Capacity.org RSS Feed

LenCD General Assembly: learning about institutional reform

Sat, 18 May 2013 07:28:38 +0100

The Learning Network on Capacity Development (LenCD) will hold its General Assembly in Brussels on 20 and 21 June 2013. The first day will be an open learning day on the theme of institutional reform. All members of the LenCD network and others interested in capacity development and institutional reform are invited to participate.

Engaging communities in identifying beneficiaries of pro-poor programmes

Mon, 13 May 2013 07:32:08 +0100

One of the main challenges countries face in effectively targeting social safety net programmes is correctly identifying the poorest households. This January 2013 Brief highlights a study by MIT's Poverty Action Lab that compared community-based methods of selecting who qualifies for a cash transfer programme with proxy means tests. The study found that while participatory methods were less accurate overall, they greatly improved local satisfaction and better matched the poor’s own concept of poverty.

Building institutional capacity in South Sudan through triangular cooperation

Thu, 09 May 2013 10:06:01 +0100

This policy brief from the Norwegian Peacebuilding Resource Centre highlights experiences from a regional capacity development initiative in Eastern Africa coordinated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The project brings civil servant support officers (CSSOs) from neighbouring countries and twins them with counterparts in various government ministries in South Sudan, with the aim of rapidly develop core government capacity in a coaching and mentoring scheme.

Capacity development tools for community empowerment

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:40:05 +0100

The US Office of Community Services partners with states, communities and agencies to eliminate causes of poverty, increase self-sufficiency of individuals and families and revitalize communities. As part of its support role, OCS offers access to a wide range of learning tools on its website. These range from how to analyze data and communicate results, design outcome-oriented projects, develop collaborative platforms and implement value-driven donor development.

Sustainable intensification: A new paradigm for food security and community resilience in Africa

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:15:23 +0100

While the concept of "sustainable intensification" is viewed by some as a cynical attempt to promote industrial-scale agriculture, there is a growing international counter-movement that aims to demonstrate that intensification can also be driven by small-scale and sustainable farming systems. Falling squarely in the second camp is the Montpellier Panel, an international group of experts whose latest report aims to offer "a practical pathway towards the goal of producing more food with less impact on the environment."

Building local capacity for ecosystem-based adaptation

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:27:44 +0100

Many Strong Voices (MSV) is an initiative to reduce the vulnerability of coastal communities to climate change. Based on case studies in Belize and Seychelles the project is working to formalize a methodology that combines evidence-based, scientific data with community knowledge and experiences.

Innovative financing for smallholders: The elusiveness of inclusiveness

Mon, 06 May 2013 13:16:05 +0100

In order to grow and sustain their livelihood farmers need access to credit. But farmers at the bottom of the pyramid are difficult to reach out to by commercial banks. A commercial bank needs to make profit to sustain its business but there are a multitude of reasons that make it difficult to realize a return on investment from working with small farmers. For local banks it is far easier to invest in government treasury bills than in small farmers. Hence commercial banks tend to work only with large farmers that are well positioned in agricultural value chains. Fortunately not all lenders are driven exclusively by profit.

Monitoring and evaluation advisor, health (Liberia)

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:01:33 +0100

Contracting organization: International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Location: Liberia
Application deadline: 31 May 2013
Type/duration of assignment: Permanent staff position (NB: Position is contingent upon funding availability)
More information: http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH02/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=IRC&cws=1&rid=9166

The IRC has been present in Liberia since 1996 and supports hospitals and primary health care facilities across three counties. The M&E Advisor will contribute to a forecasted project focusing on providing support to integrated community-level health services and activities.

Mainstreaming climate change into community development processes

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:36:45 +0100

Drawing on a district-level planning process in Thailand that aimed to mainstream climate change into local development plans, the authors of this paper argue that the current process of ‘ predict-then-act’ climate change adaptation is inherently flawed. The uncertain nature of climate change predictions can lead to dilemmas in selecting proper measures, whilst the long timeframes involved hinders investment and distances stakeholders’ priorities. Furthermore, this sequential process often overlooks the role of socioeconomic dynamics in changing countries' risk profiles over time.

Systemic monitoring and evaluation: Insights for practitioners (Podcasts)

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 07:55:19 +0100

This series of interviews conducted under the auspices of a USAID-supported market facilitation initiative is available for download. The podcasts explore the recognition that development takes place in a dynamic, complex system and the resulting consequences for monitoring and evaluation frameworks. The three interviewees - David Snowden, Shamim Bodhanya and Jeanne Downing - provide insights from research as well as practice.

Scaling up climate information services for smallholder farmers in Africa and Asia

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:05:40 +0100

This white paper summarizes the lessons learnt from across cases, projects and research experiments in effectively developing and providing climate information and advisory services for smallholder farmers. The case studies were presented at an international workshop in Senegal in December 2012, co-organized by CGIAR's Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) and its partners. The workshop discussions focused on two projects that are attempting to reaching farmers at scale: Integrated Agrometeorological Advisory Services (IAAS) in India (which recently announced in 2012 plans to scale up to 10-12 million farmers) and Mali’s Projet d’A ssistance Agrometeorologique au Monde Rural (which has provided innovative services to farmers since 1982).

Upcoming INTRAC blended learning courses 2013

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:06:58 +0100

Dates: June and July 2013
Type of event: Distance traininig course (please note that these are paid courses, with early bird discount before 7 June 2013)
Location: Online/worldwide
Organization: INTRAC
More information: http://www.intrac.org/pages/en/blended-learning.html

In addition to its regular residential training courses in Oxford, UK, INTRAC is offering two new "blended learning courses" through distance learning in 2013. The courses will be on the topics: Learning, Advocacy and Policy Influencing, and Monitoring and Evaluation and will take place in June and July. The blended learning courses are delivered remotely through webinar (web conferencing) technology, skype and INTRAC's learning platform (moodle). The course combines trainer-led presentations, discussions and exercises; peer learning with other participants based worldwide; self-directed work; and one-to-one coaching with the trainer. These courses focus heavily on applying learning to the workplace throughout the course. The courses are delivered over an eight week period.

Training on landscape approaches to spatial planning and decision making: Deadline for scholarship applications

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:17:58 +0100

Dates: 18-29 November 2013 (NB: Deadline for applying for NFP scholarchip is 7 Mayl)
Type of event: Training course
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organization: Centre for Development Innovation, Wageningen University/ RECOFTC Centre for Forests and People, Bangkok
More information: http://www.recoftc.org/site/resources/Landscape-Functions-and-People.php

Adopting a landscape perspective to spatial planning and decision making offers new space for negotiation and collaboration, taking into account the needs of local resource users, and of the global community. Spatial planners and natural resources managers are increasingly operating as facilitators of such negotiation processes on the ground. During this course we will help them to examine landscape dynamics, and analyse conflicts arising from overlapping land use. Moreover, we will enhance their ability to mediate in conflict, facilitate negotiation processes, and create space for multi-stakeholder collaboration within forested landscapes.

Introduction to Sensemaker decision-making tool

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:18:52 +0100

Dates: Flexible (Registration deadline 26 April)
Type of event: Online training course (3 months)
Location: Global/Online
Organization: Cognitive Edge
More information: http://cognitive-edge.com/education/events/680/introduction-to-sensemaker-environment/

This is a self-paced introduction to SenseMaker® - a technique for dealing with uncertainty and complexity - as applied to team, organizational, marketplace or environment issues and opportunities. While it is not facilitator-led, participants will have opportunities to learn from and collaborate online with others. The course materials consist of a series of specially made videos, podcasts and documents that take learners through the process of working with SenseMaker®, introduce the important terms and key concepts, and illustrate typical results.

Capacity building for resilience in Afghanistan

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:00:37 +0100

This UNESCO publication investigates the challenges that war-torn Afghanistan faces in rebuilding its education sector. Case studies of capacity development partnerships between Afghanistan’s Ministry of Education and two UN agencies, an NGO consortium, and an education donor, explore efforts to strengthen the country’s education system.

Head of capacity development, UNEP-WCMC

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 13:10:22 +0100

Contracting organization: UNEP-WCMC
Location: Cambridge, UK
Application deadline: 26 April 2013
Type/duration of assignment: Permanent staff position
More information: http://www.unep-wcmc.org/vacancy---head-of-capacity-development_1008.html

World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) is a UK charity, based in Cambridge, which works in collaboration with UNEP, under the banner of UNEP-WCMC. Our mission is to evaluate and highlight the many values of biodiversity and put authoritative biodiversity knowledge at the centre of decision-making. WCMC is now seeking to fill a new role of Head of Capacity Development to work with us on a permanent basis and to take a leading role in ensuring the Centre’s growing engagement with national governments is as effective as possible.

Market and capacity development specialist kenya

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 13:03:47 +0100

Contracting organization: International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
Location: Kenya
Application deadline: 30 April 2013
Type/duration of assignment: Not specified
More information: http://ilrijobs.wordpress.com/2013/04/03/ilri-vacancy-market-and-capacity-development-specialist-closing-date-30-april-2013/

ILRI seeks to recruit a Market and Capacity Development Specialist to build and execute a market and capacity development strategy to support efforts to bring to scale its Index-Based Livestock Insurance (IBLI) agenda. The assignment involves working with the suite of IBLI partners that range from research leaders, our research-for-development partners, commercial entities, NGOs, government agencies, and target communities to manage the transition from pilot to scale-up.

Institutional capacity development for biodiversity conservation

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 12:55:40 +0100

Contracting organization: Birdlife International/UNDP Jordan
Location: Middle East
Application deadline: 20 April 2013
Type/duration of assignment: Short term consultancy (July-August 2013)
More information: http://www.birdlife.org/jobs/jobs/2013/MSB-Capacity-development-consultancy.html

Under the auspices of the UNDP/GEF Migratory Soaring Birds project, BirdLife International seeks a consultant /firm with extensive experience in the field of institutional capacity development of biodiversity conservation Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The consultant will undertake a short term consultancy to strengthen the capacity of BirdLife Partners involved in project to undertake effective mainstreaming tasks for migratory bird conservation within the five sectors of hunting, energy, agriculture, waste management and tourism in their respective countries.

Value chain technical advisor, Burkina Faso and Niger

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 09:51:03 +0100

Contracting organization: SNV Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV USA)
Location: Niger
Application deadline: 29 April 2013
Type/duration of assignment: Not specified
More information: http://www.snvworld.org/en/regions/world/value-chain-technical-advisor

SNV seeks a Value Chain Technical Advisor for the upcoming cross-cutting REGIS-ER project in Burkina Faso and Niger. The Value Chain Technical Advisor will be located in Niger and will provide strategic vision, leadership and technical assistance in expanding economic opportunities and increased income for vulnerable men and women, from sustainable and resilient crop and livestock enterprises within inclusive and competitive value chains.

Monitoring and evaluation for value chain projects: 5 things every practitioner should know

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 08:48:57 +0100

The rise of "Making Markets Work for the Poor" approaches in recent years has been driven in part by critique about the sustainability of impact, scalability and/or cost-effectiveness of traditional value chain interventions. However, according to this brief from the GROOVE Learning Network - an initiative of the USAID Microlinks programme - these new approaches bring with them new challenges related to the role of development practitioners and "how we should be pursuing that role." How, for instance, should development practitioners ensure that they serve as "facilitators" rather than getting involved directly as "market actors"?

Monitoring and Evaluating When Facing Complexity: Perspectives From a Practitioner-Led Initiative

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 08:35:23 +0100

Date: 25 April 2013
Type of event: Webinar
Location: Global/Online
Organization: USAID/Microlinks
More information: http://bit.ly/14IDzDm

Changes in markets are not predictable and often surprising, even after thorough market analysis and strategic planning. This creates specific challenges for monitoring and evaluation of development interventions. The webinar session will feature insights from the SEEP Network’s Systemic M&E Initiative, a practitioner-led initiative supported by USAID and fhi360 that has been exploring innovative ways to monitor and evaluate interventions in market and financial systems.

Catalysing private investments for development: Call for papers

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 14:43:58 +0100

At a time of declining development budgets, attention is turning to how to achieve greater impact with fewer resources. One of the strategies to achieve this is through innovative development financing (IDF) which refers to the innovative use of funds to catalyse private investments for pro-poor or inclusive development in a range of areas including agricultural value chains, water supply systems, renewable energy facilities, education institutes, access to health services etc. However, in many ways knowledge development on IDF is still in its infancy. The next issue of Capacity.org journal aims to shed the spotlight on this important issue by highlighting experiences with IDF, especially at the meso and micro level. We welcome contributions from researchers and practitioners with experience on this topic.

How to build innovative rural institutions

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:59:03 +0100

Good practices in building innovative rural institutions to increase food security (FAO 2012) by Denis Herbel, Eve Crowley, Nora Ourabah Haddad and Maria Lee is recommended reading for all practitioners whose core business involves strengthening the capacities of producer organisations, apex organisations and sector wide associations. Based on 35 case studies the authors demonstrate how to support the development of rural institutions in a way that “small producers not only “play the game” of managing natural resources or accessing input and output markets, information and knowledge effectively, but also influence the “rules of the game” by becoming an integral part of policy-making processes.”

Africa Capacity Indicators 2013 report published

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:53:25 +0100

The 2013 edition of the Africa Capacity Indicators Report (ACIR) on the theme Capacity Development for Natural Resources Management was launched in March 2013. The report focuses on what African countries need to do individually and collectively to effectively manage the continent's nautral resource wealth. Like the previous two editions, the Africa Capacity Index ranks the performance of 44 African countries according to four key clusters of capacity: the policy environment; processes for implementation; development results at the country level; and capacity development outcomes.

Local government capacity development expert, Kenya

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:23:28 +0100

Contracting organization: Global Communities
Location: Kenya
Application deadline: 15 April 2013
Type/duration of assignment: Not specified
More information: http://chfinternational.devhire.devex.com/jobs/327389

Global Communities, formerly CHF International, is seeking a Local Government Capacity Development Expert for an anticipated USAID funded devolution program in Kenya. The project will build the capacity of local governments, improve service delivery at the local level, establish communication and coordination mechanisms between the central government and county governments and strengthen the role of civil society as a governance partner at the local level.

Tool for monitoring performance of smallscale farming systems

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 08:22:20 +0000

An updated basic version of the MonQI Toolbox - an instrument for monitoring and analysing the management and performance of small-scale agricultural enterprises - will be launched in June 2013. The tool enhances users' ability to systematically describe and analyse elements such as farm households, assets, land, livestock, crops and inputs and outputs. As part of the launch, the project team will conduct a training course at Alterra, Wageningen University & Research Centre in Wageningen, The Netherlands, from 17 - 21 June.

Review of USAID support to local capacity development completed

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 05:48:49 +0000

A working group set up to review the reform of USAID's policies in the area of domestic accountability, has released its findings and recommendations. The Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid (ACVFA) focused its review on two overall goals in the reform process that are most relevant for changing the way the Agency engages in implementation and procurement work in support of building sustainability and local partnerships.

Linking livelihoods and rights in capacity development programmes

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 05:04:33 +0000

Combining activities that will simultaneously enhance livelihood and rights capabilities of target beneficiaries of development interventions appears to be a most effective way of empowering women. This was one of the main conclusions of a workshop organized by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in February.

Operations capacity building adviser

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 10:52:58 +0000

Contracting organization: Save the Children UK
Location: London, UK, with international travel
Application deadline: 05 April 2013
Type/duration of assignment: 8-month fixed term contract (with potential for extension)
More information: http://bit.ly/ZPUYGq

Save the Children UK seeks an Operations Capacity Building Advisor to support improvement of operational delivery in key focus countries. The successful candidate will play a central part in increasing and sustaining the capacity of country teams to operate rapidly, at scale, safely and securely, effectively and efficiently.

Post-2015 consultations: Call for input from southern researchers and practitioners

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 09:15:46 +0000

The Global Development Network (GDN) seeks input from Southern researchers for an international seminar in New Delhi in late March that will connect members of the UN High Level Panel with the academic community of economists and other social scientists from developing countries. Input can be provided through an online survey - closing on 11 March - that covers five of the most pressing questions facing the panellists:

Engaging citizen's voices: Global conference

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 09:00:56 +0000

Date: 18 March 2013
Type of event: Conference
Location: Washington DC and Online
Organization: World Bank Institute
More information: http://wbi.worldbank.org/wbi/event/citizen-voices?

Citizen Voices will focus on citizen engagement and feedback systems that strengthen the quality of policymaking and the science of service delivery, and where the impact on the poor is most direct. The conference will position the citizen engagement agenda as essential for effective development, move from knowledge to action, and establish concrete partnerships for scaling up at global and national levels.

The governance of scaling up: Identifying key elements in successful sustainability practices

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 08:10:45 +0000

This report by the Global Network of National Councils for Sustainable Development (NCSDs) explores some factors that affect the transferability of successful sustainable development practices. The authors note the need for 'mindful governance' - taking into account what works where and why (or why not) - when designing national sustainable development policies.

Monitoring and evaluation consultant, Haiti

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 07:49:14 +0000

Contracting organization: Management Sciences for Health/USAID
Location: Haiti
Application deadline: Not specified
Type/duration of assignment: Short term consultancy, starting mid-April 2013
More information: To apply, please send a resume and a brief cover letter confirming availability to acollins@msh.org

MSH seeks a consultant for the USAID-funded Haiti Leadership, Management, and Governance Project. One of the objectives of the project is to accelerate access to quality health services through health strengthening approaches that increase the Government of Haiti’s ability to manage its funding sources and that link the Haitian population to functional referral networks.

Understanding energy access and energy poverty: free online course

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 07:21:28 +0000

Reducing energy poverty is a necessary condition to promote its economic and social development. 1.3 billion people in the world still lack access to electricity and 2.7 billion people rely mainly on traditional biomass. But extending energy access entails environmental implications.To help orient policymakers and development practitioners on this issue, the International Center for Climate Governance (ICCG) has launched a series of short video lectures aimed at promoting the long-distance training. The first theme in the series is on defining and measuring energy access and energy poverty. This will be followed by a training on Integrated Assessment Models in April.

Upgrading in rural value chains

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 05:42:34 +0000

This book explores the place of poor people within a rich variety of value chains, focusing upon lagging, rural regions in Africa and Asia, and how they can “upgrade” within such chains. Upgrading is a key concept for value chain analysis and refers to the acquisition of technological capabilities and market linkages that enable firms to improve their competitiveness and move into higher-value activities.

Design, monitoring and evaluation manager, Thailand

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 05:22:12 +0000

Contracting organization: International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Location: Thailand
Application deadline: 05 May 2013
Type/duration of assignment: Permanent staff position
More information: http://www.trust.org/alertnet/jobs/detail.dot?id=046a3fa9-237c-4ec9-8fa6-d88405de6f23

The International Rescue Committee seeks a development, monitoring and evaluation manager for its Legal Assistance Center (LAC) project. LAC is an innovative and comprehensive access to justice and rule of law program in refugee camps on the Thai/ Burma border. Project activities are designed to improve access to justice and effective protection for refugees in camps by: helping refugees access legal information and appropriate remedies for crime and rights violations in the Thai or camp justice systems; supporting the refugee leadership to administer justice more equitably within the camps; engaging Thai authorities and civil society on refugee justice and rights; and pursuing research, monitoring, and advocacy on refugee rights issues. The LAC project is a partnership between IRC and UNHCR.

Coordinating capacity development partnerships in the higher education sector

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:52:54 +0000

‘Synergy in action’ is a new book from Nuffic (the Netherlands organisation for international cooperation in higher education). The book focuses on programmes which aim to strengthen higher education and research capacity in developing countries. Nuffic administers two such programmes: the Netherlands Fellowship Programmes (NFP) and the Netherlands Initiative for Capacity development in Higher Education (NICHE).

Post-2015 water consultations accessible online

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:31:46 +0000

A Post-2015 Development Agenda Consultation on Water: Water Resources Management and Wastewater Management & Water Quality is being organized by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in Geneva from 27-28 February. The meeting will prepare for the High level Meeting in The Hague which concludes the Thematic Consultation on Water. The discussions will be accessible by live-stream video at http://www.worldwewant2015.org/water

Facilitating multi-stakeholder networks: Upcoming partnership brokering courses in 2013

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 09:14:50 +0000

The Partnership Brokers Association offers a series of beginners' and advanced training courses on partnering skills. The Level 1 course is an intensive face-to-face training designed to deepen understanding of the changing nature of the process management role during a partnership cycle and explore essential brokering skills. It builds knowledge, insight and expertise for those managing the partnering process from the earliest ‘scoping’ stage to the final ‘moving on’ phase, including the delivery of measurable benefits to all parties. There are a number of upcoming courses in 2013, taking place in Canada, the Netherlands and the UK, with additional courses planned for the US and India. A full overview and registration information are available at: http://partnershipbrokers.org/w/training/level-1/

The brokering guidebook

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 08:56:42 +0000

Many of those involved in partnerships would say that the broker’s role (whether informal or formal) has been critical. However, the broker’s role must be kept in perspective. Good brokering is not a substitute for good partnering. The Brokering Guidebook illuminates the critical part played by brokers in multi sector partnerships as both process managers and behind the scenes leaders. It focuses on partnership brokering – that essential intermediary function that enables partners to work well together and ensure the maximum effectiveness of their partnership.

