UNDP | Europe & CIS | Capacity development

Capacity development - in theory and practice

The holistic approach

Click on each step to find out more about the theory, with country examples

UNDP supports national partners to carry out capacity assessments and develop responses, by strengthening existing capacities and systems. UNDP brings the human development approach to all its work, and is committed to investing in long-term capacity development, ensuring sustainability. The capacity development approach moves beyond the typical focus on training in order to address broader questions of institutional change, leadership, empowerment and public participation.

The capacity development approach assesses capacity at three different levels: the enabling environment, the organization and the individual. When assessing capacities and developing a response it is necessary to understand the relationship between all three.

Enabling environment – Organizations and people work within a broader system. The enabling environment can include policies, legislation, power relations, culture and social norms – also known as the “rules of the game.”

Organization – This can include policies, procedures and frameworks that allow an organization to fulfill its mandate.

Individual level – This refers to the skills, experience and knowledge of the people within an organization, acquired through formal training and education, or through learning-by-doing.