NGO capacity analysis: a toolkit for assessing and building capacities for high quality responses to HIV/AIDS

This document from the International HIV/AIDS Alliance is a toolkit for assessing and building capacities for HIV/AIDS responses. It is aimed at people and organisations that support non-governmental organisations and community-based organisations responding to HIV/AIDS in developing countries and can be used to identify capacity building needs, plan technical support interventions and monitor and evaluate the impact of capacity building. The toolkit identifies five areas where capacity is important for delivering and supporting responses to HIV/AIDS: organisational strength; HIV/AIDS technical capacity; promotion of participation of people living with HIV/AIDS and other affected communities; partnerships, referral systems and co-ordination; and involvement in evidence and consultation-based advocacy.

The toolkit provides tools and guidance for a range of activities. This includes planning and preparing for capacity analysis with management and developing an organisational profile. It outlines how to facilitate a 1 to 2 day capacity analysis workshop aimed at staff, management and volunteers to discuss and self-assess capacities and to prioritise areas for capacity building. The toolkit also outlines how to: interview members of the organisation using questionnaires; assess and analyse relevant documents; prioritise and agree on an action plan for capacity building; and document outcomes in a report format. [adapted from author]