Many civil society organizations (CSO) in Azerbaijan have significant gaps in their ability to develop strategic plans, create effective governance structures, and manage financial control systems and funds. Without these capabilities, CSOs will have greatly diminished ability to use resources effectively to improve the lives of Azerbaijanis.

In September 2012, USAID launched the 4-year, nearly $5 million Building Local Capacity for Development (BLCD) project to strengthen Azerbaijani civil society. To date 11 CSOs have benefited from BLCD expertise, improving their ability to compete for direct grants from other international and local donors and improving their management systems. The project plans to assist up to 20 CSOs to enable them to more effectively engage with their constituents, successfully support national initiatives in democracy and governance as well as foster citizen engagement in policy dialogue with the Government of Azerbaijan.

In October 2013, BLCD delivered the “Increasing CSO Effectiveness” training program. The five-day intensive training session enabled the participating CSOs to review their mission statements, identify ways to further develop and strengthen their strategic plans, clarify internal decision-making processes, and review internal communications.

“I believe this training will help us improve our organizational structure, get better in terms of strategic planning, and reach the level when we can further develop in a sustainable manner,” said Nariman Safali, Head of Azerbaijani Medical Association.

The training program will continue through January 2014 with sessions on Administration and Financial Management, Human Resources Management and Program Management. The trainers will provide follow-up coaching for up to two months after the program to further support CSOs to implement what they learned.

By the end of this program, participants will be able to improve their organizational capacity, identify critical skills and knowledge needed to recruit staff, and improve financial and management efficiencies to implement results-oriented programs, including those funded by USAID.