Selection and role of long-term advisors

The role of the long-term advisor is examined in this report with a view towards identifying the skills necessary for transferring technology. This study discusses five competencies which can be of value during the selection of candidates who would be effective as long-term advisors. These competencies are categorized as follows: technical leadership, training and coaching, cultural sensitivity, commitment to development, building and maintaining collegial relationships. These are each described separately before a link is made to their application in project design, long-term advisor recruitment and selection, training, and monitoring and evaluating of advisor performance. A number of suggestions are given about the practical applications of these competencies during any phase of the long-term advisor process. Specific examples are also given on how advisors and counterparts can create conditions conducive to a successful transfer of skills. It is recognized that much research still needs to be done in determining how to manage the long-term advisor process more effectively.