Building capacity for local disaster preparedness and economic recovery

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 08:02:52 +0000

RestoreYourEconomy.org is a project funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). While its focus is on the US context, the website offers useful resources and best-practice information for public and private stakeholders seeking to rebuild their local economies after a major disaster as well as assisting the business community to prepare for a disaster. The project also convenes regular webinars on issues related to local disaster preparedness and economic value, with access to recordings of past events. The following topics will be covered in 2013:

Capacity development advisor, Kenya

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 07:53:36 +0000

Contracting organization: Pact
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Application deadline: Not specified
Type/duration of assignment: Staff position
More information: https://www5.ultirecruit.com/PAC1005/JobBoard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID=*4DFAB71DC6DA8B62

The Capacity Development Advisor will provide high-quality technical assistance to Pact’s institutional strengthening initiatives in Kenya and for Pact worldwide. The CD Advisor will be responsible for developing, implementing and documenting institutional strengthening methodologies and approaches, and for training staff and partners. In addition, the CD Advisor will be expected to remain up-to-date with the latest in African and global capacity development initiatives and will be asked to support Pact’s global portfolio. Fluency in English is a must and knowledge of Kiswahili is preferred for the position.

The role of ICTs in bridging the agricultural extension gap in africa

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 07:40:41 +0000

This UNDP-commissioned paper for the African Human Development Report looks at the evidence on the role of emerging information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the agricultural sector in Africa with lessons from Asia. It explores issues of farmers’ access to information and other services that would help improve agricultural productivity, practices, and farmer livelihoods. It also reviews available literature on the effect of existing ICTs in extension services, and assesses impediments for better application of the technology for extension and advisory services.

Capacity development advisor, South Sudan

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:24:14 +0000

Contracting organization: Pact
Location: Juba, South Sudan
Application deadline: Not specified
Type/duration of assignment: Staff position (subject to funding availability)
More information: https://www5.ultirecruit.com/PAC1005/JobBoard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID=*35F185A8B219063C

Pact requires applications from the eligible applicants for the position of Capacity Development Advisor. Excellent interpersonal skills, including mentoring and communication skills are required.

Capacity development manager - Global campaigns

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:17:38 +0000

Contracting organization: Save the Children International
Location: United Kingdowm
Application deadline: 26 February 2013
Type/duration of assignment: Full time staff position
More information: http://www.trust.org/alertnet/jobs/capacity-development-manager-global-campaigns-2013114

This post will enhance Save the Children's global campaign by ensuring effective campaigns and advocacy delivery. It will ensure the right capacity, structure, planning and evaluation of our campaigns and advocacy in priority countries, across Save the Children International (SCI) and in newer Save the Children Member organisations.

Lessons in "pro-poor" leadership strategies

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:43:28 +0000

This review by the Development Leadership Programme draws insights from three case studies of 'pro-poor' political leaders: Yoweri Museveni in Uganda, Digvijay Singh in India’s Madhya Pradesh state and Fernando Henrique Cardoso in Brazil.The studies are analysed in the book "Against the Odds: Politicians, institutions and the struggle against poverty" (2012) by Marcus Andre Melo, Njuguna Ng'ethe & James Manor.

Stakeholder views on aid effectiveness

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:36:25 +0000

Time to Listen captures experiences and ideas on how to make international aid more effective and shift the paradigm from the current externally driven aid delivery system to a collaborative one that truly supports local people as drivers of their own development. The publication is based on a research initiative, the Listening Project, which sought the views of more than 6,000 people in 20 aid receiving countries who have received international assistance, observed the effects of aid efforts, or been involved in providing aid.

USAID Learning Lab launched

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:25:36 +0000

USAID has launched a new Learning Lab website, which consolidates previous learning initiatives (such as the Learning Lab Library and Strengthening Technical Practice), with expanded interactive features. The objective is to provide a collaborative space where USAID staff and partners jointly create, share, refine, and apply practical approaches in order to ground our programs in evidence and adapt quickly to new learning and changing contexts, maximizing development outcomes.

Evaluation and civil society

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:52:19 +0000

Evaluation provides an avenue for challenging and changing development practices which do not adequately serve the needs, rights and aspirations of all. This publication aims to contribute to the international discussions on how different stakeholders can create synergies and partnerships to contribute to equity-focused and gender-responsive country-led evaluation systems. It is the first volume of a proposed series of publications on Evaluation and Civil Society.

Change management for effective institutions (Online discussions)

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:35:06 +0000

The Learning Network on Capacity Development (LenCD) is facilitating a month of discussion about effective institutions, leading up to the Effective Institutions Building Block meeting at the end of February. All month we will launch parallel online discussions addressing three aspects of capacity building for effective institutions: change management, coalition building, and measuring results. The first topic is change management for effective institutions.

Organizational Development Delegate, Haiti

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:10:41 +0000

Contracting organization: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Location: Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Application deadline: 19 February 2013
Type/duration of assignment: Short term staff position
More information: https://jobnet.ifrc.org/public/hrd-cl-vac-view.asp?jobinfo_uid_c=2827&vaclng=en

Reporting to the Head of National Society Support (NSS) and Knowledge Development (KD), the Organisational Development Delegate will work with National Society Development practitioners, in support of Haitian Red Cross counterparts, to ensure growth towards a national service delivery system based on future operational and financial sustainability. The main purpose is to help extend the scale, quality, and impact of the work of the movement through knowledge and capacity building, and standards and systems improvement of the Haitian Red Cross Society.

Capacity building and conflict resolution project manager, Jordan

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 09:01:11 +0000

Contracting organization: Human Relief Foundation
Location: Amman, Jordan
Application deadline: 9 February 2013
Type/duration of assignment: One year consultancy
More information: http://reliefweb.int/job/554563/capacity-building-project-manager-jordan

Human Relief Foundation (HRF) is an international NGO seeking to promote sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities through relief and development programmes, as well as supporting people in need to build a better life and find their own solutions to local and global problems. We are currently looking for a project manager/technical consultant to manage a EuropeAid funded project providing capacity building in peacebuilding to Jordanian NGOs.

Integrating the nature-poverty nexus in environmental education programmes

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 09:41:09 +0000

A recent study of 21 conservation project proposals submitted to the IUCN National Committee of The Netherlands concluded that while many seek to contribute to poverty reduction, in practice they do not address the inherent tension between nature conservation and exploitation. My analysis of the findings shows there is need to enhance the capacity of educational programmes to facilitate dialogue at the local level on how to sustain the natural resource base on which communities depend for their livelihoods.

Strengthening local demand for research capacity building in Africa

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:11:01 +0000

At a recent workshop organized by the Global Development Network in Arusha, Tanzania, participants identified a number of concrete action areas to help strengthen the "research climate" in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. These include: investing in the research infrastructure and governance; bridging the gap in the "absorption capacity of policymakers and stakeholders"; and "breaking barriers of isolation" among individual researchers by creating research consortia to facilitate the exchange of information and best practice.

Monitoring, learning and evaluation officer (Benin)

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 08:45:03 +0000

Contracting organization: Access Agriculture
Location: Cotonou, Benin
Application deadline: 7 February 2013
Type/duration of assignment: Full time staff position
More information: http://www.accessagriculture.org/node/509

Access Agriculture is an international NGO with headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya and a regional office for West and Central Africa being established in Cotonou, Benin. Access Agriculture facilitates the production, translation, distribution and use of agricultural training videos in developing countries. To support its ‘Videos for farmers’ project, Access Agriculture is recruiting a Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation Officer to help the organization to enhance learning in agricultural innovation systems across Africa.

The candidate must have a MSc in agricultural or social sciences. She/he will be fluent in English and French, and have good writing and interpersonal communication skills. The candidate will have a solid experience in monitoring R&D projects and in using statistical software.

Finance and capacity building officer, Sierra Leone

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:34:52 +0000

Contracting organization: One Village Partners
Location: Sierra Leone
Application deadline: 1 March 2013
Type/duration of assignment: Full time staff position
More information: http://www.idealist.org/view/job/TZ7JN88tpGW4/

OneVillage Partners (OVP) is an entrepreneurial, start-up nonprofit organization that improves quality of life for rural villagers living in extreme poverty in Sierra Leone, West Africa. With a small support staff in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the organization is currently building its team in Sierra Leone and seeks a full-time Finance and Capacity Building Officer. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build the position, develop financial policies, and work on the ground with local communities to support expansion efforts. As OneVillage Partners grows, this person will oversee and manage all finance and accounting activities in Sierra Leone and also assist interested villagers and villager groups in developing the necessary skills for empowerment and self-determination. An expatriate is required for this position.

Capacity development specialist (livestock) Kenya

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:25:37 +0000

Contracting organization: ILRI
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Application deadline: 28 February 2013
Type/duration of assignment: Staff position
More information: http://bit.ly/1150nwD

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Capacity Development Specialist to enhance ILRI’s contribution to the capacity development aspects of the CGIAR Research Program on Livestock and Fish (http://livestockfish.cgiar.org/). The assignment involves working with research leaders and our research-for-development partners to convert research outputs and tools into training media and a strategy to ensure effective dissemination and uptake among our research team and target beneficiaries. Media are expected to include development of instructional materials and curricula, workshop designs and ICT delivery techniques.

Leadership for local governance training course

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:50:38 +0000

Dates: 8-29 April 2013 (Deadline for applications is 11 February 2013)
Type of event: Training course
Location: The Hague, The Netherlands
Organization: The Hague Academy for Local Governance
More information: http://thehagueacademy.com/blog/2012/04/leadership-and-municipal-management-2/

This course aims to increase good leadership of local authorities by looking at three core competences: developing a vision, managing public services and communicating with internal and external stakeholders. During interactive sessions the participants will learn about the Leadership Benchmark as a comprehensive tool for improving leadership in local government. Ttogether with international experts and practitioners from The Netherlands, participants will explore how to develop a vision for their municipality, improve the financial management of the organisation and strengthen human resources, planning capacity and performance based management. Extra attention will be paid to integrity as well as gender issues in leadership.

Capacity.org issue 46 on inter-organisational learning published

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:12:39 +0000

From picking up a good idea from a competitor to engaging in strategic alliances, there is a wide spectrum of ways in which inter-organisational learning occurs. However, unlike the private sector inter-organisational learning in the development sector is hardly studied or evaluated. There seems to be an uncritical assumption that working and learning together is unproblematic and usually beneficial for all parties. Drawing on practical experiences from India, South Sudan and South Africa, among others, this issue of Capacity.org journal discusses a number of challenges faced by learning partnerships and offers lessons for avoiding some of the commonly experienced pitfalls.

Upcoming training courses in East Africa (MDF)

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 13:59:15 +0000

MDF is a global training and consultancy agency, headquartered in the Netherlands with branches in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The MDF Eastern and Southern Africa office is organizing the following courses in the first half of 2013.

Please note that course fees apply

Organisational development and change: 11-15 February, Arusha, Tanzania
Result-based management: 11-15 March, Arusha, Tanzania
Monitoring & Evaluation and Learning: 18-22 March, Arusha, Tanzania
Programme Planning form a Livelihood Perspective: 1-5 April 2013, Nairobi, Kenya
Outcome mapping: 15-17 April 2013, Arusha, Tanzania
Financial management for non-financial managers: 5-10 May, Arusha, Tanzania
Leadership and people management: 13-17 May, Arusha, Tanzania
Project and programme management: 10-21 June, Arusha, Tanzania

For more information and a full overview of all courses offered in 2013, please visit the MDF-ESA website.

Dilemmas of partnerships

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 08:38:03 +0000

GUEST COLUMN

"If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." Nowadays, policymakers and leaders of businesses and NGOs habitually quote this old African proverb in support of their partnering strategy. Partnering is the most institutionalised form of inter-organisational learning. But the partnering process is anything but straightforward. Indeed, it is replete with (learning) dilemmas.

Collaborating for impact

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 05:23:53 +0000

In the UK, changes to government commissioning are also driving the collaboration agenda: in order to compete for public service delivery, charities need to be "collaboration-ready". However, collaborations can be tricky to navigate. This report by two UK organizations, New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) and Impetus Trust, addresses some of the less talked-about issues that connect collaboration with social impact

Integrated peacebuilding

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 13:11:39 +0000

Peacebuilding and the related sectors of international development, humanitarian relief, and diplomacy are areas that require an increasingly nuanced understanding of theory, process, and impact. In Integrated Peacebuilding: Innovative Approaches to Transforming Conflict, leading academics and practitioners present original essays discussing the theories, practices, and ethical challenges of integrating peacebuilding into diverse sectors such as development, business, gender, media, and health.

Facilitating multistakeholder innovation platforms in West Africa

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:47:43 +0000

"One finger cannot lift a rock" (Stylus/KIT publishers, November 2012) documents the process of developing communities of practice for a variety of agricultural sectors in Benin, Ghana and Mali. The nine experiences highlighted in the book show that multi-actor platforms require specific facilitation skills, intense engagement and sensitivity to the local context. But they also illustrate that there are creative ways of dealing with the challenges and unpredictable situations that facilitators face.

The early child development learning community in South Africa

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:53:08 +0000

From learning together to working together

Almost six years ago 18 South African NGOs all working on early childhood development were brought together in a learning alliance. Over the years they have established a collaborative learning and working platform, involving organised community-based women caregivers, to develop workable and sustainable solutions for the well-being of young children in South Africa. This is their story.

Inter-organisational learning and local governance

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:15:06 +0000

Devolving power for the poor

Devolution of power to local government changed the rules of the game in decision making and created new opportunities. The Society for Participatory Research in Asia facilitated a nationwide inter-organisational learning process in order to make the new system work for the marginalised.

Inter-organisational learning in fragile South Sudan

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 17:22:05 +0000

Against all odds

Learning collectively in a fragile environment is both important and hard. The authors of this article engaged in facilitating an inter-organisational learning process in an effort to overcome mistrust and pre-conceived perceptions.

Thematic learning programmes

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 16:27:54 +0000

Building bridges through learning

PSO, a Dutch umbrella organisation with 57 member affiliates, has funded 13 inter-organisational learning processes since 2010. Referred to by PSO as thematic learning programmes, or TLPs, they were evaluated in late 2012.

Inter-organisational learning in South African education

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 16:06:41 +0000

The importance of defining outcomes

The questions practitioners repeatedly face when facilitating inter-organisational learning processes are: what does collaboration precisely mean and what are its goals? How pragmatic is collaboration? And is it indeed the answer or merely a layer of additional complexity? This is particularly relevant in the South African context where the country’s successes – such as the transition from apartheid and the 2010 World Cup – are seen as examples of collaboration. In reality, however, these successes seem to be more the exception than the norm, and the complexity of collaboration and resulting inter-organisational learning is severely underestimated.

Inter-organisational learning: A new frontier

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 13:44:16 +0000

Towards a knowledge agenda

Inter-organisational activities have become common practice in the development sector. Some of these activities aim to categorically achieve learning. However, even when this is not the primary goal, inter-organisational learning is usually critical to the success of networks, coalitions, alliances, partnerships and other inter-organisational structures. It is therefore high time to set a knowledge agenda in support of practitioners who facilitate inter-organisational learning.

Dilemmas of inter-organisational learning

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 12:37:27 +0000

Editorial

Organisations can learn from each other, and they can learn together. There is a wide spectrum of ways in which inter-organisational learning (IOL) occurs, ranging from picking up a good idea from a competitor to engaging in strategic alliances. Inter-organisational learning is not only practiced in the private sector but also widely practised in the development sector. However, unlike the private sector IOL in the development sector is hardly studied or evaluated. There seems to be an uncritical assumption that organisations working and learning together is unproblematic and usually beneficial for all parties.

Dilemmas of inter-organisational learning

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 11:17:22 +0000

From picking up a good idea from a competitor to engaging in strategic alliances, there is a wide spectrum of ways in which inter-organisational learning occurs. However, unlike the private sector inter-organisational learning in the development sector is hardly studied or evaluated. There seems to be an uncritical assumption that working and learning together is unproblematic and usually beneficial for all parties. Drawing on practical cases from India, South Sudan and South Africa, among others, this issue of Capacity.org discusses a number of challenges faced by learning partnerships and offers lessons for avoiding some of the commonly experienced pitfalls.

Strengthening agricultural services for smallholders

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:42:49 +0000

Date: 30 January 2013 (15:30 - 17:00 CET)
Type of event: Webinar
Location: Online/Global
Organization: USAID/Agrilinks Network
More information: http://bit.ly/VM7llX

One of the most difficult challenges for smallholder farmers is finding a reliable source of high quality agricultural inputs, such as seed, fertilizer, farm equipment, veterinary supplies and services, and sustainable extension services. Access to these farm services directly results in higher quality and quantity farm production, which in turn yields higher profits and promotes increased on-farm production. However, smallholder farmers often have to travel far to get inputs, pay high prices for them and face limited choices in input availability.

This Agrilinks webinar will address the benefits of private sector input supply systems and how these systems are increasing smallholders' production, incomes, and livelihoods.

Tracking post-2015 development goals: Call for input

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 11:02:34 +0000

The Overseas Development Institute (ODI, UK) has announced an initiative to track all proposals emerging out of the UN High Level Panel on the Post-2015 Millenium Development Goals and the UN Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals (an outcome of the Rio+20 Conference in June 2012). The project invites input on any missing proposals and is especially interested in any proposals on concrete targets and indicators. For an overview of goals tracked so far, please go to: http://post2015.org/2013/01/08/tracking-proposals-on-future-development-goals/

Panel discussion: Restoring human security to conflict affected states in Africa

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:35:33 +0000

Dates: 29 January 2013
Type of event: Panel discussion
Location: Committee Room 16, House of Commons, London, UK (Time: 15.30 - 17.00)
Organization: Institute of Development Studies (IDS)
More information: http://www.ids.ac.uk/events/restoring-human-security-to-conflict-affected-states-in-africa

Human security is essential to the achievement of development goals. Yet its restoration has proved elusive in too many conflict-affected states. This will be the subject of an expert panel convened by the Africa All Party Parliamentary Group (Africa APPG) and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS).

Post-Conflict Security in an Africa of Networked, Multilevel Governance

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:00:45 +0000

How do, could and should the various institutions responsible for the production of security and the management of conflict evolve in response to the presence of violent conflict? This is the core question addressed in the January 2013 issue of IDS Bulletin, based on recent fieldwork in Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire and Somalia.

Learning and knowledge management officer, Ethiopia

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:11:49 +0000

Contracting organization: Mercy Corps/USAID
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Application deadline: Not specified
Type/duration of assignment: Staff position
More information: http://bit.ly/10x8zVZ

The Learning and Knowledge Management Officer will be a key position in the $48 million, 5-year USAID-funded Pastoralists Areas Resilience Improvement and market Expansion (PRIME) program. He/she will lead enhanced innovation learning and knowledge management activities. In addition he/she will work closely with USAID/FTF’s Knowledge Learning, Documentation and Policy (KLDP) project and the Capacity to Improve Agriculture and Food Security (CIAFS) program.

Calendar for final thematic consultations on post-2015 agenda

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 13:49:45 +0000

The calendar of final thematic consultations being organized between January and April 2013 to discuss what comes next after the Millenium Development Goals is now available. The Global Leadership Meetings (GLMs) cover 8 themes: Conflict and Fragility; Inequalities; Governance and the Post-2015 Framework; Population Dynamics; Health; Education; Water; and Hunger, Food and Nutrition Security.

Knowledge exchange guide for development practitioners

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:05:35 +0000

Designing and implementing knowledge exchange initiatives can be a big undertaking. The art of knowledge exchange: A results-focused planning guide for development practitioners presents a strategic, results-oriented approach to facilitating experiential, peer-to-peer learning processes, based on the World Bank institute's capacity development and results framework. The guide aims to "take the guesswork out of the process" by breaking down the role of knowledge connector and learning facilitator into simple steps.

Strengthening local governance: Towards context-specific theories of change for citizen engagement and state accountability

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 08:10:51 +0000

This project briefing paper from the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), UK, uses a critical analysis of citizen voice and accountability (CV&A) cases to examine how CV&A happens in different governance contexts. According to the author, CV&A project interventions produce and reproduce diverse outcomes that are not amenable to linear models of theories of change (ToC), which are "starting to be viewed as...a key part of what constitutes 'rigour' in impact evaluations. The paper draws on the experiences of ODI's Mwananchi Programme, a 5-year programme initiative to strengthen ordinary citizens' voices and improve state accountability and responsiveness in six African countries.

