Consultants
Consultants working in business, development or international sectors.
Strategic Consultancy for Private Sector Development
A six-month executive online certificate in collaboration with Maastricht School of Management (MSM).
Program details
At a glance
- Dates
- 29 September 2025 — 30 March 2026
- Format
- Fully online
- Duration
- 6-month program
- Fee
- CHF 2’100
Overview
Drive impact where it matters.
Looking to sharpen your consultancy skills and expand your influence in the private sector? This executive online certificate equips you with the tools, strategies and network to lead impactful projects in private sector development (PSD).
Developed by the globally recognised Maastricht School of Management, this program blends cutting-edge research with hands-on consultancy training to help professionals shape the future of business and development.
Advantages
Why this executive certificate sets you apart
- Build specialised consultancy and research skills for private sector development
- Work with real-world case studies and learn from global development experts
- Connect with leaders from donor agencies, governments, NGOs and the private sector
- Join interactive online workshops with thought leaders from around the world
- Become part of a global alumni network dedicated to PSD and international consultancy
Who should enroll
Designed for professionals who shape policy and business
Policy makers
Policy makers seeking to implement impactful PSD strategies.
Academics & researchers
Academics or researchers looking to expand their applied consultancy experience.
Professionals transitioning
Professionals aiming to shift into high-impact consulting and development work.
What you’ll learn
Three modules
- Module 1
Foundations and Research in Private Sector Development
Learn the core concepts of PSD and master qualitative and quantitative research methods. Includes an interactive stakeholder workshop with guest experts.
- Module 2
Consulting Skills and Professional Strategy
Explore advanced consultancy techniques, ethics in development work, and career strategy for impact-focused professionals. Engage in a live workshop with top consultants and government representatives.
- Module 3
Policy Design, Project Management, and Influence
Develop effective policies, manage stakeholder networks, and communicate research that drives decisions. Wrap up with a final capstone consulting project and high-level stakeholder workshop.
Schedule
September 2025 to March 2026.
Study online at your own pace with bi-weekly modules, live Zoom sessions and workshop-style interactions.
Outcomes
What you’ll gain
- A deep understanding of PSD frameworks and consultancy approaches
- The ability to design and implement effective strategies for development and reform
- A valuable international network of professionals, donors and decision-makers
- Access to future research and project opportunities through the MSM alumni network
- An executive-level certificate recognised across sectors and borders
Your certificate
Certification and requirements
Certificate of Participation
Upon successful completion, you will receive a Certificate of Participation from Maastricht School of Management, aligning with EQF Level 6 or 7.
Program outline included
The certificate outlines the program content and confirms your commitment to advanced professional development.
Study load and attendance
A minimum 14-hour study load and 80% participation are required.
Meet the experts
Your faculty
Dr. Diederik de Boer
Director, Expert Centre on Emerging Economies | MSM Associate Professor. Specialist in sustainable business, international development and UN program leadership.
Rui Miguel Santos
CEO, Group CESO | Lecturer at Maastricht University and College of Europe. Expert in project evaluation and results-based management across 25+ countries.
Hans Nijhoff
Senior Consultant in Agri-Business Development. Specialist in agribusiness value chains, investment planning and climate-smart strategies.
How to apply
To join the next intake
Simply fill out the online application on MSM’s platform. You’ll need:
- A bachelor’s degree and at least 3–5 years of relevant professional experience
- A strong command of English (C1/C2 level)
- A completed online form with your CV and a copy of your passport or EU ID
Contact
Talk to HBS.
Our admissions team guides applicants through the application, interview, offer, enrollment and visa steps.
I’m interested