Project Design Certification Programme
Cover image © Adobe Stock/Dragana Gordic
Project Design Certification Programme
7 June–23 July 2027
The course is available in English
Introduction to the course
Well-designed projects are the foundation of effective development cooperation. Turning a development challenge into a coherent, feasible and fundable intervention requires more than writing a proposal: professionals need to analyse the context, understand stakeholders, define a convincing strategy, formulate measurable results, anticipate risks, design project governance, plan implementation and align resources with intended outcomes. The Project Design Certification Programme provides a practical foundation in Project Cycle Management and Results-Based Management. Participants progressively apply the tools introduced throughout the programme to a project of their own and develop a complete project proposal. By sponsoring their staff on this certification programme, organizations strengthen their institutional capacity to translate their mission into concrete results for beneficiaries, and are better equipped to respond to an increasingly competitive development environment that calls for innovative, well-designed approaches.
Who attends this course?
The programme is designed for project and programme managers, coordinators and assistants, technical specialists, proposal writers, fundraisers and other professionals involved in developing development initiatives. It is relevant to professionals working in international organizations, public institutions, local authorities, NGOs, civil society and philanthropic organizations, as well as practitioners seeking a solid foundation in Project Cycle Management and Results-Based Management.
Why a project design certification programme?
This certification serves as a standalone that shows you possess the knowledge and skills to write a complete project proposal. The certification is also a good the basis for any further specialisation that you may want to pursue in project and programme cycle management.
Organizations rely on their staff to develop and implement projects in their respective areas of specialization while they often lack this specific skill. The project management skill is a key competence that enables organisations to mobilise funding and act for change through well designed and managed project. This certification programme contributes to closing the skills gap in the development sector.
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 set of tools and techniques to identify, design, plan, and budget projects
- Use Artificial Intelligence responsibly and effectively to enhance your project design and writing skills
- Develop a full project document and mobilize resources
- Identify potential partnerships for your project
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 2026 Development Cooperation Academy.
For more information on the Academy please click on the following link
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 70 hours of learning.
Moreover:
- 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.
What certification will I get as a successful candidate?
- Upon successful completion of the Academy, participants receive a Certificate of Achievement in their chosen discipline.
- This certificate shows that you have fulfilled all assignments, knowledge tests and other prerequisites to a minimum standard.
- The complete effort amounts to 70 hours of learning.
- The certificate is a digital certificate which is protected by block-chain technology and can be displayed on social media.
Diploma
The certifications form part of the ITCILO Diploma for Development Cooperation Specialists:
