Capacity assessments of Caritas Denmark and ADRA Denmark

2009-02-12


Danida has with its revised “Strategy for Danish Support to Civil Society in Developing Countries” (2008) formally established the possibility of establishing broader thematic or geographic programs with civil society organizations with sufficient capacity and experience. A programmatic approach can create stronger partnerships, greater continuity and flexibility than the traditional project approach as well as simpler administrative procedures. Presently a handful of Danish organizations have shown interest and sufficient experience to move into a programmatic approach. Among these Danish organizations are Caritas Denmark and Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Denmark.

Caritas Denmark is a Danish NGO with links to the Catholic Church and forms part of a global network of 156 national Caritas organizations. Caritas was established in 1947 and at present the development assistance is focused at 4 countries (Bolivia, Niger, Northeast India, and Uganda).

ADRA Denmark is an independent organization for humanitarian aid and development cooperation established by the Seventh day Adventist Church in Denmark. ADRA Denmark takes part in an international ADRA network with a total of about 120 member organizations. The development work of ADRA is focused on 8 countries in Africa.

These two organizations have a long history of international relief and development assistance and are at present under consideration by Danida for country program support in Uganda. As part of the preparations NORDECO has been contracted to undertake independent capacity assessments of Caritas Denmark and ADRA Denmark in addition to carry out appraisals of the proposed country programs in Uganda.

The capacity assessments will examine the extent to which Caritas and ADRA have the professional and administrative capacity to carry out its Danish supported development activities within the program approach and considering the full existing and planned portfolio of the organizations. The appraisals will assess the relevance and strategy of the proposed Uganda programs in light of the development situation in Uganda and the relevant districts, including considerations of activities by other stakeholders and best practices in Uganda and internationally.

The NORDECO assignment takes place in the period January-March 2009.



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