Knowledge Mapping and Strengthening Civil Society

Description

Civil society is seen as a key feature of any democratic social order and, therefore, a strong and multifaceted civil society, based on fundamental Human Rights, is a goal in its own right . This view is widely held and can, among other places, be found in Norad’s Support to Civil Society Guiding Principles . The Guiding Principles defines civil society as “an arena where people come together to promote interests and needs on behalf of themselves and others, challenge powerholders, and influence political debates.” Norad manages approximately NOK 2.5 billion annually over chapter post 170.70 in the Norwegian National Budget, dedicated to strengthening civil society in ODA-recipient countries. To inform and shape Norad’s long-term grant management structure, as well as Norad’s advice to the Norwegian MFA, Norad needs an up-to-date and solid knowledge mapping of effective approaches to strengthening civil society in ODA-recipient countries. The Norwegian National Budget 2024-25 states that the priorities for the chapter post 170.70 are: Support to civil society shall contribute to lasting social change based on human rights and democratic principles of the rule of law. The local networks of civil society organizations are central for driving changes based on popular support and for building resilient communities. Such communities provide greater resilience to confront the social, political, and economic consequences of existing and new crises, as well as increased geopolitical tensions (own translation). The objective of this assignment is to update Norad’s knowledge base on relevant, effective approaches to strengthening civil society in ODA-recipient countries. The overarching goal is to improve the quality and effectiveness of Norway’s support to civil society. Norad may exercise an option to include phase 2 of the assignment which includes analysis. The objective of a potential phase 2 is to produce an updated theory of change for Norad’s support to civil so