1. AID Access International Development Second Project Meeting 27-28 June 2011, Dublin

2. 1.Reasons for action 2. Our approach 3. AID project: »Aims and objectives »Main outputs »Target groups

3. Reasons for Action There is a consensus among NGOs working in support of international development initiatives that the sector is lacking a single, internationally recognised and accredited qualification in the field of relief and development. Provision of such Europe-wide Diploma would add greatly to the level of professionalism and also attract strong candidates into the sector. There is very little offered to support students in managing real life development problems, opportunities and situations and no EU-wide CPD qualification.

4. Our approach This project will directly reach NGO’s and various charities in Ireland, UK, Spain and Bulgaria. During the project lifecycle 60 students and 10 trainers will be trained and certified across partner countries. NGO’s from all partner countries will be directly engaged in the research activities as well as will form Focus Groups to validate project outcomes Involvment of the key target groups (NGO’s, charities, etc.) is crucial for the delivery of the project.

5. Aims of the Project To work with NGOs, Charities and other stakeholders in the development of the competency framework for professionals employed in or wishing to enter the International Development sector To ensure that the framework developed recognises and addresses the need for a pan-EU qualification To develop, test and implement a range of pedagogical approaches that reflects the learning styles and needs of the sector To develop and deliver an EQF accredited diploma level CPD qualification.

6. Project Objectives To develop a modern training and certification programme that reflects sector and individuals within the sector needs, to base the programme on clearly defined necessary ‘skill-sets’ To support the development of innovative ICT-based content services and pedagogy To create and mange a pan-EU network committed to driving and improving learning so that it meets the identified needs of the sector and the individuals it employs To implement EU-wide certification within the sector To support participants in training activities to acquire skills relevant to the sector To base design and implementation of the qualification on best practice and ‘lesson learnt’ by using practical examples and ‘real life’ case studies.

7. Project Outcomes 1)International Development Skill Set 2)Access International Development Training Material 3)AID Online Course and Self-Assessment service 4)Exam Question Database

8. Target groups International Development Delivery Agents e.g. NGOs and Charities Public sector funders of ‘International Development’ at an EU level and at national level within partner countries Education and training providers Accreditation and certification bodies Individuals employed in the sector and those wishing to enter the sector During the project lifecycle 60 students and their 10 trainers will validate the project outcomes.