The NIPN Capacity Framework

What are the capacities required for NIPN to function well in a country?

The NIPN Capacity Framework helps to understand the breadth of capacities required for the optimal implementation of a NIPN. These go beyond an individual’s capacity in terms of knowledge, skills and experience, and encompass organisational and systemic capacities. The three levels of capacities are inter-dependent. The physical capacities, tools (individual level) and infrastructure (organisational level), mentioned in the model below (Potter, 2004) encompass equipment such as computers or infrastructure such as training centers. These capacities have been included in the project formulation phase and will not be discussed in this guidance note that focuses on the development of human resource capacity.

A NIPN will focus most strongly on strengthening the internal capacities directly relevant to implementing NIPN (at individual and organisational levels). It is also important, however, to consider the external system, as weaknesses in the multisectoral nutrition system may become obstacles to the implementation of the NIPN operational cycle.

Based on: Potter, C and Brough, R. Systemic Capacity Building: A Hierarchy of Needs. Health Policy and Planning 2004;19:336-345.