Capacity development toolkit for procurement practitioners

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 08:41:18 +0000

This online toolkit provides guidance for procurement practitioners, policymakers and advisers on how to manage a procurement reform and/or capacity development process, whether at the national, sector or entity level. The guide was developed by the United Nations Procurement Development Centre (UNPCDC) and is based on the OECD/DAC publication A Practical Guide to Transforming Procurement Systems.

Senior capacity development adviser (Plan International)

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 08:16:17 +0000

Contracting organization: Plan International USA
Location: Washington DC
Application deadline: 9 February 2013
Type/duration of assignment: Staff position
More information: http://www.idealist.org/view/job/C8CB3mczH78d/

The Senior Capacity Development Advisor will contribute to developing and implementing family planning/reproductive health and HIV project strategies through a USAID-funded project with emphasis on individual and institutional capacity development and advocacy.

Global fund announces new cooperation model to strengthen domestic accountability

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 08:00:30 +0000

The Global Fund has launched a transition phase towards a new funding model that is set to become fully operational in 2014. According to the Fund ".... The new model will increase country focus and provide implementers with more flexible timing, better alignment with national strategies, greater predictability on the process and the level of funding available, early feedback on grant applications, and an ability to elicit full expressions of demand."

The assessment capacities project

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 07:22:56 +0000

In accordance with fundamental humanitarian principles, humanitarian aid should be based on a clear understanding of the needs of the affected population. However, current approaches to humanitarian needs assessment often do not provide a sufficiently coherent picture of humanitarian requirements, especially not in the initial phases of an emergency. This makes coordinated assessment one of the biggest outstanding challenges to the humanitarian community. The Geneva-based Assessment Capacities Project (ACAPS) aims to improve the assessment of needs in complex emergencies and crises by providing tools, know-how and training to a wide range of humanitarian actors.

Fourth World Water Development Report: Managing water under uncertainty and risk

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 14:09:14 +0000

The United Nations World Water Development Report (WWDR), released every three years in conjunction with the World Water Forum, is the UN’s flagship report on water. The fourth edition, published in March 2012, seeks to offer leaders in government, the private sector and civil society tools and response options to address current and future challenges related to the pressures driving demand for water and affecting its availability.

Innovative strategies for facilitating vertical linkages with very poor producers (Webinar)

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 08:08:16 +0000

Date: 21 February 2013
Type of event: Webinar
Location: Online/Global
Organization: USAID/SEEP Network
More information: http://www.seepnetwork.org/webinar-2--innovative-strategies-for-facilitating-vertical-linkages-with-very-poor-producers-events-52.php

This is the second of three webinars in the “Integrating Very Poor Producers Into Value Chains Field Guide” series, an initiative of the SEEP Network Market Facilitation Initiative and STEP UP Initiative. The objective of the Field Guide is to provide guidance to frontline field development practitioners on how to better integrate very poor producers into value chains.

Evidence and knowledge in humanitarian action

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:42:41 +0000

Dates: 5-7 March 2013
Type of event: Conference
Location: Washington D.C.
Organization: ALNAP
More information: http://www.alnap.org/events/28th.aspx

Accurate information is a vital tool for humanitarians. It can provide evidence of current or anticipated needs; demonstrate those elements of a response that are working, and those which urgently need to be changed; and support the development and improvement of life-saving practices. But there are many challenges to the collection of information and the use of evidence in humanitarian response, arising from the context of operations and from the culture of the humanitarian system. This upcoming ALNAP Meeting will look at these challenges and – building on the experience of Network members and invited experts - try to find ways to address them.

Managing 'wicked problems' in agribusiness: the role of multistakeholder partnerships

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 09:53:06 +0000

The International Food and Agribusiness Management Review has published the second part of a special issue of the journal addressing the topic "Managing Wicked Problems in Agribusiness: The Role of Multi-Stakeholder Engagements in Value Creation." Introducing the Special Issue (Volume 15, Issue B, 2012) the editors Domenico Dentoni and Otto Hospes (Wageningen University) and R. Brent Ross (Michigan State University) define 'wicked problems' as "... issues which are highly complex, have innumerable and undefined causes, and are difficult to understand and frame. They result in outcomes that are either uncertain or unknowable, and often affect multiple stakeholders throughout the agri-food system and beyond."

Evaluating capacity development results: A practical guide

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 07:40:57 +0000

Despite donor commitments of more than $30 billion per year on capacity development activities, there is a lack of consensus regarding what these activities include and what results should be expected. Conventional monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems regularly fail to capture the impact of such activities. As a result, development practitioners are deprived of the opportunity to learn which capacity development interventions are most effective in different situations.

Capacity development specialists, Uganda

Sat, 05 Jan 2013 13:16:49 +0000

Contracting organization: Chemonics
Location: Uganda
Application deadline: 30 January 2013
Type/duration of assignment: Staff positions
More information: http://img.static.reliefweb.int/job/547649/agricultural-climate-trade-and-capacity-building-specialists

Chemonics seeks technical specialists for the anticipated three- to five-year USAID-funded Enabling Environment for Agriculture Program in Uganda. This feed the future program will partner with Ugandan private and public institutions to improve the enabling environment for agricultural development, trade, and adaptation to climate change.

Systematic reviews in international development: Dhaka Colloquium materials now available

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 09:48:29 +0000

In December 2012, BRAC University in Bangladesh hosted the Dhaka Colloquium, which brought together 130 leading researchers and policymakers from 31 countries to discuss the latest methodologies and evidence from systematic reviews of development programmes. Materials from the event, including videos of some of the presentations, are now available.

Capacity building officer: Cash learning initiative

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 08:50:02 +0000

Contracting organization: Oxfam GB
Location: Oxford, UK or Home Based
Application deadline: 11 January 2013
Type/duration of assignment: Staff position
More information: http://reliefweb.int/job/546008/cash-learning-partnership-capacity-building-officer

The Cash Learning Partnership (CaLP) is an interagency partnership founded in 2006 with a steering committee of five member agencies: Save the Children, Action against Hunger, Norwegian Refugee Council, The British Red Cross and Oxfam GB. The Partnership promotes the appropriate use of cash transfers in emergencies through capacity building, evidence based research and advocating for and engaging in developing policy around cash based programming. The Capacity Building Officer will be responsible for technical quality and roll out of the CaLP trainings and training modules under the CaLP strategy 2012 - 2015 and will be hosted by the Humanitarian Department in Oxfam GB.

Gender inclusive approaches in agricultural value chains

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 07:58:10 +0000

Published in November 2012 by SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, this practice brief explores women and gender issues in agricultural value chains in Africa and Asia. Across the two continents there are wide disparities in women’s access to and control over productive resources, service delivery and market opportunities. Drawing on a wide variety of case studies, the Brief describes various ways in which the underlying gender constraints are identified and addressed, through an explicit focus on women’s economic and social empowerment.

Aid withdrawal and civil society sustainability (INTRAC paper)

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 07:44:05 +0000

Many international NGOs are reviewing their work in particular countries or with particular partners. In many places, funding is being withdrawn from local civil society organizations as projects and programmes are phased out. While aid withdrawal might be desirable in situations where its purpose has been served, the process of withdrawing from established relationships is neither straightforward nor trauma-free for any of the parties involved. It is in this context that INTRAC hosted a one-day exploratory workshop for CSOs, development practitioners and researchers to debate issues around partnership, civil society sustainability and aid withdrawal. The report is now available.

Consultant: Review of the Learning Network on Capacity Development (LenCD)

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 06:35:57 +0000

Contracting organization: UNDP
Location: Home based
Application deadline: 11 January 2013
Type/duration of assignment: 15-day consultancy
More information: http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=34692

LenCD is an informal network established in 2004 to raise the contour of capacity development on the international policy agenda. This review will explore the extent to which LenCD has been able to facilitate learning on capacity development (CD), promote change in CD practice on the ground, broaden evidence on CD, and promote the integration of CD into mainstream development policy.

Capacity development and learning strategy consultant, UNV

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 16:43:59 +0000

Contracting organization: United Nations Volunteers, UNV
Location: Home based and Bonn, Germany
Application deadline: 17 December 2012
Type/duration of assignment: International Consultant
More information: http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=34212

Under the overall guidance of the Knowledge Management Specialist and the direct supervision of the Volunteer Resource Learning Specialist in VKIS, the Learning Strategy Consultant will undertake a process in which the objectives are to:

Identify cross-cutting learning needs as perceived by UNV Headquarters, field units, volunteers and beneficiaries (The needs assessment will not focus on substantive or technical knowledge acquisition or learning, but learning that is related to strengthening the integration of volunteerism into development and peace)
Gather information on the historical training activities that UNV has offered and lessons learned
Map current training activities available to UN Volunteers through UNV and/or host agencies
Prepare and conduct a multi-level (from senior management to beneficiaries) learning needs assessment to determine UNV learning priorities
Assess the viability of different learning delivery mechanisms (synchronous, asynchronous, blended) for the UN Volunteer population
Define learning solutions and propose actions that UNV can take, paying particular attention to different learning needs for distinct groups within the volunteer pool (field units, national volunteers, international volunteers, youth volunteer modality, online volunteers, mission and development assignments)
Recommend short term (-2 yrs. year) and long term (2 – 5 yrs) learning paths to enhance volunteer learning: design, development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
Define strategic directions for UNV learning and capacity development in alignment with organizations vision and volunteer learning needs

The Learning Strategy Consultant will be partly home-based with two trips to UNV Headquarters in Bonn, Germany and 2 field missions. Methods and tools can be combined at various stages of the process.

Monitoring and evaluation specialists, South Africa

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 16:32:17 +0000

Contracting organization: Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)
Location: Midrand, South Africa
Application deadline: 16 December 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Contract (ending 31 March 2014)
More information: http://www.dbsa.drm-za.com/

The Development Bank of Southern Africa is currently recruiting for Monitoring & Evaluation Specialists to fulfill the following key responsibilities:

Promote the utilization of results based monitoring & measurement approaches & tools in tracking Jobs Fund impact
Develop Capacity & Support amongst Jobs Fund staff
Provide an Assurance Function on the adequacy and effectiveness of monitoring & measurement of Jobs Fund development results
Promotion of timely reporting of monitoring, evaluation and learning finding

Interested applicants may apply online on www.dbsa.org or send an email to Dikeledi Helepi or Lucy Tumane.

Community-based adaptation: can facilitators and communities speak the same language?

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 15:33:23 +0000

The just-concluded Development and Climate Days held parallel to the UN climate conference in Doha and facilitated by the Red Cross/Red Crescent Climate Centre showcased the use of games in energizing community dialogue processes. Illustrating how this works in practice, the American Red Cross has published an interesting case study about the the pilot testing of a climate game, "Ready" in Namibia that illustrates the challenges of translating games to "real life" settings.

Innovative approaches for strengthening adaptive capacity at community level: A case study from Namibia

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 08:03:39 +0000

"Climate games" are increasingly being used to energize participatory processes and help communities to plan for uncertainty and extreme events. This case study looks at the first community pilot or “play-test” of a new game, Ready, which took place in Namibia in June 2012 and highlights not only the potential, but some of the challenges involved in translating games to real-life settings. The game was developed as part of a collaboration between the American Red Cross, PETLab at the Parsons New School for Design in New York and the Red Cross/Red Crescent Climate Centre.

Global Campus for water and development underway

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 08:56:15 +0000

Plans are underway for the establishment of a Global Campus for Water and Development based at the UNESCO Institute for Water Education (UNESCO-IHE) in 2013. The objective is to close the gap in the broad field of specialist capacity needed in the field of water worldwide by providing more education at a regional level to young talented people via partners and in the future also in collaboration with regional UNESCO-IHE institutes.

Organizational assessments of civil society organizations: Towards mutual accountability

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 15:31:49 +0000

INTRAC's Praxis Note 62 highlights two recent organizational assessments by Dutch-based international NGOs to explore issues of mutual accountability in development cooperation. Noting that even among civil society organizations most development partnerships reflect the traditional 'aid-chain' - with a Northern donor NGO and recipient Southern organization(s) or 'target group' - the report stresses the need to 'reverse' the chain by striving for more dialogue and mutual accountability in assessing development results. The assessments were undertaken as part of a thematic learning programme facilitated by the Dutch support organisation PSO between April 2011 and October 2012.

Barefoot Guide 3: Mobilizing religious health assets for transformation

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 09:59:54 +0000

Health, freedom and social justice cannot be separated. In Africa, anything between 20-70% of public healthcare is delivered through religious institutions or groups. The latest "Barefoot Guide" to organizational learning and social change takes as its point of departure the notion that "Religious assets for health are everywhere, they matter to a lot of people, and they can be mobilized for the health of all." Among topics covered in the guide are: thinking differently about public health; working with and mobilizing religious health assets; supporting the ‘leading causes of life’; understanding ‘healthworlds’ and the strengths of ‘people who come together’; boundary leadership; thinking about systems; and ‘deep accountability.’

Developing leadership capacities in a networked world

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:26:03 +0000

Published in October 2012 by the Leadership Learning Community, Leadership and Networks: New Ways of Developing Leadership in a Highly Connected World is written for those who run and fund leadership programmes that develop and support leadership for social change. The report aims to inspire and help leadership programmes to question their assumptions about the traditional leadership models and retool their approaches in ways that will enable them to better prepare those in leadership with the mindset and skills they will need to more fully leverage network strategies.

A toolkit for conducting systematic reviews of development interventions

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 10:17:16 +0000

A ‘systematic’ review is a "synthesis of literature relating to the effectiveness of particular development interventions." The September 2012 issue of the Journal of Development Effectiveness provides a ‘how to’ guide for undertaking systematic reviews of effects in international development, drawing on experiences of the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie).

K* - Getting to grips with the roles of intermediaries in knowledge production, sharing and innovation

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 07:59:47 +0000

Knowledge management, transfer, exchange, translation, brokering, networking, mobilisation, adaptation ... there is an endless list of terms used to describe the range of activities and functions involved in bridging the gap between knowledge 'production' and 'application'. With a growing number of individuals and organizations describing their core mission as being to improve the use of knowledge in policy, practice and research, there is need for a shared understanding of what this actually entails.

This was the idea behind the first K* (K Star) international conference in Hamilton, Canada, organised by United Nations University -Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) and its partners in April 2012. The organisers have now published a concept paper to facilitate broader understanding and the emergence of a global community of practice on this issue.

Organizational development specialist, Ghana

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 13:32:25 +0000

Contracting organization: Relief International, USA
Location: Tamale, Ghana
Application deadline: 30 November 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Programme staff
More information: http://www.trust.org/alertnet/jobs/detail.dot?id=4eee8a56-88bb-4c58-8848-6216b126c494

Relief International seeks advisors and experts for key positions in the upcoming 5-year USAID Ghana Agricultural Technology Transfer Project (ATT) Project. The Organization Development Specialist will lead the Organization Development Component of the project and will provide technical expertise. S/he will also coordinate closely with the other components of the project (Seed Industry Management, Soil Fertility, and Information and Communication)

Capacity building programme in community-driven development, India

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:03:51 +0000

Dates: 7-31 January 2013
Type of event: Training with field exposure (please note that this is a paid course)
Location: Andhra Pradesh, India
Organization: Bala Vikasa People Development Training Center
More information: http:www.balavikasa.org

Bala Vikasa's four-week " Capacity Building Program with Field Exposure in Community Driven Development” covers the theory and practice of making developmental interventions more inclusive, effective, efficient and sustainable. The course is designed to deepen participants' understanding of community development concepts and familiarize them with various approaches and tools that can be applied in the process of empowering the community.

International short course on local governance and rural decentralisation

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 10:36:41 +0000

Dates: 21 January to 1 February 2013 (Application deadline 7th January 2013)
Type of event: Training (please note that this is a paid course)
Location: Wageningen, The Netherlands
Organization: Centre for Development Innovation (Wageningen UR) and the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), The Netherlands
More information: http://www.wageningenur.nl/en/show/CDIcourse_Local_governance.htm

Local governance for rural development is increasingly approached as a multi-stakeholder process with interactions taking place amongst actors with different ambitions or perceptions. This course aims to build participants' capacity to analyse and deal with the complexity of governance processes and engage with multiple actors. The course is relevant for mid-career professionals working in rural service delivery, decentralisation, local economic development and natural resource management.

The nuts and bolts of M&E systems: The case of South Africa

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:12:15 +0000

Establishing a national M&E System in South Africa is the latest publication in the World Bank's Nuts and Bolts of M&E Systems series. This article provides an overview of efforts by the South African government to improve the evidence base for improved service delivery that are coordinated by a dedicated Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), established in 2010.

Capacity development toolkit for health systems strengthening

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:01:26 +0000

This UNDP-Global Fund Partnership toolkit provides practical advice, tools, templates and process guidance covering five key steps in the transition from UNDP management towards full national responsibility for implementing response programmes for HIV&AIDS, TB and Malaria.

Consultant: Developing adaptive capacity for climate change adaptation, Lliberia

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 10:42:12 +0000

Contracting organization: UNDP/GEF
Location: Monrovia, Liberia
Application deadline: 23 November 2012
Type/duration of assignment: International Consultant, 8 weeks
More information: http://emansion.gov.lr/doc/TORCCMCDPlanConsultantInternationalInc.pdf

In 2011 the Government of Liberia (GoL) through the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Global Environment Facility (GEF) Agreement to implement this Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) project titled: “Enhancing Resilience to Climate Change by Mainstreaming Adaptation Concerns into Agriculture Sector Development in Liberia”. The 4-year project will be a vehicle for implementing priority interventions for the agriculture sector identified in Liberia’s National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA). Among other tasks, the consultant will be expected to: prepare an Inception Report; development and review a Climate Change Management (Climate Risk Management) Needs Assessment for the Agriculture Sector; and develop and review an implementation manual for the Ministry of Agriculture.

AfDB call for microfinance capacity building fund applications open till 30 November

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 10:26:39 +0000

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has announced the 2nd call for proposals of the Microfinance Capacity Building Fund ("MCBF"). Award amounts will range from US $200,000 to US $500,000 per project, depending on the activity, and will be given to approximately 6-8 awardees.

E-learning course on national evaluation capacity development

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:11:47 +0000

Dates: 14 January to 24 March 2013
Type of event: E-learning programme
Location: Online/Global
Organization: EvalPartners network
More information: http://mymande.org/elearning/course-details/2

Applications are invited for the second course of the e-learning programme on development evaluation, focusing on National Evaluation Capacity Development for Country-led Monitoring and Evaluation Systems.This follows the well attended e-learning course on Equity-focused evaluations that attracted almost 4,500 participants from 163 countries.

Capacity building specialist, Myanmar

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 15:44:18 +0000

Contracting organization: Save the Children
Location: Yangon, Myanmar
Application deadline: 20 November 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Programme Staff, 4 years
More information: http://www.trust.org/alertnet/jobs/detail.dot?id=a661fa3d-e431-482a-b6ad-63f949dc2a4e

Save the Children International is looking for a Capacity Building Specialist to join the Myanmar Education Consortium (MEC) team. The Myanmar Education Consortium is a national programme designed in view of the rapidly evolving changes occurring in the education sector and the overall country context. It is initially led by Burnet Institute, Save the Children and World Vision with the aim to build capacity and involve local partners over the course of the programme.

The MEC Capacity Building Specialist will be responsible for coordinating with local implementing partners including complementary systems and local civil society groups to build capacity of education institutions and personnel for improved education management (i.e. financial management, human resources, organisational development), knowledge of education current theory and best practice and enhanced service delivery.

Strengthening the capacity of national monitoring and evaluation systems

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:33:49 +0000

This United Nations (UN) Evaluation Group report provides some practical tips on how to strengthen national evaluation capacity as the basis for improved governance, as opposed to a narrow focus on meeting donor evaluation and reporting requirements. Although written from a UN perspective the report contains useful insights for other development practitioners working to strengthen local governance capacity.

Change management and institutional capacity development adviser (SADC)

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:19:30 +0000

Contracting organization: WYG International
Location: Botswana
Application deadline: 10 December 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Team Leader (36 months)
More information: http://www.devex.com/en/jobs/adviser-change-management-and-institutional-capacity-development-team-leader-2222

WYG International have been shortlisted for the ”SADC ICDP Technical Assistance Team“ project within the SADC Secretariat's Institutional Capacity Development Programme for the member states of the South African Development Community. WYG International seeks an Adviser, Change Management and Institutional Capacity Development to head the team. The purpose is to improve the capacity of the SADC Secretariat to effectively carry out its mandate of coordinating the implementation of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) and the Strategic Indicative Programme for the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security (SIPO). The intended commencement date is January 2013.

