This course provides an overview of the strategy frameworks and tools used in the development cooperation industry to build sustainable local capacity, and how to apply these instruments in the design of capacity development projects. 

Capacity is defined as the ability of people, organizations and society as a whole to manage their affairs successfully. Capacity development is the process whereby people, organizations and society as a whole unleash, strengthen, create, adapt, and maintain capacity over time. Capacity development can involve technical capacities and functional capacities. Capacity development can also be implemented in several manners. While training is a common approach, capacity building is best achieved through learning by doing, fostering relationships and partnerships, supporting research and knowledge sharing, participation in communities of practice, South–South learning initiatives, on-the-job training, and other learning techniques that empower individuals and institutions to take charge of development challenges.

The development of local capacities is a core function of development cooperation. Many development cooperation agencies emphasize the importance of capacity development in their strategy documents, and for several of them capacity development is their primary mandate. The emphasis of the capacity development approaches promoted by these agencies capacity is shifting, in reflection of the evolution from the Millennium Development Goals to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

The objective of the course is to strengthen the capacity of project architects to design capacity development strategies in line with global good practice. As a direct outcome of the course, participants will have enhanced their knowledge about current capacity development strategy frameworks and tools widely used in the development cooperation industry, and how to apply this knowledge to design capacity development projects. The overall outcome of the training are capacity development projects that render higher impact.

The target audience of the course are practitioners in the field of development cooperation tasked with the design of capacity development projects. Participants would ideally have basic knowledge about standard project cycle management; practical experience in project design and -implementation is useful. Upfront knowledge of capacity development approaches and strategies is not required. 

The standard course has a duration of two days, with eight sessions @45 minutes per day, divided by breaks). The duration of the course and the content of the training modules can be tailored to the learning needs of the participants.

The language of instruction is either German or English.