Follow-up evaluation of the Nansen Programme for Ukraine, Module 1

The evaluation finds that Norad’s Nansen Department has established a strong organizational culture, supported by effective leadership and experienced staff. This has been instrumental in the successful transfer of responsibility for the Nansen Programme from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Norad. Within a year, the department has assumed responsibility for a programme characterized by significant political and technical complexity and an unprecedented financial scale in the Norwegian aid context.

During this period, the department has developed substantial knowledge of the sectors and partners receiving support, established effective collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Norwegian embassies, and built a high level of trust among external stakeholders. This has strengthened both results follow-up and coordination with other donors.

At the same time, the evaluation identifies weaknesses in results management, particularly at the programme level. A comprehensive framework for the systematic monitoring of results is still lacking, and stronger links are needed between Parliament’s overarching objectives and the expected results set out in programme agreements. Limited capacity and the insufficient integration of digital tools are also identified as constraints on further development.

The evaluation consists of three reports. The first reviews lessons and good practices from other Ukraine-related programmes. The second assesses current systems and practices in the Nansen Department. The third presents recommendations for strengthening results management. The evaluation was designed as a formative exercise to support learning and continuous improvement throughout the implementation of the programme.