Capacity building consultant, Egypt

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 11:05:34 +0000

Contracting organization: Relief International (RI)
Location: Egypt
Application deadline: 30 November 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Consultancy
More information: http://reliefweb.int/job/534379/capacity-building-consultant-egypt

The Capacity Building Consultant will support RI’s Youth Empowerment program by working with RI’s four partners and consultants to leverage the experience of the YEP program for new program and funding opportunities. S/he will play a primary role in program assessment, design, proposal writing, program recruitment and donor relations. The Capacity Building Consultant- Egypt will also serve as the vital coordination link between partner staff, RI consultants, RI headquarters-based program development staff and field- and US-based donors.

Applications invited for new round of South-South learning alliances

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 08:55:14 +0000

Practical Action has launched the second round of south-south learning alliances, starting January 2013. The four-month online learning programme fosters networking between policymakers and practitioners in Latin American, African and South Asia as part of the Evidence and Lessons from Latin America (ELLA) knowledge platform. The programme will include a visit to Latin America for selected active members from Africa and South Asia.

The learning programme will focus on the following topics:

Small-scale farming: prmoting small-scale sustainable farming and rural development (application deadline: 7 December 2012)
Human rights: promoting, protecting, defending and guaranteeing human rights (application deadline: 30 November 2012)
Climate resilient cities: making cities more resilient to climate change (application deadline: 7 December 2012)

Participation is free of charge and members are expected to devote about one to two hours per week to the learning programme. For more information please visit: ella.practicalaction.org

Pro-poor value chain development: Lessons from Ethiopia

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 07:23:42 +0000

Pro-poor value chain development: Private-sector led innovative practices in Ethiopia (October 2012) documents the experiences of a recently concluded business support programme implemented by SNV-Netherlands Development Organisation. The main development objective of the Business Organisations and Their Access to Markets (BOAM) programme was to introduce innovative approaches aimed at improving business-to-business relations in selected value chains (oilseeds, honey, dairy and fruits) and to scale them up where possible.

Management and leadership adviser, Malawi

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 16:24:15 +0100

Contracting organization: Abt Associates
Location: Malawi
Application deadline: 28 October 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Not specified
More information: http://unjobs.org/vacancies/1349229035206

The M&L Advisor/Management Coach Lead will be accountable for the technical direction and implementation of the project's M&L program and District Level Management Strengthening activities. The M&L Advisor/Management Coach Lead will report directly to the project's Chief of Party and will have management responsibility for one staff member and one local partner.

Required skills: Master's degree (PhD desirable) in management, public health, business administration or a related professional degree; along with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience. Demonstrated ability to plan, manage and execute work assignments in collaboration with a diverse team. Demonstrated ability to mentor senior and mid-level stakeholders in management and leadership. Demonstrated ability to engage and work with stakeholders at all system levels. Ability to multitask and carry-out diverse types of office work, and manage varied deadlines. Excellent writing, computer, mangement and organizational skills. Fluency in English and Chichewa (official local language) required. Fluency in other local language/s a plus. Previous work experience on a development project is desirable, preferably with USAID.

Land use, climate change adaptation and indigenous peoples (UNU video)

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 07:39:14 +0100

In the face of increasing climate instability, there is need to understand the specific vulnerabilities, concerns, adaptation capacities and longer-term aspirations of indigenous peoples and marginalized communities around the world. This 18-minute video produced by United Nations University underscores the need for increased recognition of indigenous rights and respectful two-way collaboration in order to build better early warning systems and support local efforts towards building resilience.

Institutional capacity-building technical adviser

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 07:43:52 +0100

Contracting organization: International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Location: Jijiga, Ethiopia
Application deadline: 15 December 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Permanent staff
More information: http://www.trust.org/alertnet/jobs/institutional-capacity-building-technical-advisor-201295/

The Institutional Capacity Building Technical Adviser will work as part of the senior leadership team responsible for the delivery of a flagship £35m Governance and Basic Service Delivery programme in the Somali Region of Ethiopia. The project brings together an experienced group of implementing organizations in the region to deliver a high quality, integrated program, building the capacity of government counterparts and strengthening community level engagement with service delivery. This position is based in Jijiga, the capital of the Somali region in Ethiopia.

Leadership and collective impact report

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 16:45:02 +0100

As part of the Leadership for a New Era (LNE) initiative – a collaborative research initiative that seeks to promote more inclusive, networked and collective leadership models – the Leadership Learning Community (LLC) has generated a series of “how to” guides for leadership programme staff.

The guides, which can be read separately or as an interconnected series, offer recommendations on three key topics: How to use action learning to achieve your results; How to recruit to maximize the value of your cohort; and How to cultivate and activate your network.

Diverse voices 2012

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 08:40:14 +0100

This emerging global movement builds on a collaborative research project that examined whether and how open ICT projects designed to support the poor can make a difference in their lives and livelihoods. Coordinated by the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) the study also sought to facilitate learning between technologists involved in the design and implementation of these initiatives, researchers and development practitioners. The project resulted in the launch of a global network, Diverse Voices, which aims to create a new development agenda by building on certain citizens’ experiences and opinions that are often overlooked.

Partnerships and Mutual Accountability for Development Results (E-discussion)

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 07:23:49 +0100

Dates: 4 October to 1 November 2012
Type of event: E-discussion
Location: Online/Global
Organization: UNDP and partners
More information: https://undp.unteamworks.org/login?destination=node%2F91436

Launched on 4 October, this four-week long e-discussion aims to gather diverse viewpoints about the results and quality of development cooperation in different countries, regions and globally. The e-discussion is co-hosted by the UNDP Knowledge, Innovation and Capacity Group, Office for ECOSOC Support and Coordination, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD). The discussion will take place in two parts: the first part (4-18 Oct. 2012) will focus on taking stock of improving mutual accountability at country level, the second part (19 Oct. – 1 Nov. 2012) examines the relationship between the country, regional and global processes and frameworks.

Evaluation in Africa – can and should it be more influential? (E-discussion)

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 08:42:47 +0100

This is the final topic in a series of moderated e-discussions on " Thought Leaders in Development and Evaluation." Co-facilitated by the African Evaluation Association (AfrEA) and the CLEAR initiative, South Africa, the purpose of the forum is to give impetus to efforts to develop original and influential African contributions that can strengthen evaluation theory and practice on the continent and worldwide. It will also help position the AfrEA "Made in Africa Approach to Evaluation" initiative by focusing on how evaluation can be shaped by Africa-rooted and driven approaches. The e-discussions will feed into a strategic meeting on the future of development and evaluation in Africa to hosted by the Rockefeller Foundation's Bellagio Center in Italy in November.

Using video to strengthen multi-stakeholder processes in West Africa

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 09:45:32 +0100

It is a vicious cycle that is becoming increasingly familiar across the world: more and more people with no alternative means of livelihood are increasingly dependent on a declining natural resource base to survive. This is the case in the fertile lowlands of southern Mali, where conflicts among different users of natural resources make it difficult for local authorities to manage the diverse interests. It is for this reason that our organization, the International Centre for Agricultural Research-oriented development (ICRA) provides support to the Rural Economy Institute (IER) in Mali and AfricaRice.

The two organizations have put in place a number of multi-stakeholder platforms to strengthen the capacity of all stakeholders involved to come up with innovative and sustainable solutions. In this process, the support organizations are increasingly using video, not only to document multi-stakeholder processes but to enhance the dialogue process itself. MOOV-ON has just produced a new docudrama Sinima sinima (our vision of the future) that depicts the conflict, the stages of development of the multi-stakeholder platforms and the resulting technical, organizational and institutional innovations.

Inclusive and sustainable growth for human development - EU Development Days 2012

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 07:14:56 +0100

Dates: 15-16 October 2012
Type of event: Conference
Location: Brussels, Belgium and online (live webcasts)
Organization: EU Commission
More information: http://eudevdays.eu/

The seventh edition of the European Development Days (EDD 2012) will focus on the theme of sustainable and inclusive growth for human development, with three related sub-themes: - sustainable agriculture, food security and resilience; - engaging the private sector for development; and - empowering people for inclusive growth. Live web-streaming of all sessions taking place in the four main high level panels each day will be available online at http://live.eudevdays.eu/ in French, English and the original language of the speakers.

Gender in value chains training course

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 08:25:48 +0100

Dates: 11 - 22 February 2013 (Application deadline 10th December 2012)
Type of event: Training (please note that this is a paid course)
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Organization: Royal Tropical Institute (KIT)
More information: http://genderinvaluechains.ning.com/events/kit-course-gender-in-value-chains-gvc

Professionals working in the field of sustainable agri-business development, be it from a private sector, support service or government perspective, are in need of a better understanding of how gender can be mainstreamed in value chain activities and partnerships. This participatory, experience based course offers you a framework that helps you plan and implement value chain interventions in such a way that women benefit more from value chains, while at the same time increasing business development opportunities within the chain as a whole.

Gender inclusion in agricultural value chains

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 07:49:14 +0100

The central (but under-recognized) role of women in agricultural value chains and the international food security agenda is coming under increased scrutiny in development theory and practice. Published by the Agri-ProFocus network, Challenging chains to change: Gender equity in agricultural value chain development draws on dozens of case studies to show how development organizations and private entrepreneurs are working to improve the position of small-scale women farmers and primary processors in value chains.

Monitoring and evaluation specialist, Ghana

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 10:34:24 +0100

Contracting organization: Nathan Associates Inc.
Location: Ghana
Application deadline: 15 October 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Senior specialist
More information: http://www.devex.com/en/jobs/monitoring-evaluation-specialist-1960

Nathan Associates Inc. is seeking a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist for the USAID-funded Resiliency in Northern Ghana (RING) Project. The aim of the program is to improve the livelihoods and nutritional status of vulnerable households in targeted communities in the Northern Region of Ghana. Project activities will focus on increasing consumption of diverse quality foods, especially among women and children; improving behaviors related to nutrition and hygiene of women and young children; and strengthening the capacity of local support networks (with a particular focus on the Northern Region Coordinating Council (NRCC) and 14 identified District Assemblies (DA)) to address the needs of vulnerable households.

Gender and social inclusion: New UN programme to focus on rural women's economic integration

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 09:53:07 +0100

UN Women has announced the launch of a new programe focused on economic integration and food security of rural women, known as " Accelerating Progress toward the Economic Empowerment of Rural Women". The initiative was officially unveiled on 27th September 2012 during the UN General Assembly meeting in New York. The 5-year programme will be run by a consortium of UN agencies including UN Women, the World Food Program, FAO and IFAD. The programme will be piloted in Ethiopia, Guatemala, Liberia, Nepal, Nigeria, Rwanda and Kyrgyzstan.

Monitoring the impact of development programmes on food security

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 07:12:14 +0100

This free online course has been produced by FAO in collaboration with Wageningen University and Research Centre for Development Innovation.The course brings together the latest information on impact assessment from numerous guidelines and presents it within the context of large scale food security programmes. The focus is on large scale programmes but the methods and approaches described in the course are equally applicable to smaller food security projects.

Toolkit on biocultural protocols for community facilitators

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 08:33:24 +0100

Indigenous peoples and local communities are increasingly engaging with external actors such as government agencies, researchers, companies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). However, external actors often do not understand customary protocols and governance systems because they are codified in ways specific to each community, culture, and location. Failing to respect community protocols, whether intentional or not, can lead to conflict, deterioration of otherwise constructive relations, and negative impacts on the environment. Biocultural Community Protocols: A Toolkit for Community Facilitators is published by Natural Justice, a NGO that assists communities to engage with legal frameworks to secure environmental and social justice.

Learning from knowledge networks (AfricaAdapt)

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:17:02 +0100

AfricaAdapt describes its aim as ‘facilitating the flow of climate change adaptation knowledge for sustainable livelihoods between researchers, policy makers, civil society organisations and communities who are vulnerable to climate variability and change across the [African] continent’. From from the perspective of the former lead partner, IDS Working Paper (No. 142) takes a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the AfricaAdapt Network and the partnerships on which it is based.

Integrating local and external projects in adaptation programmes: A case study of the Caribbean region

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 15:41:39 +0100

This paper authored by J. Mercer and published by Many Strong Voices (2012) critically reviews the use of ecosystem-based approaches (EbA) to climate change adaptation in the Caribbean, with particular attention upon methodologies used to integrate local and external knowledge to address climate change impacts.

Practitioner toolkit for strengthening internet public policy dialogue

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 13:56:42 +0100

Published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) in September 2012, this toolkit provides guidance on how to develop new policy dialogue forums or processes, jump-start stagnant ones, or define baseline data for further research that will help to develop dynamic and nuanced policy spaces. The authors draw on a case study of Togo to illustrate how multi-stakeholder dialogue can identify priorities and challenges for the development and deployment of the Internet in support of a country’s economic, social and environmental needs.

Virtual course on effective networks

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 12:50:23 +0100

Dates: 01 October - 14 December 2012
Type of event: Training course (please note that this is a paid course)
Location: Online/worldwide
Organization: The Network University and NetworkingAction
More information: http://networks.netuni.nl/page.php?id=1

"Effective networks" is the topic of three sets of three-week virtual training modules organized in partnership between The Network University and NetworkingAction. The course will cover a variety of networking forms, including networks that comprise as their main “unit” individuals or organizations; single-sector (business-government-civil society) or cross-sector; local, national, regional or global. Participants will learn core concepts and tools to support development of networks’ effectiveness. To register for the course, please click here or send an email to: networks@netuni.nl

Developing capacity from Rio to Reality -Who is taking the lead?

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 13:49:05 +0100

In the face of rising challenges for, and mixed experiences with, water sector capacity development, the 5th Delft Symposium taking place in May 2013 will address the theme: Who is taking the lead in knowle dge and capacity development across sectors, disciplines and other boundaries so it can be leveraged to become more effective and efficient ? The symposium will look at the innovative capacity development approaches required to respond to the new challenges countries face as each strives for green growth and 'blue sustainability'.

Proposals for organising sessions as well as paper abstracts are invited. The deadlines for submissions are: 30 September 2012 (session proposals) and 15 December 2012 (abstracts).

Upcoming MDF training courses

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 17:10:22 +0100

MDF is a global training and consultancy agency, headquartered in the Netherlands with branches in Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, in Brussels, Belgium, DR Congo, Ghana, Colombia and Indonesia. MDF organises numerous courses each year focused covering the following broad areas of capacity development: enhancing competencies of staff members; assisting organisations to improve their performance; maximising the impact of partnerships and network; and sustainable results in projects and programmes.

Upcoming courses (October - December 2012)

Monitoring and Evaluation: 03 – 05 October
Leadership & Managing Human Resources: 15 – 19 October
Outcome Mapping and Most Significant Change: 29 October – 01 November
Change Management and Leadership: 12 – 14 November

Easypol: Resources for policymakers

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 08:32:14 +0100

Easypol is the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO's) multilingual repository of freely downloadable policymaking resources in agriculture, rural development and food security.
The resources focus on policy findings, methodological tools and capacity development and can be downloaded for free.

PRIA launches distance learning course on international perspectives in participatory monitoring and evaluation

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 09:36:35 +0100

Participatory monitoring and evaluation (PME) is gaining considerable ground in international development debate and practice. There are however not many development courses, internationally, which focus on the concept of participatory monitoring and evaluation from an educational and learning point of view. Where they exist, such courses are expensive and thus out of reach of many practitioners.Many practitioners also lack adequate time to attend face to face development courses on monitoring and evaluation. This new course, a collaboration between PRIA and the University of Victoria, is designed to address this gap.

Towards universal health coverage in Cambodia

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 09:37:45 +0100

Ensuring equity and affordable access to health care for all without incurring catastrophic financial consequences—universal health care coverage— has been identified as a key health policy goal (WHO 2010). By strengthening financial protection through addressing the three main health financing functions— revenue collection, pooling of resources and purchasing of services—all countries can move towards universal coverage. A new Working Paper from the Nossal Institute for Global Health at the University of Melbourne identifies institutional and health financing design barriers to establishing a national agency, as well as policy solutions.

Towards universal health coverage in Cambodia

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 09:14:40 +0100

There is widespread support in Cambodia for greater integration of demand-side health financing schemes for the poor and the informal sector to improve access to health care and reduce the burden of health expenditure. Operation of these schemes by government, donor bodies and various international and local non-government organisations has resulted in a fragmented system with high overhead costs, high monitoring and evaluation costs and complex reporting requirements. Institutional and operational barriers to strengthening universal coverage in Cambodia: options for policy development, a Working Paper published by the Nossal Institute for Global Health at the University of Melbourne, identifies institutional and health financing design barriers to establishing a national agency, as well as policy solutions.

Organizational Development Consultant, Yangon, Myanmar

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:56:46 +0100

Contracting organization: ACTED
Location: Yangon, Myanmar
Application deadline: 17 August 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Short term consultancy (September 2012-February 2013)
More information: http://unjobs.org/vacancies/1344276201987

Myanmar Women's Entrepreneur Association (MWEA) together with the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED), and with the funding support of the European Union, has initiated a successful cooperation in implementing the project "Enhancing the capacity of civil society to promote women's rights and economic empowerment in Myanmar". The main objective of the project is to enhance the inclusiveness and pluralism of civil society, empower underrepresented groups for active citizenship and improve their participation and representation in organized civil society.

Call for trainers: E-learning course on capacity development

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 14:25:15 +0100

LenCD seeks a highly qualified team to design, develop, and deliver a tutored e-learning course on capacity development based on the LenCD Learning Package on Capacity Development. The assigned organization/institution will be expected to undertake the design and development work required to translate the CD Learning Package into an easily accessible and widely applied tutored e-learning course. The assigned organization will also be expected to manage the tutored e-learning course.Complete details on this request for proposals are available from the UNDP procurement website.

State of the Humanitarian System, 2012

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:35:41 +0100

The Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance (ALNAP) recently launched the 2012 edition of its landmark State of the Humanitarian System Report. The 2012 report presents a system-level mapping and analysis of the performance of international humanitarian assistance. It draws on interviews with hundreds of aid workers, donors and aid recipients to create an authentic snapshot of the vast, shifting mass of agencies, donors, governments and affected populations that are part of the humanitarian community. A unique element is the interviews carried out with aid recipients in four countries to find out how they perceive the international humanitarian community. The full report as well as a short animated video outlining its key messages can be downloaded at: http://www.alnap.org/ourwork/current/sohs.aspx.

Sustaining joined-up action might well be the true legacy of Rio+20

Sat, 14 Jul 2012 08:07:21 +0100

A lot of words have already been written about the recent UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) and what many consider to be a missed opportunity for shaping “the future we want.” Against the backdrop of daily demonstrations and calls for political will that accompanied the main event, this brief reflection is an attempt to highlight what I experienced as a much more positive atmosphere at the many side events I attended. From this vantage point, I will try to argue, a rather different picture of Rio+20 emerges that perhaps points to the under-appreciated leveraging power of mega summits.

3ie call for replication evaluations

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 14:41:24 +0100

3ie has released a Request for Applications for replication research along with an initial Candidate Studies List. The submission deadline is 11.59 pm GMT, July 31, 2012. 5-10 grants of up to $ 15,000 each will be awarded. The aim of the Replication Programme is to improve the quality of impact evaluation evidence used for policy making by funding and publicizing replication studies of "influential, innovative, and controversial impact evaluations of development programmes."

Some advice for those managing large capacity development projects

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 13:18:57 +0100

Donors invest a significant amount of their Southern research funding on developing capacities to produce and use research knowledge. Given the inherent difficulties of pursuing such ends, especially in rapidly developing societies, what advice can be given to would-be consultants tasked with developing capacities sustainably? This is a question explored by a recent paper by Ajoy Datta, Louise Shaxson and Arnaldo Pellini who reflect on recent experiences of the ODI’s Research and Policy in Development programme in managing relatively large capacity development projects.

Capacity Building/Organisational Development Expert

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 11:34:41 +0100

Contracting organization: Crown Agents
Location: South Africa
Application deadline: 2 July 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Unspecified
More information: http://www.crownagents.com/capacity-building/organisational-development-expert.aspx

Crown Agents is an international development company delivering capacity building and institutional development services in procurement, public financial management, revenue enhancement and expenditure management. As part of its continuing technical assistance, Crown Agents is seeking to identify suitably qualified Capacity Building/Organisational Development Expert who would be interested in potential short and long term consultancy assignments in South Africa.

A new approach to guidance and evaluation of capacity development: background documents and case studies available

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 10:28:57 +0100

Presentations and background documents discussed during the DEVCO event: "Capacity Development: a new approach to guidance and evaluation" that took place on 30-31 May 2012, are now available for download. The seminar explored the Capacity Development component of the revised Project and Programme Cycle Management (PPCM) guidance of the European Commission, which was developed during 2010 and 2011.

