Annex B: Capacity Gap Analysis Checklist

The capacity gap analysis needs to be tailored to the given environment and
counterpart. It should provide information on the questions below.
Recommended methods: stakeholder analysis exercise, problem tree analysis or
project planning exercise. The sustainability marker may also provide you with
additional input.
1. Capacity Gap and Problem Identification
What is the underlying problem?
Is an individual capacity building approach a potential solution?
Frictions or competition in for example ministries could be the real
problem should be investigated
Alternative solutions to capacity building could be the development of
appropriate policies and legislation, revising operating processes and
procedures etc.
If yes, then which particular gaps need to be filled?
Which methods should be applied to fill these gaps?
Another way of asking could be: What capacity does already exist and which
needs do exist?
Is an expert required to assess existing capacity?
2. Context and structures
Are there existing (national) strategies and policies that are linked to the
planned activity?
Are similar initiatives by other actors such as ministries, NGOs or other UNagencies currently on-going, planned or have been realized in the past? If
yes, is it possible to obtain their lessons-learnt?
Were UNOPS internal lessons-learnt consulted?
2.1 Participants
Who is selecting the participants?
How are participants being selected?
Why are these individuals being selected?
What structures are the participants embedded in?
What is the motivation of the participants? What measure or support is
needed to increase the motivation of participants?
What is the educational background of the participants?
Does is make sense to select a train-the-trainer approach?
2.2 Stakeholders
Who are the stakeholders?

Who is influential of the planned initiative and for what reasons?

o Consider informal networks
o Map hierarchies, also for individuals
Does support and local ownership exist for the planned initiative?
o Consider senior and middle- management
o Which non capacity building activities could generate and maintain
support and ensure that impacts last beyond project duration

2.3 Learning and teaching culture

Are there certain cultural aspects that need to be taken into consideration?
o Learning and teaching culture
For example, is it appropriate to ask question or challenge
ideas?
Are participants used to working with a Computer/these specific
programmes etc.
o Gender aspects
Could additional activities be planed that promote gender
mainstreaming?
Will women be able to apply their newly acquired skills in their
working environment?
o Spoken language and vocabulary
Will materials, online training etc. need to be translated?
Is the choice of words appropriate to the topic and educational
background of participants?
Will the learner have the opportunity to practise learned skills?
What types of indicators are necessary to assess the achievement of the
objectives of the initiative?
Which methods should be chosen to develop capacity?
2.4 Resources and Logistics
Who will deliver the initiative, when and where?
What local resources are available?
Trainers
Training material
Will impacts be sustained after the capacity building initiative?
o Is follow-up support necessary?
Is a pilot necessary?