CONCEPT NOTE
INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS (PROJECT DPRO FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE)
COURSE BACKGROUND
Development projects, often funded by international donors or government agencies, are critical in improving communities and advancing societal progress. However, these projects can be complex, multi-dimensional, and fraught with risks, requiring solid project management frameworks to ensure they meet objectives, timelines, and budgets.
The Project DPro Foundation Certificate course, offered by the Environmental Capacities and Sustainability Institute (ECAS), introduces participants to the internationally recognized Project DPro (formerly PMD Pro) methodology. This methodology provides project managers, especially in development and humanitarian sectors, with the essential skills and knowledge to manage projects effectively and ethically from conception to closure.
This course is designed for professionals working on development projects, helping them gain practical tools for planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The course emphasizes critical areas such as stakeholder engagement, risk management, resource allocation, and adaptive project planning, ensuring that participants are prepared for the Project DPro certification exam and equipped to implement these best practices in their own projects.
COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the core concepts of Project DPro and its application in development projects.
- Apply key project management tools and techniques to manage projects through the project lifecycle.
- Design project scopes, work plans, budgets, and timelines.
- Identify and mitigate risks throughout the lifecycle of a project.
- Effectively manage stakeholder relationships and communication strategies.
- Prepare for and successfully pass the Project DPro Foundation Certificate examination.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
This course provides the theoretical and practical skills needed to effectively manage development projects. Participants will gain knowledge in the following areas:
- Learn the foundational frameworks that underpin effective project management.
- Gain insight into each phase of a project, from initiation to closeout, and how to navigate through them efficiently.
- Understand how to structure project work, manage resources, and create schedules using practical tools like Gantt charts and work breakdown structures (WBS).
- Learn how to identify, analyze, and mitigate potential risks to ensure project success.
- Develop strategies for effective stakeholder engagement, including managing relationships and communicating progress.
- Gain tools for adaptive management, measuring project success, and applying corrective actions based on performance data.
- Prepare for the Project DPro certification exam with guidance on exam structure, common questions, and how to approach the test.
DURATION AND PROGRAM
TARGET PARTICIPANTS
This course is designed for professionals involved in the planning, management, and evaluation of development projects. It is especially suited for project managers, program officers, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) specialists working in the development, humanitarian, and social impact sectors. The course is ideal for those employed by NGOs, INGOs, UN agencies, and government departments, as well as consultants and researchers who provide expertise in project management and development. Professionals looking to transition into project management roles within development organizations will also benefit from the course. No prior certification is required, but a basic understanding of project environments will enhance the learning experience. Additionally, individuals seeking formal recognition and certification in project management practices for development projects will find the Project DPro Foundation Certificate an essential qualification to enhance their career.
TRAINING STYLE
The modules will be taught through PowerPoint presentations, and lectures and will include a case study/field visit, breakout sessions, case studies and other interactive discussion components.
The course will also include a few guest speakers, both in person and via Zoom and other online learning platforms for overseas speakers. This provides useful real-world insights alongside the more theoretical aspects of the course.
The conference faculty shall consist of experienced decision makers, as well as practitioners and representatives from established educational and research institutions active around climate change, engineering and international development. Throughout the course, theoretical presentation of concepts will be moderated and more group discussions and plenary engagements will be optimized. PowerPoint presentations will be made by facilitators and resource persons, to highlight key concepts before embarking on group work.
TRAINING MODULES
| No | Module | Details | |
| 1. | Introduction to Project Management in Development |
This module introduces the core concepts of project management within the context of development projects. It provides an overview of the complexities involved in managing development initiatives and introduces the Project DPro framework as a solution to address these challenges.
Topics:
|
|
| 2. | Project Identification and Design |
In this module, participants will learn the foundational steps in initiating a development project, starting with identifying the project’s goals and needs. It covers how to design projects that are responsive to community needs, and how to establish clear objectives and measurable outcomes.
Topics:
|
|
| 3. | Planning for Implementation |
This module focuses on the critical planning phase of development projects. Participants will learn how to structure a project by breaking down tasks, setting timelines, and allocating resources effectively. The focus will be on practical tools for project planning and creating realistic schedules and budgets.
Topics:
|
|
| 4. | Managing Risk, Quality, and Stakeholders |
In this module, participants will gain the tools and techniques to effectively manage project risks, ensure quality, and engage stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. It covers risk analysis and mitigation strategies, as well as the best practices for communicating with and involving stakeholders.
Topics:
|
|
|
5.
|
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Adaptation |
This module addresses how to monitor and evaluate the progress of a project, ensuring that it stays on track. Participants will learn how to design and implement monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems that capture real-time data and enable adaptive management based on findings.
Topics:
|
|
| 6. | Project Closeout and Learning |
The final module focuses on the processes involved in project closure. Participants will learn how to finalize project deliverables, capture lessons learned, and ensure that the knowledge gained is shared and applied in future projects. This module will also prepare participants for the Project DPro Foundation Certificate exam.
Topics:
|
|
GENERAL NOTES
- Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
- Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
- We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
- Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.
ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE
The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.