Effective financial management is vital for achieving the intended results of development projects.  Reporting is central to donor compliance, and clear budgets, accurate financial data, and strong internal controls strengthen decision-making, ensure adherence to donor requirements, and safeguard project resources.

By attending this course, you will gain the practical skills to operate a complete project financial management system - from planning and budgeting to reporting, internal controls, and disbursements. With these competencies, you will be well-equipped to support your organization in delivering projects effectively and contributing directly to the achievement of defined results.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to apply the principles and practices of project financial management in line with donor requirements and organizational standards. They will be equipped to contribute directly to effective planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and closure of development cooperation projects, namely:

• Apply Core Concepts and Standards of Project Financial Management
• Develop and Manage Project Budgets Aligned with Donor Requirements
• Operate, Monitor, and Report on Project Financial Processes
• Manage Fiduciary Responsibilities with Integrity and Professionalism

Participants will be able to competently design and operate project financial management systems and make corresponding payments/disbursements in accordance with sound professional standards and the harmonized requirements of donors and their respective governments.

Participants who successfully complete the training can expect to improve or enhance their knowledge and skills and be able to:

• Explain the principles, definitions and concepts of project financial management:
• Capture financial parameters in core project documents to the design the financial management system
• Customize the project financial system
• Operate the project financial system: budgeting, monitoring, controlling and reporting
• Close the project financially and coordinate auditors
• Identify ethical challenges and applying soft skills in managing project finances

This certification programme is delivered in a blended learning format, combining distance learning with an in-person learning experience. It includes an online phase followed by a one-week workshop in Turin at the United Nations Campus, as part 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:

• Employers who sponsor participants benefit from strengthened financial management systems and procedures, improving efficiency, transparency, and accountability in their organizations.
• Successful participants receive a professional certificate, demonstrating their ability to manage project finances in compliance with international standards and donor requirements.
• The programme is designed and delivered by development practitioners and financial management experts with extensive experience in development cooperation, ensuring practical and applicable learning.
• Participatory activities include self-paced learning, webinars, case studies, and practical assignments, enabling participants to apply financial management principles in real-world development project contexts

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.