Project Manager in State and Public Administration Bodies

The Project Manager in State and Public Administration Bodies programme is a specialised education programme lasting 160 class hours, designed for individuals who want to acquire the knowledge and skills needed for the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of projects within the state and public administration system, with a particular emphasis on the use of European Union funds. The programme enables participants to understand the entire project cycle, from the preparation of project proposals and calls for project applications to the allocation of funding and the monitoring of project implementation. Teaching combines lectures, individual and group consultations, and exercises, so that participants can develop concrete and applicable competences for work in the public sector. The value of the programme lies in the fact that it responds to the real needs of state and public administration bodies and contributes to strengthening capacities for more effective use of EU funds in the Republic of Croatia.

• Understand the project management system and the possibilities for using EU funds within state and public administration bodies.
• Prepare the basic elements of project proposals, calls for project applications, and documentation related to the allocation of funding.
• Apply the rules of project implementation, monitoring, and administration in line with the logic of work in the public sector.
• Resolve concrete situations related to project preparation, evaluation, and monitoring through exercises, consultations, and practical examples.

Upon completion of the programme, participants will be able to:

• analyse the main funding opportunities offered by European Union funds in the context of state and public administration
• distinguish between the key phases of the project cycle, from preparation and application to implementation and project monitoring
• prepare the basic elements of a project proposal in accordance with public sector requirements and the rules of the call
• participate in the development and implementation of calls for project applications and understand funding allocation procedures
• plan the main activities of project implementation, including timelines, responsibilities, reporting, and progress monitoring
• assess the administrative and organisational requirements related to project management in state and public administration bodies
• apply the acquired knowledge in the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of projects financed through EU funds

The programme is intended for individuals who want to develop or improve their competences for working on projects within the state and public administration system, especially in the field of preparation, allocation, and implementation of projects financed through European Union funds. It is particularly useful for those who want to understand the specific features of project work in the public sector and acquire knowledge that can be applied in everyday practice.

• employees of state administration bodies
• employees of local and regional self-government units
• staff of public institutions and public bodies
• project coordinators and associates in the public sector
• individuals involved in the preparation of calls and the allocation of funding
• individuals seeking professional development or employment in the field of EU project management in public administration

1. Introduction to EU Funds and Project Management in Public Administration
   Participants gain an overview of the EU funds system and understand the role of project management within state and public administration bodies. The focus is on the specific features of the public sector and the role of projects in the development of public policies and services.
2. Preparation of Project Proposals
   This unit covers the basic elements of project preparation, including the development of the project idea, objectives, activities, results, and indicators. Participants learn how to structure a project proposal in line with the requirements of the call and the needs of the institution.
3. Calls for Project Applications and Allocation of Funding
   This unit focuses on understanding the logic of preparing calls, the main eligibility criteria, and the procedures for the allocation of funding. Participants gain insight into the processes that precede the contracting and approval of projects.
4. Project Implementation in State and Public Administration Bodies
   Participants acquire the knowledge needed to organise and manage project implementation. This unit covers activity planning, monitoring of execution, allocation of responsibilities, and the administrative aspects of implementation.
5. Monitoring Implementation, Reporting, and Control
   This unit covers the basic procedures for monitoring progress, documenting activities, and reporting during project implementation. The focus is on proper administration and understanding the obligations arising from project financing.
6. Exercises, Consultations, and Practical Application of Knowledge
   The programme includes exercises as well as individual and group consultations through which participants connect theoretical knowledge with real tasks in public administration. The emphasis is on applicability, understanding procedures, and more confident work on project tasks.