4 - Implementation - Delivering Technical Assistance

Implementation

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After you have conducted your analysis and identified the greatest TA needs of the beneficiary organization, you can now launch into the implementation phase. Implementation is when the provider actually delivers the information and skills that will solve the problem or improve the performance of the organization. The implementation phase is the meat of the four phases. It requires a great deal of flexibility from the TA provider. You should meet the organization in whatever phase of organizational development they are in, actively listening so that you can meet their individual needs, and coach them to a place that works for them. To ensure that you deliver the highest quality technical assistance this chapter will cover the appropriate steps to take during the implementation phase.

From analysis, you launch into the implementation phase, when you actually provide the TA.

At the onset of the implementation phase, it is important to outline a TA engagement through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or work plan. This will ensure that everyone is operating with the same plan and priorities, and that the TA provider has outlined what can realistically be accomplished through the TA engagement. The MOU and/or work plan will be the roadmap used by the TA provider and beneficiary organization

If the engagement is short (lasting only a couple of days) or is around one key issue or problem, it may be that an MOU will suffice for defining the engagement. If the engagement is long-term and/or addresses several issues, a work plan is probably also needed. Use the table below to determine what is appropriate for you.

Elements of MOU	Elements of Work Plan
Goals for the TA Role of the TA provider Responsibilities of the organization receiving TA Person from each organization who will be held accountable Period of TA engagement	Goals for the TA Intended outcomes of the TA TA activities broken down into actionable steps Person responsible for each TA activity Due date for each TA activity

A work plan can be a blueprint for your TA engagement.

Download this work plan template and begin outlining your TA engagements.

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The TA provider will go through three steps during implementation.

The implementation phase includes the actual delivery of the information and skills that will solve the problem or improve the performance of the organization. In implementation, the TA provider will go through the following steps:

Prepare. Depending on the nature of the TA, skill level of the TA provider, and familiarity with the beneficiary organization, the preparation could be limited or intensive. It could include a review of organizational files, a subject matter review related to the TA topic, practicing the technological platform that will be used for the TA engagement (if it will use technology in some way), preparation of logistics for an onsite visit, and/or the creation of an agenda, PowerPoint slides, handouts, and activities.
Deliver. Delivery of the technical assistance is straightforward if you adequately prepared. Begin by orienting and assessing the people and situation you are presented with, and then assist by delivering the relevant knowledge and skills.
Identify next steps. Use the ideas and energy produced during the TA session and document the next steps to move the process forward. This could be as simple as identifying the “to-dos” of both the TA provider and the beneficiary organization, or it could involve creating an action plan or implementation plan based on the TA provided.