Capacity Development in Europe & CIS

The process - in theory and in practice STEP 4

Carry out response

In theory: In order to carry out the response, the impetus for change must be owned at the national or local level. Understanding informal systems requires local knowledge, and understanding the factors that may resist or help that change to occur need to be understood at the three levels.

The capacity development response is not freestanding, but is part of overall implementation of a programme or project in which the capacity development response is integrated. It should be tied to a national strategy and existing government reform and should use existing national systems.

National, regional and diaspora advisors during Capacity Building Facility training

In practice: Government support in Kosovo (UN Administered Territory under UNSC 1244) was immediate for a Capacity Building Facility that was developed to respond to national priorities. The Facility aims to strengthen democratic institutions and improve public administration, and is powered by national, regional and diaspora expertise. Experts provide on the job skills to middle and senior level leaders in the civil service. So far, the Facility has assisted staff in the Office of the Prime Minister, as well as numerous ministries, government agencies and municipalities. Results included simplified business and institutional processes and procedures. Information sharing between ministries increased, and staff became more knowledgeable and confident. Beneficiaries set the agenda for the facility based on their own priorities, and experts were able to understand the subtleties of the unique country context.

STEP 5>>