Introduction

In an era defined by global challenges, aligning financial strategy with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is no longer an option but a necessity for long-term organizational success and positive societal impact. As governments, corporations, and non-profits increasingly commit to the 2030 Agenda, the demand for financial professionals who can translate ambitious goals into actionable, funded projects has surged. This specialized training course provides a definitive framework for integrating the principles of sustainable development into every facet of the budgeting process, transforming financial planning into a powerful tool for driving meaningful change and creating shared value.

This 5-day program offers a comprehensive and hands-on approach to designing, implementing, and managing budgets that are explicitly tied to the SDGs. Participants will gain practical expertise in methodologies for project appraisal, impact measurement, and blended finance, enabling them to secure and deploy capital for projects that deliver both financial returns and measurable social and environmental benefits. By mastering the principles of SDG-aligned budgeting, you will not only future-proof your organization's financial health but also become a leader in the global movement towards a more equitable and sustainable world.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Financial Directors and Officers
• Government and Public Sector Planners
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Managers
• NGO and Non-Profit Leaders
• Impact Investors and Analysts
• Budgeting and Forecasting Specialists
• Program and Project Managers
• Sustainable Finance Professionals
• Development Consultants
• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officers

Objectives

• Understand the full scope and interconnectedness of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
• Develop a framework for mapping organizational activities to specific SDG targets.
• Master budgeting techniques tailored for impact-driven projects and initiatives.
• Learn to identify and secure diverse funding sources for SDG-related work.
• Design robust measurement and reporting systems for tracking SDG progress.
• Understand the role of finance in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) frameworks.
• Explore case studies of successful SDG-aligned budgeting in various sectors.
• Create a process for integrating SDG considerations into the annual budget cycle.
• Mitigate financial and operational risks associated with sustainable development projects.

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to SDGs and Strategic Alignment

• Understanding the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• The 17 SDGs and their underlying targets.
• Identifying which SDGs are most relevant to your organization or sector.
• Mapping current and future initiatives to specific SDG targets.
• Creating a strategic narrative that links finance to sustainability.

Module 2: Budgeting Methodologies for Impact

• The principles of zero-based budgeting for new SDG projects.
• Using activity-based costing to understand the true cost of impact.
• Developing a framework for prioritizing projects based on SDG impact.
• Creating a dedicated "impact fund" within the larger corporate budget.
• Differentiating between project budgeting and operational budgeting for SDGs.

Module 3: Sourcing and Securing SDG Funding

• Overview of traditional and non-traditional funding for sustainable projects.
• Introduction to blended finance and public-private partnerships.
• Crafting compelling budget proposals for grants, government tenders, and philanthropic foundations.
• Engaging with impact investors and preparing due diligence materials.
• Understanding financial instruments like green bonds and social impact bonds.

Module 4: Measuring and Reporting on SDG Performance

• Introduction to quantitative and qualitative impact measurement.
• Selecting relevant KPIs for each SDG and project.
• Establishing a baseline and tracking progress over time.
• Integrating impact data into financial reports for transparency.
• Understanding global reporting frameworks like GRI and SASB.

Module 5: Risk Management and Governance

• Identifying and assessing financial risks related to sustainable projects.
• Navigating political, regulatory, and social risks in new markets.
• Developing governance structures to ensure accountability and ethical conduct.
• The role of internal audit in reviewing SDG-aligned budgets.
• Mitigating the risk of "greenwashing" or tokenistic initiatives.

Module 6: Technology and Data for Sustainable Budgets

• Using specialized software for ESG and impact tracking.
• The role of data analytics in optimizing resource allocation for SDGs.
• Leveraging dashboards to communicate SDG progress to stakeholders.
• The use of AI and machine learning in forecasting project impact.
• Integrating impact data directly into your financial management system.

Module 7: Implementation and Future Trends

• Developing a phased implementation plan for SDG-aligned budgeting.
• Strategies for internal communication and change management.
• Case studies from various sectors (e.g., tech, manufacturing, finance).
• Exploring emerging trends in sustainable finance and impact investing.
• Building a culture of purpose-driven financial management within your organization.

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 7 working days before commencement of the training.