Developing the capacity of individuals and institutions is central to IICD’s approach. Independent and locally owned programmes, projects and networks are long-term objectives and only feasible if partner organisations have the right knowledge and skills to develop and run their activities independently. IICD recognises that local partners often need to enhance institutional and individual capacities in order to make effective use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for development purposes. Herein lies the role of IICD’s Capacity Development Programme.

IICD works in partnership with National Training Partners to enhance the capacities of individual trainers and the National Training Partners themselves, by providing methodological support, expertise development, and institutional support.

IICD’s support through capacity development activities begins early on. Before project partners actually begin to formulate projects or support policy processes, they are already trained to analyse information flows, and to design appropriate solutions where necessary (project management).

How capacity development evolves throughout the formulation and execution of projects is described below.

Assessment

To ensure that training interventions are geared to suit the needs and requirements of persons participating, assessments are performed in a structural and comprehensive manner. ICT skills are mapped with the functions persons are expected to perform in their job descriptions. Such a gap analysis allows the identification of which trainings are most urgently required, and clarification of the most appropriate content and delivery methods. Organisational goals, structure and culture all play a role in determining the best approach to capacity development. National Training Partners play an important role in aligning training activities with the learning environments and the potential impact that training may have on an organisation. Key Performance Indicators are identified to measure results at a later stage.

Design

Based on the above assessment, National Training Partners design the content and the learning programme of the training to be held. Depending on the type of training required, it is worked out where, when and how the goals can be achieved. Training interventions are designed and developed as such, that the learning content is appropriate to the needs of participants, to the requirements for project success, and to the chosen learning methods. Control and Progress Measures are identified and put in place.

Deployment

Training is generally delivered in one of the five formats: Technical Update Seminars, On-the-Job trainings, Lifelong Learning Skills workshops (see Training Activities), Train-the-Trainer events, and Technology Based Learning (see Institutional Support). These interventions are designed to maximise learning and minimise disruption. Post-learning support programmes ensure that the desired competencies are gained.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Every specific training intervention is being evaluated at some point. IICD has developed an advanced Monitoring and Evaluation tool that allows an anonymous, web-based evaluation of the training, its content and the training providers. Throughout the close working relationships with National Training Partners, IICD assesses the performance and execution of the trainings to assure the interventions are appropriate, effective, quantifiable and scalable.