Deadline Date: May 31, 2026
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) – Jerusalem Office has launched an Expression of Interest for a service contract under the programme “Multidisciplinary intervention in support of gender equality education in Palestine” to conduct a comprehensive mapping and analytical study of PhD programmes offered by Palestinian higher education institutions.
The initiative focuses on strengthening doctoral education in Palestine through a national assessment of accredited and active PhD programmes, evaluation of programme quality and curricula, supervision systems, research outputs, learning outcomes, academic and developmental impact, alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), labor market relevance, strategic alignment with national priorities, creation of a centralized national database, comparative institutional analysis, international engagement, innovation opportunities, funding and collaboration prospects, employability outcomes, gender balance, geographic distribution, inclusion of marginalized groups, and participation of persons with disabilities.
The study aims to support the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in developing an evidence-based framework for improving the quality, efficiency, and relevance of doctoral education across Palestine. The contract will contribute to identifying strengths, gaps, overlaps, and opportunities for reform within the national postgraduate education system.
Under the assignment, the selected entity will conduct a national survey to gather both quantitative and qualitative data on PhD programmes. The study will also establish a dynamic and updatable database covering programmes, faculty, students, research outputs, and performance indicators linked to SDGs and national priorities.
The analytical framework developed through the project will assess research productivity, supervision quality, employability, and institutional impact. Comparative analysis across universities and academic disciplines will help identify areas for consolidation, collaboration, and future investment.
Additional areas of analysis include the contribution of PhD graduates across different sectors, international academic partnerships, joint programmes, and Palestine’s global academic positioning. Equity and inclusion considerations will also be integrated into the assessment process.
The expected outputs include a national analytical report, a national map of PhD programmes, key performance indicators, strategic recommendations for the short, medium, and long term, and a national vision for doctoral education development up to 2035.
The contract has an indicative budget of up to EUR 20,000. Participation is open to both profit and non-profit entities, including companies, NGOs, research centres, and civil society organizations. Preference will be given to applicants with relevant experience in Palestine or the Levant region during the last five years.
For more information, visit Italian Agency for Cooperation in Development.
