PROJECT MANAGEMENT
IN 20 STEPS

The definitive methodology for non-profit organizations. A practical framework designed to empower change leaders and effective partners.

THE PM20 FRAMEWORK

Twenty steps organized into four critical phases. A roadmap that doesn't just tell you what to do, but guides you through the messy, beautiful reality of field work.

Part I: Project Planning

Laying the foundation for success through meticulous preparation.

Kick-off Workshop

Aligning the team and stakeholders on project goals, roles, and expectations.

Workplan

Developing a detailed timeline and schedule for all project activities.

Recruitment Plan

Identifying staffing needs and planning the hiring process.

MEAL Plan

Setting up Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning frameworks.

Procurement Plan

Planning the purchasing of goods and services required for the project.

Spending Plan

Forecasting financial outflows to ensure budget health.

Risk Management Plan

Identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies.

Part II: Implementation

Turning plans into action with discipline and adaptability.

Recruitment

Executing the hiring process to onboard the project team.

Organizing

Structuring the team and resources for efficient execution.

Coordination

Ensuring smooth communication and collaboration among all parties.

Supervision

Overseeing daily activities to ensure quality and compliance.

Project Reprogramming

Adjusting plans and budgets as needed (e.g., No-Cost Extensions).

Part III: MEAL & Reporting

Ensuring quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Monitoring

Tracking progress against the workplan and indicators.

Evaluation

Assessing the project's impact and effectiveness.

Accountability

Ensuring transparency and responsiveness to affected populations.

Learning

Capturing lessons learned to improve future programming.

Reporting

Documenting and communicating project status and results.

Part IV: Closure

Wrapping up responsibly and verifying results.

Activity Closure

Wrapping up all field activities and handing over deliverables.

External Technical Reviews

Independent assessment of the project's technical quality.

External Financial Audit

Verifying financial records and compliance with donor requirements.

VOICES FROM THE FIELD

"Compassion is the fire that drives us, but it’s the structure, the discipline, the unrelenting accountability we build around it that keeps that fire alive."

Adel Salah

CEO, Portal365

With over twenty years of experience leading projects with organizations like War Child UK, Oxfam, UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank. As CEO of Portal365, Adel leads the mission to digitize and empower non-profit organizations globally. PM20 is the culmination of this journey—bridging field reality with digital innovation.

AKS

Abdulkarim Salah

Co-Author

Focused on shaping the bones of PM20—the ideas, the steps, the nuts and bolts. Abdulkarim ensured the methodology is not just smart but real, bridging the gap between systems thinking and the messy stories of teams on the ground.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN 20 STEPS