Course Description
The Project Management for Communications Officers Course is a comprehensive five-day program designed to equip communications professionals with the skills necessary to effectively plan, implement, and manage projects within development organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This course bridges the gap between project management and strategic communication, emphasizing the alignment of communication objectives with overall project goals to enhance stakeholder engagement and project impact.
Participants will gain practical knowledge in project lifecycle management, stakeholder analysis, risk mitigation, and performance measurement from the perspective of a communications professional. The course incorporates real-world applications through tools, case studies, and group exercises. By the end of the program, participants will be able to apply core project management principles to improve campaign execution, media relations, advocacy programs, and reporting.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand project management principles within the context of communications work
- Plan, implement, and monitor communication-oriented projects effectively
- Align communication strategies with organizational and project objectives
- Develop clear goals, timelines, and deliverables for communication activities
- Apply budgeting and risk management strategies in communication planning
- Use project management tools to track progress and evaluate performance
- Strengthen stakeholder engagement through strategic communication approaches
- Improve internal coordination between communications and project implementation teams
- Produce compelling reports and impact stories for donors and stakeholders
- Integrate communication planning into broader project management processes
Organizational Benefits
Organizations that enroll communications staff in this course can expect the following benefits:
- Improved alignment between communications and project execution
- More effective communication strategies that support visibility and advocacy
- Enhanced efficiency and accountability in delivering communication outputs
- Strengthened capacity to engage stakeholders, donors, and the media
- Increased ability to measure and communicate the impact of projects
- Consistent messaging and storytelling across various projects and platforms
- Empowered staff equipped to manage communications within project frameworks
Target Audience
This course is ideal for professionals involved in communications and project support roles within development and non-profit sectors, including:
- Communications Officers and Managers
- Public Relations Officers
- Project Managers responsible for communication components
- Program Officers involved in stakeholder engagement
- Advocacy and Campaign Managers
- Media and Content Development Officers
- Outreach and Information Specialists
- Staff responsible for reporting and visibility in development projects
Duration
Five days
Course Outline
Module One: Fundamentals of Project Management for Communications Officers
- Overview of the project lifecycle
- The role of communications in project success
Module Two: Strategic Communication Planning
- Setting SMART objectives and identifying target audiences
- Integrating communication with project planning
Module Three: Workplans and Budgeting for Communication Activities
- Planning timelines and deliverables
- Allocating budgets for communication outputs
Module Four: Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement Strategies
- Identifying and analyzing stakeholders
- Effective communication tools for engagement
Module Five: Communication Channels and Media Platforms
- Selecting appropriate platforms
- Managing content creation and media relations
Module Six: Risk Management and Crisis Communication
- Identifying risks in communication projects
- Planning for and responding to crises
Module Seven: Monitoring and Evaluating Communication Efforts
- Setting communication performance indicators
- Collecting and interpreting communication data
Module Eight: Reporting and Storytelling for Results
- Crafting donor reports and impact stories
- Using data and visuals for communication effectiveness
Module Nine: Integration of Communication into Project Cycles
- Ensuring communication is included at all project stages
- Promoting collaboration between project and communications teams
Module Ten: Case Studies and Best Practices
- Review of successful communications-led initiatives
- Lessons learned and strategies for improvement
General Information
- All courses can be customized to meet specific organizational needs
- Proficiency in English is required for participation
- Training includes practical exercises, group work, and web-based tutorials
- Facilitators are experienced professionals with over ten years of industry expertise
- Participants will receive a certificate of completion issued by Stepsure Training and Research Institute
- Training is available in-person at our institute, in-house at client locations, or online, depending on participant preferences
- The course fee covers facilitation, training materials, two coffee breaks per day, and buffet lunch
- Participants are responsible for travel, visas, accommodation, and personal expenses
- Accommodation, airport transfers, and visa processing support are available upon request at discounted rates
- Tablets and laptops may be provided for use during training at an additional cost
- One year of post-training consultation and coaching is provided at no extra charge
- Group discounts ranging from ten percent to fifty percent are available for multiple participants from the same organization
- All payments should be made in advance to allow adequate preparation
Contact Information
For more information or to register:
Email: info@stepsureresearchinstitute.org
Telephone: +254 723 482 495
Website: www.stepsureresearchinstitute.org