Local Capacity Strengthening Policy Guidance

• In Event: Localization in Education and International Development

Proposal

An international development agency has developed a Local Capacity Strengthening (LCS) Policy (October 2022) to guide decisions about why and how to invest in the capacity of local partners to better achieve inclusive and locally led development. In recognition of an international development agency’s local capacity strengthening policy and its emphasis on reexamining capacity strengthening practices in order to be a more effective and equitable partner, an implementing partner developed guidance specific to the education sector with funding from a donor. The guidance includes clear steps on how to strengthen the capacity of local individuals, organizations, networks, and systems to better achieve inclusive and locally led development across the education continuum, including formal and non-formal education in pre-primary, basic, secondary, youth workforce development, and higher education.

The guidance also contains education sub-sector relevant examples and recommendations (for basic education, education in crisis and conflict, youth workforce development, and higher education), as well as considerations for implementation in the Africa and LAC regions. Guidance was informed by an LCS Advisory Group (AG) that is drawn from a collection of learning network members.

The education implementation guidance supports an international development agency’s education staff and implementing partners to put the LCS policy into practice in the education sector. The presentation will:

-Identify the current state of local systems and capacity strengthening within the education sector and articulate opportunities, challenges, and resources to strengthen local capacity.
-Develop a common vision, framing, and definitions for local education systems, capacity strengthening, and performance improvement.
-Provide practical guidance and examples to education stakeholders in integrating locally led development throughout the program cycle, resulting in strengthened local education systems and capacity.
-Contribute to policy implementation and agency change management.

Author

• Corrie Blankenbeckler, Education Development Center (EDC)