Assessing Capacities Needed for a Work Rights Program

When implementing a work rights program it is vital to conduct an analysis of the following required capacities:

  • Human capacities, e.g. staff with appropriate credentials and experience
  • Technical (include the expertise needed to address all the aspects of program planning, implementation, and evaluation
  • Fiscal capacities or the adequate funding to implement the program as planned
  • Structural/formal linkage capacities, which are the links to and buy-in from other key members of the community and access to the target population

Why is assessing organizational capacities important?

It is important to assess your capacity before program implementation because capacity directly relates to how well the program will be implemented. If there is not enough capacity to implement the program as intended, then it is likely that the program will not achieve the outcomes desired.

The goals of the capacity assessment are to determine what capacities the organization possesses and what capacities need to be developed to implement the program with quality. Some programs may be too difficult or resource intensive. In that case, clear plans should be developed to obtain or access them elsewhere or to modify or choose a different program.

How do you assess capacities?

Below you can find a sample capacity tool with examples taken from Asylum Access’ Hospitality Route. Use this tool for each of the above identified capacities.

Capacity Assessment Item Capacity Requirements Existent Capacities Capacities to Develop
Technical Expertise
Structural/Formal Linkage