected to last 6-12 months, depending on the number of site visits and evaluation processes required by the accrediting agency. For more information, please see the Terms of References . The MoER now invites eligible European Accreditation Agency (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are: Be a legally recognized European quality assurance/accreditation agency for Higher Education, listed in the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR) or a full member of ENQA. Proven experience in conducting international accreditations within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Have at least 10 years of experience in program and institutional accreditation. Demonstrate a successful track record in accrediting study programs in fields such as data science, social sciences, psychology, economics, and creative industries (e.g., animation/game design). Have experience working internationally and in transition or developing country contexts. Provide a team of qualified experts with relevant academic and accreditation experience. Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016, Revised November 2017 and August 2018 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest and eligibility. Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications, but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultant’s Qualification Based Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 09 00 to 17 00 hours . Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by December 5, 2025, 16:00 o’clock, Moldova local time. Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, MHEP Attn: Sergiu Harea, project coordinator Stefan cel Mare 180, 13th floor, room no. 1307, mun. Chisinau, Republic of Moldova MD-2004 Tel/fax: 022 23-25-02 E-mail: mhep@mec.gov.md copy to cezar.captaciuc@gmail.com