Call for Proposals: Academy Quality Assurance and Certification Expert (Freelance Subcontractor)

Overview of EIT RawMaterials

EIT RawMaterials is a ‘Knowledge and Innovation Communities’ (KICs) created by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), aimed at promoting innovation in the raw materials sector across Europe. Established in 2015, EIT RawMaterials works to secure the sustainable supply of raw materials to the European industry by driving innovation, education, and entrepreneurship along the entire raw materials value chain. We are a knowledge-driven business and a catalyst for industrial progress. Our offerings leverage our expertise and that of our network – the world's largest network in the raw [and advanced] materials sector – which includes companies at every stage of evolution, from start-ups to market leaders, along with leading international universities, research organisations, and top experts and future talent from the sector. Our activities span from mining and mineral processing to material recycling and substitution, focusing on increasing resource efficiency and fostering a circular economy.

We inform policy, apply knowledge, accelerate innovation, create opportunity, and unlock commercial value – for our partners and customers throughout the raw materials value chain to develop the raw materials sector as a strategic strength and foundation for a secure, sustainable future for Europe. Our offerings are designed to help our partners and industry to be part of Europe’s strategic agenda to ensure supply chain security and make the ‘Green New Deal’ a reality that benefits the people of Europe and partner nations.

Overview of the Academies

The European Raw Materials Academy (RM Academy) and the European Advanced Materials Academy (AM Academy) are key components of Europe’s industrial skills strategy, funded by the European Commission and implemented by EIT RawMaterials.

The European Raw Materials Academy focuses on upskilling and reskilling Europe’s raw materials workforce across the entire value chain, from exploration and processing to recycling, circularity, and responsible sourcing. It primarily serves industrial professionals, SMEs, large enterprises, and public authorities through vocational, executive, and lifelong-learning formats.

The European Advanced Materials Academy strengthens Europe’s leadership in advanced and sustainable materials. It targets students, researchers, and professionals working in high-performance materials for sectors such as energy, mobility, electronics, and construction, promoting cross-disciplinary and future-oriented skills.

Both Academies will offer high-quality, future-oriented learning programmes aligned with EU policy priorities such as the Critical Raw Materials Act, the Advanced Materials for Industrial Leadership, and the Green Deal Industrial Plan.

Purpose of Assignment

To support the establishment and continuous improvement of a common quality assurance, certification, and credentialing framework that:

• Ensures consistent quality standards across all Academy programmes
• Enables external recognition, certification, and audit readiness
• Reduces regulatory, reputational, and operational risks
• Supports portfolio growth without fragmentation

The system will apply to new Academy courses, existing integrated courses, and third-party learning content.

Scope of collaboration

The subcontractor will provide hands-on expert support in:

• Quality Assurance Framework Implementation
  Operationalising QA systems, templates, tools, indicators, reviews, and continuous improvement processes.
• Course Certification & External Recognition
  Preparation of certification/accreditation dossiers, evidence packages, and audit materials; support for approvals, renewals, and follow-up actions.
• Credentialing & Learning Outcomes Alignment
  Alignment with EQF, European Learning Model, Europass, European Digital Credentials, and EU micro-credentials frameworks.
• Compliance Documentation
  Support for GDPR, accessibility, ethical/transparent AI use, and auditable documentation.
• Stakeholder Support & Capacity Building
  Guidance to internal teams and external training providers; onboarding support; workshops and written guidance.
• Monitoring & Reporting
  Inputs to KPIs, quality reviews, corrective actions, and governance reporting.

Required Expertise

• Proven experience in QA and certification in higher education, professional education, or lifelong learning
• Experience implementing QA systems across multiple courses/providers
• Familiarity with European/international frameworks (e.g. ESG, EQAVET, EQF, micro-credentials, ISO)
• Experience supporting certification/accreditation or regulatory approvals
• Strong ability to translate standards into operational tools
• Excellent English communication skills

Experience with EU-funded initiatives, multi-stakeholder environments, and digital/online learning is an asset.

Contractual & Working Modality

• Engagement type: Independent freelancer or legal entity (subcontractor)
• Duration: Approx. 3–3.5 years, ending no later than July 2029
• Effort: Indicative 80–120 hours per month (average)
• Maximum contract value: below EUR 216,000 (net)
• Part-time, flexible, non-exclusive engagement
• Close coordination with EIT RawMaterials’ internal QA & Certification Manager

Proposal Submission

Format:

• Single PDF file in English
• Technical proposal + financial proposal + signed Tenderers’ Declaration Form

Must include:

• Understanding of the assignment
• Proposed approach & methodology
• Work plan & availability
• Relevant experience & CV(s)
• Evidence/references
• Pricing (daily/hourly rates + indicative total below EUR 216,000 net)
• GDPR compliance statement
• Insurance information

Submission Email:
For the attention of Benjamin Maloney
benjamin.maloney@eitrawmaterials.eu

Key Dates

• RfP publication: 3 February 2026
• Deadline for clarification questions: 13 February 2026
• Proposal submission deadline: 20 February 2026 (end of business)
• Intended notification of award: 2 March 2026
• Intended contract signature: 13 March 2026

Evaluation

• Technical quality: 75%
• Financial offer: 25%
• Open competition (no requirement to be an EIT RawMaterials partner)