ORGANIZATION CAPACITY ASSESSMENT (2013) Produced in April 2013

Purpose of the Assessment A comprehensive perspective of organizational strengths and weaknesses in terms of the capacities, and proposes priority areas Organizational capacity building plan for TAWASANET addressing identified capacity gaps as well as enhancing existing strengths to optimal levels.

AREAS REVIEWED Governance Governance Management Management Program Management Program Management Human Resource Human Resource Financial Management Financial Management Infrastructure and Logistics Infrastructure and Logistics External/Public Relations External/Public Relations Building Coalitions and Networks Building Coalitions and Networks

FINDINGS

Achievements The foundations of the organizations in terms of vision, mission and goals are in place as per the consitution TAWASANET is legally constituted and operates in accordance with the laws of the land. Various stakeholders of the organization have a fair understanding of the organization structure.

Achievements Policy manuals have been developed Policy manuals have been developed Existing medium term Strategic Plan The strategic plan is based on researched baseline information, previous studies and reports and information from the relevant ministries on various aspects of water sanitation and hygiene Existing medium term Strategic Plan The strategic plan is based on researched baseline information, previous studies and reports and information from the relevant ministries on various aspects of water sanitation and hygiene The organization has a system of budgeting which is to a greater extent adhered to. The organization has a system of budgeting which is to a greater extent adhered to.

Achievements Financial systems and procedures meeting accounting standards have been developed and are in use. Financial systems and procedures meeting accounting standards have been developed and are in use. The government acknowledges TAWASANET as a player to reckon with in the realm of water sanitation and hygiene. This is exemplified by joint activities that the government through the Ministry of Water has carried out with the organization The government acknowledges TAWASANET as a player to reckon with in the realm of water sanitation and hygiene. This is exemplified by joint activities that the government through the Ministry of Water has carried out with the organization

Challenges It was underlined that for some members of the organization vision, mission and values do not mean much, their interest is in deliverables e.g. finances, technical assistance and what have you Key documents and principles such as the organization structure and the organizational manuals exist have been developed but the structure has not been what has happened on the ground and the manuals have not been regularly updated.

Challenges The management of TAWASANET constitutes a small team working under rather difficult conditions of operating with very limited financial resources and receiving minimal support from the leadership. The management of the network requires improved expertise or skills in resource mobilization and general aspects of management and leadership to enhance it’s performance

Challenges The organization has been experiencing problems in raising funds therefore some of the activities for the Strategic Plan have not been implemented. The organization has not been able to develop a comprehensive system of monitoring and evaluation of program activities

Challenges Staffing has been an issue at TAWASANET in recent years because of the problem of low funding level. So, the organization has not been able to engage staff in accordance with the needs and the establishment of departments or units. There are times when the staff has to work on voluntary basis due to lack of funds. TAWASANET has a rented office in Sinza but the facilities are not conducive to TAWASANET’s work TAWASANET has a rented office in Sinza but the facilities are not conducive to TAWASANET’s work

Challenges The organization’s sources of funds are rather constricted The organization has not developed a fundraising strategy which partly explains enhanced weak financial sustainability demonstrated by over reliance to traditional donors

RECOMMENDATIONS (1) The governance capacity of the members of the board should be improved by training in policy and strategy formulation and other leadership aspects. Ways and means should be found to increase the commitment of members to the cause of TAWASANET in form of increased participation in activities, payment of annual fees and other contributions, among others. TAWASANET should develop a monitoring and evaluation framework geared to improving program performance. The level of organizational performance should be raised by employing paid staff as well as developing mechanisms for effective management of staff to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of services.

The human resource manual should be reviewed/improved to meet acceptable standards including compliance to the labour relations Act of TAWASANET should diversify its sources of funds in order to expand its funding base thereby raising adequate funds to carry out its functions. TAWASANET should look for better office accommodation located in an area ensuring a serene environment and appropriately designed for good work setting. Ways and means should be found to build the capacity of staff and selected members in lobbying and advocacy, including effective use of media. RECOMMENDATIONS (2)

RECOMMENDATIONS (3) TAWASANET should develop an advocacy strategy in order to approach advocacy work systematically and proficiently. Members of the board, staff and selected members should be exposed to the basics of financial management – including budgeting processes in order to allow them discharge their duties efficiently. The organization should acquire basic equipment and machines including computers, printers photocopier as well as communication - hard and software. The organization should expand its scope of networking and coalition building nationally as a way of improving its propensity to achieving its objectives.

Actions taken Undertaking a deeper review for the improvement of TAWASANET including this member workshop Undertaking a deeper review for the improvement of TAWASANET including this member workshop

COMMENTS