From Training to Success: Becoming a Leader in Project Management
Are you ready to explore a world where ideas come to life, challenges are met with excellence, and every step taken leads to ultimate success? If you are passionate about project management and evaluation, or if you are considering making these fields your next professional playground, then prepare to be inspired, guided, and transformed by a Galilee Institute graduate.
In this exclusive interview with Mr. Brou Hermann Jean Paul 2 Yapi, he will share his journey, experiences, and advice for those considering training in project management.
So, are you ready to step up your game? You won't be disappointed!
In the complex world of project management and evaluation, Mr. Brou Hermann Jean Paul 2 Yapi is an example of how specialized training can truly transform a career. By opting for training at Galilee Institute, he successfully pushed the boundaries of his skills, redefined his professional role, and played a pivotal role in the success of projects for the development of his country.
From Knowledge to Success: An Inspiring Progression
Some exceptional individuals manage to turn their knowledge into tangible results, and Mr. Yapi, hailing from Côte d'Ivoire, is one of those professionals! We reached out to him to hear about his experience with the Monitoring and Evaluation training programme at Galilee Institute in 2018.
We discovered that since this unique training experience, his career has rapidly taken a new and exciting direction.
Before choosing to pursue his training at Galilee Institute, Mr. Yapi had already laid the foundations for an impressive career. Holding a Master's degree in Computer Methods Applied to Business Management (MIAGE) and a postgraduate degree in Management Sciences with a specialization in Entrepreneurship and Project Management, he had already gained substantial professional expertise across various sectors, including health, environment, and education.
His roles as a Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Director of Projects and Programmes, and Economic Expert for private institutions already demonstrated his versatility and commitment to professional excellence.
An Informed Choice - Capacity Building
Mr. Yapi's decision to enrol in our Monitoring and Evaluation programme was motivated by several factors.
Firstly, to enhance his existing skills in this field while gaining formal recognition of his specialization. Additionally, to share his experiences and expertise with his team, thereby strengthening their collective capacity to address the complex challenges associated with their organization's projects.
Mr. Yapi drew inspiration from the remarkable journey of the current Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire, formerly the Minister of Infrastructure, His Excellency, Prime Minister ACHI Patrick. "His experience and dedication to serving Côte d'Ivoire through tangible project achievements has allowed the population to benefit from adequate infrastructures. Furthermore, the goal of being among the top students at Galilee Institute strengthened my determination to succeed!"
The objectives and challenges he aimed to address centred on the pivotal role of any Monitoring and Evaluation Manager: "This role encompasses the measurement, analysis, and improvement of a project or programme’s effectiveness. However, I sometimes face challenges such as data quality, programme complexity, and resource constraints. My goal is to make informed decisions and continuously improve my organization while meeting deadlines and overcoming any obstacles."
Key Highlights of His Training at GIMI Israel
Mr. Yapi highlighted the profound impact and the motivation generated by the inaugural speech of Dr. Joseph Shevel, President of Galilee Institute. Indeed, during the opening ceremony, Dr. Shevel presented his bold vision and the institute's timeless mission since 1987: "To promote global education and training that address current challenges in all spheres."
Mr. Yapi with Dr. Joseph Shevel
There's no doubt that Mr. Yapi has fully adopted this mission as his own!
The training took place under the experienced eye and with the valuable guidance of GIMI’s most experienced project management experts (Dr Ilan Bijaoui or Dr Nathan Tirosh, according to the programme’s language – the curriculum is available in both French and English).
Mr Yapi with Dr. Ilan Bijaoui
In the classroom and during field study visits, participants delve into a wide range of subjects, ranging from negotiation and financial management to economic project evaluation and risk management. They also grasp the crucial roles of Key Success Factors (KSF) and Key Performance Indicators (KPI). They meet up with several visionary experts and project leaders, who gladly share their tips and strategies for success.
