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Session Title: Evaluating Organizational Capacity of Disaster and Emergency Management Organizations
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Panel Session 660 to be held in the Agate Room Section B on Friday, Nov 7, 3:25 PM to 4:10 PM
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Sponsored by the Disaster and Emergency Management Evaluation TIG
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| Chair(s): |
| Jared Raynor,
TCC Group,
jraynor@tccgrp.com
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| Abstract:
A central aspect of doing emergency and disaster work is the internal capacity of organizations to do the work effectively`, including skills, communications, management capacity, adapting to a changing environment and leadership. This session will outline a framework for evaluating organizational capacity of humanitarian organizations developed specifically for their unique operating environment. Based on a framework of four core capacities (leadership, adaptive, management and technical), presenters will discuss the importance of evaluating organizational capacity, tools for doing the evaluation and how to relate organizational capacity evaluation to programmatic evaluation work (e.g. collaborations, staff skills, strategic niche, etc.).
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Assessing the Environmental Context of Humanitarian Organizations
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| Kessler Shelly,
TCC Group,
skessler@tccgrp.com
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We begin by articulating a framework for organizational capacity that is general to the nonprofit field as a whole and presented within the specific context of humanitarian organizations. This presentation will outline specifics of the operating environment for humanitarian work and discuss the concept of 'continuous discontinuity', pertaining to how humanitarian organizations are in a constant state of response. This presentation will outline a cohesive framework for examining organizational capacity that is appropriate to such an environment, the core capacity model. Capacities identified in the model, identified by TCC Group over its 30 years of experience working with nongovernmental agencies, are: leadership, adaptability to changing environments, effective management, and technical expertise. Ms. Kessler has extensive field experience with humanitarian work, including 10 years with CARE, and has consulted with numerous non-governmental organizations, helping them look at organizational capacity.
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Evaluating Organizational Capacity of Humanitarian Organizations
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| Jared Raynor,
TCC Group,
jraynor@tccgrp.com
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In order to have a well-functioning organization, it is important to have organizational stability. Building on the environmental context presented in the first presentation, this presentation will explore specifics of evaluating organizational capacity. Utilizing the core capacities model, the presentation will describe organizational structures and core capacities that may be employed by HAO leaders, managers, field staff - and by HAO funders - to improve organizational effectiveness. In addition to presenting specifics about important organizational characteristics drawn from the literature and evaluations, the presentation will articulate tools and a methodology for examining organizational capacity in humanitarian organizations. Mr. Raynor has worked in several areas of humanitarian work and organizational capacity building, including field work in Azerbaijan and Central America and work at the United Nations and brings significant experience in evaluating organizational capacity.
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