An Easy Guide to Capacity Assessment for National Human Rights Institutions 3. The recommended steps in conducting a capacity assessment for a national human rights institution PRELIMINARY – ENGAGING WITH THE NHRI 1 Conduct an initial exchange with the head of the NHRI to introduce the CA methodology to the NHRI and invite an expression of interest 2 Provide the head of the NHRI with a short ‘concept note’ that introduces the CA process in simple terms, including the benefits in undertaking a CA 3 If the NHRI is interested, agree on a preparatory visit to brief NHRI leaders and staff more fully and to seek the necessary formal approval THE PREPARATORY VISIT 4 Brief NHRI leaders and staff on the CA objectives and process 5 Obtain the formal agreement of the NHRI 6 Discuss a draft memorandum of understanding between the NHRI and the APF 7 Have the NHRI appoint a senior person as its Liaison Officer with the CA team 8 With the Liaison Officer identify documents to be reviewed and outside stakeholders to be interviewed 9 With the Liaison Officer prepare an initial draft program for the assessment visit 10 With the Liaison Officer determine whether interpretation and translation will be required for the CA 11 Brief the UN Country Team, where relevant and appropriate BETWEEN THE PREPARATORY VISIT AND THE ASSESSMENT VISIT 12 Conclude a memorandum of understanding between the NHRI and the APF for the conduct of the CA, setting out the responsibilities of the NHRI, organisations assisting the CA and the CA team 13 Appoint members to the CA team, considering a gender balance and inclusion of persons with gender expertise 14 Obtain and read the relevant documents, supplied by the Liaison Officer 15 Finalise the program and schedule for the assessment visit 16 Arrange for the Liaison Officer to make appointments for the assessment team to interview the outside stakeholders during the assessment visit 17 If necessary, arrange the services of interpreters and translators for the assessment visit 9