Call for External Evaluators – iCOSHELLs Open Call
The iCOSHELLs project is launching a Call for External Evaluators to support the assessment of proposals submitted to the upcoming iCOSHELLs Open Call. We are looking for experienced, independent experts to contribute to the selection of innovative solutions that will help restore and improve soil health across Europe.
This call is managed by Zabala Innovation Consulting, partner of the iCOSHELLs consortium.
About iCOSHELLs
iCOSHELLs (Co-Creating Innovative Solutions to restore Soil Health across Europe) is a Horizon Europe project that works through Living Labs to co-develop, test, and scale innovative soil health solutions together with farmers, researchers, citizens, and local stakeholders.
More information about the project and the Open Call can be found on the iCOSHELLs website, including the Open Call page, where the full call documentation is available.
Who Are We Looking For?
We invite applications from experts with strong experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Soil health monitoring and assessment
- Sustainable soil management and restoration practices
- Innovative agricultural practices
- Soil literacy, community engagement, and Living Labs
- Digital tools, sensors, remote sensing, AI, and decision-support systems
- Cross-disciplinary and systemic approaches to soil health innovation
Evaluators must be independent and able to work remotely.
Role of the Evaluators
Selected evaluators will:
- Review and score Open Call proposals
- Provide clear and constructive feedback
- Participate in consensus discussions with internal evaluators
- Respect confidentiality and declare the absence of conflicts of interest
Two external evaluators will be selected. Each evaluator will assess proposals linked to three of the six iCOSHELLs Living Labs.
Remuneration & Timeline (Key Points)
- Remuneration: €2,500 per evaluator
- Evaluation period: between mid-February and mid-March 2026
- Application deadline: 23 January 2026, 14:00 CET
- Evaluator selection completed by: 30 January 2026
How to Apply
To apply, candidates must submit:
- The completed application form (Word document) – Download Application form
- An updated CV
Applications must be sent by email to icoshells@zabala.es before the deadline: 23 January 2026, 14:00 CET
Join Us
By becoming an evaluator, you will play a key role in identifying high-impact, innovative projects that contribute to healthier soils, more resilient agricultural systems, and stronger community engagement across Europe.
We look forward to receiving your application and working together to support soil health innovation through iCOSHELLs.
