Call for EOIs: Independent Expert Evaluators Program

Xjenza Malta is inviting international and local research experts to join its evaluator pool and contribute to the assessment of research and innovation proposals. Eligible experts from European countries with relevant professional experience can receive payments of up to €200 per evaluated proposal while supporting research excellence across multiple scientific and technological fields.

About the Xjenza Malta Evaluator Opportunity

Xjenza Malta has launched an open call for experts interested in becoming part of its growing network of research proposal evaluators.

The evaluator pool supports the assessment of research and innovation programmes by involving qualified professionals with expertise across science, technology, social sciences, and cultural fields.

Selected evaluators will review research proposals, provide expert assessments, participate in evaluation activities, and contribute to maintaining high standards in research funding decisions.

Purpose of the Evaluator Pool

The Xjenza Malta evaluator programme aims to:

• Strengthen research evaluation quality.
• Support transparent and expert-based funding decisions.
• Involve international specialists in scientific assessment.
• Promote research excellence.
• Improve innovation programme evaluation processes.
• Build a diverse network of experts.

Experts will contribute their knowledge to assess research proposals and innovation projects.

Thematic Areas of Expertise

Xjenza Malta welcomes evaluators from a wide range of disciplines.

Eligible expertise areas include:

Science and Technology Fields

• Energy.
• Transport and mobility.
• Environment and climate change.
• Health.
• Security.
• Agriculture.
• Fisheries and food.
• Sustainable use of resources.
• Bioeconomy.
• Digital technologies.
• Engineering.
• Manufacturing.
• Space.
• Marine and maritime research.

Social and Cultural Fields

• Social sciences.
• Business.
• Cultural heritage.

Applicants should demonstrate professional expertise in one or more relevant thematic areas.

Evaluator Responsibilities

Selected evaluators may be involved in:

• Reviewing research proposals.
• Preparing evaluation reports.
• Participating in evaluation meetings.
• Conducting post-award re-evaluations when required.
• Evaluating pitching sessions where applicable.
• Receiving training on the XM eApplication portal.

Evaluators must provide objective, independent, and professional assessments.

Remuneration and Payment Details

Payments depend on the financial value of the programme being evaluated.

Programmes up to €30,000

Evaluators receive:

• €60 excluding VAT per proposal

Programmes up to €100,000

Evaluators receive:

• €150 excluding VAT per proposal

Programmes above €100,000

Evaluators receive:

• €200 excluding VAT per proposal

Payments cover:

• Proposal evaluation.
• Evaluation reporting.
• Meetings.
• Occasional post-award reviews.
• Pitching session evaluations where applicable.
• Training related to the XM eApplication portal.

Who Is Eligible?

The opportunity is open to qualified experts who meet professional experience and language requirements.

Eligible applicants include:

• Researchers.
• Scientists.
• Industry experts.
• Academic professionals.
• Innovation specialists.
• Technical experts.
• Professionals working in relevant thematic fields.

Applications are accepted from individuals based in:

• European Union Member States.
• Iceland.
• Liechtenstein.
• Norway.

Professional Experience Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

Applicants with Postgraduate Qualifications

Must have:

• At least five years of professional experience in the relevant sector.

Applicants with PhD or Doctoral Degree

Must have:

• At least two years of relevant professional experience.

Applicants should demonstrate strong expertise related to their selected evaluation field.

Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• English language proficiency at EU C1 or C2 level.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Strong spoken communication skills.

English proficiency is required because evaluation activities and documentation are conducted in English.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Copies of relevant qualifications.
• English transcripts where applicable.
• Completed declaration form.
• Proof of residency.
• Professional background summary.

The professional summary must:

• Be written in English.
• Be no longer than 300 words.
• Describe expertise and thematic area(s) of specialization.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm eligibility requirements.
2. Identify relevant areas of expertise.
3. Prepare an updated CV.
4. Collect qualification documents.
5. Complete the required declaration form.
6. Prepare a professional summary.
7. Submit the application individually.

Applications must be submitted:

• In an individual capacity.
• Not on behalf of an organisation or third party.

Why Become a Xjenza Malta Evaluator?

Joining the evaluator pool allows experts to:

• Contribute to research excellence.
• Support innovation funding decisions.
• Expand professional networks.
• Engage with international research initiatives.
• Apply specialist knowledge to emerging research areas.
• Gain experience in research assessment processes.

The role provides an opportunity to influence the development of scientific and innovation projects.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Highlight relevant research and professional experience.
• Clearly identify areas of expertise.
• Include updated qualifications.
• Explain sector-specific knowledge.
• Provide a concise professional summary.
• Demonstrate experience with research, innovation, or technical assessment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete documentation.
• Applying without required professional experience.
• Providing unclear expertise descriptions.
• Missing English language requirements.
• Applying on behalf of an organisation.
• Submitting a professional summary longer than 300 words.
• Choosing thematic areas unrelated to their expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Xjenza Malta evaluator pool?

The Xjenza Malta evaluator pool is a network of experts who assess research and innovation proposals across different scientific and professional fields.

Who can become an evaluator?

Researchers, scientists, academics, and professionals with relevant expertise and experience can apply.

How much are evaluators paid?

Payments range from €60 to €200 excluding VAT per proposal, depending on the programme value.

Which countries are eligible for applicants?

Applicants can come from EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

What experience is required?

Applicants need five years of relevant experience with postgraduate qualifications or two years of relevant experience with a PhD or doctoral degree.

Is English proficiency required?

Yes. Applicants must demonstrate EU C1 or C2 level English proficiency in both written and spoken communication.

Can organisations apply on behalf of experts?

No. Applications must be submitted by individuals in their own capacity.

Conclusion

The Xjenza Malta Evaluator Pool 2026 provides an opportunity for qualified experts to support research excellence by contributing to the evaluation of scientific and innovation proposals. With competitive remuneration, international participation, and opportunities across diverse research fields, the programme enables experts to share their knowledge and strengthen high-quality research funding decisions.