Ireland - Design and execution of research and development - Developmental Evaluation and Supporting Research SEUPB PEACEPLUS-funded - Skills Connect Programme

NOW Group is a multi-award-winning social enterprise with operations in Belfast, Dublin, Galway, Donegal and expanding across the island of Ireland. The organisation supports people who are neurodiverse, including those with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities to secure sustainable employment. The Skills Connect project aims to reduce skills gaps in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland by addressing systemic barriers to education and employment for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions. Skills Connect is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Skills Connect is seeking a suitably qualified evaluator to undertake an independent, in-depth developmental evaluation of its multi-site programme. This exciting opportunity involves working closely with project teams to support continuous learning and improvement across curriculum design, training delivery, and stakeholder engagement. This contract offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of skills development and contribute to policy recommendations through evidence-based insights. Skills Connect is seeking a suitably qualified evaluator to undertake an independent, in-depth developmental evaluation of its multi-site programme. This exciting opportunity involves working closely with project teams to support continuous learning and improvement across curriculum design, training delivery, and stakeholder engagement. Key Responsibilities Include: • Developing a Theory of Change framework • Identifying Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) • Designing and implementing mixed-methods data collection • Supporting iterative programme development • Producing interim and final evaluation reports • Facilitating a co-designed strategy and implementation roadmap The successful evaluator will: • Collaborate with project teams and stakeholders • Lead data collection and analysis across multiple sites in NE NI and the border areas of ROI • Provide quarterly briefings and attend key advisory meetings • Deliver a Joint Strategy Report and Final Evaluation Report This contract offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of skills development and contribute to policy recommendations through evidence-based insights.