Effective project management is crucial in the humanitarian and development sector, where success means making a positive impact on people's lives. To equip professionals working in this field with the necessary skills and knowledge, the Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation has launched a new curriculum, Project Management Essentials for Humanitarian and Development Work.

This 5-hour curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the core principles, practices, and tools of effective project management in the context of humanitarian and development work. It is aligned with the Project DPro Guide and includes five courses and an exam.

The first course, "Managing a Project," sets the foundation by introducing the basic concepts of project management and its role in achieving project objectives. The subsequent courses, "Designing a Project," "Planning a Project," "Implementing a Project," and "Closing a Project," cover the entire project management lifecycle and delve deeper into topics such as stakeholder management, risk assessment, project monitoring, and evaluation.

Upon completing all the courses, professionals can take the Project Management Essentials exam, which is designed to test their understanding of the curriculum. A passing score of 75% is required to obtain the Project Management Essentials certificate and badge, which is a valuable recognition of their knowledge and skills in project management.

This certificate program is not only beneficial to individuals working in the humanitarian and development sector, but also for partner agency staff who collaborate on projects. By completing this curriculum, professionals will have a common understanding of project management principles and practices, leading to more efficient and effective project implementation.

The Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation has partnered with PM4NGOs, a leading organization in the field of project management, to develop this curriculum. A team of experienced professionals and organizations, including Pyramid Learning, Kali Glenn-Haley, Marwa Abo Alhodaadnan, Flor Ramirez, Terver Kuegh, and January Mukamba, contributed to the development of this curriculum. This collaboration ensures that the content is aligned with international standards and best practices in project management.

Completing the Project Management Essentials curriculum is the first step towards advancing your skills in project management. Professionals can further their expertise by becoming internationally certified Project Managers through Project DPro Certification (Foundation and Practitioner).

In conclusion, the Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation is committed to supporting professionals in the humanitarian and development sector by providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in their work. The Project Management Essentials curriculum is an excellent opportunity for individuals to enhance their project management skills and contribute to making a positive impact in the world. We are grateful to all the individuals and organizations who have contributed to the development of this curriculum, and we are confident that it will be a valuable resource for professionals in this field.