Background

In view of the fact that civil society organizations play a major role in the developing, dynamic environment prevailing in Palestine, the PASSIA Training Programs seek to empower civil society practitioners to deal more effectively with the tasks ahead. The course on Management Skills will enhance the participants’ capacities to manage projects, people and organizations by employing the effective methods, skills and tools.

Application Requirements

The training program is designed for participants who have a management component to their work requirements and wish to enhance their skills. Normally, the applicant holds a BA degree or its equivalent (relevant experience can compensate for the degree). Priority will be given to candidates with a civil society background. Applicants must be able to commit themselves full-time throughout the required period and to undertake preparatory reading and written work. A good knowledge of written and spoken English is essential.

Program Structure and Content

The training program on Management Skills will focus on practical training and hands-on exercises in relevant fields and concepts and is structured as follows:

Preparation. Prior to the seminar the selected participants will be provided with a reading package, which will enable them to become familiar with the course material. Each participant will be required to write a brief paper on a subject related to the seminar. The presentation of this paper will be an integral part of the program.

Intensive Seminar. During the six-day intensive seminar experts will introduce key issues and establish a fundamental background on the concepts and practice of how to manage organizations effectively. Participants will be encouraged throughout the training period to relate their training to actual issues and experiences at the institutions with which they are involved.

Seminar Topics include:

• Managing People – Psychological Aspects
• Project Management
• Management of Organizations
• Managing Change / Adjusting to Crises
• Human Resource Planning
• Organizing and Leading Project Staff and Teams
• Time Management
• Financial Management (budgeting & accounting)
• Case Studies

Conclusion. At the close of the training program, certificates will be awarded by PASSIA to participants who successfully complete the program.

Procedure

Completed application forms must be submitted to PASSIA by Friday, 9 January 2004. PASSIA will then invite short-listed applicants to interviews. Applicants will be notified of the results and, upon selection, participants will have to confirm their commitment to full-time participation in writing as well as submit a letter from their employers confirming that they will be exempted from work during the required period.

The PASSIA Training Program will take place from 21-26 February 2004 at PASSIA’s premises in Ramallah. All candidates must commit themselves to participate fully during the entire period. There are no costs involved; accommodation will be provided for selected participants from remote locations upon their request.

Feb. 21, 2004

9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Welcoming Address / Opening Remarks

Dr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi, Head of PASSIA, Jerusalem

10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. – Psychological Aspects of Managing People (Leaderships Skills, Teamwork, Dealing with Conflicts)

Michael Sansur, Lecturer, Bethlehem University

11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Break

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Psychological Aspects of Managing People, contd.

Michael Sansur

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Participants’ Assignment Presentation & Discussion

Feb. 22, 2004

9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Management of Organizations (1): Mission, Structures, Goals

Hakam Kanafani, Chief Executive Officer, Jawwal

10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Break

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Management of Organizations (2): Strategic Orientation, Needs

Hakam Kanafani

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Management of Organizations (3): Long-term Vision, Goal-setting, Planning, Development Priorities

Hakam Kanafani

Feb. 23, 2004

9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Human Resource Planning

Dr. Varsen Aghabekian, Head, Research and Planning Department, Welfare Association, Dahiet Al-Barid

10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Break

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Human Resource Planning and the Management Cycle

Dr. Varsen Aghabekian

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Specific Development Issues in Human Resource Management

Dr. Varsen Aghabekian

Feb. 24, 2004

9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Time Management

Dr. Varsen Aghabekian

10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Break

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Project Management: An Introduction

Khaled Nabris, Consultant

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Defining, Organizing and Planning Projects

Khaled Nabris

Feb. 25, 2004

9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Managing Change

Khaled Nabris

10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Break

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Managing Conflict and Crises

Khaled Nabris

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Exercises on Managing Change-Conflict-Crises

Khaled Nabris

Feb. 26, 2004

9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Financial Management: Budgeting

Yousef Salman, CPA

10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Break

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – Financial Management: Accounting

Yousef Salman

12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Final Discussion and Wrap-up