FK Norway arranges reciprocal exchanges of personnel between organisations in Norway and developing countries, with an objective to contribute to lasting improvements in economic, social and political conditions in the world.

The exchange occurs in a partnership between two or more organisations or companies, with support from FK Norway. The aim is to promote the mutual exchange of knowledge, experiences and skills. This goes both ways: the organisation or company both sends and receives participants.

Norconsult's Young Professionals Program, was initiated in 2009, and the first candidates starts their preparation to leave for their respective locations in the fall of 2009, with training provided by FK Norway. 

The participants in the program should hold a minimum of three years work experience, and may be recruited both internally and externally.

"The program is still in an early phase, and in its first year of operation. We expect to learn a lot from the cooperation with the FK Norway, and how they prepare young professionals to work in new surroundings. Norconsult has long experience with leading projects in developing countries, and we would like to ensure we give young professionals an opportunity to gain an international experience," says Carl Thorleif Johnsen, who is Norconsult's coordinator of the program.

The program consists of mostly Norwegian candidates who will move to locations mainly in Africa, but there will also be an exchange as part of the program. The candidates are distributed at the following locations: 

• Botswana: 2
• Ghana: 1
• Mocambique: 2 (1 on exchange from Botswana)
• Lao PDR: 2 (exchange)

"This year will be very exciting for both us and the candidates, and we expect to learn a lot from it. Next year, we plan to continue with the program without the support from the FK Norway, so this is part of a longterm plan where we are looking to build tomorrow's leaders with international experience," finalizes Johnsen.