What are the key components and steps of a capacity building plan and vision?

1 Assess current capacity

The first step of a capacity building plan and vision is to assess the current capacity of the target group or organization. This involves identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) that affect their ability to perform their functions and achieve their mission. You can use various tools and methods to collect and analyze data, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation, document review, or self-assessment. The assessment should cover different dimensions of capacity, such as technical, organizational, institutional, relational, or adaptive.

2 Define desired capacity

The second step of a capacity building plan and vision is to define the desired capacity of the target group or organization. This involves setting the vision, mission, values, and goals that guide their direction and purpose. You can use various tools and methods to facilitate the visioning process, such as brainstorming, scenario planning, stakeholder mapping, or logic models. The vision should be clear, inspiring, realistic, and aligned with the needs and expectations of the target group or organization and their beneficiaries or clients.

3 Identify gaps and needs

The third step of a capacity building plan and vision is to identify the gaps and needs between the current and desired capacity of the target group or organization. This involves comparing the results of the assessment and the visioning process, and prioritizing the areas that require improvement or intervention. You can use various tools and methods to conduct the gap analysis, such as SWOT matrix, force field analysis, problem tree analysis, or SMART criteria. The gaps and needs should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

4 Develop objectives and strategies

The fourth step of a capacity building plan and vision is to develop the objectives and strategies for addressing the gaps and needs of the target group or organization. This involves defining the expected outcomes and outputs of the capacity building process, and the activities and resources that will enable them. You can use various tools and methods to design the objectives and strategies, such as logic framework, action plan, budget, or theory of change. The objectives and strategies should be coherent, feasible, flexible, and responsive to the context and the stakeholders.

5 Monitor and evaluate progress

The fifth step of a capacity building plan and vision is to monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of the capacity building process. This involves collecting and analyzing data on the indicators and milestones that measure the performance and results of the objectives and strategies. You can use various tools and methods to implement the monitoring and evaluation system, such as indicators matrix, data collection tools, data analysis tools, or reporting templates. The monitoring and evaluation system should be participatory, transparent, timely, and learning-oriented.

6 Review and revise plan and vision

The sixth step of a capacity building plan and vision is to review and revise the plan and vision based on the findings and feedback from the monitoring and evaluation system. This involves reflecting on the achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for improvement or adaptation of the capacity building process. You can use various tools and methods to facilitate the review and revision process, such as feedback sessions, workshops, surveys, or audits. The review and revision process should be continuous, adaptive, collaborative, and strategic.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?