Format: Live instructor-led online training via Zoom / Microsoft Teams

Cloud Computing for NGOs Training Course

Course Overview

The Cloud Computing for NGOs Training Course is designed to equip NGO professionals, humanitarian organizations, development practitioners, government agencies, UN personnel, project managers, ICT officers, monitoring and evaluation (MEAL) specialists, finance managers, data analysts, and organizational leaders with practical knowledge and technical skills in adopting cloud computing technologies to improve operational efficiency, collaboration, digital transformation, data security, business continuity, and evidence-based decision-making. The course explores modern cloud platforms including Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, SharePoint, OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, Power BI, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud, Dynamics 365, KoboToolbox, ODK, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), cloud databases, cloud storage, virtualization, serverless computing, Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), DevOps, cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and cloud-based humanitarian information systems.

Participants will gain practical experience in planning and implementing cloud infrastructure for NGOs, migrating organizational data to secure cloud platforms, managing cloud collaboration tools, protecting sensitive humanitarian data, automating workflows, integrating cloud services with GIS, mobile data collection systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP), financial management systems, grant management platforms, donor reporting systems, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and AI-powered analytics. The course emphasizes secure cloud governance, identity and access management, cloud backup strategies, compliance, digital transformation, remote workforce collaboration, and cost optimization. Through hands-on laboratory exercises, cloud deployment simulations, collaborative projects, and real-world NGO case studies, participants will develop the competencies required to design and manage resilient cloud-enabled organizational systems.

The training aligns with internationally recognized standards and frameworks including the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), Sphere Humanitarian Standards, Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security Management Systems, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Humanitarian Data Responsibility Guidelines, COBIT, ITIL, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) frameworks. Participants will understand cloud governance, cybersecurity best practices, data privacy, business continuity planning, disaster recovery, and responsible digital transformation for humanitarian and development organizations.

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to design secure cloud infrastructures, implement cloud collaboration platforms, migrate organizational systems to the cloud, manage cloud security and compliance, integrate AI-powered cloud services, automate business processes, strengthen humanitarian information management, improve donor reporting, enhance organizational resilience, and support digital innovation across NGO operations.

Course Objectives

1. Understand cloud computing concepts, architecture, and service models.
2. Design cloud solutions for NGOs and humanitarian organizations.
3. Implement secure cloud storage, collaboration, and document management systems.
4. Deploy Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud services.
5. Strengthen cloud cybersecurity, governance, and compliance.
6. Integrate cloud platforms with AI, GIS, ERP, and MEAL systems.
7. Develop cloud-based disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
8. Optimize cloud resources for operational efficiency and cost management.
9. Automate organizational workflows using cloud technologies.
10. Lead digital transformation initiatives through cloud computing.

Organization Benefits

1. Improves operational efficiency and organizational productivity.
2. Strengthens secure data storage and information management.
3. Enhances remote collaboration and communication.
4. Reduces IT infrastructure and maintenance costs.
5. Improves donor reporting and organizational accountability.
6. Strengthens cybersecurity, compliance, and data protection.
7. Enhances business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities.
8. Supports digital transformation and innovation.
9. Improves monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL).
10. Builds institutional capacity in cloud technologies and digital operations.

Target Participants

This course is suitable for NGO executives, humanitarian professionals, ICT managers, cloud administrators, systems administrators, project managers, monitoring and evaluation specialists, MEAL officers, finance managers, grant managers, procurement officers, data analysts, GIS specialists, digital transformation officers, HR managers, communications officers, researchers, consultants, government officials, UN agency personnel, organizational leaders, and professionals responsible for managing digital systems and organizational information.

Course Outline

Module 1: Fundamentals of Cloud Computing for NGOs

• Introduction to cloud computing
• Cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
• Public, private, and hybrid cloud environments
• Cloud architecture and infrastructure
• Digital transformation strategies
• Cloud adoption planning

General Case Study: Developing a cloud transformation strategy for an NGO seeking to improve collaboration, reduce infrastructure costs, and enhance disaster preparedness.

Module 2: Cloud Platforms and Collaboration Technologies

• Microsoft Azure fundamentals
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) overview
• Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
• Microsoft 365 and SharePoint
• Google Workspace and collaborative tools
• Cloud document management systems

General Case Study: Migrating organizational documents, project files, and donor records from local servers to secure cloud collaboration platforms.

Module 3: Cloud Security, Governance, and Compliance

• Identity and access management
• Cloud cybersecurity fundamentals
• Data encryption and secure storage
• GDPR and humanitarian data protection
• Cloud governance policies
• Risk management and compliance

General Case Study: Designing secure cloud governance policies to protect beneficiary information, donor records, and organizational financial data while meeting international compliance standards.

Module 4: Cloud Integration and Digital Innovation

• Cloud databases and application integration
• AI and Machine Learning cloud services
• Power BI cloud analytics
• GIS and cloud mapping platforms
• ERP and financial management integration
• Automation using cloud workflows

General Case Study: Integrating cloud databases, AI-powered analytics, GIS dashboards, ERP systems, and Power BI reporting tools to strengthen humanitarian program management and donor reporting.

Module 5: Business Continuity and Cloud Operations

• Disaster recovery planning
• Cloud backup and restoration
• Virtualization and serverless computing
• Performance monitoring
• Cloud cost optimization
• Organizational resilience planning

General Case Study: Developing a cloud-based disaster recovery strategy enabling uninterrupted humanitarian operations during natural disasters, cyber incidents, and infrastructure failures.

Module 6: Emerging Cloud Technologies and Future Trends

• Cloud-native applications
• Internet of Things (IoT) integration
• Blockchain and cloud platforms
• Artificial Intelligence in cloud environments
• Future digital transformation strategies
• Cloud innovation roadmap

General Case Study: Designing an integrated NGO digital ecosystem combining cloud computing, AI, GIS, blockchain, IoT, mobile data collection, Power BI dashboards, and cloud-based humanitarian information systems to strengthen operational efficiency, organizational resilience, evidence-based decision-making, and sustainable development outcomes.

General Information

1. Customized Training: All our courses can be tailored to meet the specific needs of participants.
2. Language Proficiency: Participants should have a good command of the English language.
3. Comprehensive Learning: Our training includes well-structured presentations, practical exercises, web-based tutorials, and collaborative group work. Our facilitators are seasoned experts with over a decade of experience.
4. Certification: Upon successful completion of training, participants will receive a certificate from Foscore Development Center (FDC-K).
5. Training Locations: Training sessions are conducted at Foscore Development Center (FDC-K) centers. We also offer options for in-house and online training, customized to the client's schedule.
6. Flexible Duration: Course durations are adaptable, and content can be adjusted to fit the required number of days.
7. Onsite Training Inclusions: The course fee for onsite training covers facilitation, training materials, two coffee breaks, a buffet lunch, and a Certificate of Successful Completion. Participants are responsible for their travel expenses, airport transfers, visa applications, dinners, health/accident insurance, and personal expenses.
8. Additional Services: Accommodation, pickup services, freight booking, and visa processing arrangements are available upon request at discounted rates.
9. Equipment: Tablets and laptops can be provided to participants at an additional cost.
10. Post-Training Support: We offer one year of free consultation and coaching after the course.
11. Group Discounts: Register as a group of more than two and enjoy a discount ranging from 10% to 50%.
12. Payment Terms: Payment should be made before the commencement of the training or as mutually agreed upon, to the Foscore Development Center account. This ensures better preparation for your training.
13. Contact Us: For any inquiries, please reach out to us at training@fdc-k.org or call us at +254712260031.
14. Website: Visit our website at www.fdc-k.org for more information.