Hanuun University Postgraduate Programs

Postgraduate Certificate in Project Management and Grant Proposal Writing

Program Description

The Postgraduate Certificate in Project Management and Grant Proposal Writing is a specialized program designed for professionals, academics, and leaders involved in development initiatives, government institutions, NGOs, and universities. This program equips participants with essential skills in project management, grant writing, and donor engagement, ensuring they can effectively plan, implement, and evaluate development projects.

The curriculum covers the complete project cycle, from initiation to closure, with a strong emphasis on understanding donor priorities, developing concept notes and proposals, budgeting, risk management, sustainability, and monitoring and evaluation. The program integrates practical case studies and a final project, allowing participants to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

Program Objectives

    This program aims to:

  • Enhance Project Management Skills – Equip participants with modern project management techniques, covering the full project cycle from planning to implementation and closure.
  • Develop Grant Writing Expertise – Provide practical skills in preparing compelling grant proposals, concept notes, and financial plans that align with donor expectations.
  • Improve Understanding of Donor Priorities – Train participants on how to identify suitable donors, understand funding priorities, and establish long-term partnerships.
  • Strengthen Monitoring, Evaluation, and Risk Management – Teach methodologies for tracking project progress, assessing impact, and mitigating risks that may affect project success.
  • Promote Sustainability and Accountability – Ensure that projects are designed with long-term sustainability and financial accountability in mind to maximize their impact.

Rational

The Somali regions face significant challenges in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. Many local organizations, government agencies, and universities rely heavily on international funding to implement critical projects. However, limited expertise in project management and grant writing often leads to missed funding opportunities and ineffective project execution.

This program addresses the growing need for professionals with advanced skills in managing projects and securing sustainable funding. Given the competitive nature of international grants and donor funding, Somali institutions require trained personnel who can develop high-quality proposals, efficiently manage projects, and ensure long-term impact.

By providing specialized training tailored to the Somali context, this program will empower local organizations and professionals to access more funding opportunities, implement successful projects, and contribute to the country’s overall development. It also supports capacity-building efforts in Somali regions, ensuring that projects meet global standards in accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Program Content

1. Project Cycle and Grants Management
  • Definition and characteristics of Project and program
  • Definition and principles of Project Cycle and Grants Management
  • Overview/phases of PCM and grants management
    • 2. Understanding Donors and Their Priorities
  • Importance of understanding donor compliances and requirements
  • Identifying common themes, priorities, and focus areas of Key donor (EU, USAID, UKAID, the Gates Foundation, the UN, and other major donors)
    • 3. Project Initiation and Identification
  • Identifying project/ Grants needs and opportunities
  • Project Ideas
  • Project planning and Methods (needs/gaps assessment, problem analysis, objective setting)
  • Stakeholder analysis and engagement strategies
    • 4. Concept note and Proposal Writing
  • Writing a precise concept note
  • Processes and procedures of proposal development (Designing)
  • Components and descriptions of proposal writing (Project Description, Implementation approach, MEAL Approach, Action plan etc)
  • Ethical Considerations in proposal writing and project appraisal
    • 5. Budgeting and Financial Proposal
  • Overview of budgeting principles for grant proposals
  • Understanding different types of costs (direct, indirect, etc.)
  • Developing a realistic and justified budget
    • 6. Project Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Designing an M&E framework (Result and logical framework Matrix)
  • Developing performance indicators and data collection methods
  • Data analysis, progress tracking and reporting
  • Quality control and assurance mechanisms
  • Evaluation plan (Process, Outcome and Impact evaluation)
    • 7. Risk Management, Sustainability and project closure
  • Identifying potential project risks,
  • Risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
  • Sustainability (impact, institutional, financial, environmental etc)
  • Closure and Exit strategies.