Self-Assessment of AIDS Competence
A Human Capacity Development Framework

Instructions for Self Assessment Exercise

I. The Self-Assessment Tool
The Self-Assessment Framework is a tool developed through the collaboration of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), UNAIDS, the British Petroleum C° and the Salvation Army; it was adopted by CIFAL to measure the key practices that lead to competent cities. A team of experts and analysts have identified 10 practice areas each, with five levels of competency from BASIC to HIGH for cities to assess their strengths and challenges on the way to AIDS Competence.

II. What is AIDS Competence?
AIDS Competence means that we as people in families, communities, in organizations and in policy making:
• acknowledge the reality of HIV and AIDS,
• act from strength to build capacity to respond,
• reduce vulnerability and risks,
• learn and share with others and
• live out our full potential.

III. Purpose of the Tool
The purpose of this Self Assessment Framework is to assess the current competency levels of participating cities prior to the actual workshop and to identify potential "sharers" and "learners" for knowledge exchange during the conference. In addition to this, the Self Assessment Framework will be used to set specific targets for improving current practices and develop action-oriented solutions to address current challenges. The tool is meant to facilitate a local appraisal of the response to AIDS, by confronting the views of the stakeholders involved in the response at city level. This is done during a collective Self-Assessment exercise, carried out locally prior to the workshop. .

IV. Who should be Involved?
A wide variety of individuals that will represent key stakeholders/actors of the prospective community and will represent a diverse set of views (Suggested: 15-25 representatives from non-government organizations, government agencies, the private sector, academia/research centers and other interested entities). The purpose is to gather around the same table local government representatives, community representatives, patients and service delivery organizations.

V. The Self-Assessment Process

NOTE: if the group exceeds 20-25 people, it is possible to split it into two. Each sub-group will then assess the community on 5 practice areas. This supposes that each sub-group be likely to represent a diverse set of views. In that case, two facilitators are needed.

VI. What to Submit?
The meeting organizer will return the following documents:
• Self-Assessment Framework for AIDS Competence (either circle or highlight your communities current level )
• Summary Report
• Sample Meeting Agenda
• FAQs