Danida has with its revised “Strategy for Danish Support to Civil Society in Developing Countries” (2008) formally established the possibility of establishing broader thematic or geographic programs with civil society organizations with sufficient capacity and experience. A programmatic approach can create stronger partnerships, greater continuity and flexibility than the traditional project approach as well as simpler administrative procedures. Presently a handful of Danish organizations have shown interest and sufficient experience to move into a programmatic approach. Among these Danish organizations are DanMission.

This organisation has a long history of international relief and development assistance and is at present under consideration by Danida for  programmatic support to its work in 6 countries. As part of the preparations NORDECO has been contracted to undertake independent capacity assessments of DanMission in addition to carry out appraisals of the proposed country activities , with field visit to Egypt, focusing on children's rights, advocacy and general strengthening of civil society.

The capacity assessments will examine the extent to which DanMission has the professional and administrative capacity to carry out its Danish supported development activities within the program approach and considering the full existing and planned portfolio of the organisation. The appraisal will assess the relevance and strategy of the proposed program  in light of the development situation in the partner countries, including considerations of activities by other stakeholders and best practices in the countries and internationally.

The NORDECO assignment takes place in the period August -October 2010.