Humanitarian Project Cycle Management

Executive Short Course

This executive course aims at strengthening the capacities of project managers to design humanitarian responses that focus on sustainable and locally defined changes.

The course is based on the Theory of Change (ToC) and Results-Based Management (RBM) approaches. Essential tools such as problem tree or logical framework are adapted to ensure the transfer of those approaches at operational level.

Throughout the course, participants will work on a case study to build a project, covering the entire project cycle. Emphasis is put on practice and experience sharing. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss about and reflect on their professional situation with the group and the trainer.

Mozambique, Manica province, Gorongosa district, Nhacadhongo village – 22 June 2022. An ICRC mobile health team vaccinates residents in remote communities and provides COVID-19 prevention advice. Photo by Ricardo Franco / ICRC


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

  • Understand the aim and process of an assessment and conduct a problem analysis using the problem tree
  • Plan a project and its monitoring system using the logical framework
  • Program activities using the Performance and Evaluation Review Technique, Gantt chart and table of resources
  • Monitor activities, results and risks
  • Understand the differences between monitoring and evaluation as well as your role as a project manager

50 hours of work overall, including:

  • E-learning courses
  • Synchronous live sessions
  • Individual and group work: readings, case study, reflexive analysis, forum discussions, etc.
  • Individual coaching/follow-up
  • Introduction to project cycle management
  • Aim and process of an assessment
  • Problem analysis
  • Planning: RBM and ToC approaches
  • Building a logical framework
  • Building plans
  • Monitoring & Evaluation
  • Professionals in the humanitarian, development or social sector looking to develop their competencies in project management, as well as reflect and capitalise on their experiences;
  • Professionals from any other sectors (private, academic, etc) and graduate students with relevant volunteer or intern experience who wish to increase their understanding of leadership and people management in the humanitarian field.

"I applied for this course because I wanted to strengthen my project management skills in order to further develop my career in operations.

One of the key moments for me was the group discussions, which allowed us to learn from other participants’ experiences.

Through the course, I developed concrete competencies in assessment, programming, monitoring, and evaluation, which I am already using in my work. In May 2025, I conducted an assessment following a natural disaster in my project, which helped us provide an appropriate response to the affected population. I also contributed to the preparation of the 2026 Plan of Action, particularly to the logframe, and used the fishbone tool during monitoring to identify problems and their resolution."

Jacob Bebe, 2025 course participant

Interested in applying? Learn more about the admission requirements and application process here.