Course Content
Understanding the Policies Impacting on Project Choice and Necessary Research
Understanding the Policies Impacting on Project Choice and Necessary Research aims to increase your skills in understanding the environment in which your typical NGO CSO project operates. ABOVE ALL Hopefully, these lessons will inspire you to improve your projects and provide stimulation for new project ideas.
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Understanding the project Context
Why understanding the Policy Context is important
Chronology of key international agreements that underpin the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and associated human rights
Key Resources – The enabling environment SDGs and Rights
How the EU has aligned to Agenda 2030
Integrating Key International Agreements into European Policy Frameworks
Reporting on SDGs
The UN System and SDGs
The Three Pillars of Sustainability
Localising SDGs
Resources Council of Europe Youth, Development and Democracy
Guides and handbooks
Participation at the lowest possible level – Leave no one behind.
Context Analysis and Problem Identification
Introduction to Context Analysis Context analysis is the process of understanding the external environment in which your project operates. This includes examining Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal (PESTEL) factors. Context analysis helps you anticipate challenges and leverage opportunities. Example: In a project that promotes renewable energy, a context analysis might reveal government incentives for solar energy, which could be leveraged to enhance project outcomes.
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Problem Identification and Situation Analysis
04:33
Defining Objectives and Vision
Strategy Development and Choice of Interventions
This module focuses on developing effective strategies and selecting appropriate interventions that align with the project’s objectives and vision. Participants will learn how to create a coherent and practical strategy, choose interventions that are evidence-based and sustainable, and ensure that these interventions are feasible within the given resources and constraints.
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Problem Identification and Situation Analysis
Strategy Development and Choice of Interventions
Developing the Logical Framework (LogFrame)
Introduction to the Human Rights Based Approach
Integrating the Rights-Based Approach into Project Development
Developing a Project Concept Idea
Project Design and Action Planning
Key Elements of Project Design Project design involves creating a detailed plan for implementing the project, including its goals, objectives, activities, and resources. A well-designed project aligns with strategic frameworks like LFA and PCM, ensuring all elements work together to achieve the desired outcomes. Example: The design of a food and nutrition project might include objectives such as reducing malnutrition rates, activities like nutrition education and food distribution, and resources such as staff, materials, and funding.
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Project Design and Implementation Planning
Budgeting and Financial Planning
Strategy Development and Choice of Interventions
Budgeting and Financial Planning
Introduction to Proposal Writing for NGOs and CSOs
To be completed
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Introduction to Proposal Writing for NGOs
09:44
5 Tips to Write Great Proposals - Funds for NGOs
Why Projects go wrong
Inspirations
Understanding the Broader Context
Writing the Proposal: Structure and Style
6.1 Structure of a Winning Proposal A well-structured proposal is critical for clearly communicating your project’s goals and objectives to potential donors. Each section of the proposal should be concise, well-organized, and aligned with the donor’s priorities. Typical Structure: • Executive Summary: A brief overview of the project, including its objectives and expected outcomes. • Problem Statement: A clear articulation of the problem the project seeks to address, supported by data and evidence. • Project Objectives: Specific, measurable goals that the project aims to achieve. • Methodology: The approach and methods that will be used to achieve the objectives. • Budget: A detailed breakdown of the costs involved in the project. • Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Plan: A plan for tracking progress, evaluating outcomes, and learning from the project’s implementation. Example: In a proposal for a gender equality project, the problem statement might highlight disparities in education between boys and girls, the methodology could include community-based education programs, and the MEL plan might track enrollment rates and academic performance.
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Writing the Proposal: Structure and Style
Integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Human Rights
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
7.1 Introduction to MEL Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) are critical components of project management. MEL helps ensure that the project stays on track, meets its objectives, and generates valuable insights for future projects. Monitoring involves tracking the project’s progress, evaluation assesses its outcomes, and learning involves using the findings to improve future initiatives.
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Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
The Importance of Partnership and Collaboration
This module is designed to emphasize the significance of partnership and collaboration in project management and development work. Participants will learn the benefits of forming strategic partnerships, understand the key elements of successful collaborations, and gain skills in identifying, building, and maintaining effective partnerships.
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Working with Private Donors and Foundations
Working with Donors and Sponsors
Working with Private Donors and Foundations
Case Studies and Practical Examples
In this module, you will explore real-world case studies to see how the concepts from previous modules are applied in practice. Analyzing both successful and unsuccessful projects will help you identify key lessons that can improve your project planning, implementation, and outcomes. By understanding what works and what doesn’t, you can apply these insights to your own projects.
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Presentation of Case Studies
How to write a project
About Lesson

Developing a Project Concept Idea:

Introduction

Developing a project concept that effectively interlinks relevant SDGs and targets while incorporating specific EU and Council of Europe instruments can be a powerful case study. Such a case study demonstrates the integration of sustainable development principles into practical initiatives. It highlights the alignment of these projects with international and regional policies, including human rights, labour standards, environmental sustainability, and youth engagement.

