Norec’s theory of change

The theory of change describes how Norec envisions contributing to change during the strategic period 2023–2026. The theory is based upon results reported from projects that we support, user surveys, evaluations of Norec’s work, relevant research, and analysis of our experience and learning. The theory gives direction to Norec’s portfolios and guides the development of Norec- supported projects. Norec places emphasis on continuous learning and testing. Future horizon scanning, data collection and analysis will test the assumptions for the changes described in the theory. Norec recognises that new pathways emerge and others disappear as the context changes and capacities evolve. Periodic evaluations will examine whether the theory of change is appropriate and relevant. Evaluations will also assess whether we have the right tools to document change.

Hence the users of the theory of change are partner organisations, UN offices, Norec’s staff and evaluation teams.

Norec is a government agency under the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Funds disbursed through Norec stem from Norway’s national budget and are allocated to support the overarching goals of Norwegian development policy. Norec-supported projects thus form part of Norway’s approach to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Norec’s vision reads: “The world is full of knowledge and skills. Through mutual exchange, we teach one another to think bigger and live sustainably in order to build responsible local communities.” The vision recognises that everyone has knowledge that can contribute to development. Knowledge is shaped by a number of factors, such as cultural background, history, politics, and social and natural environment. Living and working in a culture or country different from their own challenges people’s inhabited knowledge and their learnt beliefs and values.

One of Norec’s primary mechanisms for contributing to sustainable development is funding the exchange of young people between partner organisations, based both in Norway and in various low- and middle-income countries. Norec places particular emphasis on the central pledge of the SDGs to “Leave no one behind”. Accordingly, it actively facilitates the participation of youth from diverse socioeconomic, vulnerable and marginalised backgrounds in international exchange programmes.

The exchange of technical and knowledge-based skills is at the centre of a Norec exchange project. This requires the recruitment of tolerant and agile people who are ready to learn. Likewise, recruiting individuals with the right qualifications and skills is important in order for organisations to embrace new skills and learning. Sharing expertise between sectors and across borders improves organisations’ performance and ability to reach their goals, and Norec therefore wants to invest in platforms where knowledge is shared and challenged. By learning from one another, we will be better equipped to tackle environmental and developmental challenges as a global society.

• Many young people have little experience of living in a country other than their own. Some lack the resources and, in general, young people have limited work experience and are less likely to be posted abroad or appointed to international roles.
• Many organisations experience uneven access to the structures and resources necessary to build better institutions through the exchange of skills and knowledge. This means opportunities for organisations to learn from one another are limited. Few organisations have extensive knowledge of intercultural dialogue, and intercultural challenges may be bypassed or ignored as minor obstacles. Yet cultural misunderstandings can lead to major challenges in international partnerships.
• The United Nations (UN) system aims to have a staff composition that is representative of the world population. However, many countries – including Norway – are underrepresented in the UN system, and in multilateral organisations in general.

Over the years, we have observed and documented the changes that follow an international exchange project, which in turn may lead to lasting changes for organisations and their beneficiaries. These changes are described as different pathways to change.

Funding and sending staff across borders contributes to a more equal distribution of knowledge and expertise. This can lead to new knowledge and improved practices that will enhance the services provided in local communities. By working together and letting their own values be challenged, organisations and staff will learn to respect and build on their differences to create more innovative and sustainable development solutions. Accordingly, Norec’s projects qualify as enhanced international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in partnership (SDG 17).

By focusing on the central pledge in the SDGs to “Leave no one behind”, Norec contributes to decreasing discrimination and exclusion, which will in turn help to reduce inequalities or vulnerabilities that undermine specific individuals or groups. Fostering respect for differences is critical to achieving sustainable change globally and to ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls everywhere (SDG 5). A work exchange exposes staff to cultural differences. If guided by inclusive leadership and policies, organisations will become more inclusive. New world views and shared values are the building blocks for global citizenship (SDG 4.7).

A work exchange offers international work experience that improves the individual’s subject matter expertise, which in turn enhances future job opportunities. More than 10,000 individuals have gained international work experience through Norec-supported projects. Each year, Norec’s grants offer hundreds of young people access to decent work (SDG 8).

As expertise is exchanged across countries, Norec funding helps to reduce the uneven distribution of resources to build competence and knowledge, and train staff. This means new skills for all parties involved, evening out the differences between countries and contributing to reduced inequalities (SDG 11).