Programme Design
Programme design is the structured process of developing, assessing, and documenting development interventions to achieve defined objectives effectively, efficiently, and sustainably. At PEM, we cover appraisal, desk appraisal, formulation, ensuring alignment with local need, institutional capacities, and international development standards.
Effective programme design is critical for international development cooperation, helping programmes align with national priorities, strengthen partner institutions, and deliver measurable social, economic, and environmental impact.
At PEM, we design programmes that are inclusive and context-sensitive, recognizing the cultural patterns of beneficiaries and partners. This ensures that programmes have an inclusive design and are implemented through respectful processes that foster ownership.
Our experience spans country, regional and global projects in collaboration mainly with bilateral development institutions as the Danish International Development Agency, the Danish Energy Agency (DEA), the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), as well as development finance institutions such as the Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU).
Step 1: Identification
We analyse the context (national, local, or regional) to understand the challenges, opportunities, and priorities. This includes assessing the client’s strategy, identifying target beneficiaries, and defining the problems that need to be addressed.
Step 2: Political economy and Institutional Landscape
We identify champions of change, stakeholder interests, and partner capacities, with their strengths and weaknesses. This ensures that the design of the programme is feasible and relevant.
Step 3: Coordination and Harmonization
We identify opportunities to align with other development partners and avoid duplication of effort, maximising impact and efficiency.
Step 4: Formulation
We translate strategic agreements into concrete interventions using SMART objectives, a Theory of Change, and integration of cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, human rights, environmental sustainability, and cross-sectoral linkages. This phase defines the programme’s goals, timeframe, resources, and expected outputs, outcomes, and impacts.
Our work
Moldova Forest Development Programme
Formulation of IFU Africa Facility project documentation and a concept note for investing with SMEs
Formulation of the Danish LoCAL Uganda Scale-up Programme
Formulation of the Danish support to UNEP’s Pollution Fund
Desk appraisal of the programme document for the Danish support to the ENACT partnership 2025 – 2030 on nature-based solutions
Formulation and identification of Water Facility for Africa
Identification and formulation of projects under the Denmark-Ethiopia Country Strategic Framework (2025-2029)
Support to the Santiago Network on Loss and Damage