This section will guide you through creating a detailed project concept that addresses multiple SDGs, connects them with specific EU and Council of Europe instruments, and aligns with broader international commitments. Following these steps, you can transform theoretical knowledge into a practical, actionable project contributing to global and regional goals.

Step 1: Identify the SDGs and Targets

The first step in developing a project concept is identifying the relevant SDGs and their corresponding targets. Given the focus on sustainable agriculture, climate change, youth engagement, decent work, and environmental sustainability, the following SDGs and targets are particularly relevant:

  • SDG 2: Zero Hunger
    • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, help maintain ecosystems, strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, and improve land and soil quality.
  • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
    • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
    • Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, particularly women migrants, and those in precarious employment.
  • SDG 13: Climate Action
    • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
  • SDG 15: Life on Land
    • Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.

Step 2: Connect with the EU and Council of Europe Instruments

After identifying the relevant SDGs and targets, the next step is to align your project with specific EU and Council of Europe instruments that support these goals. This ensures that the project is aligned with global objectives and resonates with regional policies and commitments. Key instruments include:

  1. European Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy (EU)
    • Supports sustainable agriculture by promoting food security, reducing environmental impact, and fostering a circular economy.
    • Link to SDGs: Primarily SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
  2. European Pillar of Social Rights (EU)
    • Advocates for decent work, fair wages, and safe working conditions are essential for SDG 8.
    • Link to SDGs: SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
  3. European Landscape Convention (Council of Europe)
    • Promotes the protection, management, and planning of European landscapes, including agricultural lands, ensuring sustainable practices and environmental protection.
    • Link to SDGs: SDG 15 (Life on Land).
  4. Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life (Council of Europe)
    • Encourages youth engagement in local decision-making, particularly in environmental and agricultural issues, supporting SDG 8 and SDG 13.
    • Here are the links to the SDGs: SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
  5. C190 – Violence and Harassment Convention (ILO)

Step 3: Develop the Project Concept

With the SDGs, targets, and relevant instruments identified, you can now develop the project concept. The concept should articulate how the project will address specific challenges, outline the expected outcomes, and describe how it aligns with the chosen SDGs and regional instruments.

Project Concept: Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Action for Youth Empowerment

Objective: To create a sustainable agriculture initiative that empowers youth, enhances food security, and mitigates climate change impacts by integrating innovative farming practices, promoting decent work, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Key Components:

  1. Youth Empowerment in Agriculture (SDG 8):
    • Engage young people in sustainable farming through training programs, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship support.
    • To encourage active youth participation in agricultural decision-making, align with the Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life.
  2. Sustainable Farming Practices (SDG 2, SDG 13, SDG 15):
    • Implement resilient agricultural practices that improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and reduce carbon emissions.
    • Align with the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy to ensure that farming practices are sustainable and climate-resilient.
  3. Safe and Decent Work Environment (SDG 8):
    • Ensure that all workers, particularly women and vulnerable groups, are protected from violence, harassment, and unsafe working conditions.
    • Align with C190 – Violence and Harassment Convention and the European Pillar of Social Rights to promote safe, fair, and inclusive work environments.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Increased youth participation in sustainable agriculture and local decision-making.
  • Enhanced resilience of agricultural practices to climate change.
  • Improved labour conditions and safety standards in agricultural settings.
  • Contribution to the achievement of SDGs 2, 8, 13, and 15.

Step 4: Case Study Development

To develop this project concept into a full-fledged case study, consider the following steps:

  1. Background and Context:
    • Provide an overview of the challenges related to youth employment in agriculture, climate change impacts on farming, and the need for safe working environments in rural areas.
  2. Project Design:
    • Detail the project’s components, including the specific activities that will be undertaken, the stakeholders involved, and the timelines for implementation.
  3. Integration of SDGs and Regional Instruments:
    • Highlight how each project component aligns with the relevant SDGs, EU policies, and Council of Europe instruments. Include specific references and links to these frameworks.
  4. Monitoring and Evaluation:
    • Describe the indicators that will be used to measure the project’s success. These should align with SDG targets and EU/CoE reporting standards.
  5. Lessons Learned and Best Practices:
    • Discuss potential challenges and solutions encountered during project implementation. Share best practices that can be replicated in other regions or sectors.
  6. References and Resources:
    • Include the references and links below, ensuring that credible sources support the case study well.

Step 5: References and Resources

  1. Council of Europe Documents:
    • European Convention on Human Rights
    • European Social Charter
    • Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention)
    • CoE Strategy for the Rights of the Child 2022-2027
    • European Landscape Convention
    • Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life
  2. European Union Documents:
  3. ILO Conventions:
    • C190 – Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190)
    • Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize
    • ILO Convention No. 155 on Occupational Safety and Health
  4. Environmental and Agricultural Agreements:
  5. Videos:

Conclusion

Using this guide, you can effectively develop a project concept that addresses specific SDGs and incorporates relevant EU and Council of Europe instruments. The case study approach allows for the practical application of theoretical knowledge, bridging the gap between global goals and regional policies. The references and videos provided will support the development of your project, ensuring it is well-aligned with international and regional standards and contributes meaningfully to sustainable development.

 

TASK: Use this approach for your project idea

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