Call for Expression of Interest: Mid-Term evaluation of Saferworld/DFID Programme Partnership Agreement

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 09:29:02 +0100

Contracting organization: Saferworld
Location: UK, with some possible travel to the Caucasus or Central Asia
Application deadline: 28 June 2012
Type/duration of assignment: See ToRs
More information: http://www.saferworld.org.uk/about/jobs

Saferworld is an independent non-governmental organisation that works to prevent and reduce violent conflict and promote cooperative approaches to security. We work with civil society, governments and international organisations to encourage and support effective policies and practices through advocacy, research and policy development, and through supporting the development of local capacities and structures.
Saferworld is seeking evaluators to conduct a mid-term Independent Progress Review of work and results enabled through its Programme Partnership Agreement with DFID's Conflict, Humanitarian and Security Department.

Organizational development officer, Zimbabwe

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 14:33:54 +0100

Contracting organization: Management Sciences for Health (MSH(
Location: Zimbabwe
Application deadline: 02 July 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Not specified
More information: http://jobs-msh.icims.com/jobs/4844/job

MSH seeks candidates for an upcoming USAID funded program in Zimbabwe to mitigate the impact of HIV and AIDS on Zimbabwe's children by enhancing the sustainability of care and support services for OVC. This is to be accomplished by strengthening the capacity of: (1) communities and local service providers to support vulnerable families and children (2) vulnerable households to care for children, and (3) the public sector social service system to support vulnerable families and children, This position is contingent upon program award.

International monitoring and evaluation specialist, Bangladesh

Sat, 16 Jun 2012 14:28:06 +0100

Contracting organization: UNDP
Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Application deadline: 28 June 2012
Type/duration of assignment: TA International Post Level (1-year)
More information: http://unjobs.org/vacancies/1339717627666

UNDP, in partnership with the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) of the Local Government Division, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development & Cooperatives and UN-Habitat, is implementing the Urban Partnerships for Poverty Reduction Programme (UPPR) in with funding from the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and UNDP. The project is being implemented in informal settlements of 23 - 30 towns during the period 2008-2015 with the aim of reducing urban poverty by improving the livelihoods and living conditions of 3 million urban poor by 2015. The M&E Specialist will support the ongoing organizational development process to create a new Research, Evaluation and Learning Unit (RELU) within UPPR as well as capacity building and partnership development activities.

Capacity.org Issue 45 on adapting to climate change published

Sat, 16 Jun 2012 13:59:29 +0100

Agricultural smallholders and pastoralists whose livelihoods depend on natural resource bases that are already severely stressed and degraded are among the groups most affected by the unpredictable impacts of climate change. Drawing on experience in Asia and Africa, the June 2012 issue of Capacity.org journal provides some insights for practitioners on how to effectively meet the needs of the most vulnerable communities. The contributions aim to shed light on two broad questions:

1. Adaptation to what? The global effects of climate change may be clear in terms of increase in temperature and rising sea levels but the local effects are far less predictable to the extent that some regions may even benefit from the consequences of climate change. What are some reliable sources for communities find out the types of changes they can expect?
2. Which factors determine a community’s adaptation capacity how can actors including local governments and NGOs intervene to enhance the resilience of local communities to the effects of climate change?

Read the issue online

Download Issue 45 (PDF, 700 kb)

Adapting to climate change

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 16:06:50 +0100

Humankind will have to learn to live with climate change. Experts argue that even the most effective mitigation measures will no longer be sufficient to avert climate change resulting from past carbon emissions. This issue of Capacity.org discusses the capacity of communities to adapt to the effects of climate change. It focuses in particular on those communities considered most vulnerable to climate change impacts, including marginalized smallholders and pastoralists whose livelihoods depend on natural resource bases that are already severely stressed and degraded.

Adaptation programmes flawed

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 11:45:05 +0100

GUEST COLUMN

For national adaptation programmes to succeed, partners of the communities – including non-governmental organizations, governmental rural agencies, and local and central administrations – need to gear their planning methods and approaches to effectively support the community’s adaptation efforts. Therefore, IUCN has developed a toolkit outlining participatory approaches and methods covering the entire adaptation cycle including planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The toolkit also provides recommendations for linking up the community planning cycle to higher levels of adaptation planning and programming.

Bringing climate models to Indian communities

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 10:54:52 +0100

A first in the field

Seva Mandir, a non-governmental voluntary organisation working in Rajasthan, India joined hands with ICCO and scientists from the Dutch institute Alterra to find out what climate change impacts lie in store for the region.

Receding rains in Rayalaseema

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 10:37:58 +0100

Small farmers overstretched

Over the last three decades, the people of the Rayalaseema region have witnessed a changing climate that has stretched their ability to adapt beyond limits.

The low-carbon development pathway

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 09:34:01 +0100

INTERVIEW: Prospects after the Durban Climate Change Summit

Angela Churie Kallhauge, senior policy advisor at the Swedish Energy Agency, represents Sweden at high-level climate change negotiations and has her roots in a pastoralist community in Kenya. Capacity.org talked to her about adaptation, mitigation and development.

Transformative adaptation

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 10:17:08 +0100

Communities responding to climate change

Most adaptation strategies focus on coping with climate change effects. But adaptation involves much more than simply putting a plaster over a scratch – it requires transformative thinking and change.

Editorial: Adapting to climate change

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 09:59:57 +0100

Scaling up inclusive business models

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 09:24:51 +0100

From islands of success to seas of change

Several successful approaches to inclusive business have been developed in recent decades. What will it take to scale them up? This was the core question discussed at an international workshop held in The Hague in April 2012 as part of the Seas of Change Initiative.

Enhancing resilience through dialogue

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 08:30:29 +0100

Bridging gaps between providers and users of science

Vulnerable communities as well as supporting agencies often do not understand ‘the language’ of weather and climate scientists. As a result, scientific information often fails to trigger or inform community action. Innovative methods have been developed to overcome this communication gap.

Understanding Theories of Change

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 09:57:01 +0100

Many funders, organisational development providers and consultants are using Theory of Change (ToC) to encourage organisations to focus on long-term change rather than project-focussed outputs and outcomes. The result is a rush of organisations eager to jump on the Theory of Change bandwagon. ONTRAC Issue 51 (May 2012) published by the International NGO Training and Research Centre (INTRAC) explains the emergence of ToC and, building on four case studies, analyses some experiences and applications of ToC across differing contexts.

SNV Practice Brief: Sustainable Water Services and the Poor in Small Towns

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 09:53:19 +0100

One of the arguments commonly advanced against commercialisation of basic services is that this will take place at the expense of the poor. While this risk is acknowledged, the experiences discussed in the latest Practice Brief from SNV Netherlands Development Organisation confirm that poorer groups in small towns and peri-urban areas - who are disproportionately affected by inadequate services - can benefit from socially responsible commercialisation.

Delivering sustainable water services in small towns: what have we learnt?

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 09:09:21 +0100

The Millenium Development Goal (MDG) of reducing by half the number of people without access to safe drinking water was achieved in 2010, five years ahead of target [WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Report 2012]. The WHO/UNICEF report states that between 1990 and 2010 more than 2 billion people gained access to improved drinking water sources, such as piped supply and protected wells. But these positive figures hide some striking inequalities. Only 61 per cent of the population in sub-Saharan Africa has access to improved water supply sources. It is the poor, who are disproportionally affected.

Over the past few years SNV Netherlands Development Organisation has undertaken various programmes aimed at enhancing water services in small towns in a number of East and Southern African countries. In a recently published Practice Brief titled Sustainable Water Services and the Poor in Small Towns SNV practitioners from the region share some of the lessons they have learnt from working with small town water utilities.

Board Members – Kenya Local Capacity Development Facility

Sun, 27 May 2012 10:27:58 +0100

Contracting organization: Kenya Local Capacity Development Facility (K-LCDF)
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Application deadline: 31 May 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Voluntary position/Open-ended
More information: http://www.jobseastafrica247.com/2012/05/21/ustadi-board-members-jobs-kenya-local-capacity-development-facility-k-lcdf/

USTADI is the brand name for the Kenya Local Capacity Development Facility – K-LCDF, which is a joint initiative of SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and a Consortium of 20 other capacity development (CD) organizations in Kenya that seeks to improve the capacity development service environment though a market-embedded approach as a means of supporting the localization agenda and enhancing sustainability of capacity development services (CDS). USTADI intends to strengthen its governance structure by recruiting additional board members to its board.

Nuffic publishes report on gender mainstreaming

Fri, 25 May 2012 09:46:14 +0100

24 March 2012: Nuffic (the Netherlands Organisation for International Cooperation in Higher Education) has published a report on gender mainstreaming in the development cooperation higher education capacity building programmes of the Netherlands. In this book the Nuffic looks back on the lessons it has learnt with regard to mainstreaming gender in 3 key programmes of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NFP [scholarships], NPT [projects] and NICHE [projects]). The report discusses: what the gender equality objectives and requirements are for the three programmes; how Nuffic has interpreted these and translated them in the programmes; the challenges that Nuffic has experienced in mainstreaming gender in the three programmes; how Nuffic has dealt with these challenges; and where there is room for improvement.

New ECDG Guide to Evaluation Capacity Development

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:38:03 +0100

This new conceptual framework, with a preface by Michael Q. Patton, is built upon the philosophical foundation of the International Workshop Agreement (!WA) principles for evaluation capacity development (ECD). Building on the general framework introduced in the IWA, the purpose of this monograph is to operationalize some of the steps and to offer tools that would help readers to carry out the ECD process.

Training materials available for download on the ECDG website include a letter, concept paper, PowerPoint presentation and workbook of materials for conducting a workshop on the Guide.

Food aid decision-making tool to strengthen context-specific humanitarian responses

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:14:09 +0100

The Market Information and Food Insecurity Response Analysis (MIFIRA) decision-making tool developed by Cornell University researchers aims to help international relief organizations cater their food aid response to specific local and regional economic and social contexts. The tool builds on lessons learnt during the Indian Ocean tsunami as relief agencies sought more efficient local alternatives to international food aid.

Organizational assessment tool for social movements

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:30:22 +0100

My Healthy Organization (MHO) Social Service Assessment Tool was developed by RoadMap, a US-based consultancy network that provides capacity-building support to social justice organizations and movements. The tool is designed to integrate social justice and movement-building values into organizational effectiveness benchmarks. It also aims to promote learning opportunities for the organizations (and thus increase organizational development capacity "on the ground") through providing detailed process and next-steps guidelines.

Call for proposals: EDULINK II

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:02:11 +0100

Funding proposals are invited for EDULINK II, a programme that fosters co-operation in the field of Higher Education between the countries of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group (ACP) Group of States and the European Union. EDULINK II focuses on two thematic areas: (i) energy access and efficiency, and (ii) agriculture and food security

The call was launched on the EuropeAid website on 19 March and closes on 30 July 2012.

Sharing lessons on multi-stakeholder processes for systemic change

Mon, 21 May 2012 11:31:13 +0100

On 24-25 April 2012, the Change Alliance and the Southern Africa Trust co-organized a workshop in Johannesburg aimed at creating a space for Africans working with multi-stakeholder processes to learn from each other. One of the event's facilitators, Steve Waddel has posted some reflections on the discussions, which took stock of the state of capacity and explored strategies for enhancing multi-stakeholder processes for systemic change (MSP4Change).

Event: Shaping the future of capacity-building programmes

Mon, 21 May 2012 10:33:57 +0100

Dates: 2-3 July 2012
Type of event: International conference
Location: The Hague, The Netherlands
Organization: Netherlands Organisation for International Cooperation in Higher Education (NUFFIC)
More information: www.nuffic.nl/shapingthefuture

The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked Nuffic to organise an international conference aimed at generating specific ideas for the design of new capacity building programmes. The two-day conference, entitled "Shaping the future: new perspectives on Dutch cooperation in post-secondary education and training for sustainable development," will bring together experts, practitioners and stakeholders from the Netherlands and partner countries, as well as representatives of international agencies.

Field Office Directors, Local Governance and Decentralization Programme, Haiti

Mon, 21 May 2012 10:18:00 +0100

Contracting organization: Management Systems International (MSI)
Location: Port-au-Prince, Saint Marc, or Cap-Haitian (3 positions)
Application Deadline: 15 June 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Full-time 5-year posi
More information: http://reliefweb.int/node/496768

MSI is looking for 3 Field Office Directors (FODs) for an upcoming United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded local governance and decentralization programme in Haiti. The project will focus on strengthening municipal government capacity and community involvement.

Microscore: a new self-assessment tool for capacity building programmes

Mon, 21 May 2012 09:48:11 +0100

MicroNed, a network of Dutch organizations involved in microfinance, has introduced MicroScore, a tool intended to help microfinance institutions (MFIs) and cooperatives assess themselves before, during, and after conducting capacity building programmes. MicroScore measures the following four performance ratios: governance, institutional, financial performance management, and services and social performance management.

IMF launches Institute for Capacity Development

Mon, 21 May 2012 09:11:00 +0100

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has merged its technical assistance and training activities to form a new department, the Institute for Capacity Development. The new Institute aims to strengthen synergies and better coordination between IMF technical assistance, training, and other elements of capacity development, to enable member countries to develop their skills base and build more robust economic and financial institutions. Seven Regional Training Centers and training programmes in Austria, Brazil, China, India, Kuwait, Singapore, and Tunisia will supplement training offered at IMF headquarters and enable the IMF to adapt its training to local needs.

Event: Towards country-led knowledge hubs

Mon, 21 May 2012 08:57:51 +0100

Dates: 10-12 July 2012
Type of event: High Level Meeting
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Organization: Government of Indonesia, the World Bank, JICA and UNDP
More information: http://www.southsouth.info/page/bali-high-level-meeting

This meeting will provide a forum for 200 policymakers and practitioners from 40 countries engaged in South-South Knowledge Exchange (SSKE) to learn about Knowledge Hubs and how to strengthen their institutional capacity for SSKE. Participation is by invitation only. Representatives of countries or institutions seeking to develop knowledge hub functions, or who have already implemented such functions, are invited to send an expression of interest no later than 30 May.

Tender invitation: Independent Progress Review of the Programme Partnership Agreement between CARE International UK and DFID

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:12:20 +0100

Contracting organization: CARE International UK
Application Deadline: 18 May 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Short-term consultancy
More information: www.careinternational.org.uk/jobs

CARE International UK (CIUK) has secured £3.2 million per year through its 2011-2014 Programme Partnership Agreement (PPA) with DFID. These funds are a vital contribution towards CIUK's role as a key resource within the CARE confederation for thematic technical expertise in areas of good governance, peacebuilding / conflict and private sector engagement, as well as being actively engaged in emerging areas, such as climate change adaptation. Specifically, a primary objective of CIUK's PPA-supported programme is to support the testing, refinement and promotion of innovative approaches to development programming, which is expected to contribute to improved development practice across CARE and the development sector more broadly. CIUK is currently seeking to recruit an evaluation team to conduct an Independent Progress Review of performance and progress so far of its PPA-supported programmes.

Brazil launches online multistakeholder dialogues for Rio+20

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:30:00 +0100

The Government of Brazil, as host of the June 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20), has opened nine online thematic "Sustainable Development Dialogues" to generate ideas and set the stage for the civil society discussions to be held in Rio de Janeiro from 16-19 June 2012, immediately preceding UNCSD. The Dialogues are grouped under the following themes: oceans; food and nutritional security; sustainable development for fighting poverty; sustainable development as an answer to the economic and financial crises; sustainable energy for all; water; the economics of sustainable development; sustainable cities and innovation; and unemployment, decent work and migration.

Organizational development adviser, Rwanda

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:49:59 +0100

Contracting organization: USAID/Public Health Institute
Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Application Deadline: 15 May 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Full-time management position
More information: http://www.phi.org/about/employment_current_positions_detail.cfm?id=1999

In March 2011 the Rwandan government passed legislation creating the new Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC). This legislation brings together 14 health sector institutions which were previously individual entities. The RBC structure presents many opportunities and challenges as new organizational structures form and roles and responsibilities of staff and programs are clarified. USAID/Rwanda is looking to provide an Organizational Development (OD) Advisor to assist in ensuring a successful integration of the RBC.

Capacity building specialist, Mozambique

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:33:11 +0100

Contracting organization: Management Systems International (MSH)
Location: Maputo, Mozambique
Application Deadline: Not specified
Type/duration of assignment: Full-time management position
More information: http://www.linkedin.com/jobs?viewJob=&jobId=2897981

MSH is seeking candidates for an upcoming results-oriented five-year award to support health systems strengthening in Mozambique. More specifically the program will: 1) increase effectiveness in health governance to achieve a more participatory, transparent and accountable health system; 2) improve management of health sector financing to ensure rational allocation of resources, impact expenditures and better management of external funds; 3) strengthen sector management and operations capacity at the national and provincial levels for improved planning, management, and execution of priority health and social welfare interventions; and 4) strengthen institutional capacity to improve the management, budgeting, and performance of key health and social welfare staff.

Organization Development Specialist, Zambia

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:28:22 +0100

Contracting organization: Management Systems International
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Application Deadline: 17 May 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Full-time staff position
More information: http://www.devex.com/en/jobs/organization-development-specialist-local-partners-capacity-building-lpcb-program-zambia-18679

FHI360, and its partner Management Systems International (MSI), are currently recruiting for an Organization Development (OD) Specialist for the Local Partners Capacity Building (LPCB) program. The program goal is to improve the overall capacity of local organizations to scale up quality HIV/AIDS services in Zambia. It does this by strengthening its partner organizations’ management, financial, technical and monitoring capacities, mainly by the use of the Institutional Development Framework (IDF).

European Commission re-thinks its capacity development approach, post-Busan

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:30:57 +0100

The European Commission is exploring ways to reorient its technical cooperation approach in line with the outcome of the 4th High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Busan, which underscored the links between capacity development and development effectiveness. Building on the principles of the Technical Cooperation Reform (backbone strategy) and the lessons which have been learnt after two years of implementation, the Commission is currently updating its guidance on capacity development to integrate it into its overall Project and Programme Cycle Management guidance (PPCM).

Mid term evaluation of CARE's Adaptation Learning Programme

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:21:29 +0100

Contracting organization: CARE International
Location: Multiple
Application Deadline: 7 May 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Mid-term evaluation
More information: http: // www.careinternational.org.uk/jobs

CARE International seeks qualified consultants to conduct a Mid Term Evaluation of the Adaptation Learning Programme (ALP) operating in Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique and Niger. ALP strengthens the capacity of vulnerable households to adapt to the impacts of climate change and variability through innovative approaches to community based adaptation together with learning and advocacy.

For further details including a full Terms of Reference and details about how to apply please refer to the jobs page of the CARE International website at the link above.

LenCD seeks network coordinator

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 06:53:55 +0100

Contracting organization: UNDP
Location: Home-based
Application Deadline: 20 April 2012
Type/duration of assignment: 6 months (initial contract)
More information: http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=29462

Established in 2004 to raise the contour of capacity development on the international policy agenda, the Learning Network on Capacity Development (LenCD) is an informal network aimed at supporting the emerging global community of practice around capacity development, by promoting exchange of knowledge, experience and approaches among practitioners. Under the guidance of the LenCD steering group, and with the administrative support of the LenCD project manager, the LenCD coordinator will be responsible for moving the LenCD agenda forward and to facilitate the implementation of the work streams agreed by the steering group, as reflected in the LenCD work plan.

Women Leading Change: Experiences promoting women's empowerment, leadership, and gender justice

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:22:18 +0100

Published in March 2012, this publication features, four case studies describing experiences from Cambodia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Indonesia in promoting women's political and economic empowerment and leadership. The case studies describe the context in which women live, what leadership means and how to achieve it. Attention is given to working within existing institutions and cultural norms, and also to creating new institutions. The final section summarizes common lessons and considerations for future policy and practice aiming to promote women's empowerment and leadership.

Moving beyond strategy to implementation: Africa Capacity Indicators Report (ACIR) 2012

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:20:49 +0100

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) launched the second of its flagship annual reviews on the state of capacity development in Africa on 3rd April. This year's report is devoted to the theme of capacity development in agricultural transformation and food security. One of the highlights is Ghana's upgrading to the 'High' category of the ACI composite index. The composite index measures the policy environment, processes for implementation, development results at country level and capacity development outcomes. In 2011 there were no countries classified under the 'High' category.

