Consultancy Skills and Tools

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

2. 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 Purpose of Technical Assistance

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

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

5. 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 What Makes a Good Consultant?

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

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

8. 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 Consultancy skills

9. 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 Accountability

10. 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 Programme Impact

11. Getting Started: Terms of Reference Contract Programme and background documents Briefing Tools Needed

12. 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 Undertaking the Assignment

13. 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 Completing the Assignment