PMD Pro

Project Management in the NGO / Development Sector: Level 1 & 2

What is it about?

The Level 1 course provides an introduction to project management within the context of the non-government organisations (NGOs) / Development Sector that manage their work through projects in a challenging and often highly complex environment. In Level 2, the focus on the practical project management application of projects. The course is aligned to internationally recognized project management standards with components specific to the NGO / Development Sector.

This certification is seen as an important benchmark for continuous improvement. The scheme was developed by APMG-International in partnership with Project Management for NGOs (PM4NGOs), an organization dedicated to optimizing international project investments and improving professional project management skills in the NGO / Development Sector.

What can I expect?

The level 1 course covers the “what” of NGO / Development Sector project management: knowledge and understanding of key terms, facts and concepts including

Phases in the life of a development project
- Project Identification and Design, Project Set Up, Project Planning, Project Implementation, Project Monitoring, Evaluation and Control, End of Project Transition

Six Project management disciplines
- Scope management, Time management, Project resource management, Risk management, Project justification management, Stakeholder management
Adapting the PMD Pro to the project context

The level 2 course covers the “how” of NGO / Development Sector project management: practical application of key management concepts and the ability to identify, analyse and distinguish between the appropriate and inappropriate use of PMD Pro.

Apply and tailor PMD Pro to the different phases in the life of a development project
- Project Identification and Design, Project Set Up, Project Planning, Project Implementation, Project Monitoring, Evaluation and Control, End of Project Transition

Apply the six project management disciplines
- Scope management, Time management, Project resource management, Risk management, Project justification management, Stakeholder management
Adapt the PMD Pro principles to individual project scenarios

Who should use?

This project management course will benefit all those involved in projects in the development sector, including:

Programmatic specialists
NGO / Development Sector Professionals
Programme Managers
Project Managers
Project support staff
Consultants/contract staff

How and when can I Attend?

This is a 5 day event leading to the PMD Pro Level 1 Certification exam on the third day. The multiple choice online exam is one hour and consists of 75 questions. Delegates are required to correctly answer 49 questions (65%) to pass.

The PMD Pro Level 2 Certification exam which takes place on the final day is three hours multiple choice online contextualised exam that consists of 75 questions. Delegates are required to correctly answer 49 questions (65%) to pass.

The course is delivered with a blend of classroom training interventions and case study-based practical syndicate and individual sessions.

Delegates receive the following:

Electronic course materials, based on the PM4NGOs Guide to the PMD Pro
Case study
Sample answer and sample project management templates
Sample Exam papers

The project management course may be delivered at our premises or alternatively we also tailor the course to be delivered in-house with sufficient attendees.

Do I qualify?

Course delegates should preferably have some project management experience and should have completed the pre-course study material.

Candidates who successfully complete Level 1 are encouraged to pursue PMD Pro Level 2 Certification. We also suggest delegates attend specialized project management software training such as Microsoft Project to further sharpen their scheduling skills.

Experienced candidates who successfully complete Level 2 are encouraged to pursue a certification such as the PMI’s Professional Project Management (PMP®) or APMG International’s PRINCE2®.

What’s in it for me?

In the context of NGO / Development Sector projects, delegates will be able to:
Understand a range of tools and techniques used for managing projects and workloads, and apply knowledge relevant to the environment
Enhance specialist skills such as planning and implementation by adding best practices
Improve quality and communication through a common language