HREA: Project Development and Management in the NGO Sector

The Human Rights Education Associates (HREA) is an international NGO that supports human rights learning; the training of activists and professionals; the development of educational materials and programming; and community-building through on-line technologies. The HREA is conducting a distant learning course on Project Development and Management in the NGO Sector from 16 September to 24 November 2009.

This course will introduce the basic elements of project development and management. Step-by-step processes and techniques will be introduced for the various phases of a project life cycle. The course is intended for staff of non-governmental organisations who have responsibility for designing and carrying out a project, but with relatively little experience. Participants will be assisted in the development of a project plan that could be submitted to senior management or a funding agency.

The course involves approximately 50 hours of reading, on-line working groups, interaction with students and instructor and assignments, and is offered over a 10-week period, beginning on 16 September 2009. The course is based on a participatory, active learning approach, with an emphasis on peer-to-peer learning. Participants will do the required readings, prepare interim and final assignments and participate in group discussions and a number of chat sessions.

Who should apply:
The course is intended for staff members of non-governmental organisations, particularly those working in the human rights and development sector. Candidates should have a good written command of English and have high competence and comfort with computers and Internet use. HREA aims to ensure equal gender and geographical distribution across the selected participants.

Course outline:
Week 1. Introduction to Projects and Project Management
Week 2. Role of the Project Manager
Week 3. Defining Project Objectives and Strategies
Week 4. Overview of Planning and Estimating
Week 5. Preparing a Detailed Project Plan
Week 6. Dealing with Risk and Uncertainty
Week 7. Identifying and Supporting Team Members
Week 8. Monitoring the Project
Week 9. Communication and Documentation, Relations with Stakeholders
Week 10. Project Evaluation and Concluding a Project

Application Form: Click here.
The maximum number of course participants is 25. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Participation. It is also possible to audit the course.

Costs
The course tuition fee is US$ 725; permanent residents of non-OECD countries are eligible for a discounted tuition rate of US$ 350. Tuition for auditors is US$ 275; permanent residents of non-OECD countries are eligible for a discounted tuition rate of US$ 125. Unfortunately, there are no scholarships available for this course.

Applications
The deadline for applications is 15 June 2009. Applications received after 15 June unfortunately cannot be accepted. Successful applicants will be notified by 22 June at the latest. Full tuition payment for accepted participants is due on 15 August 2009.

For more information, click here.

Registration Deadline: 29 May 2009