The “Project Manager for International Cooperation” professional training course is designed to equip participants with the skills needed for a highly sought-after role in NGOs.

The course, entirely taught in Italian, follows a technical-practical and highly professionalizing approach, and is led by seasoned humanitarian professionals with extensive field experience worldwide.

The program includes 140 hours of live online classes, conducted Monday through Friday, offering an engaging learning experience facilitated by experienced instructors.

The training, which involves both individual and group learning, is closely monitored and supported by a dedicated Course Coordinator.

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• understand the role, responsibilities and skills of the Project Manager in international cooperation, gaining an insight into the project life cycle and the PM’s contribution to the planning, implementation, monitoring and closure of interventions, in line with project and organisational objectives;
• understand the system of relations and resource management of an international cooperation project, developing knowledge of the management of partnerships, relations with donors and stakeholders, personnel, security and coordination mechanisms, to contribute to the proper functioning of projects in complex contexts;
• understand the main processes and tools for managing international cooperation projects, acquiring the basics for technical and financial planning, monitoring of activities and results, administrative and document management, project reporting and communication, according to the standards and procedures commonly adopted in the sector.

The curriculum covers key areas essential for project management in the international cooperation field:

• The project cycle: main phases, needs analysis, definition and implementation of activities.
• Coordination and relation system: coordination at country and project level, communication flows, role of the PM in the country delegation.
• External relations and partnerships: relations with institutional partners, NGOs, donors, consortia and co-financing.
• Project contract and budget: contract structure, management rules, types of costs, sustainability strategies, donor budget formats.
• Operational procedures and procurement plan: procurement procedures, tenders and supporting documentation, procurement plan.
• Logistics and operational tools: stock management, inventory, vehicle fleet, management tools.
• Monitoring, evaluation and communication: monitoring and evaluation tools, project communication and visibility, use of an expenditure forecasting tool.
• Economic and financial management and compliance: economic and financial management of the project, expenditure support documentation, administrative and financial audit, prevention of illegal activities.
• Human resources and security: selection and management of project staff, security management.

The course is open to individuals interested in pursuing a career in international cooperation as project manager.

Applicants should:

• be at least 23 years old;
• university degree and/or Master’s degree in development economics, international cooperation, political science, or equivalent;
• fluent written and oral knowledge of French and/or English;
• high motivation towards cooperation activities in development or emergency situations;
• be inclined to work in developing countries with long stays abroad;
• be inclined to work in multicultural teams;
• have good ability to cope with potential stress generated by the activities and the work environment;
• be flexible, adaptable, dynamic;
• have organisational, planning and problem-solving skills;
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

N.B. For continuous and effective participation in the course, it is preferable not to be engaged in other training or work activities that could limit attendance. In any case, candidates already engaged in such activities must indicate how they will guarantee regular participation in the course modules.

The course lasts approximately 140 hours, divided into 18 modules delivered online in asynchronous format, with at least 80% attendance required.

Additionally, there are several hours of asynchronous individual or group work, with an estimated commitment of about 2 hours per day, totaling approximately 6 hours daily (4 synchronous and 2 asynchronous) from Monday to Friday.

To complete the course, participants must pass a final exam covering all module topics, conducted as an online interview of approximately 30 minutes

A certificate of attendance is awarded upon completion.

Course fee: €976.

The course is co-financed by COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale, with no reimbursement of expenses during training.