In today's dynamic business environment, organizations are seeking more than just project managers; they need visionary leaders who can align complex initiatives with strategic goals to drive transformative change. The Certified Project Director (CPD) designation is a premier credential for senior project professionals, validating your executive-level expertise in orchestrating large-scale programs and portfolios. This comprehensive course will equip you with the strategic acumen and advanced leadership skills necessary to bridge the gap between tactical project execution and enterprise-level objectives, positioning you as a key driver of organizational success.

This program moves beyond the fundamentals to focus on the advanced competencies of a modern project director. Over ten intensive days, you will engage with a curriculum that covers everything from financial stewardship and governance to leading high-performing teams and managing complex stakeholder ecosystems. This is a critical step for senior professionals aspiring to C-suite roles, empowering you to effectively lead change, maximize business value, and confidently guide your organization's most critical projects to successful completion.

Duration 10 days

Target Audience

• Senior project managers and program managers aiming for a leadership position.
• Portfolio managers and PMO directors seeking to formalize their strategic oversight skills.
• Professionals aspiring to C-suite roles who need a deep understanding of project and portfolio governance.
• Consultants who advise on large-scale organizational change and project strategy.
• Anyone responsible for aligning project delivery with high-level business goals.

Objectives

• Align project, program, and portfolio efforts with strategic business objectives.
• Master advanced governance models to ensure project oversight and accountability.
• Lead and mentor high-performing teams and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Develop and manage financial forecasts, budgets, and value realization.
• Navigate complex stakeholder relationships at the executive level.
• Oversee and mitigate enterprise-level risks and issues.
• Drive organizational change and strategic transformation through projects.

Course Modules

Module 1: Strategic Alignment & Business Acumen

• understanding the relationship between strategy and projects
• translating business goals into project objectives
• performing a strategic gap analysis and portfolio assessment
• developing a business case for high-impact initiatives
• using data to inform strategic decision-making

Module 2: Advanced Program & Portfolio Management

• distinguishing between projects, programs, and portfolios
• applying portfolio management techniques for optimal investment
• managing dependencies and resource constraints across programs
• establishing a program management framework and roadmap
• using advanced tools for portfolio visualization and tracking

Module 3: Executive Leadership & Communication

• developing a powerful leadership presence and style
• communicating complex information to executive stakeholders
• mastering the art of persuasive presentations and proposals
• leading with influence and building consensus
• providing effective and concise status reporting

Module 4: Governance & Organizational Change

• establishing a robust project governance framework
• defining roles and responsibilities in a multi-project environment
• leading organizational change initiatives from a director's perspective
• overcoming resistance to change and building a coalition of support
• integrating governance with agile and hybrid methodologies

Module 5: Financial Management & Value Realization

• creating and managing strategic project budgets
• forecasting financial performance and calculating ROI
• conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis
• measuring and reporting on project value and benefits realization
• optimizing financial resources across a portfolio

Module 6: Advanced Risk & Issue Management

• identifying and assessing strategic and enterprise-level risks
• developing comprehensive risk response strategies
• establishing a clear issue escalation and resolution process
• conducting a project health and risk audit
• using advanced analytics to predict potential problems

Module 7: Complex Stakeholder Management

• mapping and analyzing power-interest grids for key stakeholders
• developing tailored communication and engagement plans
• managing conflicting priorities and expectations
• negotiating with and influencing senior leadership
• building a network of sponsors and advocates

Module 8: Benefits Realization & Measurement

• defining measurable benefits at the beginning of a project
• creating a robust benefits realization management plan
• tracking and reporting on benefits throughout the project lifecycle
• ensuring that benefits are sustained after project closure
• using benefits data to inform future strategic decisions

Module 9: Agile & Hybrid Leadership at Scale

• leading agile teams and initiatives from a director's perspective
• integrating agile frameworks like SAFe and LeSS into the enterprise
• overseeing a hybrid project portfolio
• balancing predictability with adaptability
• fostering a culture of continuous delivery and rapid feedback

Module 10: Digital Transformation & Technology Oversight

• understanding the role of projects in digital transformation
• managing technology-driven initiatives and their impacts
• overseeing vendor selection for key technology partners
• ensuring data governance and security in projects
• aligning technology roadmaps with business strategy

Module 11: Leading High-Performing Teams & Mentorship

• building a culture of psychological safety and accountability
• mentoring and coaching program managers and team leads
• empowering teams to take ownership and innovate
• developing talent pipelines within the PMO
• fostering cross-functional collaboration at an organizational level

Module 12: Project Management Office (PMO) Leadership

• defining the role and purpose of a strategic PMO
• establishing and maturing a PMO
• creating a consistent project management methodology
• managing the PMO's budget and resources
• measuring the value and effectiveness of the PMO

Module 13: Vendor & Contract Management

• overseeing the procurement process for major initiatives
• developing a strong vendor management strategy
• negotiating complex contracts and service level agreements
• managing vendor relationships to ensure project success
• mitigating risks related to third-party dependencies

Module 14: Quality Management & Process Optimization

• defining and implementing a project quality management plan
• using metrics to monitor and improve project performance
• leading process improvement initiatives at a portfolio level
• applying Lean principles to eliminate waste
• ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations

Module 15: Decision Making & Problem Solving

• using data and analytics to support complex decisions
• applying advanced problem-solving frameworks
• facilitating a clear and effective decision-making process
• managing organizational ambiguity and uncertainty
• promoting a culture of informed and timely action

Module 16: Certification Exam Prep & Professional Development

• a comprehensive review of the CPD exam content outline
• practice questions and mock exams to build confidence
• strategies for tackling exam questions and managing time
• a discussion on continuing professional development
• a personalized plan for career growth beyond certification

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.