‘For developing countries and development agencies, poverty reduction and sustainable livelihoods are key objectives. Their success depends critically on the institutional and policy context in which they operate.’  

Is this course for me?

This course is an international programme, attended by development professionals, senior programme managers, project advisors, international development workers and independent consultants working within the public sector and with NGOs.

Why should I attend?

Lectures and case studies will be used to present and challenge the issues, principles and frameworks of:

• New Institutional Economics (NIE)
• New Public Management (NPM)
• State and civil society
• Public choice and collective action
• Social capital and empowerment
• Universal versus targeted service
• Rights-based versus needs-based initiatives

The programme is explicitly tailored to the needs of the participants. Different approaches to institutional and governance structures are presented and you will be encouraged to explore and challenge issues involving:

• Alternative structures for the delivery of public services, stakeholder approaches (hub model), partnerships and public service agreements and contracts
• Funding mechanisms, including social (challenge) funds and capitation schemes, public-private partnerships (PPP) and sector-wide approaches
• Social capital and the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community based organisations (CBOs)
• Models to conceptualise and communicate the enabling framework required to increase co-ordination and partnership between public and voluntary agencies
• Importance of project cycle management tools, including objectives-oriented planning techniques such as the logical framework (ZOPP)