Development of Training Programmes for Administrative Readiness, Service Delivery and Civil Society Oversight
Context-specific training programmes developed under the SSFIII – Democratization, Local Governance and Accountability (DLGA–HORUMAR) Project to strengthen district governance and civic oversight.
Project Information
HURMA Consulting was engaged by FCA Somalia under the SSFIII – Democratization, Local Governance and Accountability (DLGA–HORUMAR) Project to design and develop two comprehensive, context-specific training programmes aimed at strengthening local governance capacities in Galmudug and Hirshabelle States.
The assignment addressed both the administrative side of local governance and the civil society oversight side, providing practical, role-specific learning resources for district administrations, local mediators, peace and justice committee members, and Civil Society Oversight Committees (CSOCs).
Training Programmes Developed
1. Administrative Readiness for Service Delivery
A five-day training programme was developed for district administration representatives, local mediators, and peace and justice committee members in Galinsoor District. The programme was designed to strengthen practical competencies required to govern and deliver services effectively in a complex, conflict-affected environment.
The programme focused on:
- Dispute resolution and district-level mediation techniques
- Conflict analysis and conflict-sensitive governance
- Application of formal, customary (Xeer) and religious (Sharia) legal frameworks
- Accountability mechanisms for responsive service delivery
- Trust, inclusion and responsive governance practices
2. Capacity Strengthening for Civil Society Oversight Committees (CSOCs)
A four-day training programme was developed for Civil Society Oversight Committees in Warsheikh and Jowhar Districts. The programme focused on strengthening the practical skills required for constructive and evidence-based civic oversight.
The programme covered:
- CSOC roles, functions and principles of social accountability
- District budgeting and financial planning
- Budget monitoring and expenditure tracking
- Transparency, integrity and ethical oversight
- Distinguishing legitimate oversight from interference
- Citizen feedback and grievance redress mechanisms
Training Design Approach
The training programmes were developed using adult-learning, participatory and conflict-sensitive approaches. The methodology emphasized practical application rather than passive instruction and was adapted to low-capacity and conflict-affected environments.
- Adult learning and practice-oriented learning
- Participatory group discussions and brainstorming
- Case studies based on local governance scenarios
- Role-plays and mediation simulations
- Scenario-based decision-making exercises
- Mixed-literacy and accessible learning materials
- Visual facilitation and practical job aids
Examples included a land-dispute mediation role-play for the Administrative Readiness programme and an expenditure-tracking simulation for the CSOC programme. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key Deliverables
- Inception Report and methodological framework
- Five-day Administrative Readiness training programme
- Four-day CSOC Capacity Strengthening training programme
- Structured PowerPoint training presentations
- Detailed facilitator guides and training agendas
- Participant workbooks
- Pre-training assessment tools
- Post-training evaluation tools
- Mini knowledge tests and practical checklists
- Follow-Up Perception & Knowledge Assessment Surveys
- Standard Somali translations of the training materials
- Final Consultancy Report
Learning and Assessment System
HURMA developed a structured assessment system to measure learning before, during and after training. The tools included baseline assessments, post-training evaluations, knowledge reinforcement tools, practical checklists and follow-up surveys designed for use three-to-six months after training.
The assessment framework was designed to measure knowledge retention, changes in confidence and behaviour, application of new skills, and perceived effects on institutional practices and service delivery.
Strategic Contribution
The two training programmes provide complementary support to local governance. The Administrative Readiness programme strengthens the capacity of district-level actors to manage services, address disputes and apply conflict-sensitive governance approaches, while the CSOC programme strengthens the capacity of civil society actors to undertake constructive oversight of budgets, expenditure and service delivery.
Together, the programmes provide practical capacity-building resources for strengthening transparency, accountability, citizen engagement and more inclusive local governance under the DLGA–HORUMAR Project.
Outcome Focus
The consultancy is designed to contribute to improved district institutional capacity, stronger mediation and conflict-resolution capabilities, increased transparency and accountability, more effective civil society oversight, and strengthened citizen trust and engagement.