Global Program Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Advisor, Oxfam America

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:56:27 +0100

Contracting organization: Oxfam America
Location: Boston, MA, United States
Application Deadline: Open,but applications submitted by 23 March will be given priority
Type/duration of assignment: Staff position
More information: http://www.oxfamamerica.org/whoweare/jobs/pages/open-positions

Oxfam America is currently seeking a skilled and inspired MEL practitioner to join their Learning, Evaluation and Accountability Department (LEAD). The organization has a small, home office team (based in Boston) which guides our MEL practice globally. This position would be focused on collaborating with senior MEL colleagues in our regional offices to build robust MEL systems at the field level, and ensuring that we maintain our overall quality standards for Program-level, as well as project-level MEL.

This is a great opportunity to join a very dedicated team of MEL practitioners committed to evidenced-based learning.

Consultancy Team for External Evaluation of IRC-UK's Sida-funded Humanitarian Framework Agreement "Saving Lives, Protecting Rights and Rebuilding Communities"

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:04:50 +0100

Contracting organization: International Rescue Committee (IRC-UK)
Location: South Sudan, Zimbabwe and Myanmar
Application Deadline: 18 April 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Short-term consultancy
More information: http://www.alnap.org/vacancy/915.aspx

IRC-UK is seeking an experienced and multidisciplinary evaluation team or company to conduct an external evaluation of its Sida Humanitarian Framework Agreement programme based on an assessment of the results of three of the projects funded through the programme:

1) Strengthening Capacity of Smallholders in Eastern Zimbabwe to Re-enter the Agricultural Economy and Improve Household Food Security;

2) Building Community Resilience to Disaster Risk through Community Driven WASH and Livelihoods Projects in Myanmar;

3) Supporting the Health of Refugee Women and Girls in South Sudan (Rapid Response).

Leadership and organizational development training courses

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:37:30 +0100

Dates: Various, during October and November 2012 ( NB: Application deadline for EU grants is 30 April 2012)
Type of event: Training course
Location: Various: Copenhagen (Denmark), Linz (Austria) and Gouda (The Netherlands)
Organization: In Dialogue
More information: http://www.in-dialogue.org/index.php?pagina=open-courses

In Dialogue, an international training consultancy based in Denmark and the Netherlands, offers various open international courses. All of them are based on positive relational approaches to change and learning. These courses are open to anyone who has an interest in the subjects and are open to some funding options (to cover board, lodging, course fees and travel) of the European Commission; Comenius programme for secondary education staff and the Grundtvig programme for adult education staff.

Pre-Announcement: Training course on local governance and rural decentralization

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:04:36 +0100

Dates: 11 - 22 February 2013 ( NB: Applications for NUFFIC scholarships must be submitted before 27 April 2012)
Type of event: Training course
Location: Wageningen, The Netherlands
Organization: Wageningen UR - Centre for Development Innovation and Royal Tropical Institute (KIT)
More information: Download brochure (pdf)

The course is designed for people who are involved with governance processes in a context of rural decentralisation, including government officials, project and programme managers, policy makers, consultants, NGO staff, federations of community organizations or private sector organizations.

Consultancy: Plan UK Independent Progress Review

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:13:46 +0100

Contracting organization: Plan UK
Location: Unspecified
Application Deadline: 23 April 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Short-term consultancy
More information: http://www.plan-uk.org/jobs-and-volunteers/consultancy-plan-uk-dfid-ppa-independent-progress-review/

Plan UK is looking for an experienced evaluator/s to conduct an Independent Progress Review of the DFID PPA funded programme: Building Skills for Life: Empowering Adolescent Girls through Education. The programme is focused around 4 thematic areas of programming: Education; Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights; Economic Empowerment; Protection from Violence. PPA projects are being implemented in 9 Plan countries offices: Pakistan, Cambodia, El Salvador, Mali, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Kenya.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Accountability Co-ordinator

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:01:33 +0100

Contracting organization: Oxfam GB - UK
Location: Juba, South Sudan
Application Deadline: 18 April 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Fixed Term 1 year, Unaccompanied
More information: http://www.oxfam.org.uk/jobs (ref: INT5330)

Reporting to the Country Director, and working very closely with Programme Managers, Programme teams and with other Oxfam Affiliates, the MEAL Coordinator will lead the development of monitoring and evaluation framework across the programme.

Vacancies, Management Sciences for Health, Ethiopia

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:32:39 +0100

Contracting organization: Management Sciences for Health (MSH)
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Application Deadline: 11 April 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Project staff
More information: www.msh.org/careers

A five-year (2011-2016) Cooperative Agreement awarded by USAID to Management Sciences for Health (MSH), the Leadership, Management and Governance Project (LMG) supports health systems strengthening around the world by addressing the needs in leadership, management and governance capacity of policy makers, health care providers and program managers to implement quality health services at all levels of the health system. In Ethiopia, LMG’s goal is to improve human capacity and leadership within the health sector through improving leadership and management competencies of the Federal and Regional health workforce and ultimately the performance of the health workforce.

MSH has openings for several positions in the Ethiopia office, including a Project Director, Senior Capacity Building Advisor and M&E Advisor.

Tenders invited: Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists, AusAID

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:55:46 +0100

Contracting organization: AusAID
Location: Indonesia
Application Deadline: 01 May 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Temporary
More information: https://www.tenders.gov.au/?event=public.atm.show&ATMUUID=C2956E81-955D-0661-DAF7AF710C4CD208

The Australian aid program is committed to improving the quality of monitoring and evaluation, and managing for results, and has significant demand for monitoring and evaluation specialists for both short and long-term assignments. Expressions of interest are sought from organisations and individuals with expertise in the following skill sets:

Strategic evaluation: senior evaluation experts who can lead strategic level evaluations and provide expert advice on evaluation design and practice;
Strategic monitoring and performance systems: senior monitoring and evaluation experts who can work at a strategic level to support improved performance management systems and practices, such as through use of performance frameworks;
Activity evaluation: qualified evaluation specialists who can lead or contribute to evaluations of aid activities; and
Activity monitoring and performance systems: monitoring and evaluation specialists who can design, manage or support high-quality monitoring and evaluation systems for aid activities.

Capacity building specialist for aid coordination

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:48:22 +0100

Contracting organization: President's Office, Government of Zanzibar
Location: Zanzibar
Application Deadline: 04 April 2012
Type/duration of assignment: 2 years
More information: Download Vacancy announcement and Terms of Reference

The President’s Office – Finance, Economy and Development wishes to recruit a suitable candidate to fill this position. The Specialist will support the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar in facilitating the national efforts for the development management and aid effectiveness. Given that the donor coordination is supported by the Development Partners Group (DPG) Secretariat hosted in the UNDP Tanzania, the Specialist will work closely with the DPG Secretariat on issues related to donor coordination and dialogue with development partners in Zanzibar.

Aid effectiveness consultant for the review of the development assistance strategy

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:35:00 +0100

Contracting organization: UNDP
Location: Malawi
Application Deadline: 16 April 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Short consultancy (25 days)
More information: http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=28907

The purpose of the consultancy is to carry out a qualitative assessment of the Development Assistance Strategy implementation and two thematic case studies on the quality of dialogue and the division of labour. The results will inform the preparation work for the next country framework on aid effectiveness for the period 2012-2016, in line with Malawi Growth and Development Strategy II for the same period.

Evaluation for equitable development results

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 19:23:14 +0100

This wide-ranging publication aims to contribute to the international debate on how to achieve equitable development results by conceptualizing, designing, implementing and using evaluations focused on human rights and equity. It does so by offering a number of strong contributions from 27 world-level experts and senior officers in institutions and governments dealing with development and evaluation. The authors also presented their contribution in a series of webinars that are available for download on the My M&E web portal. The book complements an earlier manual “ How to design and implement equity-focused evaluations,” published in 2011.

Assessing decentralization and local governance in West Africa

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 18:50:52 +0100

This document examines a number of initiatives to build the capacity of local stakeholders to monitor and evaluate decentralisation and local governance processes in a participatory way. It includes case studies from Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Mali and Niger.

M&E vacancies, Management Systems International

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 12:34:15 +0100

Contracting organization: Management Systems International (MSI)
Application Deadline: Various
Type/duration of assignment: Consultancies and Staff positions
More information: http://tbe.taleo.net/NA8/ats/careers/searchResults.jsp?org=MSI&cws=2

MSI is a Washington DC -based international development firm providing specialized short- and long-term technical assistance. The consultancy firm has numerous vacancies globally for capacity-development professionals, particularly in the Monitoring and Evaluation sector. For an overview of current openings, please visit the

MSI website

Monitoring & Evaluation Regional Specialist, PATH

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 10:26:11 +0100

Contracting organization: PATH
Location: New Delhi, India
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Type/duration of assignment: Staff position
More information: http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.welcome&category_id=24936&company_id=15780&version=1&startflag=2&parent=Asia%3B%3B%3BPublic%20Health&levelid2=24936

PATH (http://www.path.org/) is seeking a Monitoring & Evaluation Regional Specialist to further the M&E Department’s goal of strengthening Monitoring & Evaluation capacity to measure and learn from results across PATH’s global and field programs. The M&E Regional Specialist will work with the M&E Department to design and provide capacity building opportunities through formal workshops and existing work opportunities to improve the knowledge base and regional capacity to use proven M&E practices and approaches.

Launch event: Online Guide on effective partnerships for humanitarian research and practice

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 09:37:29 +0100

Dates: 17 April 2012
Type of event: Panel Discussion (with live webcast)
Location: London, UK: 15:00-17:00 BST (GMT + 01)
Organization: Overseas Development Organisation (ODA)
More information: http://www.odi.org.uk/events/details.asp?id=2911&title=humanitarian-partnerships-research-academic

In 2011, the Humanitarian Emergency Response Review (HERR) called for humanitarian action to be underpinned by evidence and highlighted the need for more systematic and rigorous applied research. However, in order to build this body of evidence and ensure that practitioners can access and apply it, humanitarians and academics need to work in partnership. But what are the key ingredients to an effective partnership between humanitarians and academics? What are the pitfalls and at what stage does it make sense to introduce certain activities or actors?

This event, hosted by the Humanitarian Practice Network at ODI, will launch a ELRHA-commissioned study report that sought to answer this question. In addition to identifying the obstacles to partnership and how these can be overcome, the report highlights a number of examples where effective partnerships between academics and practitioners have yielded results which have had a direct positive impact on vulnerable communities. The report has also been translated into an Online Guide to Effective Partnerships with an Android Application for use in poor coverage areas.The event will include a panel discussion around the value of partnerships, a presentation from one of the case studies and a demonstration of how to use the Online Guide.

Initiative to strengthen evaluation capacities of civil society organisations

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:36:18 +0100

The contribution of civil society and the private sector actors in promoting greater accountability for public actions through evaluation has grown over the years. From around 15 National and regional Voluntary Organizations of Professional Evaluators (VOPEs) in the 1990s, there are more than 135 such associations today. In collaboration with UNICEF, the International Organization for Cooperation in Evaluation (IOCE) has announced the launch of the EvalPartners Initiative - an innovative partnership to enhance the capacities of civil society organizations (CSO) to engage in a strategic and meaningful manner in national evaluation processes, contributing to improved country-led evaluation systems and policies that are equity-focused and gender-sensitive. (Download project description - pdf)

Interactive seminar series: Learning from mega disasters

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:53:40 +0100

Dates: 18 April - 11 May 2012 (NB: Registration deadline is 11 April 2012)
Type of event: Video conference series (6 sessions) with live webcasts
Location: Various (region-based) + Online
Organization: Global Development Learning Network(GDLN)
More information on themes and target countries: http://www.jointokyo.org/en/programs/catalogue/mega_disasters/

This video conference series is organized as part of a Government of Japan/World Bank programme “ Learning from Mega Disasters: Program of Knowledge Sharing and Knowledge Exchange,” launched in October 2011. The project has developed 33 Knowledge Notes so far, which will be grouped into 6 clusters for the GDLN knowledge-exchange sessions. The objectives of the KS sessions are to: (i) share initial findings and lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake with practitioners throughout the world, and (ii) exchange views among experts on how these lessons could be transferred and adapted to developing countries.

Learning for sustainable development at Rio+20 (vote for your favourite courses!)

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:13:09 +0100

At the June 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) - commonly referred to as the Rio+20 conference - there will be a parallel Sustainable Development (SD) Learning event taking place, consisting of multiple training courses on crucial aspects of sustainable development. 70 courses grouped under 12 broad SD themes will be offered. The courses aim at providing participants with practical knowledge and hands-on training from experts around the world.

In preparation for the event, the UNCSD Secretariat invites interested parties around the world to review the proposed courses and vote on their favourites! The voting deadline is 13 April 2012.

Capacity.org Issue 44 on Markets, smallholders and empowerment published

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:35:05 +0100

With the global population expected to rise to 9 billion by 2050, there has been growing attention at the highest policy circles to the contribution of small-scale agriculture to food security and poverty eradication. However, the creation of an enabling framework towards this end has been hampered by contradictory approaches and policy ''pendulum swings" over the past few decades that have seen national and international efforts focus alternately on 'rights-based' and 'market-based' support strategies. Issue 44 of Capacity.org aims to refocus attention on the critical but largely neglected issue of producer agency: that is, the capacity of producers to make informed choices, and to act on those choices.

LenCD case stories database

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:26:48 +0100

Case stories are an important and accessible way of sharing experiences and learning lessons. Many organisations publish case stories on their websites, but finding these stories has always required a good deal of research.

LenCD (Learning Network on Capacity Development), has been building up an index of case stories including material from the United Nations Development Programme, the Task Team on South–South Cooperation, SNV, the World Bank Institute, ECDPM, and other sources.

More than 500 case stories have now been catalogued and are searchable by country and by keyword on www.lencd.org/case-stories.

Guest Column: Contract farming can work

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:44:35 +0100

Improving the bargaining power of small farmers

Recent years have seen an upsurge in large-scale land purchases by foreign investors, which can lead to peasant evictions and social upheaval. But less attention has been paid to the parallel rise in contract farming arrangements, which can also endanger the rights of smallholders and contribute to the disempowerment of farmers within the food system. However, contract farming is a market-based approach that can work – provided that it is underpinned by respect for human rights, a focus on the right to food and strong institutional supervision.

More jobs and consultancy opportunities on the LenCD website

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 10:46:37 +0100

The Learning Network on Capacity Development (LenCD) provides regular updates of job opportunities in the capacity development sector. For more information, please visit http://www.lencd.org/jobs

ITAD consultancy opportunities

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 10:32:52 +0100

Contracting organization: ITAD, UK
Application Deadline: Various
Type/duration of assignment: Permanent consultant positions
More information: http://www.itad.com/neweb/company/workopps.aspx

ITAD, a UK-based consultancy organization, is going through a period of growth and seeks to expand its permanent staff in Consultant and Senior Consultant roles.

Essential skills for effective partnerships

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 09:22:55 +0100

Dates: 28-30 May 2012
Type o f event: Training course (NB: This is a paid course)
Location: London, UK
Org anization: The Partnering Initiave (TPI)
More information: Download brochure (pdf 420 kb)

Whether to mobilise new resources or tackle complex issues in innovative ways, the strategic importance of collaboration between business, the UN system, foundations, governments and NGO or civil society organisations has never been stronger. However, effective collaboration between stakeholders with different missions, interests, cultures and even vocabularies is difficult to achieve.This training course is designed to develop the capacity of practitioners from all sectors to engage in effective multi- stakeholder partnerships.

What future for Vietnamese bamboo?

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 07:24:34 +0100

Government intervention – essential for an enabling environment

In eastern China, thousands of smallholders generate substantial incomes from bamboo. But across the border in Vietnam where conditions are, if anything, more favourable, smallholders are moving out of bamboo. An opportunity will go to waste here unless local authorities take the initiative.

Policy: The price of empowerment

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 08:56:05 +0000

Fair trade competes with other certification brands

Over the last couple of years, certification brands of coffee have steadily increased their volume of sales in Northern consumer markets, with an ever broader portfolio of products. On the face of it, this appears to be good news for groups of small producers who sell their coffee through these certification schemes. However, the growth figures are significantly lower for the brand that is most committed to working with farmers organisations, the Fair Trade Labelling Organizations (FLO), also known as Fairtrade International, which brings together 25 fair trade initiatives from around the world.

Empowering women pays

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 07:57:04 +0000

The importance of women in Ghanaian cocoa

As support for agriculture climbs up the policy agenda, the spotlight is increasingly focused on smallholder farmers. But one dimension of this is still being regularly overlooked – the role of women on smallholder farms. Markets for agricultural commodities are increasingly linked to the value chains of large food manufacturers and retailers.

Policy: The woes of rural wage labour

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 07:19:37 +0000

The limitations of inclusiveness

Smallholder agriculture is back on the global policy agenda. This is because of the growing demand for food and because the livelihoods of billions of people depend on small farms. However, farm wage labour remains largely ignored.

The challenge of political empowerment

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 06:56:48 +0000

Economic empowerment must be complemented by political empowerment

In the struggle over ideas in the development arena, terms that are associated with more radical perspectives are often picked up by mainstream actors and organisations. And this has been the case with ‘empowerment’. But such mainstreaming can cause original meanings to be modified or become obscure. From the perspective of strategies that aim to improve the well-being of small-scale farmers, there are various risks inherent in the way the term ‘empowerment’ has been taken up by international and bilateral development agencies.

CD Monitor: A sea change in agri-food

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 06:35:42 +0000

Expanding development in the inclusive agri-food market

Over the next few decades, there will be extensive and unprecedented change in global agri-food systems. When taken together, the growing demand for food, the effects of climate change, the need to respond to poverty and hunger and the rapid decline of natural resources mean that ‘business as usual’ is no longer an option. A new perspective is needed if the agri-food sector is to be able to maintain secure supplies and guarantee food security. Innovation and growth in the sector must focus on how to expand, secure and distribute supplies in an inclusive and sustainable way – and that point needs to be reached fast.

Editorial: Markets, smallholders and empowerment

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 06:26:13 +0000

Small-scale farms are a source of hope and despair. Despair because over half of the one billion people who live below the international poverty line of $1.25 a day depend on these farms for their livelihoods; and a source of hope because small-scale farms are seen as the way to achieve food security for a world population that is expected to grow to 9 billion people by 2050.

Feature: Making markets work for smallholders?

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 20:25:00 +0000

Capacity and agency

The polarised debate on how markets can work for or against the interests of small-scale farmers, presents major challenges for practitioners. This article aims to rebalance our thinking about smallholders and markets.

Eldis governance assessments CDROM now available: Request your free copy!

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:23:01 +0000

Since 2008 the Eldis project at IDS Knowledge Services has hosted an online resource library, The Eldis Governance Assessments dossier as part of a long-term partnership with the UNDP Global Programme on Democratic Governance Assessments. To mark the end of this collaboration Eldis collated a selection of documents from the library on to a CDROM. The disc contains over 200 resources from a range of different experts, institutions and organisations that work in the field of governance assessments. It is designed to provide detailed, practical information drawing upon evidence about what works, and identifying innovations in approaches, policy and practice. Eldis is trying to identify potential users for the CDROMs by means of a short survey (click here to download). If you would like to receive a copy, or to nominate possible beneficiaries, please fill in the questionnaire and send it by email to Jason Collodi, Eldis Governance Editor (j.collodi@ids.ac.uk).

Eldis governance assessments CDROM now available: Request your free copy!

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:46:18 +0000

Since 2008 the Eldis project at IDS Knowledge Services has hosted an online resource library, The Eldis Governance Assessments dossier as part of a long-term partnership with the UNDP Global Programme on Democratic Governance Assessments. To mark the end of this collaboration Eldis collated a selection of documents from the library on to a CDROM. The disc contains over 200 resources from a range of different experts, institutions and organisations that work in the field of governance assessments. It is designed to provide detailed, practical information drawing upon evidence about what works, and identifying innovations in approaches, policy and practice. Eldis is trying to identify potential users for the CDROMs by means of a short survey (click here to download) below. Please fill in the form and send it by email to j.collodi@ids.ac.uk

Markets, smallholders and empowerment

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:12:10 +0000

With the global population expected to rise to 9 billion by 2050, there has been growing attention at the highest policy circles to the contribution of small-scale agriculture to food security and poverty eradication. In a 2010 report, Olivier de Schutter, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to food, cited research findings that small-scale farmers could potentially double their yields within ten years, subject to prudent application of external inputs and effective management of natural resources. However, the creation of an enabling framework towards this end has been hampered by contradictory approaches and policy ''pendulum swings" over the past few decades that have seen national and international efforts focus alternately on 'rights-based' and 'market-based' support strategies. This issue of Capacity.org aims to refocus attention on the critical but largely neglected issue of producer agency: that is, the capacity of producers to make informed choices, and to act on those choices. Drawing on several detailed case studies - contract farming arrangements that benefit or exploit farmers; guidelines for addressing farm labour interests; and the role of women on small-scale farms - the journal's contributors offer practical guidance on how to strike the right balance between "economic and political empowerment."

