Institutional Development and Governance Advisory
When the mandate grows faster than the institution.
Institutions are often asked to do more than they were built for: a new reform agenda, a wider remit, closer public scrutiny. Strain shows first in governance, structure and systems. We help leaders see where the institution is working against itself, and put in place what it needs to deliver.
Signs it may be time
- Roles overlap, accountability is unclear and decisions stall.
- The board and management do not share the same picture of risk, performance or priorities.
- A reform has been announced, but the systems to carry it out do not yet exist.
- Procurement, performance management or oversight processes cannot withstand scrutiny.
- The organisation has grown, but its structure still reflects an earlier stage.
What this service involves
We assess how an institution is governed, organised and run, compare that with what its mandate requires, and help close the gap. Our assessments use internationally recognised tools, including the McKinsey Capacity Assessment Grid and the USAID Organisational Capacity Assessment, applied with attention to local context. We then work with the institution’s own people to design and implement the changes.
How we support you
- Institutional and organisational assessments. Independent reviews of capacity, structure, governance and systems, with clear priorities for action.
- Organisational redesign. Structures, reporting lines and systems that match the mandate, from grassroots NGOs to federal agencies.
- Governance and board advisory. Board governance, fiduciary responsibility, oversight and audit committee practice, and the interface between boards, management and the legislature.
- Public sector reform support. Advisory work on reform priorities, performance management and procurement capacity for federal and state institutions.
Who we work with
Federal and state ministries, departments and agencies; boards of federal parastatals; regulators and commissions; universities and their governing councils; microfinance banks and financial institutions; and non-governmental organisations.
Why it matters
A well-governed institution makes better decisions, uses its resources more carefully and earns the confidence of the public, funders and regulators. Our role is to help you build that foundation, and to leave your team able to maintain it.
Relevant experience
- Phase 1 contract with the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, delivering a revised concept note and capacity-building framework for public service reform priorities.
- Board governance, fiduciary responsibility and oversight training for boards of federal parastatals, delivered with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
- A four-day strategic governance retreat for the Governing Council of Federal University Lokoja, held in Johannesburg.
- Rapid institutional assessments of microfinance banks in Plateau State, covering governance, portfolio quality and operational sustainability.
