Introduction

The consolidation phase occurs after the institution is set up and has carried out its basic functions and programming. The objectives are to take stock and strengthen capacity, while taking corrective action as required. It is also at this stage that the UNCT will be in a better position to assess whether their work is progressing properly or whether a change in direction is necessary.

Unlike the previous phases, there are fewer predictable activities that can be cited as common to NHRIs at this phase. Each institution will present unique challenges, and while there may be some trends, the lack of uniformity means that evaluative activities are critical for UNCTs in this phase across the following areas:

• Key Infrastructure: premises, transportation, telecommunications, IT, etc.
• Organizational development: leadership, organisational structure, strategic planning, human resources and knowledge management.
• Financial resources: government support, donor cooperation, financial constraints and financial management.
• Human rights capacity in substantive areas of human rights, including the rights of vulnerable persons, core protection issues, human rights-based approaches to development, etc.
• Functional areas of capacity: protection, promotion, cooperation with stakeholders, support to the international human rights system, and advice to government.

A capacity assessment as introduced in Chapter 8 can be of great value in taking stock of the current capacity of the NHRI and help the NHRI identify and prioritise capacity development needs. A Capacity Assessment is an analysis of current capacities against desired future capacities. The results can help to promote better understanding of capacity assets and needs, and these can in turn lead to the formulation of capacity development strategies for UNCT staff members to develop with NHRs. It is important to distinguish a capacity assessment from an evaluation. While both exercises analyse the institution's effectiveness, the evaluation is usually carried out by independent consultants and typically assess effectiveness in achieving objectives. The capacity assessment is a self- assessment process that helps to draw out reflections form the NHRI members and its staff. The results of the capacity assessment can provide a baseline and indicators to measure effectiveness as well as identify potential bottle necks in implementation.

A discussion of the role of evaluation is found in section 9.3.3. An overview of capacity assessment process can be found in Annex 8 of Chapter 8: Sample Briefing Note for a Capacity Assessment of a NHRI.