What you will learn
- Describe the phases of a humanitarian project and the role of the project manager.
- Build a work plan (WBS, Gantt chart, critical path), a RACI matrix and a risk register.
- Manage implementation (changes, issues, team) and close the project, drawing out lessons learned.
Course information
- Level
- Beginner to intermediate
- Study time
- 18 hours over 3 days (lessons, case studies, exercises)
- Format
- Online, at your own pace, free and unlimited access
- Assessment
- Daily quizzes + final exam of 20 randomly drawn questions (30 min, pass mark 70%)
- Credential
- Named, numbered certificate of achievement, verifiable online (QR code)
- Reference frameworks
- PM4NGOs · European Commission · CHS Alliance, Groupe URD, Sphere
Programme
- Day1Scoping the projectProject, programme and the role of the project manager · The phases of the project cycle · Stakeholders · The triple constraint Scenario: Launching a project after floods
- Day2Planning: work, schedule, responsibilities and risksBreaking down the work (WBS) · Gantt chart and critical path · Who does what: the RACI matrix · Risk register Scenario: The delay in international procurement
- Day3Managing implementation and closingMonitoring progress · Managing changes · Team and remote management · Closing the project Scenario: Access cut off at mid-term
- Final assessment and certificate20 questions · 70% to pass · 3 attempts per 24 hours
Who is it for?
Project managers, programme assistants and coordinators, managers of national NGOs and anyone taking charge of a project in the field.
The certificate
With at least 70% correct answers in the final assessment, you receive a certificate in your name, with a unique code that recruiters can verify on Humanitaires Jobs. A free Members area account is required.
Key concepts
The vocabulary you need to master for this course and the exam.
- Project cycle
- Identification, design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and closure.
- Critical path
- The sequence of tasks in which any delay pushes back the project end date.
- RACI matrix
- Allocation of roles: responsible, accountable, consulted, informed.
- Scope creep
- Uncontrolled expansion of the project's content without additional resources.
- Adaptive management
- Documented adjustment of the project according to monitoring data and the context.
- Burn rate
- The pace at which the budget is spent over time.
- Risk register
- A list of risks with probability, impact, measures and owner.
- Closure
- Handover of assets, archiving, final report and communication with stakeholders.
References and recommended reading
The official texts and sector reference works on which the course is based.
- PM4NGOs (2020). A Guide to the PMD Pro: Project Management for Development Professionals. www.pm4ngos.org
- European Commission (2004). Project Cycle Management Guidelines. international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu
- CHS Alliance, Groupe URD, Sphere (2024). Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS). www.corehumanitarianstandard.org
- ALNAP (2022). The State of the Humanitarian System (report). www.alnap.org