While there is no standard approach to GEF IW projects, the online course and Manual are intended to be a comprehensive guide to managing these specific types of projects. Together, these two learning opportunities provide a common understanding of the expectations of GEF IW projects and to emphasize that Project Managers and Project Coordination Unit (PCU) staff should not be reticent in asking advice from more seasoned peers in our community, and GEF IW:LEARN.

What does the Project Management Online Course address?

The main focus of this online Project Management Course is on GEF IW specific requirements within projects. This includes key issues such as:

• Roles and responsibilities throughout the project, from start-up to closure;
• Monitoring and evaluation including the adaptation of logical frameworks (log-frames) and reporting against indicators;
• Communications management, creating partnerships and raising public awareness;
• Information management and reporting;
• Developing a work plan for the project’s first year and maintaining a project budget;
• Ensuring adequate recording of co-finances and other financial matters; and
• Mainstreaming climate and gender within projects

The Project Management Manual and this online course do not cover issues specific to individual Implementing or Executing Agencies such as procurement or recruitment policies. They do however, link to GEF IW project websites and documents to provide tangible examples that may be adaptable to your project.

Structure of this Course

This GEF IW Project Management Online Course is useful for new GEF IW Project Managers or Project Coordination Unit (PCU) staff members. It is also useful for seasoned staff as a refresher and for seeking out new project ideas from the many project examples highlighted throughout the course materials.

The course is arranged into eight modules:

NOTE: The GEF IW:LEARN Project Management course will not make you ‘a Project Management expert’ but it will assist in guiding you through the expectations of managing and delivering a GEF International Waters Project.

How will it be delivered?

The course contents and materials are now open to all interested persons at no cost. The course will be refreshed on the Cap-Net website every three months to allow space for new participants. To access the course contents you need to be registered in Cap-Net´s Virtual Campus. 

Do you have questions?

Should you have any questions about the course or materials, please contact Natalie Degger (natalie@iwlearn.org).