Dealing with complexity through Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation (Praxis Paper 26)

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:03:08 +0000

Published by INTRAC in February 2012, this paper shares initial findings from an ongoing action research project, involving nine Dutch and one Belgian international development organisation, in collaboration with their Southern partners. The objective of the project is to explore if and how more ‘complexity oriented’ Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) approaches can help them to deal with diverse challenges that they encounter in their day-to-day practice.

Gender and Trade Show Capacity-Building Consultant, Southern Africa

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:04:27 +0000

Contracting organization: Banyan Global
Application Deadline: 30 April 2012
Type/duration of assignment: Short term consultancy
More information: http://www.banyanglobal.com/careers.php

Banyan Global is supporting USAID’s Southern Africa Trade Hub (SATH) with technical expertise in gender integration. SATH aims to increase international competitiveness, intra-regional trade, and food security in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. As a part of its gender integration work, SATH works to increase the fair and equal participation and representation of women in trade and export facilitation activities, and in regional value chains. Banyan Global seeks a Gender and Trade Show Capacity-Building Consutlant to provide technical support to selected women entrepreneurs from the Southern Africa Region to enhance their participation in regional trade and export activities. Specifically, the Consultant will assist the women entrepreneurs to skillfully and productively participate in trade shows. The Consultant will further be expected to develop training and technical assistance materials establishing a methodology for continuing to enhance the trade show participation of women businesses.

"Do No Harm" Exposure Workshop and Training of Trainers (ALNAP)

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:16:44 +0000

Dates: 02 to 06 April 2012
Type of event: Training workshop (NB: This is a paid course)
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Organization: ALNAP/CDA Collaborative Learning Projects
More information: http://www.alnap.org/members/173.aspx

The Do No Harm (DNH) Program seeks to identify the ways in which international humanitarian/development assistance given in conflict settings may be provided so that, rather than exacerbating and worsening the conflict, it helps local people disengage from fighting and develop systems for settling the problems which prompt conflict within their societies. DNH concepts are widely used in humanitarian and development programs, but have increasingly been incorporated into other fields as well.

Do No Harm Exposure Workshop (April 2-3, 2012) Provides a broad exposure to the lessons learned by Do No Harm and the concepts and elements of the DNH Framework. It raises awareness that humanitarian assistance can exacerbate conflict. It also raises awareness that a tool exists to recognize and understand the patterns of assistance in conflict, and that through identifying the patterns, we can identify options for addressing these issues.

Do No Harm Training of Trainers (April 2-6, 2012) Presents the same content as the Exposure workshop and then builds upon that with sessions on teaching adults, case study methodology and practice training sessions. Participants in the Training of Trainers should have prior experience with DNH.

UN M&E specialist, Lusaka, Zambia

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:54:12 +0000

Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Contracting organization: UNDP
Application Deadline: 05 April 2012
Expected start date: 01 July 2012
Duration of assignment: One year

The UN system in Zambia supports development operations in the country through the activities of UN system agencies represented on the ground. In addition, as the country is moving towards becoming a lower middle income country the coordination between bilateral and multilateral development agencies is critical to ensure that Official Development Assistance (ODA) has the desired impact during the country’s transition. The UN Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist works under the direct supervision of the UN Coordination Specialist. The M&E Specialist collaborates closely with RCO staff members, the UN inter-agency M&E Working Group and UNDAF Outcome and Joint Programme groups, as well as with Government and Cooperating Partners.

Setting-up multi-stakeholder processes and platforms in sub-Saharan Africa (Video)

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:49:57 +0000

This trailer (six minutes) introduces a new 52-minute film that presents the step-wise setting up of Multi-Stakeholder Processes and Platform (MSPs) in inland valleys in sub-Saharan Africa. The film portrays how participatory action research is used to refine and adapt the MSP methodology during the course of the set-up. The main part of the film shows the efforts of the different stakeholders and also the results: better understanding, collaboration, capacity strengthening and changes on the socio-economic, organizational and institutional levels. The film is available in both English and French.

Call for input: Capacity.org Issue 45 on Community Adaptation to Climate Change

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:54:14 +0000

In the forthcoming issue of Capacity.org journal, due to be published prior to the Rio+20 Sustainable Development conference in June, we will turn the spotlight on those communities that are considered most vulnerable to climate change impacts. These include marginalized small holders and pastoralists whose livelihoods depend on natural resource bases that are already severely stressed and degraded. This focus is "Inspired" by the disappointing progress made at the December 2011 UN Climate Change Conference on Conference held in Durban, South Africa.

Participatory radio campaigns: from awareness-raising to community capacity development (Farm Radio International)

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:16:45 +0000

Farm Radio International has released a three-part research report - available in English and French - that comprises one of the first in-depth studies of rural radio in Africa. The report highlights practical experiences so far in applying the participatory radio campaigns (PRCs) methodology developed by the African Farm Radio Research Initiative (AFRRI). The first report provides an overview of the PRC methodology. The second report examines the effectiveness of radio-based market information services (MIS) for smallholder agriculture. The last report presents results from integrating newer information and communication technologies with radio to create more effective farm radio programmes.

From awareness-raising to community capacity development: Learning from participatory radio campaigns

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 09:08:13 +0000

Farm Radio International has released three reports - available in English and French - of practical experience so far in applying a participatory radio campaigns (PRCs) methodology developed by the African Farm Radio Research Initiative (AFRRI). The first report provides an overview of the PRC methodology. The second report examines the effectiveness of radio-based market information services (MIS) for smallholder agriculture. The last report presents results from integrating newer information and communication technologies with radio to create more effective farm radio programmes.

Lessons Learned from 25 Years of Food Security Research, Capacity-Building and Outreach

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:27:56 +0000

This document from Michigan State University contains an overview of the past 25 years of research, capacity-building, and outreach by the university's Food Security Group (FSG). The paper describes key elements of the FSG approach and examines the insights gained from research and outreach, primarily in Africa, and their value to the U.S. Feed the Future Initiative in addressing the major current challenges facing food and agricultural systems.

Capacity, complexity and consulting: lessons from managing capacity development projects

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:29:12 +0000

In recent years, the Research and Policy in Development (RAPID) programme of the UK-based Overseas Development Institute (ODI) has increasingly focused on managing large, multiyear processes, aimed at building the capacity of local institutions in developing countries to change the way they engage with policy. This paper draws on the observations of RAPID staff involved in various projects as well as on primary documentation such as trip reports, after action reviews and project reports. It also includes a ‘ light-touch’ review of some of the grey and academic literature available on capacity development, complexity, managing social change and aid agency behaviour.

Towards common standards in development evaluation

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 12:13:11 +0000

Few development organizations have the capacity to effectively evaluate their programmes. While there is broad agreement on the need to strengthen evaluation capacity, there has been little consensus so far on how to go about this. With this in mind, the Evaluation Capacity Development Group (ECDG) and the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation (JCSEE) developed a proposal to create an International Workshop Agreement (IWA) on evaluation capacity development that has been approved by the International Standardization Organization (ISO). During a workshop in Geneva, Switzerland on 17-21 October 2011, ECDG brought together M&E practitioners and standards experts to create a voluntary, consensus-driven agreement towards this end. A report of the workshop, which was supported by IDRC, GIZ and the OECD/DAC Evaluation Network, is now available.

Development facilitation course: Bringing life to group processes

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 11:37:26 +0000

Dates: 16-20 April 2012
Type of event: Training workshop
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Organization: Community Development Resource Association (CDRA)
More information: Download brochure (pdf 1.1MB)

This training course wil explore the core methodologies for facilitating processes that enable and energise people in a workshop, meeting or training course. The course is aimed at newcomers to the development sector as well as experienced practitioners that are interested in enlivening their practice. It will offer an opportunity to share and learn from the experiences of fellow facilitators.

Webinar series: Increasing the effectiveness of networks working on global public challenges (iScale)

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 09:53:42 +0000

Dates: Various: between 28 March and 6 April 2012
Type of event: Webinar
Location: Online/Global (sessions organised by timezone)
Organization: Innovations for Scaling Impact (iScale)
More information: www.scalingimpact.net/content/iscale-webinar-increasing-effectiveness-networks

Since 2008, iScale, has implemented an IDRC-supported project examining the role of multi-stakeholder networks as agents of change in addressing global challenges that has resulted in the development of frameworks that can help networks scale impact by understanding what to measure, for what purpose, when, and how, through the use of approaches that integrate planning, assessment, reporting, and learning. Beginning in late March 2012, iScale will host webinars to discuss this work on how networks working on global public challenges can increase their effectiveness and scale impact. The webinars will be offered in two formats: a condensed session lasting 1.5 hours and an in-depth session lasting approximately 2.5-3 hours. Each session will be conducted three times and in three time zones in an effort to accommodate interested participants from all over the world.

Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation: PRIA Global Partnership newsletter, Vol. 1, Issue 4

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 13:46:50 +0000

The October 2011 issue of PRIA's Global Partnership newsletter contains a selection of papers that were presented and discussed in the International Conference on Monitoring and Evaluation: New Developments and Challenges, jointly organized by INTRAC, PSO and PRIA held on 14-16 June 2011 in the Netherlands.

Islands of integrity: Identifying positive outliers

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 20:22:56 +0000

Why have some public organizations or sectors seen a reduction in corruption (or a greater reduction than might be expected) while others have not? What explains the differences across or within countries and sectors? What are the political processes that drive corruption reduction and what policy lessons can be learned from studying cases where it has happened? This paper, the first in a series on this topic, is part of a project that seeks to try to answer those questions, and is being undertaken by the Developmental Leadership Program (DLP) in conjunction with Transparency International (TI). The paper outlines the way in which a ‘long list’ of cases has been identified by a careful statistical analysis of TI’s Global Corruption Barometer (GCB)

Best Practices, Lessons Learned, and Effective Tools in Knowledge Sharing for Food Security and Agriculture Programmes

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 19:01:16 +0000

Date: 20-22 April 2012
Type of event: Online discussion
Location: Online, global
Organization: USAID Bureau for Food Security
More information: http://agrilinks.kdid.org/groups/agexchange-knowledge-sharing

Capturing, sharing, and applying knowledge is inherent in everything we do. From recognizing an approach that worked well in the field to sharing that approach with a colleague, effective knowledge management enables practitioners to learn from one another to implement more efficient and sustainable programs. This online discussion will bring together a diverse group of donors, food security technical experts, and knowledge management professionals for a three-day online discussion. Good practice, learning, and areas for future collaboration raised during the discussion will be synthesized into a resource document available to the Agrilinks community.

New multi-language tool for measuring development effectiveness

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 13:13:18 +0000

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has launched a learning tool meant to support trade unions worldwide in the application of the effectiveness principles in their everyday development cooperation practice. Known as the Trade Union Development Effectiveness Profile (TUDEP) the new tool is based on a questionnaire that is automatically evaluated and analysed in an active excel document. The aim is to contribute to the improvement of the quality and effectiveness of the development cooperation work of trade unions by helping partners to reflect on their practice as well as the principles and values that underpin their work. It also helps to facilitate the monitoring and evaluation of the progress in the use of the principles and guidelines for trade union development effectiveness.

1st Summer Institute on global poverty and inclusive development

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 12:44:58 +0000

Date: 24-25 April 2012
Type of event: Specialized training programme
Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Organization: University of Amsterdam
More information: www.gsss.uva.nl/sip

There is an increasing urgency to understand the conditions of poverty, the dynamics of poverty, and the complexities involved in embarking upon more inclusive development trajectories. The Summer Institute on Global Poverty & Inclusive Development contributes to the growing worldwide interest among academics and professionals in the causes of poverty and its alleviation. Classes are taught by Dr. Deepa Narayan, an internationally known expert on poverty and author of Voices of the Poor and Moving out of Poverty in close cooperation with Dr. Nicky Pouw, co- author of Local Governance and Poverty in Developing Nations (with Isa Baud).

Development support needs to focus more on improving the quality of women’s lives

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 12:12:14 +0000

“ What’s missing from mainstream development’s women’s empowerment agenda is a focus on women’s own desires and needs.”

The UK-based Pathways of Women’s Empowerment research programme at the Institute of Development Studies recently completed an extensive 5-year study to find out what works to enhance women’s empowerment. In an opinion piece published on International Women’s Day 2012, Pathways director, Andrea Cornwall, called for a less instrumentalist approach to women-in-development programmes. “We hear about the benefits to development of women’s work, and of having more women in public office. Social policies target women because they are assumed to care more for their children, and have more to offer their communities than men. But few development agencies seem to be concerned about improving women’s quality of life,” she argued.

Sustaining multi-stakeholder processes in Africa: Understanding and promoting systemic social change

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:57:07 +0000

Date: 24-25 April 2012
Type of event: Networking event
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Organization: Change Alliance and the Southern Africa Trust
More information (pdf): FlyerSouthAfricaMSPEventApril2012

The aim of this event is to create a space for Africans working with multi-stakeholder process (MSP) change strategies to learn from each other by sharing methods and experiences; and to continue the development a Network of Practice in Africa for sustainable MSPs.

Capability for self-reliance

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:56:18 +0000

Being food insecure is a terrible thing. So too are financial, energy and water insecurity. Sad but true, many families, communities and countries are faced with continued or emerging insecurity in the supply of water, energy, and food. Self-reliance as the capacity to rely on own capabilities to navigate one’s own affairs may not sound as exciting as double digit growth but the concept deserves a central place in the international development cooperation. Self-reliant individuals, organizations and societies develop strategies and implement activities to realize their long-term vision. Self-reliant actors employ technical, social and organizational skills to keep themselves afloat, anticipate and adapt to changing environments and show resilience in the face of adversity. Absence of the capacity for self-reliance implies earlier or later insecurity with possible dire consequences.

New APPP Policy Brief: Support to local problem-solving - Lessons from peri-urban Malawi

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:34:29 +0000

Malawi currently faces severe economic and political constraints, placing additional pressure on town and city governments which, even in normal times, are incapable of providing public goods such as health and public security well or consistently. To obtain them at all, people rely on a variety of non-state actors, including ‘town chiefs’ (informal leaders), NGOs, churches and political parties as well as, to some extent, themselves. This policy brief from the UK-based Africa Power and Politics Programme, published in February 2012, explores the major bottlenecks that undermine the provision of public goods to people living in Malawi’s townships.

Request for tender: Aid advisory services standing offer

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:13:49 +0000

Capacity Development is a critical factor in both aid effectiveness and sustainable development. In order to ensure that AusAID remains a leader in both theory and practice of Capacity Development, AusAID is establishing the Aid Advisory Services Standing Offer, comprising multiple service categories, to support the effective delivery of the Australian aid program. AusAID is seeking suitably qualified specialists to submit applications to the Standing Offer panel, who are specialists with knowledge and experience in capacity development theory and/or practice in international development, knowledge of international best practice, and with experience in one or more of the following areas: organisational development and behaviour change, human resource development, public policy and program management.

Call for submission of countries' experiences with planning for and reporting on capacity development results (LenCD)

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:15:28 +0000

Political processes and cultural and societal changes produce long-lasting transformation, but they are long-term and very complex in nature.The Learning Network on Capacity Development (LenCD) has launched a call for submission of experiences on how countries plan for, manage and report on results from investments in capacity development. LenCD is interested in understanding which approaches and methodologies country governments adopt, which innovations are out there, where the good practices are, and what other countries can learn from them. Ultimately, this collection of country driven approaches and methodologies could shed light into alternatives for donor-driven reporting requirements.

This call is restricted to government-funded projects for which national (as opposed to donors’) monitoring and evaluation approaches and methodologies are applied.The deadline for applications is 13 April 2012.

Strengthening pastoralist voices in Tanzania

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:31:43 +0000

This booklet, and its accompanying DVD, reports on the ‘Strengthening Voices’ project, underway in two districts in northern Tanzania. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of pastoralist communities and local governments to shape strategies for adaptive environmental management and poverty reduction in Tanzania’s drylands. At the core of the project is a training course that explains the economic and ecological processes at the heart of pastoral systems - clarifying the rationale that underpins pastoral livelihood strategies.The course is based on a similar initiative that has been field-tested and run in the Sahel region of West Africa since 2000.

The promises and perils of supporting network formation and development

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:57:29 +0000

Date: 15 February 2012 (12-1pm PST / 7-8pm GMT )
Type of event: Webinar (free registration)
Location: Online
Organization: Leadership Learning Community

Drawing on the experiences and examples of three leadership and network evaluators, this session will explore a number of questions, including: What are the promises and perils of investing in network formation? What evaluation questions are important to ask? What are critical practices for supporting and nurturing the emergence and development of networks over time? What are promising practices for evaluating network behavior and network effects in the early stages of network formation?

This session will provide useful advice about how to fund, support, and evaluate network potential and sustainability in the earliest phases of network formation.

Building resilient (agro-) pastoralist systems

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:16:49 +0000

The recent drought in the Horn of Africa was the latest of a series of recurring famines that continue to ravage parts of the continent. The crisis seemed to confirm the views of those who question the future of livelihoods in African drylands. Despite the omnipresence of (agro-) pastoralism on the continent, a dominant school of thought regards it as an 'inefficient' system that cannot cope with current market and food demands. According to this viewpoint, pastoralism should make place for modern livestock-keeping systems that are 'better equipped' to supply the demands of the current market. At best, pastoralists may just manage to survive in remote areas, but will almost certainly remain dependent on food aid. A contrasting viewpoint claims it is too early to predict the demise of (agro-) pastoralists in modern societies: there is no viable alternative for many of the drylands in which they survive. But it also misrepresents their positive contribution to the economy and to the sustainable use of land and water.

Inclusive WASH webinar

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:10:04 +0000

Dates: 22 February 2012 (GMT+11)
Type of event: Live webinar
Location: Online
Organization: WaterAid Australia

This is the fifth and final webinar in this free online course. It will look at experiences of reaching other marginalised groups, with contributions from practitioners, and draw out some common lessons. It will then focus on scaling up good practice on inclusive water, sanitationa and hygiene (WASH), and different mechanisms for making sure the principles of inclusion become “business as usual” in the WASH sector.

Greening Development: Enhancing Capacity for Environmental Management and Governance

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:37:17 +0000

This new publication from OECD (February 2012) outlines a number of steps to be considered when building capacity for greening national development planning, national budgetary processes and key economic sector strategies. The report identifies the key actors to be engaged in the decision-making processes, outlines possible capacity needs and suggests how these can be addressed.

Meeting the challenges of value chain development: A learning event

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:19:14 +0000

Dates: 7-8 February 2012
Type of event: Learning event (with live webinar)
Location: Washington, USA
Organization: USAID Microenterprise Development office

As research to date suggests, and as project implementers can attest, the ‘poorest of the poor’ rarely benefit from value chain development initiatives as a result of constraints that preclude them from participating in project activities as well as from attracting the attention of private-sector actors. Building on recent work in this area, USAID will be hosting a session on “ Reaching the Very Poor Through Value Chain Development” at the upcoming two-day learning event: Meeting the Challenges of Value Chain Development. For those unable to attend in person, it is possible to participate through a live webinar broadcast of the keynote session. The session will focus on the importance of agricultural value chain development to lifting people out of poverty and bringing an end to food insecurity, and the growing appreciation among donors and practitioners of the need to take a systems perspective to agricultural value chain development.

Building capacity for competitive agricultural systems and enterprises in West Africa (Video)

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:15:31 +0000

This film presents four examples of Agri-Business Clusters in Ghana and Togo. They illustrate the experience of entrepeneurial individuals in building small to medium scale businesses through new relationships with colleagues and so-called Agri-Business Cluster and Value Chain partners.

Theory of change training workshop

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:22:18 +0000

Dates: 5 - 7 March 2010
Type of event: Training workshop (Please note that this is a paid course)
Location: Oxford, UK
Organization: International NGO Training and Research Centre (INTRAC)

This new course provides an opportunity to understand and explore what Theories of Change are; how they complement other planning processes; how they can be applied to organisations and to programmes. The course enables participants to consider the steps they need to take in developing a ToC for their own organisation/programme; and offers an opportunity to experiment with developing elements of a ToC on the course.

Supporting improved livelihoods for pastoralists

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:57:10 +0000

Pastoralism is often depicted as an anachronistic system that cannot cope with the demands of modern development. However, practical experience reveals that pastoralism is not only capable of changing with the times, it is often the only viable livelihood option, particularly for communities living in remote, dryland environments. This collection of case studies from SNV Netherlands Development Organisation demonstrates that external support can help to strengthen pastoralists' voice in policymaking, enhance their engagement with markets and improve service provision and natural resource management in some of the most challenging environments in Africa today.

