Projects

Developing Human and Institutional Capacity of Georgian Organizations

Kaizen is increasing the organizational integrity, effectiveness, and long-term viability of key organizations that anchor Georgia’s reform efforts across all development sectors.

USAID’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy calls for implementers to invest in country-owned models of inclusive development and sustainable human and institutional capacity development (HICD). The aim is to ensure U.S. assistance strengthens the ability of actors and institutions to sustain project activities and be local agents for change, transforming their countries from within.

			Highlights		

							Expanded the center of excellence to represent 202 organizations 
Met or exceeded targets on seven of 11 indicators in the performance monitoring plan 
Increased member use of the center of excellence by 334 percent during Year 2
						

With the planning, analysis, and monitoring and evaluation systems developed within the program, we are able to better manage the Agency’s workflow and strategically align organizational goals and objectives.

Irakli Lekvinadze, Chairperson of the Georgian National Competition Agency

In support of these commitments, Kaizen is implementing USAID’s HICD Activity in Georgia to strengthen local capacity, integrate HICD approaches into the operations and institutional culture of selected institutions and organizations, and transfer knowledge of HICD methodology to key actors. The HICD Activity complements USAID Georgia Mission’s existing technical assistance activities, adding development advisory services such as skills enhancement and systemic improvements.

Kaizen coaches, mentors, and trains select organizations that play an important role in achieving the country’s development, including Government of Georgia agencies, local civil society organizations, and private-sector institutions. Additionally, Kaizen is working with local subcontractors to carry out performance assessments and implement multiple performance solutions (short-term, long-term, and last mile) to increase their capacity through a “learn by doing” approach. The HICD Activity has also created the center of excellence peer-to-peer learning resource hub to provide trainings and guidance toward organizational integrity, operational effectiveness, and long-term viability to key partner organizations, which anchors the country’s reform efforts in all sectors.

By project close in 2025, the HICD Activity’s capacity-building approach will augment the readiness of Georgian organizations to work directly with USAID and other donors around the world. Additionally, the effort will provide the foundation for the Mission to grow in scale, raise capital from donors, manage its financial plans, enhance human resources practices, and achieve greater efficiency in daily operations.