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upskilling the public and nonprofit sector workforce to address project management gaps
If you are looking to initiate and lead projects, are currently working in a project or are working towards a project/program management role in the nonprofit [INGOs, NGOs, CBOs, etc.] or public sector, then this program is the exact match for you.Â
Our Professional Diploma in Development Project Management is designed to instill students with a solid understanding of project management concepts and their practical application in the development sector. From inception to impact, you’ll master the art of orchestrating projects that make a tangible difference in communities through effective project management.
Learn from industry instructors and fellow students from allover Africa and gain up-to-date and applicable project management skills and knowledge.
By the end of the program you should be able to:
- Identify and apply the main concepts, theories, and various principles of project management.
- Conduct needs assessment, identify and analyze potential risks, and apply the Logical Framework Approach Methodology in designing a project.
- Conduct a baseline survey.
- Develop the Project Management Plan (12 subsidiary plans) to guide the implementation phase.
- Secure finances to implement the project.
- Implement, monitor, and control the project.
- Successfully close the project.
- New knowledge, skills, methodologies, and tools applicable to project management.
- Enhanced capacity to initiate, design and plan relevant, impactful, and sustainable projects.
- Improved management capabilities to ensure smooth implementation and close-out phases.
- A transformed perspective that improves the overall project management performance.
- Improved confidence, engagement, and productivity.
- Enhanced career growth.
To be eligible for admission, applicants must be holders of a Diploma or Degree in a relevant field of study from a recognized institution.
NB: At least one year of relevant working experience is desired but not mandatory.
After course completion, you will receive a Professional Diploma in Development Project Management. You’ll be able to add this achievement to your LinkedIn profile and resume to stand out to prospective employers.
Our graduands find a wide range of career paths open to them in the nonprofit, private practice and public sectors. Common roles include:
- Project and Program Director/Manager/Coordinator
- Monitoring and Evaluation Manager/Consultant
- Intervention Specialist/Manager
- Community/Social Development Officer
- Social Research Officer
- Academia/Higher Education Instructor
- Development Consultant, etc.
This is a six-month, part-time program delivered through a blended learning model. Students attend online lectures via Zoom delivered by industry instructors and undertake self-directed/paced learning via RizikiLMS, and where necessary attend classroom-based seminars.
Your Learning Path
discover the modules and milestones
Module 1: Foundations of Project Management
Learn and understand the fundamental principles of project management: key definitions, 3Ps, theory of constraints, PM knowledge areas, project cycle management, development projects, cross-cutting issues, desired competencies of a project manager, etc.
MONTH 1Module 2: Project Initiation & Design
Master the art of project initiation, from conducting needs assessments, identifying and analyzing risks, undertaking problem analysis, objectives analysis, strategy analysis, stakeholder analysis, developing a clear project logical framework to conducting a baseline survey. Explore design thinking techniques to ensure projects are tailored to the needs of the community.
MONTH 2Module 3: Project Planning
Learn the art of meticulous project planning, including how to develop a project plan [project management plan]. Learn how to develop the plans needed to guide the implementation phase including scope, schedule, cost, quality, human resource, communication, procurement, stakeholder, change, M&E, and sustainability management plans.
MONTH 3Module 4: Project Financing
Understand the principles of fundraising and proposal writing. Identify and explain various sources of funds for financing development projects. Explain various fundraising techniques [online and offline] and select the most feasible ones for your organization/project. Plan for and write (step-by-step) a compelling project proposal and submit it for review.
MONTH 4Module 5: Project Implementation
Transform plans into action with effective project execution. Dive into managing resources, monitoring progress, and navigating unexpected challenges. Explore adaptive management strategies for dynamic environments.
MONTH 5Module 6: Project Closure
Discover the critical steps to close a project successfully, including evaluating outcomes, capturing lessons learned, closing accounts, and transitioning project ownership. Explore strategies to ensure sustainability beyond project completion.
MONTH 6How you will learn
Understand the delivery processes and procedures...
You will have access to pre-recorded lectures and readings covering each module’s material. These can be accessed anytime and can be paused, rewound, or reviewed as needed. The learning takes place via our eLearning Platform (RizikiLMS).
Online lectures are meant to complement students’ self-directed learning and provide them with the much-needed real-world perspectives to instill confidence and improve performance at work.
Every month you will be required to attend two online lectures delivered by qualified industry instructors.
Multiple-Choice Quizzes
Once you have completed a lesson or topic during your self-directed learning, your skills and knowledge will be tested with an automated multiple-choice assessment, after which you will receive instant results. Only after achieving the pass-mark can you proceed with the next steps.
Instructor-Marked Assignments
Candidates shall be expected to submit Six Individual Assignments and Six Group/Syndicate Assignments. These continuous assessments [throughout the program] measure your understanding of the material and help identify areas where you need further study and improvement.
Online lectures and group assignments facilitate cross-border and multisector idea sharing and collaboration thereby deepening networking among students. Meet students and instructors with diverse backgrounds, creating a rich pool of professionals to learn and grow with.
Testimonials
what our students are saying...
Meet your instructors
learn from qualified and experienced industry professionals
Johnstone Gichoria
Lead Instructor
MSc, Project Management. HoD, Business & Development Management, RizikiSkills.
Dr. Michael Jairos
Instructor
PhD, Economics. Lecturer, School of Economics, University of Nairobi. CEO, KIDA, County Government of Kirinyaga.
William Muriithi
Instructor
MSc, Project Management. Secretary General, Kenya Association of Project Managers (KAPM).
Eliud Njogu
Instructor
MSc, Public Policy & Management. Director, Support & Administration, Strathmore University Business School.
CPA Kennedy Njue
Instructor
CPAK,. MSc, Finance. Finance Manager, Smart Regional Consultants.
Julius Limbitu
Instructor
MA, Community Development. Lecturer, Daystar University. CEO, Evaluation Society of Kenya.
Alex Ngala
Instructor
MSc, Agriculture & Rural Development. M&E Officer, Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevolkerung (DSW).
Frequently Asked Questions
All self-directed learning takes place via RizikiLMS. At the beginning of the semester you will be guided on how to create and use your RizikiLMS account to study, and submit quizzes and assignments. You will need an internet enabled device [PC/laptop/mobile] to access the materials and learn.
A schedule outlining the online lecture topics, dates and times, and respective industry instructors will be shared at the beginning of the semester. You will need an internet enabled device to attend the lectures.
Individual assignments are submitted via RizikiLMS while group assignments are submitted via email. In both cases the instructor reviews/marks and provide custom feedback to the students and groups.
Yes. Contact us to discuss and agree on a workable payment plan.
To graduate from this six-month program, you should meet the following criteria:
- Complete [100%] of the self-study materials via RizikiLMS [with a 70% average quiz pass mark].
- Submit and pass all individual and group assignments [with a 70% average pass mark],
- Attend at least 9/12 [75%] online lectures.
Apply Now
limited slots available for the upcoming intake
Full Course Curriculum
explore the modules and associated lessons, topics and assignments in detail
