Facilitation, Coaching and Mentoring for Development Practitioners Training Course

Course Introduction

Effective facilitation, coaching, and mentoring are essential competencies for development practitioners working in complex and dynamic programme environments. The Facilitation, Coaching and Mentoring for Development Practitioners Training Course is designed to equip professionals with advanced interpersonal, instructional, and leadership skills that enable them to support individuals, teams, and communities in achieving sustainable development outcomes. The course emphasizes practical approaches to guiding learning, behavior change, and performance improvement.

In the development sector, practitioners are often required to lead group processes, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and support capacity building initiatives. However, many professionals lack structured facilitation and coaching skills that enhance participation and empower learners. This course provides a comprehensive foundation in facilitation techniques, coaching models, and mentoring approaches tailored for development contexts.

The programme explores key principles of adult learning, participatory facilitation, transformative coaching, and developmental mentoring. Participants will learn how to design and facilitate interactive sessions, manage group dynamics, and support individuals through structured coaching conversations. Emphasis is placed on creating inclusive environments that foster dialogue, reflection, and collaborative problem-solving.

Special attention is given to coaching methodologies that enhance individual performance and mentoring approaches that support long-term professional growth. Participants will develop skills in active listening, powerful questioning, feedback delivery, and goal-setting techniques. The course also highlights how facilitation and coaching can be integrated into programme implementation for stronger impact.

The course further addresses emerging trends such as virtual facilitation, remote coaching, digital mentoring platforms, and hybrid learning environments. Participants will explore how technology is reshaping human development processes and how practitioners can adapt their facilitation and coaching methods for online and blended settings.

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to effectively facilitate group processes, coach individuals for performance improvement, and mentor colleagues and stakeholders to achieve sustainable development outcomes.

Duration
10 days

Who Should Attend

• Development programme officers and managers
• NGO facilitators and field coordinators
• Capacity building and training officers
• Community development practitioners
• Monitoring and evaluation officers
• Human resource and learning development professionals
• Project implementation officers
• Youth and volunteer programme coordinators
• Organizational development consultants
• Government and donor project staff
• Social workers and community mobilizers
• Education and outreach specialists

Course Objectives

• Equip participants with advanced facilitation skills to effectively manage group processes and stakeholder engagement in development contexts.
• Strengthen participants’ ability to apply coaching techniques that enhance individual and team performance in programme implementation.
• Develop competencies in mentoring approaches that support long-term professional growth and capacity development.
• Enhance understanding of adult learning principles and their application in facilitation, coaching, and mentoring practices.
• Build expertise in designing and delivering participatory and interactive learning sessions for diverse audiences.
• Strengthen communication skills including active listening, questioning techniques, and feedback delivery for effective coaching.
• Equip participants with tools to manage group dynamics and foster inclusive and collaborative learning environments.
• Develop capacity to integrate facilitation and coaching into organizational and programme management systems.
• Enhance ability to support behavior change and performance improvement through structured mentoring processes.
• Strengthen knowledge of digital facilitation and virtual coaching techniques for remote and hybrid environments.
• Enable participants to design coaching frameworks aligned with organizational and development goals.
• Build leadership capacity for fostering continuous learning cultures within development organizations and communities.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Facilitation, Coaching and Mentoring

• Understanding facilitation, coaching, and mentoring roles in development practice
• Exploring differences and connections between facilitation, coaching, and mentoring
• Identifying applications of these skills in NGO and development programmes
• Understanding the importance of human-centered development approaches

Module 2: Principles of Adult Learning in Facilitation

• Understanding adult learning theories and their relevance to facilitation practice
• Identifying characteristics and needs of adult learners in development contexts
• Applying experiential and participatory learning approaches effectively
• Strengthening learner engagement through facilitation techniques

Module 3: Facilitation Skills Development

• Developing core facilitation competencies for group engagement and dialogue
• Managing group discussions and participatory learning sessions effectively
• Enhancing communication and presentation skills for facilitators
• Building confidence in leading diverse stakeholder groups

Module 4: Managing Group Dynamics

• Understanding group behavior and interaction patterns in facilitation settings
• Handling difficult participants and managing conflicts constructively
• Encouraging participation from diverse and marginalized groups
• Maintaining balance and inclusivity in group processes

Module 5: Participatory Facilitation Methods

• Using participatory tools and techniques for interactive learning sessions
• Incorporating group exercises, discussions, and simulations effectively
• Strengthening collaboration and collective problem-solving in groups
• Enhancing engagement through experiential learning methods

Module 6: Coaching Fundamentals

• Understanding coaching principles and their application in development work
• Building trust and rapport in coaching relationships
• Applying structured coaching models for performance improvement
• Supporting individuals through goal-setting and action planning

Module 7: Coaching Skills and Techniques

• Developing active listening and powerful questioning skills for coaching
• Providing constructive feedback to enhance performance and learning
• Guiding individuals through reflective learning processes
• Strengthening accountability and ownership through coaching

Module 8: Mentoring Principles and Practices

• Understanding mentoring roles and responsibilities in professional development
• Building long-term supportive relationships through mentoring approaches
• Supporting career development and capacity building through mentoring
• Enhancing knowledge transfer and organizational learning through mentorship

Module 9: Designing Facilitation Sessions

• Planning structured facilitation sessions for different audiences and objectives
• Developing session guides, tools, and learning materials effectively
• Aligning facilitation design with programme and organizational goals
• Ensuring clarity and flow in facilitation delivery processes

Module 10: Communication Skills for Facilitators and Coaches

• Strengthening verbal and non-verbal communication in facilitation contexts
• Enhancing clarity, empathy, and engagement in coaching conversations
• Managing feedback and dialogue effectively with diverse participants
• Building trust and rapport through effective communication techniques

Module 11: Conflict Management in Facilitation

• Identifying sources of conflict in group facilitation environments
• Applying conflict resolution techniques during facilitation sessions
• Managing sensitive discussions and disagreements constructively
• Maintaining neutrality and professionalism in conflict situations

Module 12: Digital Facilitation Techniques

• Using digital tools and platforms for virtual facilitation sessions
• Managing online engagement and participation effectively
• Adapting facilitation methods for remote and hybrid environments
• Enhancing interaction in virtual learning spaces

Module 13: Performance Coaching in Development

• Applying coaching techniques to improve individual and team performance
• Setting measurable goals and tracking progress effectively
• Supporting behavior change through structured coaching processes
• Strengthening accountability mechanisms in coaching relationships

Module 14: Mentoring for Capacity Building

• Designing mentoring frameworks for organizational capacity development
• Supporting staff and partners through structured mentoring systems
• Enhancing knowledge sharing and professional development outcomes
• Strengthening sustainability through mentoring relationships

Module 15: Monitoring and Evaluation of Facilitation and Coaching

• Evaluating effectiveness of facilitation and coaching interventions
• Developing indicators for measuring learning and behavior change
• Collecting feedback to improve facilitation and coaching practices
• Strengthening evidence-based improvement in development practice

Module 16: Emerging Trends in Facilitation, Coaching and Mentoring

• Exploring digital transformation in facilitation and coaching practices
• Understanding AI and technology in coaching and mentoring systems
• Adapting to hybrid and remote learning environments effectively
• Strengthening future readiness in facilitation and coaching approaches

Training Approach          

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue 

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group (at a discount of 10% to 50%) at requested location all over the world. The Onsite course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, buffet lunch, airport transfers, Upskill gift package, and guided tour.

Visa application, travel expenses, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808

Terms of Payment:

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better.