Evaluation study of Denmark’s development cooperation in the education sector
Background
Denmark supports education in the Global South through various development cooperation efforts, including support classified under OECD/DAC guidelines as education support and core contributions to multilateral and non-governmental organisations active in education. Historically, Denmark allocated a significant share of education classified ODA through bilateral sector programmes, directing funds primarily through public sector institutions in partner countries. However, in the early 2010s, Denmark phased out these bilateral programmes and transitioned its education specific support in the direction of funding contributions to multilateral education-focused organisations. By 2023, more than 80 per cent of Danish education classified ODA was channelled through multilateral organisations, with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and Education Cannot Wait (ECW) receiving the majority of these funds. Denmark is no longer engaged in traditional bilateral education programs.
With more than a decade having passed since this shift away from bilateral education sector programmes, the Ministry of Foreign Affair seeks to conduct a study to take stock of experiences and gather lessons learned.
Purpose
The purpose of the Evaluation Study will be to provide an account of Danish support for education over the past 15 years, drawing key lessons learnt of relevance for future strategies and modalities.
The study will analyse the strengths and trade-offs of Denmark's approaches to education support, including the mix of modalities employed, taking into account broader global trends, challenges, and funding dynamics in the education sector. Additionally, it will explore the potential for Denmark to more effectively leverage its competencies and resources in multilateral engagements, while considering the resource demands associated with managing these engagements.
Methods and output
The analysis will be conducted as a desk study, based on document review (including literature review, MFA and partner programme and policy documents, etc.), quantitative data analysis (such as financial data and education indicators), and interviews.
The study is expected to employ multiple levels of analysis, including:
• examination of the global architecture of development cooperation in the education sector and trends in education indicators;
• review of literature (academic and grey) on aid and education in the Global South;
• portfolio-level analysis of Danish education sector support;
• in-depth analysis of key Danish partnerships;
• in-depth analyses of at least two case countries.
Interviews may be conducted remotely. No travel for the case studies is anticipated.
Outputs will include: draft inception report(s), final inception report, draft study report(s), final report, and presentation at a meeting or conference in Copenhagen.
Timeframe
The study is scheduled to take place during the first two quarters of 2025, with finalisation potentially extending into the early part of the third quarter.
Consultants
The study will be conducted by a small team of core consultants, optionally supported by additional resource persons, with expertise in international development cooperation in the education sector and significant experience with conducting complex evaluations and/or socio-economic impact analyses of policies, strategies, programmes or projects. One person on the team must be designated as the team leader. All team members must have higher academic degrees (master’s or above) in relevant social sciences (e.g. economics, development studies or sociology).
Budget
The budget is a maximum of DKK 1,000,000 net of VAT.
Interested Consultants can request to get the instructions prepared for applicants by e-mail to the Contact person stated below
Contact point Department for Evaluation, Learning and Quality
Contact person Lotte Blom Salmonsen on behalf of Ninja Ritter Klejnstrup
Contact e-mail [email protected] with cc to: [email protected]
Criteria for selection
A minimum of three and a maximum of five applicants with references best suited for the assignment will be invited to submit a tender.