ToolKit for Capacity Development

The purpose of this document is to improve planning and implementation of capacity development, including dialogue about and support to such processes from development partners.

The approach and the tools presented are developed to assist practitioners, including staff and managers in public
organisations who are tasked with developing the capacity of a sector, a subsector or an individual organisation.
Consultants, as well as staff from the European Commission (EC) or other development partners who wish to Support endogenous CD processes, can use the tools to structure their dialogue about CD and CD processes with partners.

The tools serve particularly in the context of a broad sector perspective, where several organisations may be part of a sector-wide CD process. The tools may also be useful for CD processes in individual organisations.

The toolkit is designed for decision-making and planning at the strategic level, helping to ensure attention
to questions such as the following:

• What symptoms and root causes explain the present capacity situation in sector organisations, and what does that mean for the options for CD?
• What is the effective demand for CD and change, and is it bigger than the resistance to and cost of change?
• What local capacity is available to manage a CD process?
• How can local stakeholders design an output-focused CD process?
• How can external development partners support CD?

Content - Summary

Part 1: Basics in capacit y development

1.1. Capacity, capacity development and change
1.2. Capacity — an open systems approach
1.3. Assessing organisational performance
1.4. When is CD and change likely to happen?
1.5. Drivers of change
1.6. Change processes and change management
1.7. Vision and design of CD processes

Part 2: Using the tools

2.1. Overview of the tools
2.2. Using the tools under different country circumstances

Tool 1: Quick scanning matrix and process checklist
Tool 2: Assessing organisational capacity
Tool 3: Partners’ roles in CD processes
Tool 4: Setting the stage: mapping sector and governance actors
Tool 5: Political economy and stakeholder analysis
Tool 6: Change management
Tool 7: Sequencing and scoping of CD and reform
Tool 8: Logical design of CD processes and support to CD

Bibliographic information

European Commission (2010). ToolKit for Capacity Development. European Commission

Filter tags

Capacity development (WG1) English Politicians and local decision makers

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