RCOG International Office Consultancy Skills and Tools Angela Brown, Technical Assistance Manager, RCOG International Office

RCOG International Office Purpose of Technical Assistance To contribute to the development of the productive resources of countries building up/strengthening human and institutional capacity to design and implement effective policies and programmes IMF Factsheet September 2005

RCOG International Office The Provision of “know-how” TA is one input to the complex, long-term process of capacity development – personnel, knowledge, training and research

RCOG International Office The Recipient Full involvement in the entire process of TA – from identification of need, to implementation, monitoring and evaluation Country-led Spreads ownership and understanding Empowering

RCOG International Office What Makes a Good Consultant? Excellent interpersonal skills – ability to form a relationship and engender trust Client-oriented Ability to listen and critically analyse to identify underlying problems Ability to understand the context of the problem Ability to think on your feet Adaptable/flexible

RCOG International Office What makes a Good Consultant? Good communicator Team worker Tact Report writing skills in plain language Negotiation skills Sound technical knowledge in area of expertise

RCOG International Office Technical Skills Understanding and achieving terms of reference Using professional standards Drawing on available evidence base Possessing appropriate qualifications Making practical, feasible and cost- effective recommendations

RCOG International Office Consultancy skills Working cooperatively with client in meeting expectations and outputs Using participatory tools to involve clients and other stakeholders in planning, implementing and evaluating interventions Thoroughly analysing and understanding client context Presenting relevant analysis and recommendations in well-conceived, clear and concise reports Innovating and striving to exceed client expectations

RCOG International Office Accountability Completing contractual requirements and reporting in a timely manner Making recommendations that are cost-effective Recommending, designing and implementing interventions that respond to real needs of client Using client-friendly language and problem solving approaches Demonstrating fiscal responsibility

RCOG International Office Programme Impact Observing changes and improvements Strengthening programmes and institutions Contributing to scientific and professional knowledge Enhancing the capacity of clients to sustain improvements, services and products

RCOG International Office Tools Needed Getting Started: Terms of Reference Contract Programme and background documents Briefing

RCOG International Office Undertaking the Assignment Data collection tools  Quantitative – facility assessment tools, observation check lists, questionnaires  Qualitative – focus group discussion guides, in-depth interview guides Workshop/training materials Stakeholder analysis Report format

RCOG International Office Completing the Assignment Debriefing tools  Powerpoint presentation  Exit report to client Data synthesis and report writing  Data analysis  Synthesis of findings  Practical, feasible and cost-effective recommendations  Finalised and quality assured report