MfDR Capacity Scan

Citizens are increasingly demanding better performance from development interventions. The Managing for Development Results Capacity Scan (CAP-Scan) offers a self-assessment tool for countries to manage, measure and advance their MfDR capacities.

The CAP-Scan is an assessment that countries can employ to identify and prioritize their MfDR needs. Countries may focus on a government-wide scan, or focus on a Ministry, Sector or Program, perhaps in conjunction with other planning processes. The CAP-Scan utilizes an analytic framework and works through a participatory process. Five central pillars of MfDR are assessed in this process: Leadership; Evaluation and Monitoring; Accountability and Partnerships; Planning and Budgeting; and Statistics.

This tool was developed under the sponsorship of the OECD/DAC, supported by a working group of donors, along with contributions from many other countries. The CAP-Scan working group includes: African Development Bank (ADB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), European Commission, Inter-American Development Bank (IaDB), Management Systems International, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), OECD/DAC Joint Venture for Managing Results, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), United States Agency for International Development, and the World Bank

The World Bank, UNDP and MCC coordinate and support the CAP-Scan process including maintaining materials, coordinating training activities, and working with governments and other partners.

CAP-Scan process

• Schedule and Time Requirements: Approximately six weeks.

• Preparation: Identify a Government Coordinating Person (GCP) who recruits participants, engages senior government officials and coordinates with CAP-Scan facilitators. Facilitators are responsible for adapting the CAP-scan to the country context, interviewing participants and leading working sessions. Agency Partners may assist with logistical arrangements.

• Working Sessions: Facilitators lead participants in a two-day session to discuss and prioritize MfDR needs related to the five pillars and develop an action plan.

• Action Planning: The GCP presents the action plan to senior officials for implementation and future follow up.

Outcomes of the Cap-Scan

• An action plan identifying priority improvement areas, with suggested approaches towards dealing with capacity gaps. This plan can be the basis for resource discussion within governments and with donors.
• The transfer of knowledge on capacity assessment to participating government officials
• A baseline reference for the government to assess progress over time.

CAP-Scan in practice

To date, 20 countries have reviewed the CAP-Scan methodology and expressed interest. Mauritania has served as the first pilot country. Papua New Guinea and Moldova are likely to follow later this year. The CAP-Scan team is also in discussion with Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Namibia and Niger.

More information

For more information please contact capscan@mfdr.org.