PLACES is a four-year European project, started in June 2010, coordinated by Ecsite, the European network of science centres and museums (www.ecsite.eu) It aims to establish and develop the concept of the European City of Scientific Culture. The project focuses creating City Partnerships by bringing together nearly 70 science centres, museums, festivals and events, in partnership with local authorities, and ten European regional networks. The project facilitates cooperation among these alliances to structure their science communication activities, and allow them to share tools, resources and results.

PLACES is developing a wealth of data, best practices and innovative strategies related to Science in Society issues. In addition to enriching the science communication field in general, PLACES will produce concrete recommendations for policymakers and the EU regarding citizen engagement, local authorities and the key role of science communicators in developing Cities of Scientific Culture.

The external evaluator should be looking at the effectiveness of the project regarding its main objectives, namely:

• To build a community of actors dealing in Science in Society issues and provide these actors with a platform for structuring their science communication activities.
• To facilitate the development of science communication policies at local/ regional/ European levels.
• To develop and promote the concept of the European City of Scientific Culture.

The evaluator will be responsible for:

• Developing the evaluation strategy in accordance with the coordinator.
• Developing evaluation tools.
• Performing the evaluation, including recommendations to correct detected weaknesses and improve the project’s development for its remaining period.
• Attending selected project meetings, namely the 2nd PLACES Conference: Sharing Experiences (Tartu, Estonia, 11-12 October 2012)
• Reporting on project evaluation and providing a final report due 15 November 2012.

The evaluation budget is €20,000 and includes all costs (such as travel, communication expenses, materials and taxes if applicable).

Interested applicants should submit a description of the methodology they would use to evaluate the project (two pages maximum), as well as a CV (two pages maximum) by 31 May 2012.

Candidate selection will take into consideration the following aspects:

• Experience working in international projects.
• Experience in science in society issues and in related policy development.
• Experience in evaluating large complex projects, particularly those that are policy-related.
• Familiarity with the activities of science communication institutions.
• Candidates must work in a EU country

A description of the project can be obtained in www.openplaces.eu/resources