Mr Yapi representing his country at Galilee Institute’s International Evening
Mr. Yapi, on Graduation Evening at Galilee Institute
A New Impetus
After completing his training at GIMI, the skills he gained greatly influenced his approach to project management and evaluation, particularly in the context of collaboration and teamwork. "This enables me to actively contribute to the goal of achieving results and objectives. My role revolves around enhancing the monitoring and evaluation skills of project team members. Subsequently, we closely track and evaluate performance indicators in line with the progress of our activities. This approach helps everyone gain a clearer understanding of the tasks at hand and helps us achieve our anticipated results and objectives while optimizing resources,” he explains.
The training soon influenced the trajectory of his career - within only a few months, new opportunities emerged.
He remembers, "Until I was recruited, my organization didn’t have any real monitoring and evaluation system in place to manage projects and allow for external assessment. Thanks to a proactive and participatory approach, as well as the techniques acquired during my training at Galilee Institute, I managed to conduct over three external evaluation missions with positive outcomes. This success led to my promotion to the position of regional manager in recognition of my efforts."
He found himself in another unexpected situation: "I was approached by recruiters for two different positions, each offering a salary three times higher than what I was earning at the time...! In reality, this training was the catalyst for these professional opportunities. I received job offers from the PIDUCAS project (World Bank), the PADFA project (IFAD) and the Millenium Challenge Account Côte d’Ivoire."
Indeed, his proactive approach earned him several prestigious professional opportunities, including the following (non-exhaustive list):
- Triangle PACIFIC: a project for supporting social cohesion and integration based on community initiatives
- Integrated Project to Support the Empowerment of Artisans in Côte d'Ivoire
- Assistance for a school cafeteria programme funded by USDA-McGovern Dole, in Côte d’Ivoire.
- Agricultural Value Chain Development Support Programme (PADFA)
- Compact Programme Côte d'Ivoire (as part of the Employability and Productivity Project and the Transport Project in Abidjan)
"GIMI's training made me more proactive in managing deadlines, quality, and costs. I can better define the actions to take to manage project and programme-related risks and also interact more effectively with teams."
His projects demonstrate a steadfast dedication to sustainable development and enhancing living conditions in Côte d'Ivoire. Looking forward, Mr. Yapi sees a very promising future:
"My goal is to become an outstanding manager of multi-sectoral projects and programmes and to represent international institutions in Côte d'Ivoire and even internationally."
He further emphasizes, "I aspire to be a readily available resource person. I’m eager to share my experiences with future projects and programmes, as well as with the younger generation aspiring to embark on a career in monitoring and evaluation."
Guiding Young Professionals Toward Excellence: His Valuable Advice
For all professionals considering entering the field of project management and evaluation, he emphasizes, "You must prioritize a strong foundation in project monitoring and evaluation from the outset and never stop learning: Techniques and methods are continually evolving, and Galilee Institute’s programmes help you stay up to date."
He also reminds us that Galilee Institute graduates have the advantage of being able to tap into the institute's alumni network for valuable advice and information.
"It's also important to practice your skills through hands-on projects in NGOs or consulting firms involved in studies and projects. You can benefit from the guidance and experience of seasoned professionals in the field and leverage professional networks for sound advice," he adds.
When it comes to choosing a training programme, he advises individuals to envision their future starting from their current situation, with clear and specific goals aligned with the job market, desired positions, and a well-defined career profile.
Making a Difference to Shape the Future
As a dedicated professional, he plans to catalyse the shift towards sustainable solutions. "I’ll continue to work with experts and offer creative solutions to global issues in transportation, education, water, and sanitation. This could involve the use of emerging technologies, for example, promoting environmentally friendly transportation methods, and raising awareness about the importance of sustainability in decision-making."
By adopting a proactive approach, fostering innovation, and collaborating holistically with stakeholders, he firmly believes that we can shape a more sustainable and balanced future.
"Every action matters, and it is together that we will pave the way for a better world for future generations. I thank Galilee Institute for guiding me on this enriching journey of experience and knowledge."
His journey illustrates the significance of lifelong learning and creatively applying knowledge to shape a brighter future. We wish him success in all his future endeavours.
If you would like to learn more about our capacity-building programmes, we invite you to follow this link: List of Capacity Building Training Programmes at GIMI
