Strategic Project Management for Development (SPMD)

Duration: 10 weeks
Fee: N250,000
Format: Online

Introduction
Traditional project management methodologies often fall short when applied to
the development sector. In environments defined by socioeconomic volatility,
multi-stakeholder ecosystems, and complex institutional frameworks, projects
cannot merely be managed; they must be strategically steered. This course
bridges the gap between high-level development strategy and tactical project
execution, equipping professionals with the frameworks necessary to design,
implement, and scale high-impact interventions.
Participants will explore how to align project portfolios with Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), national development plans, and donor priorities.
The curriculum shifts the focus from rigid, triple-constraint compliance
(on-time, in-scope, on-budget) toward adaptive management, systemic change,
and sustainable value creation. By emphasizing political economy analysis,
collaborative design, and robust risk management, the course prepares leaders
to navigate the real-world friction of development work.
Throughout the program, theory is rigorously grounded in practice. Grounded
in institutional learning, the course heavily utilizes real-world case studies
from multilateral development banks, non-governmental organizations (NGOs),
and public-private partnerships (PPPs). By the conclusion of the course,
participants will possess a comprehensive, battle-tested toolkit enabling them
to lead complex development initiatives from conceptualization to rigorous
impact evaluation.

Learning Objectives
● Analyze the intersection of macro development strategies and micro
project interventions to ensure tight alignment with global sustainability
frameworks.
● Evaluate complex stakeholder ecosystems using political economy
mapping to mitigate institutional resistance and foster local ownership.
● Design robust, adaptive project management frameworks that combine
rigid compliance requirements with agile execution methodologies.
● Formulate comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL)
frameworks that prioritize long-term impact over short-term outputs.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Construct a fully articulated Theory of Change (ToC) and Results
Framework for a complex, multi-million-dollar development initiative.
2. Deploy adaptive management instruments (such as strategy testing and
trigger-based pivoting) to navigate unexpected macroeconomic or
political shocks.
3. Appraise the financial and operational viability of public-private-people
partnerships (4Ps) using rigorous risk-allocation matrices.
4. Lead diverse, cross-functional project teams using inclusive, culturally
intelligent governance frameworks.