Framework for Assessing Organizational Capacity for Health Systems Strengthening

The project supports countries to improve their health financing, governance, operations, and institutional capacities. By eliminating barriers to the delivery and use of priority health care, such as HIV/AIDS services, tuberculosis treatment, reproductive health services, and maternal and child health care, Health Systems 20/20 helps to improve health outcomes. The framework for assessing organizational capacity for health systems strengthening is based on six core organizational competencies. These competencies are technical expertise, technical assistance and training, resource mobilization, management systems, organizational development, and organizational governance. The framework is intended to be used for comprehensive organizational strengthening activities aimed at strengthening the organization as a whole. The core competencies were identified for organizations that provide technical assistance and training, such as NGOs, universities, and consulting firms. According to the conceptual model, institutions must have core competencies in these six areas to be effective in supporting health systems strengthening activities and become self-sustaining. The framework and instrument have been tested in five years of field experience doing capacity building with various types of institutions. Technical expertise is a critical competency for organizations that support health systems strengthening. It requires strong HIV/AIDS expertise, coordination capacity, and skills in resource mobilization. Organizations must have sufficient technical capacity to carry out their mandate, and this includes having experience in using required technical expertise, providing high-quality services and products, and having a strong reputation in terms of having the required technical expertise. Technical assistance and training is another key competency for organizations that support health systems strengthening. It requires skills in the consulting process, including contracting, assessment, intervention design, implementation, monitoring, and closure. Effective training requires the use of modern, participatory, training methodologies and skills in training design and delivery. It also requires effective management of the training process, including identifying and inviting the right participants, arranging training venues, producing training materials, conducting after-action reviews, and tracking results to ensure training is meeting the objectives. Resource mobilization is a critical competency for organizations that support health systems strengthening. It requires skills in identifying and securing resources, including funding, personnel, and equipment. Organizations must have the ability to mobilize resources to support their activities and achieve their goals. Management systems are also a critical competency for organizations that support health systems strengthening. It requires skills in planning, budgeting, and monitoring and evaluating activities. Organizations must have effective management systems in place to ensure that their activities are implemented efficiently and effectively. Organizational development is a critical competency for organizations that support health systems strengthening. It requires skills in building the capacity of staff, including training, mentoring, and coaching. Organizations must have the ability to develop the capacity of their staff to support their activities and achieve their goals. Organizational governance is a critical competency for organizations that support health systems strengthening. It requires skills in leadership, management, and decision-making. Organizations must have effective governance structures in place to ensure that their activities are implemented efficiently and effectively. The framework for assessing organizational capacity for health systems strengthening has been tested in five years of field experience doing capacity building with various types of institutions. It has been adapted and used for capacity building of three program offices in the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The framework provides a comprehensive approach to assessing organizational capacity and identifying areas for improvement.