Organizational Development and Sustainability
Organizational and community capacity directly influence the quality and results of programmes. Since actions to improve communities occur through organizations, a strong and effective ECAP plays a vital role in driving community development processes.
Organizational capacity is best understood as “the combined influence of an organization’s abilities to govern and manage itself, to develop assets and resources, to forge the right community linkages, and to deliver valued services—all combining to meaningfully address its mission” (Dougherty & Mayer, 2003). This capacity-building process is ongoing and developmental, with no final destination. It involves identifying areas for strengthening and applying targeted strategies to improve them.
To ensure continuity of growth and sustainability, ECAP strives to nurture its institutional capacity across critical domains such as governance, administration, human resources, financial management, organizational management, programme management, and project performance management. Organizational development will progressively enhance ECAP’s ability to adapt, innovate, and remain responsive to the ever-changing community needs and operating environment.
ECAP has therefore prioritized growth in four key capacity domains:
Adaptive Capacity
This focuses on ECAP’s ability to monitor, assess, and respond to internal and external changes. Activities will include periodic strategic planning, developing beneficial collaborations, scanning the environment, and assessing organizational performance.
Leadership Capacity
This emphasizes ECAP’s leadership role in inspiring, prioritizing, making decisions, and providing strategic direction. Activities will include promoting ECAP among stakeholders, strengthening governance systems, and setting clear organizational priorities.
Management Capacity
This ensures that resources are developed and used efficiently and effectively. Key actions will include developing and implementing policies that strengthen professionalism, financial prudence, and internal controls; streamlining recruitment processes to attract qualified staff and consultants; and maximizing the contributions of volunteers.
Technical Capacity
This domain focuses on building the technical expertise required to deliver programmes and services effectively. Activities will include strengthening programme implementation systems, participatory community processes, evaluation mechanisms, financial management practices, and fundraising strategies. ECAP will also enhance its collaborative capacity to engage with other social change partners and contribute to collective impact initiatives.