The MAEIN's methodology for assessing and developing the organizational capacities of local organizations
The MAEIN Initiative's methodology relies on a comprehensive institutional assessment aimed at clearly and accurately identifying the strengths and areas for improvement of local organizations and measuring their performance against minimum international standards. This methodology enables the accurate identification of competency gaps, followed by the development of practical and tailored plans to address them. This enhances implementation efficiency and governance quality, and increases organizations' chances of accessing future funding. Furthermore, the process contributes to consolidating the principles of transparency and institutional accountability and developing organizations' capacities in a sustainable manner. The assessment process is conducted according to a series of sequential stages that ensure comprehensiveness and accuracy, as outlined in the following steps:
Preparation
Preparation begins with a study of the country's context and the country's humanitarian and development sector in preparation for work there.
Contacting the organizations
The initiative sends an official letter outlining the evaluation objective and expected outcomes, including a comprehensive evaluation report and a parallel capacity building plan for the partnership. A contact person is assigned to the initiative to answer any questions the organization may have.
Contacting the organizations
The organization submits its basic information, along with licensing documents and official records. A designated team reviews them to ensure they are accurate and complete. The organization then proceeds to self-assessment.
Self-assessment
The organization fills out the ten assessment tools on the electronic platform and uploads any documents it has to support the answers.
Desk review
MAEIN's experts review the responses from the self-assessment and all internal documents of the organization, such as policies, financial reports, and strategic plans, and identify gaps and key observations in preparation for the field assessment.
Field-assessment
A team of international and local evaluators visits the organization's headquarters, conducts interviews, reviews operations, and ensures that procedures are being implemented in practice.
Report preparation
Drafting a final report according to a specific template, including an analysis of strengths and weaknesses and practical recommendations, then reviewing, p, and formally approving it.
Show results
The report is sent to the organization and the donor for feedback on the evaluation results.
Capacity Building Plan
Based on the assessment results and the organization's responses, a clear timeline is developed for implementing the required interventions, which aim to raise the efficiency and capabilities of the departments that need improvement.
Monitor progress
The implementation of the capacity building plan is monitored periodically to ensure continuous progress. Periodic evaluations are conducted to measure the extent to which the goals set out in the plan are being achieved.
Certificate
Upon successful completion of the assessment and plan, the organization is awarded a certificate demonstrating its commitment to the standards and quality of its performance, along with recommendations for future development. This certificate is presented to the donor community.