The Capacity Development Advisor (CDA) supports the NITHA Partners’ programs and services though the on-going development of health human resources. This entails planning for the current and future needs of the Partners and establishing broad, collaborative relationships which are required to achieve desired outcomes. She leverages expertise through the NITHA Partnership with other organizations (Federal and regional councils, community partnerships and educational institutions).

The CDA determines the key NITHA capacity development priorities through annual work planning processes and DACUM processes in collaboration with a NITHA mandated working group. This group is informed through the Capacity Development Advisor of emerging directions and changes which will impact Health Human Resource capacity in the north. She scans the environment to determine skills/competencies (e.g. training learning data, performance measurement data, and language competencies). She supports the Capacity Development Working Group to anticipate and react to changes to federal funding levels and changes in leadership priorities.

Current workforce trends and demand and supply of employees in growing health occupations are considered throughout the planning cycle. Based on reliable projections and environmental scans, the Capacity Development Advisor anticipates and responds with appropriate recommendations to the NITHA Executive Council. For example changes to the training programs are made when service delivery requires new skills.

Capacity Development activities include the development of resources, tools, approaches, training and strategies to meet the identified needs of the 1st and 2nd level communities and health staff. NITHA staff assist, coordinate and support delivery of capacity development activities for partner staff groups or community members as designated by the community Health Directors/Coordinators. Resources, funding, in-kind contributions, commitments and partnerships are developed to support development and delivery of capacity development initiatives, in collaboration with the community Health Directors/Coordinators, designated NITHA staff and/or other designated partner staff. Evaluation is undertaken around clear and measurable HR-related goals which are established early in the planning cycle.