UNDP | Europe & CIS | The process - in theory and in practice STEP 2

The process - in theory and in practice STEP 2

Assess capacity assets and needs

In theory: The assessment identifies both capacity assets and needs through gathering critical information, which is then analyzed and used to formulate a response that addresses where and how capacities need to be strengthened or better used. An assessment starts by looking at one of the three levels as an entry point (enabling environment, organization or individual) for examining core issues and functional capacities. All three levels will be considered throughout the assessment, but usually one will be more relevant for the specific assessment. Core issues include institutional arrangements, leadership, knowledge and accountability and refer to the inner workings of an institution. Functional capacities are the management capacities needed to formulate, implement and review policies, strategies programmes and projects – necessary to impact human development. The assessment is meant to be customized to reflect national priorities and circumstances and should steered by national partners – including central, regional and local authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local citizens.

Local authorities in South Kazakhstan Oblast are making concerted efforts to improve institutional capacities for social protection and ensure that citizens have employment opportunities / UNDP Kazakhstan

In practice: In Kazakhstan, local authorities requested a capacity assessment that concentrated on institution building (in this case, human resources management, business processes, and information and communication technology) and mutual accountability for the Department of Coordination of Employment and Social Programmes in South Kazakhstan Oblast (province). Links between the Oblast and its administrative regions were examined, including laws, civil society partnerships and cultural norms. The assessment narrowed in on capacities to assess a situation (define target group to receive social assistance), to plan, budget and implement projects and to monitor and evaluate performance.

National partners – Department staff and civil society representatives from five administrative regions within the Oblast – were involved in the design of a questionnaire, implementing a survey, analyzing and verifying the results, and identifying and prioritizing capacity gaps. This included group discussions and workshops, in addition to intensive discussions with Kazakhstan UNDP country office staff, external experts and a review of key documents, including legal frameworks.

The aim is that national partners will be able to carry out any future capacity assessments, relying increasingly on national expertise and resources and less on external support.

STEP 3 >>