Project Design Certification Programme

PROJECT DESIGN CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME (BLENDED)
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Project Design Certification Programme

9 June–25 July 2025
The course is available in English
Introduction to the course

The Project Design Certification Programme enhances participants' knowledge and skills in designing and writing project proposals, overseeing such processes. It also aims to improve participants' ability to identify and leverage opportunities to mobilize financial resources for projects. By sponsoring participants in this certification programme, and thereby professionalizing and certifying their staff, organizations will strengthen their institutional capacity to design and fund successful projects.

Who attends this course?

Technical specialists; national project coordinators; project managers and assistants; staff of international organizations; national development planning officials; NGO officials involved in the development of project proposals and resource mobilization activities.

Why a project design certification programme?

Organizations require their employees to develop and implement projects in their respective areas of specialization. These professionals are often highly specialized in their technical field, but lack the skills needed to design well-structured and complete projects.

This certification programme helps to bridge this skills gap and enhance the candidates’ personal skills, thereby strengthening their ability to design successful projects and to mobilize resources.

After all, a well-written project document is the first step in ensuring project success, and is the best entry point for fundraising and partnership building.

What will I be able to do?
  • Identify project opportunities for an organization
  • Use a range of tools and techniques to identify, design, plan, and budget projects
  • Develop a project document and mobilize resources
  • Identify potential development cooperation partnerships as the privileged entry point for fundraising
What certification will I get as a successful candidate?
  • On successful completion of the programme requirements, you will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement.
  • This certificate demonstrates that you have the right knowledge, skills and attitudes to design development projects.
  • At the end of the programme, you will have designed and completed a project document as part of the certification programme - a great addition to your CV.
Why should I join?

The certification programme is organised in a blended modality. It includes a distance-learning phase followed by a one-week workshop in Turin on the United Nations Campus under the umbrella of the 2023 Development Cooperation Academy (see below). Once participants have completed the workshop, they will then work remotely with the assistance of an expert on a final project and receive their certification. The entire programme consists of approximately 60 hours of learning. 

  • Project design skills are essential for development professionals.
  • Employers who sponsor participants will receive ready-to-use project documents.
  • Participants receive a professional certificate attesting to their project design skills.
  • The programme is designed and delivered by project management experts and practitioners.
  • Participatory activities include self-guided modules, an online forum, practical assignments, coaching and tutoring.
  • Participants receive permanent access to the Project Design Toolkit.
The 2024 Development Cooperation Academy

Join us this year at the Development Cooperation Academy, featuring the theme: “EMPOWERING DEVELOPMENT: TOWARDS JUST TRANSITIONS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE”. Our workshop in Turin is a pivotal part of this Academy's blended certification programme, bringing together participants and leading experts in the field.

During the Academy, participants will engage in an enriching workshop experience and have the chance to join a global forum each day. These forums focus on various aspects related to our theme, providing a platform for in-depth discussion and exchange of ideas.

Attending the Development Cooperation Academy is an exceptional opportunity for networking, gaining advanced knowledge, and embracing innovation in the realm of development cooperation. It's a chance for personal growth and for expanding your professional and technical understanding in line with the latest trends in the field.

Throughout the programme, participants will collaborate to explore and understand the concepts of Just Transitions and Social Justice from a global perspective. This experience is not just about learning; it’s about contributing to a broader, more inclusive conversation on development and playing a part in shaping a just global future.

Questions? We have the answers