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Fredskorpset North-South Programme is one of four programme lines in Fredskorpset in which companies in Norway and in the South exchange employees or members between the ages of 22 and 35. The exchanges enable people with similar professional backgrounds or interests to learn from one another and contribute to competency building in the company.
Partnership for development
Companies in Norway and in the South form a partnership, which, with funding from Fredskorpset, exchanges personnel and expertise within the same sector or line of work. It is the partnership that sets the goals for the exchange and assumes responsibility for planning and implementation of the Fredskorpset project. The partnership recruits, sends and receives the participants.
Fredskorpset assists in project development as well as quality control. It funds the project wholly or in part, and coordinates training and follow-up activities for participants in conjunction with the partnership. Fredskorpset invites the partners to participate actively in its international network.
For the participant, an exchange project subsidised by Fredskorpset Primary Programme will last for a total of at least 12 months: this involves preparatory work (one month), the posting abroad (10-12 months) and follow-up activities (one month).
Frequently asked questions
What criteria apply to a Fredskorpset project?
All exchange projects under Fredskorpset North-South Programme must:
- involve partners in countries in the South on the DAC list, with priority given to projects in the least developed countries (LDCs) and in Norway’s primary development partners
- be devised by the partnership in Norway and in the South such that all partners participate in the planning and implementation
- be based on reciprocity, in that all partners define their goals for the project
- form a component part of a long-term partnership
- involve companies with at least five employees and solid human resources experience
- consist of the following phases: project and partnership development, recruitment, training, posting abroad and follow-up activities for participants
- recruit participants aged 22-35
- involve the exchange of both North and South participants
- contain three phases for participants: preparatory work, posting abroad and follow-up activities, totalling 12 months
- contribute to the realistation of Fredskorpset’s overall vision and mission.
How to start a Fredskorpset project?
Any organisation wishing to undertake an exchange project is first required to carry out a feasibility study (except for projects already operating within an established partnership) in order to determine whether there is a basis for partnership and exchange. An application may be made to Fredskorpset for funds for the feasibility study. Please contact the Programme Division for further information.
Who can apply?
A partnership can be established between businesses, institutions in the private or public sector, private/voluntary/humanitarian organisations, and cultural/friendship societies. The principal aim is to exchange expertise so as to strengthen partners both in Norway and in the South.
Actors who have not traditionally been involved in Norwegian development assistance are encouraged to apply. Fredskorpset wishes to achieve diverse partnerships representing a range of organisational structures, sectors, themes and geographical regions.
When is the application deadline for a feasibility study?
Fredskorpset considers applications on an ongoing basis, and the processing time is normally four weeks. Applications for feasibility studies may be granted, rejected, or subject to further assessment. In the latter case, the applicant will receive a reply within the following six months.
Which countries can exchanges involve?
All Fredskorpset projects must involve partners in countries in the South on the DAC list. Priority will be given to projects in the least developed countries (LDCs) and to Norway’s primary development partners.
We already have an established partnership: can we apply for funding?
Yes. An established partnership can provide a sound basis for developing a Fredskorpset project. Fredskorpset will be pleased to discuss the possibilities for exchanges involving already established partnerships. Please contact the Programme Department for further information.
Can we have several partners in the South?
Yes. Fredskorpset is open to exchanges involving several partners in the South who work together with one partner in Norway. This type of partnership is governed by the same basic principles and conditions as exchanges between two organisations.
Can we combine the different programme lines in Fredskorpset?
Yes. It is possible to combine the different programme lines as long as the projects as a whole remain consistent with Fredskorpset’s requirements and main objectives.
How can I become a participant?
Fredskorpset itself does not recruit participants. It is the partnership that recruits participants, who are then employed by a partner on a normal employment contract. Participants are generally recruited from within the partner organisation, as they will need to be well-based in the organisation in order to be able to contribute to competency building.