Managing for capacity results

Under the CD4Results Initiative LenCD is organizing a series of webinars. The objective of the initiative is to foster a knowledge exchange across communities of practice on the contribution of capacity development to improved sector performance. It explores methodological approaches that have contributed to achieving results as well as on the role played by change agents in stimulating change. Each webinar will address a selected challenge examining diverse experiences on achieving sustainable results in one sector, sub-sector or thematic area. Webinars are organized and hosted by LenCD partners and participation is free of charge.

Get organized – Get traction – Get results

Sustainable results at sector level are a function of “How” they are approached, including: On one hand, the importance of continued learning from applying concepts and methodology (“get organized“); and on the other, the essential role of process facilitation, of leadership and change agents to effectively integrate within mainstream development processes (“get traction“). Weaknesses in one or the other can seriously undermine the credibility and effectiveness of sector development. Both are inseparable and any approach to boost performance needs to combine them in order to achieve sustainable results (“get results“).

A common denominator: challenges in sector development

Reforms have many specific challenges depending on the sector or sub-sector and also are highly dependent on the specific context. However, experience shows that there are fundamental common challenges, including:

  1. policy – implementation gap often combined with significant centre – periphery capacity differentials and major challenges related to an adapted decentralization process.
  2. Disconnects with broader public sector / civil service reform processes and other factors within the broader institutional context, e.g. labour market distortions.
  3. Difficulties of effectively integrating institutional strengthening as part and parcel of  sector planning, strategies, budget allocations and within related instruments.
  4. Defining actionable institutional strengthening objectives and benchmarking intermediate results that reflect on actual progress, facilitate policy dialogue and decision-making.
  5. Managing and maintaining a sustained and effective change process with a multitude of stakeholders and organizations that in collective action produce synergies and results.

LenCD discussion papers on capacity results