Expression of Interest for External Evaluators
Goal: Join the GUARDIANS pool of external evaluators to assess applications submitted to the GUARDIANS Open Calls.
Target applicants:
We are looking for expert evaluators with experience in the following areas:
- Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and digital solutions
- Sustainable agriculture and agroecology
- Renewable energy integration and energy efficiency
- Climate resilience
- Innovation and emerging technologies
- Social and economic inclusion
- Circularity and waste management
EXPERTS WILL BE ASSESSED BASED ON THEIR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE IN THE MENTIONED AREAS.
Benefits:
- Flexible and remote work: The evaluation process is conducted remotely, allowing evaluators to work flexibly and conveniently from any location.
- Make a real impact: By assessing and selecting the most promising proposals, external evaluators directly contribute to the success of the GUARDIANS project and play a pivotal role in enhancing the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of small-scale farming.
- Contribute to the advancement of sustainable farming technologies: By evaluating top-tier proposals, external evaluators play a crucial role in supporting small and medium-sized farms by identifying innovative, sustainable solutions that help bridge the technological gap with larger producers.
- Gain insights into cutting-edge agricultural technologies: Discover a wide range of breakthrough solutions presented in the GUARDIANS Open Calls, and stay up to date with the latest developments in agri-tech, agroecology, and digital solutions.
Please note that GUARDIANS pool of external evaluators will assess applications for both the GUARDIANS Open Calls.
About the GUARDIANS Open Calls
GUARDIANS will launch two Open Calls to foster collaboration between tech providers, researchers, and farms. Funded by the EU under Horizon Europe, these calls aim to expand the technology portfolio and create real-world use cases.
- Open Call#1 – Co-Creation: Funds up to 9 consortia (1 tech provider + 1 farm) to co-design, develop, and test solutions with a budget of €729,000.
- Open Call #2 – Test Before Invest: Selects up to 9 farms to test and validate solutions, with a budget of €90,000.
Both calls are linked, with solutions from the Co-Creation Open Call available for testing in the Test Before Invest phase.
Deadline for applications: 09/07/2025 5:00 pm
Application period: 09/06/2025 - 09/07/2025
Selection Process and Required Services:
Selection of External Evaluators
External evaluators for the GUARDIANS Open Calls will be selected through a transparent and competitive process to ensure fairness and independence in the evaluation of applications.
- Evaluators will be selected and contacted by mid-july and invited to join the GUARDIANS pool of external experts.
- The assessment and evaluation of Open Calls’ submitted proposals will follow the timeline below:
- Open Call #1 – Co-Creation: late July to end of August 2025
- Open Call #2 – Test Before Invest: July to August 2026
Please note that the number of evaluators contracted will depend on the number of applications received for each Open Call, and they will be selected from the pool of experts.
Required services
The GUARDIANS evaluation and selection process involves:
- Reviewing multiple proposals
- Participating in briefing session
- Drafting and validating evaluation reports
- Revising any appeals (if applicable) and providing expert feedback and justifications
