Quick Capacity Scanning, a Snapshot View

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Capacity assessments may require comprehensive, participatory processes. But how do you find out? And how do you make sure that a capacity assessment is performed through a process that engages and stimulates change, rather than stifling it? You could start with a Quick Capacity Scanning using the Process Checklist for Assessment of Capacity. These are the first tools in EuropeAid's Toolkit for Capacity Development.

For a first dialogue about capacity issues, both donors and country partners may wish to start with a relatively quick assessment that does not pretend to be an in-depth analysis of symptoms and causes of good or less good performance. Tool 1, from the Toolkit for Capacity Development , is a response to this situation. Through a simple questionnaire format, it allows users to assess and discuss capacity issues around eight areas:

• The context or operating environment

• Clarity of results, mandate and purpose

• Adequacy of resources

• Organisation, management and infrastructure

• Organisational culture and values

• Vision and leadership

• Attitude to change

• Monitoring mechanisms

This scanning may enable us to identify areas where more in-depth assessments are needed. But what is the exact purpose of the assessment? How should it be approached? Who should make and conduct the assessment? Tool 1b invites us to consider these issues, again through a simple format.

The tools do not pretend to cover everything, nor present the only way to conduct quick scanning and enhance process planning. They may, however, ensure that some basics are covered at the right point in time.

Tool 1 of the toolkit is attached below. Click here to get access to the full kit.

DISCLAIMER: This information is provided in the interests of knowledge sharing and capacity development and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission.