Call for Applications: EVOLVE4GE Project (Moldova)

The overall goal of the project EVOLVE4GE is to ensure that women and girls, including those at greatest risk of being left behind, have improved access to resources, equal opportunities, and rights to enjoy a life without discrimination and violence.

The project is structured around the following Outcome: By 2027, public authorities will implement gender-responsive policies designed with the participation of women and men, boys and girls, that provide equal economic opportunities for women, strengthen prevention of gender-based violence, and access to quality essential service.

One of the key activities under EVOLVE4GEis focused on Providing support to women and girls, including from excluded groups, to start and/or grow their businesses, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), to pursue STEM/ICT-related education and jobs, and to launch innovative tech and green start-ups.

Funding Information

• The total budget available for this call for proposal is up to USD 100,000.00. The proposals are expected to start from March 2025 and be implemented within a period of 18 months and to be completed not later than end of September 2026.

Description of required services/results

• With the respect to leaving no one behind approach, the responsible party, will work to ensure increased access to learning opportunities for girls, focusing on inclusivity and empowerment. The initiative will target at least 100 girls aged 15-19 from 10 public schools, encouraging them to study STEM and pursue STEM careers. This will be achieved through mentorship programmes, guidance and encouragement for girls navigating their STEM journeys. Additionally, the initiative will facilitate access to scholarships and internships opportunities, equipping the girls with necessary resources and confidence to build successful futures in STEM
• Through this Call for Proposal, UN Women Moldova is seeking to contract an organization/company or a Consortium of organizations/companies to fulfil the following suggested activities, but not limiting to:
  • Raising awareness and inspiring girls to pursue STEM education and careers to address persisting gender stereotypes and extended pool of interested candidates in STEM fields. The partner is encouraged to develop campaigns and promote role models demonstrating real-world success stories for a lasting impact on perceptions and aspirations.
  • Equipping high school teachers with the skills to deliver practical, tailored to participants’ understanding and needs STEM education to ensure that students receive an engaging learning environment. The impact extends beyond the classroom, creating a culture of curiosity and innovation in STEM, building projects based on community real problems and interest.
  • Ensure alignment of STEM curricula and teaching kits with national educational standards and policies in close consultation with Ministry of Education and Research.
  • Implementing hands-on, project-based STEM initiatives in Moldova’s public schools to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. Teacher partners participate in weekly workshops and receive support to teach innovative methods, tools and technologies.
  • Organizing in partnership with Technical University of Moldova (TUM) extracurricular programs (summer schools/weekend schools/hackathons) to provide girls with additional learning opportunities outside the classroom, enhancing their skills in collaboration, innovation, and technical problem-solving while reinforcing their interest in STEM fields.
  • Building partnerships and collaboration with private companies for scholarships, internships, and mentorship programs can directly link education with career opportunities, ensuring that students can transition seamlessly from learning to earning.
  • Developing sustainable programs based on financial support for education-related expenses to lower barriers to entry for girls from underprivileged backgrounds, ensuring that economic constraints don’t limit their aspirations.
• For sustainability and continuity purpose, all activities to be designed and developed in partnership with TUM to build awareness about STEM, collaborate with TUM to organize extracurricular activities, utilize TUM’s resources such as laboratories, technical expertise and platforms to create industry-academia links that directly benefit students from both schools and university.

Eligibility Criteria

• Technical/functional competencies required:
  • At least 3 years of experience in implementing multi-sectorial responses to advancing women and girls in STEM, and with local public schools and teachers on developing and implementing real world projects;
  • Knowledge of women’s economic empowerment in the tech field;
  • Proven in-house expertise in working with women/girls in STEM;
  • Community presence and experience of working at local and community level;
  • Experience in working with private sector for scholarships, internships or research opportunities.
• Other competencies, which while not required, can be an asset for the performance of services:
  • Previous experience managing grants/partner agreements or any form of collaboration with UN agencies, INGOs or international organizations.

For more information, visit UN Women.