Review of ALE Toolbox and Development of Future Concept

In June 2026, DVV International convened a cross-regional exchange workshop to reflect on lessons learned from the application of several ALE Toolbox instruments and to identify future needs. The discussions and joint analyses showed that a conceptual revision, consolidation, and further adaptation of the tools within the ALE Toolbox is needed.

DVV International therefore seeks an experienced expert or team of experts to review the ALE Toolbox, develop recommendations for strengthening it and to facilitate a series of online workshops with relevant DVV International staff and partners to validate the proposed improvements and co-create a comprehensive concept for the future development of the ALE Toolbox.

1. Objectives of the assignment * To conduct a comprehensive review of the ALE Toolbox, assessing the clarity, usability, and complementarity of its instruments, methodologies, and approaches, and to systematize the existing tools; * To compile lessons learnt from implementing the tools in various country offices; * To analyze the conceptual framework underpinning the ALE Toolbox and identify gaps, overlaps, and opportunities for synergies and improvement; * To develop recommendations for strengthening the ALE Toolbox, including on its overall structure, content and user-friendliness; * To prepare a comprehensive concept for the revision and further development of the ALE Toolbox and its tools; * To hold a series of participatory online workshops with DVV International staff and partners to validate findings, jointly refine recommendations, and build consensus on the future direction of the ALE Toolbox; * To produce a final roadmap for the conceptual revision and implementation of the improved ALE Toolbox, including practical recommendations for its rollout and future maintenance.

2. Indicative Timetable

The indicative timetable for the assignment is as follows:

• Selection and contracting of study expert/study team: Until beginning of September 2026
• Briefing (online): Beginning of September 2026 (tentatively 10 September)
• Submission of adjusted assignment concept: 15 September 2026
• Submission of ALE Toolbox analysis and recommendations: 01 October 2026
• Feedback from DVV International: 10 October 2026
• Participatory online workshops: Mid-October - Beginning of November 2026
• Submission of draft roadmap: 08 November 2026
• Feedback from DVV International: 20 November 2026
• Submission of final roadmap: 30 November 2026

The tentative amount of working days is 15-20, but this remains open to specific changes and suggestions from the prospective expert(s).

1. Tasks of the expert/s * The expert/team of experts will be requested to fulfil the following tasks: * Design and planning of the assignment in communication with DVV International; * Analysis of the ALE toolbox, including a desk review of all related material including curricula, handbooks, previous studies conducted, additional material developed in country offices etc.; * Conducting semi-structured interviews and/or focus group discussions with DVV International colleagues and partners working with the ALE Toolbox and its tools; * Develop recommendations and a first draft concept for the ALE Toolbox; * Prepare participatory online workshops in communication with DVV International; * Implement workshops (present and validate recommendations, co-create concept and develop a roadmap for future development of ALE toolbox) * Integrate comments of DVV International and finalize the roadmap; * Present final concept and roadmap online; * De-briefing session online.

2. Deliverables

The following deliverables are expected:

• Assignment concept paper: The expert/s will submit a concept paper on how to approach the assignment. The concept paper shall be part of the application and shall be revised after the briefing with DVV International.
• Analysis report: The expert/s will prepare a brief report outlining the main findings of the ALE Toolbox analysis and desk review of documents as well as recommendations for future improvement.
• ALE Toolbox concept: The expert/s will develop a draft concept for the future development of the ALE Toolbox, which will be presented and refined during the online workshop.
• Participatory online workshop: The expert/s will plan and implement a series of online workshop with DVV International colleagues and partners.
• Roadmap: The expert/s will prepare a roadmap for the conceptual revision and implementation of the improved ALE Toolbox.

All deliverables should be produced in English and submitted to DVV International electronically.

1. Right of use

The Principal has the exclusive and unlimited right to use the results fulfilled by the contract.

The transfer of this Right of Use is complete with the payment made to the Contractor.

The Contractor has the Right of Use permission strictly limited for personal non-commercial purposes. Transfer of the Right of Use to third parties is excluded.

1. Contractual Conditions

The legal basis for this contract is provided by the “General terms and conditions for the implementation of Services” (VOL/B).

1. Responsible persons at DVV International

DVV International will be the contracting authority for this study. The main contact person will be Ms. Paulina Kellersmann, DVV International’s Asia Continental Project Coordinator., 1. CV(s) of person(s) involved in the assignment (please use attached template)

1. Technical proposal covering the following aspects (maximum of 10 pages): a. Show understanding of the task b. Methodological approach c. Work Plan / steps of implementation d. Consideration of specific requirements of the context of the assignment

2. Financial proposal (please use attached template).

Late submissions will not be accepted.

1. Evaluation criteria of proposals

The proposals will be assessed according to the following criteria:

• Qualification of study expert/study team (counts one third) (based on criteria mentioned above);
• Technical proposal (counts one third) (based on criteria mentioned above);
• Financial proposal (counts one third) (best price-service relation).

• Proven expertise in ALE, including curriculum development, capacity building, and/or learning methodologies;
• Demonstrated experience conducting research, desk reviews, qualitative assessments, and stakeholder consultations (e.g., interviews and focus group discussions);
• Experience with digital tools and AI in the education sector;
• Experience facilitating participatory workshops (online and/or in-person);
• Strong analytical and writing skills;
• Strong intercultural competence;
• Fluency in English; other language skills such as Arabic, French, Spanish or Russian are an asset.

DVV International carries out the international work of the Deutscher Volkshochschul-Verband e.V. (DVV), the German Adult Education Association. DVV represents the interests of the approximately 900 adult education centres (Volkshochschulen) and their state associations, the largest further education providers in Germany.

As the leading professional organisation in the field of adult education and development cooperation, DVV International has committed itself to supporting lifelong learning for more than 50 years. Financed by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), DVV International provides worldwide support for the establishment and development of sustainable structures for Youth and Adult Education.

Over decades of work in this field and drawing on experience and lessons learned from more than 30 country offices, DVV International has developed a range of instruments, methodologies, and approaches to strengthen ALE systems. These resources have been compiled into the ALE Toolbox, which is available free of charge on DVV International’s website. All tools are designed to be adaptable to diverse learning settings, local contexts, and user needs.