FADCANIC Capacity Building Activity under the EQUIP1 Project “Expansion of Centers of Excellence in Nicaragua with Emphasis on the APA Methodology (EXCELENCIA)”

The project aims to strengthen the capacity of the Foundation for the Autonomy and Development of the Atlantic Coast (FADCANIC) to manage USAID funds and implement programs in accordance with USAID standards. FADCANIC is a civil society organization located in the multi-ethnic region of Caribbean Nicaragua, implementing development projects in environmental, agricultural, education, and youth development areas. The organization receives funding from diverse organizations and funders. The American Institutes for Research (AIR) provides FADCANIC with technical assistance in institutional and programmatic areas, focusing on administration and finance, personnel management, monitoring and evaluation, and strategic planning. AIR also assists FADCANIC in developing approaches to work with youth, introducing life skills and better employment opportunities. During the January-March 2012 period, local consultants completed the first phase of their work in finance and monitoring and evaluation areas, providing information for training sessions and next steps with FADCANIC staff. The strategic planning specialist provided training and orientation to the members of the strategic planning committee, who worked intensively on an analysis of organizational strengths and weaknesses and strategic themes for the future. In the area of administration and finance, the local finance specialist reviewed procedures and completed a consultancy report. The review of seven recently developed manuals determined that the documents are well-adapted to the needs and requirements of the organization and its work, and are generally in compliance with universally applied norms, policies, and procedures. However, the review indicates that use of the manuals is not yet widespread, and some issues with procedures have been identified. Proposed next steps include discussing and outlining with FADCANIC leadership the process for reviewing and incorporating feedback with staff and updating/finalization of manuals. Regarding the transfer of the administrative and financial director role from Ms. Thalia Coe to Ms. Grethel Aguilar, this is in process. FADCANIC leadership has indicated that the plan is to have the transfer completed by June 30, 2012, through a gradual transition. The transfer of major financial activities to the Bluefields office appears to be well underway, with the Managua office playing more of a support role and less of a primary one. Additional information covered in more detail in the report includes the mention of several strengths, such as the existence of a well-designed and secure automated accounting system, useful and well-developed manuals, and collaborative and well-prepared staff. Recent advances noted include regular inventory updates and the fact that properties and goods are now insured through LaFise Insurance. Other items still to address include the need to update petty cost procedures to match those outlined in the manuals, the lack of updated staff contracts for many staff members, and the concern regarding cash payments for salaries for workers in offices in regions where there are no banks available. The project has made significant progress in strengthening FADCANIC's organizational, management, monitoring, and evaluation systems. The organization has improved its capacity to implement youth development programs, and has made progress in developing management practices in administration and finance, personnel management, monitoring and evaluation, and strategic planning. The project has also made progress in providing technical programmatic assistance in approaches to work with youth, introducing life skills and better employment opportunities. The organization has shown a strong commitment to implementing USAID standards and requirements, and has made significant progress in developing a well-designed and secure automated accounting system. Overall, the project has made significant progress in strengthening FADCANIC's capacity to manage USAID funds and implement programs in accordance with USAID standards. The organization has shown a strong commitment to implementing USAID standards and requirements, and has made significant progress in developing management practices and approaches to work with youth.