The Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) participated in USAID's Accelerating Support to Advanced Local Partners (ASAP) project, an initiative designed to strengthen the capacity of local organisations across Sub-Saharan Africa to manage and implement donor-funded health programmes.
Through this partnership, FPD supported local organisations as they prepared to become prime implementers for USAID and PEPFAR activities. The work focused on strengthening governance, financial management, compliance and organisational systems.
FPD worked alongside IntraHealth International and consortium partners, contributing specialised training, technical assistance, monitoring and evaluation support, and regional peer-learning opportunities.
The project connected local organisations across the region through training, technical assistance and Communities of Practice.
The figures for 235 participants, 121 organisations and 17 countries refer to one reporting period. The 2,250+ participants, 36+ countries and 57+ meetings represent broader project-level figures.
ASAP was designed to help local organisations transition towards greater ownership and responsibility for donor-funded programmes through two interconnected objectives.
Strengthen local organisations as they transition towards receiving PEPFAR funding as USAID prime partners, ensuring they have the governance, systems and compliance capabilities required to meet donor regulations.
Prepare local organisations and national government entities to directly manage, implement and monitor PEPFAR programmes while maintaining programme quality and consistent performance.
FPD contributed expertise in organisational development, leadership, monitoring and evaluation, and capacity building. Its role included delivering training, providing technical assistance and facilitating regional knowledge exchange.
Developing leadership and management competencies to strengthen organisational decision-making, accountability and institutional performance.
Providing M&E training and technical assistance to improve programme monitoring, performance measurement, reporting and data use.
Delivering in-person and online courses in areas identified through project implementation and local partner needs.
Providing secretariat and facilitation support to local partner-led Communities of Practice across the region.
Supporting organisations to strengthen internal systems, compliance processes and readiness to manage donor-funded programmes.
Supporting the annual USAID Local Partners meeting and facilitating opportunities for partners to share practical experiences and lessons.
One of FPD's key contributions was facilitating regional Communities of Practice (CoPs). These provided local organisations with opportunities to exchange experiences, discuss challenges and strengthen technical capabilities through peer learning.
More than 57 Communities of Practice meetings were held during the project, creating a collaborative environment for organisations across Sub-Saharan Africa. Sessions were delivered in English, French and Portuguese to support participation across different language groups.
Peer learning focused on organisational leadership, governance structures, strategic direction and institutional accountability.
Sharing practical approaches to monitoring programme performance, using data and strengthening reporting and evaluation processes.
Strengthening financial management, donor compliance, internal controls and organisational readiness for grant management.
Explore the different language groups and the focus areas supported through the Communities of Practice.
Facilitating discussions and peer learning around leadership, governance and organisational accountability.
Sharing approaches to monitoring programme results, performance measurement and data-informed decisions.
Supporting Francophone partners with financial management, donor compliance and organisational systems.
Supporting leadership development, governance structures and institutional management.
Providing opportunities to share practical experiences in financial management and donor compliance.
Strengthening programme monitoring, reporting, evaluation and the use of information.
In addition to Communities of Practice, FPD and consortium partners delivered specialised training to help local organisations meet donor requirements and improve their programme management systems.
FPD's 2023 reporting included a range of Communities of Practice sessions and specialised training activities.
| Language | Community of Practice | Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| English | Leadership & Governance | 5 |
| English | Monitoring & Evaluation | 4 |
| Portuguese | Finance & Compliance | 5 |
| Portuguese | Monitoring & Evaluation | 5 |
| French | Finance & Compliance | 11 |
| French | Leadership & Governance | 8 |
These figures are from the 2023 activity report and represent selected activities, not the full project totals.
ASAP was implemented through a consortium of international development organisations, combining expertise in health systems, organisational development, technical assistance and local partner capacity strengthening.
Lead consortium organisation.
Training, technical assistance, M&E and Communities of Practice.
Consortium partner supporting local capacity strengthening.
Consortium partner contributing technical expertise.
Consortium partner supporting organisational development.
Consortium partner contributing specialised support.
Consortium partner contributing specialised expertise.
Project funding: The ASAP project was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), supporting the localisation of donor-funded health programme implementation across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Additional ASAP programme information, recorded webinars and useful resources for local partners are available through IntraHealth International.
Practical training materials covering subaward management, financial management and organisational capacity strengthening.
Explore recorded learning sessions and resources developed to help local partners strengthen their technical and organisational capabilities.
Learn more about the regional project, its partners, implementation approach and available resources.
The ASAP project demonstrated the importance of investing in local organisations so that they can take greater ownership of health programmes, manage resources responsibly and deliver sustainable results for the communities they serve.