Using (South-South) knowledge exchange for capacity development: What works in global practice?

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:46:23 +0000

While knowledge exchange, especially between countries facing comparable challenges, is widely recognised as a tool for facilitating development innovation, there has been little empirical work to assess the effectiveness of such programmes with a view to informing global practice. This joint study by the Korea Development Institute (KDI) and World Bank Institute (WBI) assessed three of their South-South knowledge exchange programmes in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Building nonprofit capacity

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:20:00 +0000

This book uses the organisational lifecycle framework to help the nonprofit sector and its leaders figure out how to effectively shepherd a change process in their organization. The book is based on research by the TCC Group, a New York based consultancy, in the area of organizational effectiveness studies. It also includesd results from the core capacity assessment tool (CCAT) - a 146-question online survey that measures a nonprofit organization's effectiveness in relation to four core capacities - leadership, adaptability, management, and technical capacities - as well as organizational culture.

Resource mobilization: A practical guide for research and community-based organizations

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:15:39 +0000

Donor scoping studies commissioned by IDRC in 2004 and 2008 showed that multilateral and bilateral agencies are now more focused on large-scale, sector-wide funding, awarding bigger grants to fewer organizations, with less money available for medium to small groups. The second edition of this guidebook, co-pubished by IDRC’s Donor Partnership Division and the Philippines-based Venture for Fundraising in 2010, pays specific attention to the resource mobilization needs of community-based development research organizations, contained within their South and Southeast Asian contexts.

Capacity building for local NGOs: A guidance manual for good practice

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:20:35 +0000

In the early 1990s, as Somaliland emerged from civil war and conflict, indigenous non-governmental and community-based organisations mushroomed. International organisations began targeting reconstruction and development aid through local organisations and quickly came to realise the need for institutional strengthening and capacity building. To coordinate these efforts, a number of organisations came together to create an international NGO forum known as the Capacity Building Caucus (CBC) in 1999. The aim of the CBC was to ensure learning from best practice, coordinate, capacity-building activities, and eventually to promote sustainability through a ‘training of trainers’ programme for Somali capacity- building officers.

This package of manuals, is published by the Catholic Institute for International Relations, now known as Progressio. It was developed in part as a curriculum for the training of trainers programme, and in part for use by individual local organisations to assist them in the ongoing process of developing their own capacity.

Pathways out of poverty: Applying key principles of the value chain approach to reach the very poor

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:40:22 +0000

The value chain approach has traditionally focused on improving the competitiveness of the entire market system through engaging existing value chain actors; few programmes have deliberately targeted the extreme poor or disaggregated direct impact by poverty levels. This discussion paper from the USAID microlinks programme was designed to present guidance for practitioners, recognizing that consensus around best practice is still emerging.

How to write Terms of Reference for an evaluation

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:45:52 +0000

Developing an accurate and well-specified terms of reference (ToR) is a critical step in managing a high-quality evaluation. The evaluation ToR document serves as the basis for a contractual arrangement with one or more evaluators and sets the parameters against which the success of the assignment can be measured. This practical guide from the World Bank's Independent Evaluation Group sets out a few basic principles and guidelines to help in the development of an effective evaluation.

How to design, manage and conduct impact evaluations

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:05:19 +0000

Dates: 6 -16 March 2012
Type of event: Training course (NB: Full and partial scholarships are available to participants from East Asia)
Location: Asia-Pacific Finance and Development Centre, Shanghai, China
Organization: CLEAR

This course will cover commonly used econometric and statistical methods to evaluate the impacts of social and other programmes in developing countries. The focus is on learning how to perform ex-post evaluations, that is, evaluations of programmes that have been implemented, where some group of individuals (the treatment group) has been exposed to the programme and some other group (the comparison or control group) has not. The course will cover both randomized and non-randomized methods.

Upcoming IFDC training courses on sustainable agriculture and value chains

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:36:57 +0000

(NB: course fee applies)

9-13 April 2012
Comment relier les agriculteurs aux marchés en Afrique/Linking farmers to markets in Africa (French)
Location: Bamako, Mali

2-13 July 2012
Decision-support tools for agricultural production, fertilizer recommendations and climatic variability
Location: Arusha, Tanzania

2-13 July 2012
Increasing agricultural input and output trade through innovative market information systems in Africa
Location: Nairobi, Kenya

3-7 December 2012
Developing and managing profitable agro-input business through sustainable value chains
Location: Accra, Ghana

Empowerment: A journey not a destination

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:01:10 +0000

The DFID-funded Pathways of Women’s Empowerment Programme launched a synthesis report based on the findings and recommendations from five years of research in London on 13th January. The report, entitled 'Empowerment: A Journey not a Destination' draws on the collective works of 60 academic-activists in 12 countries on four continents. With six companion policy papers and case studies, the publication shares the latest learning and analysis on what works to enhance women’s empowerment in different parts of the world.

Planet under pressure: new knowledge

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:40:08 +0000

Dates: 26-29 March 2012
Type of event: International conference
Location: London, UK
Organization: International Council for Science (ICSU) and diverse partners

The research community has a responsibility to provide the knowledge needed to move society towards effective stewardship of the planet and to communicate the urgency of this challenge to society. But science alone is not enough. This conference is intended to be a major opportunity to link global-change science in a two-way engagement with the wide range of other stakeholders working towards global sustainability. It is organised as part of the lead up to the forthcoming UN Conference on Sustainable Development taking place in Brazil in June, commonly known as Rio+20.

Décentralisation en millieu rural et gouvernance locale: Renforcement des processus multi-acteurs

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:29:57 +0000

Dates: 3 - 14 September, 2012
Type of event: Training workshop
Location: Wageningen, the Netherlands
Organization: Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation

Les processus multi-acteurs de la décentralisation en milieu rural sont complexes, pourtant de plus en plus importants pour la réussite des actions de développement. La collaboration entre différents acteurs renforce les compétences requises de chacun dans la gouvernance locale, y compris celles du gouvernement local afin de fournir des services répondants aux besoins et intérêts de la population. Ce cours vise le développement de la capacité des ministères, des structures d’appui, des prestataires de services et des ONGs dans l’accompagnement effectif des gouvernements locaux, la facilitation de la gestion des processus multi-acteurs et la promotion de l’apprentissage social. Brochure du cours (pdf)

Climate change governance: Adaptation and mitigation as institutional change processes

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:59:41 +0000

Dates: 30 January - 12 February, 2012
Type of event: Training workshop
Location: Wageningen, the Netherlands
Organization: Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation

The impact on food production, food security and natural resources in developing countries by climate change is likely to be severe. This course offers conceptual frameworks to understand climate change, vulnerability and adaptation and mitigation options that bring together different stakeholders such as policymakers, scientists, communities, citizens, farmers, extension workers, media and businesses.

NB: The application deadline for this course is 15th January (Apply online)

Bringing the invisible into perspective: ECDPM call for reflection and materials on the 5Cs framework

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:14:06 +0000

In December 2011, the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) published a synthesis report on initial practices and lessons emerging from organizations in developing countries that are using the five core capabilities (5Cs) framework to support capacity development at various levels. The reference document is intended to make these and other practical experiences more widely accessible.

Linking agricultural research and practice: Climate analogues tool helps farmers anticipate their future climate

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:48:45 +0000

"Climate Analogues" is a new open access tool launched at the UN Climate Change conference in Durban in December 2011 that aims to help farmers to assess the impacts of progressive climate change on agricultural production. The tool locates sites where the climate today is similar to that predicted for another location in the future, enabling farmers and policymakers to determine how to adapt to anticipated changes.

International conference on capacity development

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:24:56 +0000

Dates: 15 December 2011
Type of event: International conference
Location: The Hague, The Netherlands
Organization: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairst

Following the publication Policy and Operations Evaluation Department (IOB) evaluation report of the effectiveness of Dutch support for capacity building in developing countries, this follow up conference will implementation of the report's recommendations.

International resourcefulness now

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:10:47 +0000

Although the recently-concluded conference in Busan was the last in a series of high level discussions on aid effectiveness, doubts are mounting on the very concept of development aid itself. Aid and trade, the heralds of the Western capitalist market model have been pushing the poverty frontline backwards. Aid sometimes prepared the ground for trade by supporting an enabling environment of security, infrastructures, education, and public sector reforms. Otherwise, development aid offered relief to the vulnerable and the losers. All in all, aid and trade have been rather successful (not perfect) in spreading prosperity over the globe. From time to time development aid strategies are adapted to a changing environment. This time around new donors will lead to new partnerships, as new poor will lead to new policy.

capacity-development-for-development-practitioners

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:59:23 +0000

The purpose of this practitioner’s Guide is to provide practical guidance to UNDP staff, partner countries and other development partners on the nature of environmental capacity and how to support capacity development for environmental sustainability (cdes). the guide builds on undp’s Practice Note on Capacity Development and Practice Note on Capacity Assessment and incorporates best practices from cdes experience
to date. the main text of this guide presents the undp approach to cdes, including guiding principles, an analytical framework and a five-step process that can be adapted to various settings.

6th international conference on community-based adaptation

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:17:08 +0000

Dates: 16-22 April 2012
Type of event: International conference
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Organization: Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Vietnam and the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)

This conference will discuss knowledge of community-based adaptation (CBA) planning and practices from different parts of the developing world and capture the latest learning and good practices in CBA from developing countries. The conference includes three days of field visits to projects to see how communities living in different ecosystems have adapted to climate change.

Multi-stakeholder processes for institutional strengthening

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:01:35 +0000

Dates: 27 February to 9 March 2012
Type of event: Training
Location: Wageningen, the Netherlands
Organization: Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation

Thinking about the relationships between government, the private sector and civil society has changed considerably. Instead of being perceived as passive beneficiaries, rural populations are increasingly seen as citizens who have the right to participate and who demand good local governance. This has led to the understanding that local governance for rural development should be addressed as a multi-stakeholder process with interactions taking place at different levels amongst actors with different ambitions or perceptions.

CAPACITY → RESULTS

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:52:15 +0000

This new publication from the Learning Network on Capacity Development (LenCD) features case stories on capacity development and development results. The collection showcases how endogenous investments in capacity development have led, over time, to produce short, medium and long-term sustainable results.

Learning to evaluate capacity development: The making of 'Facilitating resourcefulness'

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:24:22 +0000

This article is a supplement to Issue 43 of Capacity.org. It takes a look behind the scenes of an extensive evaluation of 26 case studies covering the support to capacity development of seven Dutch Development Partners under the coordination and partial responsibility of the Policy and Operations Evaluation Department (IOB) of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign affairs. The evaluation aimed to draw lessons on how to improve the effectiveness of future capacity development interventions.

Consider the organizational life cycle when evaluating the effectiveness of capacity-development support

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:28:41 +0000

In August 2011, the Policy and Operations Evaluation Department (IOB) of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, published a report titled ‘ Facilitating resourcefulness’, which presented the results of an extensive evaluation of Dutch support for capacity development, based on the five core capabilities (5CCs) evaluation model. One of the evaluation’s key findings is that Southern organizations exhibit a high level of donor-dependency. For NGOs in particular, donor funding provides a vital lifeline. In other words, without donor support they do not have the capacity to survive, or as it is described in the 5CCs parlance, “the capability to adapt and self-renew.”

Supporting domestic accountability: why quick fixes won't work

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 07:49:32 +0000

In an interesting review of the process towards the 4th High Level Forum in Busan, the two co-chairs of the OECD/DAC working group on aid effectiveness, Talaat Abel-Malek and Bert Koenders, noted that while it fell short of its targets, good progress had been made towards putting into action the principles of the Paris Declaration. One of these targets is ‘enhanced accountability to citizens and parliaments’, on which only slow progress was recorded. At the initiative of the same Bert Koenders, then in his role of Minister for Development Cooperation in The Netherlands, SNV Netherlands Development Organisation has been working in partnership with the Dutch Ministry to support domestic accountability in a number of countries in (mainly) East and Southern Africa.

Coaching as a leadership development strategy

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:55:56 +0000

Dates: 14 December 2011
Type of event: Webinar
Location: Online, global
Organization: Leadership Learning Center/CompassPoint

Leadership development is on the forefront of grantmaker and capacity builders' minds, particularly as organizations navigate the current realities they face. This webinar is for experienced capacity builders who are interested in exploring coaching as a leadership development strategy.

Using case studies in development evaluation: Validity, Generalisation and Learning

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:30:25 +0000

Dates: 21-23 May, 2012
Type of event: International workshop
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Organization: Centre for Social Science Development Research University of Copenhagen and the Evaluation Department of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Abstracts are invited for this international workshop, which will focus on methodological and practical considerations when using case studies in evaluations of development. The workshop will be organised in collaboration with the journal Evaluation:the international journal of theory, research and practice. The deadline for submitting abstracts is 15 December 2011 .

E-learning tool to build adaptive capacity for rural livelihoods

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:59:50 +0000

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has developed a modular e-learning tool to enhance awareness and technical capacities for promoting community-based adaptation in agriculture. It consists of four interactive learning modules, structured in 24 sessions, that link research-based knowledge on climate change impacts with examples and experiences on community-based adaptation drawn from various FAO field projects, and a range of other country-specific case studies. It is available in English, French and Spanish.

SNV Practice Brief: Supporting domestic accountability

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:11:57 +0000

Accountability can be an abstract concept, but it comes alive for ordinary citizens if it involves looking at whether (and how) funding for services is distributed and spent at the local level. This Practice Brief is the first of a new series prepared by practitioners working with the SNV Netherlands Development Organisation. It helps to shed some light on what support organisations can do to amplify the voice of local stakeholders in demanding greater accountability from governments and service providers.

Capacity development for education for all (CapEFA): Translating theory into practice

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 21:28:21 +0000

UNESCO's Education for All Global Monitoring Report (2011) suggests that national barriers to Education for All (EFA) have been largely under-estimated and that, over the past decade, insufficient attention has been paid to strategies for overcoming them. The recently launched publication “Capacity Development for Education for All: Translating Theory into Practice” offers an opportunity for UNESCO to reflect upon its capacity development approach while bringing together some of the crucial achievements and lessons learned through the CapEFA programme.

High level retreat for African mediators

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:04:18 +0000

Dates: 23-25 November 2011
Type of event: Informal consultations (invitation only)
Location: Zanzibar, Tanzania
Organization: Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue

This ‘Africa Mediators’ Retreat’, co-hosted with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation, will bring together around 40 mediators, peace process actors, government representatives and key experts active in mediation as well as in conflict prevention and resolution in Africa. Participants will share their experiences, identify challenges and critically reflect on their practice in an informal setting (Chatham House rules).

3ie launches online database on systematic reviews

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:07:07 +0000

The International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) has launched an online database of systematic reviews. This database provides policymakers and practitioners with easy access to systematic reviews that examine evidence on the effects of social and economic development interventions in low- and middle-income countries. It currently has over 100 reviews for many sectors, including agriculture, education, nutrition and health.

Panel discussion on "Capacity Development: Lessons Learned and Ways Forward" at the 4th High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:15:24 +0000

Dates: 29 November to 1 December 2011
Type of event: High Level Forum and Side Events
Location: Busan, Korea
Organization: Learning Network on Capacity Development (LenCD)

This session will identify key actions to strengthen the practice of and knowledge on country-led capacity development, building on lessons learned. It will examine two areas that are critical to the forward-looking agenda on capacity development: putting country-driven, results-focused capacity development into practice; and creating and exchanging knowledge on what works.

Humanitarian action in drought-related emergencies

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:06:40 +0000

The Action Learning Network on Accountability and Performance in Humanitarian Action (ALNAP) has published a Lessons Paper that identifies seventeen key lessons for humanitarian agencies responding to droughts, on topics such as: early warning, targeting, working with government, food aid, water interventions and nutrition. It builds on the 2007 ALNAP/ProVention paper Slow-onset Disasters: Drought and food and livelihoods insecurity and a review of over 100 evaluative documents produced by humanitarian agencies in the period 2007-2011.

Training opportunity: Facilitating value chains

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:40:53 +0000

Enterprise Development through Value Chains and Business Service Markets: A Market Development approach to Pro-Poor Growth is an 8-month distance learning course offered by the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organisation (ITC ILO) in Turin, Italy. The course will appeal to professionals involved in developing and implementing Value Chain and enterprise development projects. The course starts on 19th March 2012 and will comprise four modules of two months each.

Enterprise Development through Value Chains and Business Service Markets: A Market Development approach to Pro-Poor Growth

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:13:16 +0000

Dates: Various, starts on 19th March 2012
Type of event: Distance learning programme (Please note that this is a paid course with some funding possibilities)
Location: Global, with a Face-to-Face workshop scheduled for 18 - 29 June 2012 in Turin, Italy
Organization: The International Training Centre of the International Labour Organisation (ITC ILO)

This 8-month course is relevant for professionals developing and implementing Value Chain and enterprise development projects in rural and urban areas. It offers a unique on-the-job learning opportunity using practical tools and lessons from enterprise development programs that have reached thousands of small enterprises in rural and urban areas.

Strengthening local capacity for sustainable development: its not just about the money

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:53:58 +0000

With another economic crisis looming, money talk is everywhere and the international development sector is feeling the pinch. Discussions at the upcoming Climate Change conference in Durban and the Fourth High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Busan, Korea, are likely to be overshadowed by Europe's financial crisis. Add to this the fascinating debate that has built up around the evaluation of the Columbia University Millenium Villages project, and the limits of the MDG approach more broadly: the notion that with sufficient funding, it is possible to develop the “ perfect” poverty-reduction project and then to replicate it across the world (see recent posts at the CGD blog).

In and above Conflict - A study on Leadership in the United Nations

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:49:05 +0100

Peace is seldom concluded when a peace deal is signed. The principal external role in consolidating peace frequently falls to United Nations (UN) missions and agencies. Their ability to achieve this task is contingent on many factors including resources and cohesive international political support. It depends most critically on effective leadership. What are the unique, defining challenges to UN leadership in conflict and post conflict environments? How have effective UN leaders approached these challenges?

ECB interactive learning series

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:39:55 +0100

Dates: Various, November 2011 to February 2012
Type of event: Online conference series
Location: Global
Organization: Emergency Capacity Building Project (ECB)

ECB inter-active is a series of five regional events in Africa, Asia and South America that will share ECB Project learning for the first time across the humanitarian sector. The aim is to share experiences of capacity building and understand more about the ECB Project's innovative approaches for successful collaboration and joint action. Participants will be drawn from government, UN, humanitarian networks, NGOs, donors, and inter-governmental agencies. Each event will include a series of inter-active learning opportunities focused on the core themes of National Staff Capacity Building, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Accountability to beneficiaries.

VACANCY: Policy Advisor, Capacity Development

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 02:53:26 +0100

The UNDP Capacity Development Group (CDG) in New York is looking for a policy advisor to work on the national implementation capacities portfolio. CDG is UNDP’s source of in-house expertise for optimizing the impact of development interventions through capacity development. The incumbent will be responsible for the following functions: policy development and advisory services; project team management and results management; practice advocacy; and knowledge management.

NB: The application deadline has been extended to 24 October

Building competitiveness in Africa's agriculture: a guide to value chain concepts and applications

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:54:10 +0100

Using real examples, mostly from African countries, this book reviews and illustrates a range of concepts, analytical tools, and methodologies centered on the value chain that can be used to design, implement, and evaluate agricultural and agribusiness development initiatives that strive to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

Free webinars on equity-focused evaluations

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:36:28 +0100

Dates: Various, October to December 2011
Type of event: Webinar
Location: Online
Organization: My M&E portal

My M&E, an open learning portal that supports knowledge-sharing on country-led M&E systems worldwide, is convening a series of free webinars on equity-focused evaluations by respected experts in this field.

Upcoming sessions in October and November will cover, respectively: case study and equity in evaluation (Saville Kushner); programme theories and logframes to evaluate pro-poor and equity programmes (Patricia Rogers and Richard Hummelbrunner); and systems thinking for equity-focused evaluations (Bob Williams and Martin Reynolds).

Implementing the Paris Declaration: No end in sight

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:15:59 +0100

The results of the 2011 Survey on Monitoring the Paris Declaration make for sobering reading, according to the OECD. At the global level, only 1 out of the 13 targets established for 2010 has been met, which makes for a tough agenda as countries prepare to meet in Busan, Korea, for the Fourth High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness.

World Development Report 2012: Gender equality and development

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:00:30 +0100

Policymakers and practitioners still face gaps in knowledge both in how gender equality matters for development and how best to incorporate these links in policy design. The World Development Report 2012 aims to bridge these gaps by building upon the growing body of multidisciplinary theory, evidence, and data on these links while highlighting the knowledge gaps that remain across the world in the context of the development process. The Report argues that closing gender gaps is not only a core development objective in its own right, it is also smart economics.