UNHCR as enabler of national capacity – Evaluation synthesis series

Capacity development rarely produces durable national ownership, because the UNHCR operational model is not designed for institutional change. Training builds individual competencies without changing how institutions function, are financed or are held accountable. Genuine handover requires sustained engagement, national budget commitment, co-designed transition plans and investment in civil society; annual funding cycles, staff rotation and short planning horizons work against each.