One of the cores FSC deliverables and part of the overall localisation efforts of the cluster system, is to identify capacity gaps and provide (demand-driven) training and capacity strengthening opportunities to FSC partners. The Coordinator should be pro-active in developing a ‘capacity strengthening plan’ for the FSC by working with partners to assess and identify the key capacity needs and act to fill it in the most effective way possible with a special focus on local actors so that they are able to perform cluster core function. 

Training on Key Technical Areas: Capacity building initiatives can cover areas such as: food security dimensions, analysis, IPC, monitoring and feedback mechanisms, cross-cutting issues related to food security, food security and nutrition linkages, outcome monitoring, emergency preparedness etc. The FSC teams should also promote technical trainings through the Technical WGs (agriculture, livelihoods, cash etc.).

Training on Key Processes: The FSC team shall also provide training and workshop to ensure the inclusiveness of all actors into the various key processes: HNO, HRP , IPC, Pooled Funds etc. This also includes training that encourage co-coordination/coordination roles for national/local actors by strengthening their capacity. FSC teams should dedicate part of the cluster annual budget to the implementation of these activities, however some of the capacity building initiatives can be done in collaboration with existing in country support (CLAs agencies, e.g. WFP RAM Unit, FAO technical experts, Nutrition Cluster, Protection Cluster, OCHA etc.) or with the global support unit (gFSC), through virtual or ad hoc missions.

Training on Information management: IM is another aspect of capacity strengthening efforts and where possible, the Coordinator should promote IM training with support of the FSC IMO, gFSC IMOs (see the intranet on the FSC website for more information) and OCHA.

Members: When developing capacity strengthening initiatives, the FSC should be inclusive and ensure that local members also can benefit from those, facilitating physical access (e.g. sub-regional trainings – not only at capital level) and linguistic one (local language, or minority language). See also 10.3.

National Authorities: The promotion of technical trainings for government counterparts is recommended to ensure good collaboration and understanding of the coordination role. It is also a central aspect of the ‘capacity strengthening and transition planning strategy’ (see 3.3.1 above) and should be prioritised from the outset. The gradual strengthening of national and local capacities can support a transition to a more nationally and locally led response. Where possible and appropriate, the CLAs may support national authorities by deploying technical capacity within line ministries.