The Certificate in Influencing and Political Acumen (CIPA) is a specialised leadership and advocacy programme designed to strengthen the political analysis, influencing, and organising capacities of civil society actors in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Led by the Asfari Foundation, the programme brings together academic rigour, regional expertise, and practical civil society experience to support organisations seeking transformative social and political change.
The CIPA programme is delivered in collaboration with the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and Ahel Organization, with this year’s edition supported by the Open Society Foundations (OSF) and the Ford Foundation. Through a blended learning model combining online modules, in-person training, peer learning, and mentoring, the programme equips participants with the tools needed to design and implement effective influencing strategies rooted in their lived realities.
Background and Overview of the Certificate in Influencing and Political Acumen (CIPA)
The Certificate in Influencing and Political Acumen responds to an identified regional need for civil society organisations to re-engage in advocacy, political influencing, and systemic change. In recent years, much donor funding in the region has focused primarily on humanitarian response and service delivery. While essential, this shift has often limited the space for civil society to challenge entrenched power structures, influence policy, and pursue long-term transformative change.
The CIPA programme seeks to address this gap by strengthening participants’ political acumen and advocacy skills. The curriculum moves deliberately from theory to practice—beginning with analytical frameworks and heuristics, and progressing toward hands-on tools for designing and implementing influencing strategies. Throughout the programme, content is contextualised using regional case studies, lived experiences, and peer knowledge exchange.
By the end of the course, each participant will have developed a tailored influencing strategy for their organisation, under the guidance of experienced facilitators. The most promising strategies may be considered for funding support by the Asfari Foundation, although participation in the programme does not guarantee funding.
Programme Leadership and Partner Institutions
The Asfari Foundation leads the design and delivery of the Certificate in Influencing and Political Acumen, drawing on its long-standing commitment to civic empowerment, leadership development, and strategic advocacy across the Levant. The Foundation ensures that the programme remains grounded in regional realities while equipping participants with globally relevant analytical tools.
The programme is delivered in close partnership with:
Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship (AUB)
Based at the American University of Beirut, the Asfari Institute serves as a regional hub for strengthening civil society across the Arab region. It supports knowledge production, learning, networking, and collaboration, and works with diverse communities, including refugees, migrant domestic workers, and marginalised groups.
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
LSE contributes academic excellence and global perspectives, particularly in political science, public policy, and international development. Its involvement strengthens the programme’s theoretical foundations and analytical depth.
Ahel Organization
Ahel Organization is a Levant-based civil society organisation focused on community organising, participatory leadership, and grassroots campaigning. Ahel supports leaders striving for justice by building collective power, strengthening leadership, and enabling strategic social change.
Together, these partners ensure that CIPA is both academically rigorous and deeply embedded in regional civic practice.
Who Can Participate: Eligibility and Selection Criteria
The Certificate in Influencing and Political Acumen is designed for civil society organisations and leaders operating in specific regional contexts. Applications are assessed using clear selection criteria.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
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Geographic Eligibility
Civil society organisations operating in Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, or Jordan are eligible to apply.
Syrian civil society organisations based in the diaspora are also eligible. -
Organisational Status
Civil society groups that are not formally registered may apply and participate in the programme. However, unregistered organisations may not be eligible for funding following completion of the programme. -
Organisational Size
Priority is given to small and medium-sized organisations, defined as those with an average annual budget between £100,000 and £750,000. -
Participants
Organisations are invited to apply as pairs, typically involving one senior leader and one middle-management staff member. This approach supports organisational learning, internal sustainability, and cross-level dialogue. -
Language Requirements
Participants must be able to communicate in English. Influencing strategies may be developed in Arabic. -
Time Commitment
Applicants must be able to commit several hours per week for online modules and attend the in-person module in full. Failure to meet attendance requirements may result in disqualification. -
Funding Disclaimer
Acceptance into the CIPA programme does not guarantee grant funding from the Asfari Foundation.
Learning Objectives and Skills Development
The CIPA programme equips participants with a combination of practical skills, analytical capacities, knowledge, and professional attitudes required for effective influencing and advocacy.
Practical Skills
Participants develop:
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Leadership skills, including delegation, inspiration, and effective communication
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Networking and relationship-building skills
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Stakeholder mobilisation skills
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Policy analysis and research capabilities
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Advocacy and communication skills using media, social platforms, petitions, and community organising
Analytical Skills
Participants gain:
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Enhanced critical thinking and policy evaluation skills
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The ability to analyse power structures and political processes
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Tools for identifying entry points and windows of opportunity
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Stakeholder mapping and power analysis techniques
Knowledge Areas
Participants deepen their understanding of:
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Political, social, and economic systems
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Advocacy and influencing strategies
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Human rights frameworks and standards
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The evolution of civil society and activism in the region
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Diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality
Professional and Ethical Attitudes
The programme promotes:
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Accountability to communities
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Ethical leadership and transparency
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Respect for diversity and human rights
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Reflexivity and awareness of gender and social biases
Course Structure and Programme Design
The Certificate in Influencing and Political Acumen is delivered through a blended learning model comprising online modules, an in-person module, and extended mentoring.
Online Module 1: The State–CSO Relationship & Pathways to Influence
This module explores power dynamics, institutional incentives, and barriers to engagement between states and civil society organisations. Participants examine how NGOs can shift from service delivery toward policy influence and public discourse shaping.
Online Module 2: Key Concepts in Influencing
This module covers:
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Power, systems, and social norms
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Problem identification and analysis
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Insider and outsider advocacy approaches
Online Module 3: Organising for Influence
Participants explore community organising as a pathway to influence, focusing on leadership, participation, power mapping, and relationship-building within institutions and campaigns.
In-Person Module 4: Creating an Influencing Strategy
Delivered over five days (location to be confirmed at AUB Paphos), this module includes:
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Group work and peer learning
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Public, private, and online influencing skills
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Advocacy, campaigning, and social accountability
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Strategy design and simulation exercises
Online Module 5: Influencing Strategies and Mentorship
Participants receive mentoring support to develop influencing proposals with their organisations. Selected proposals may be considered for funding by the Asfari Foundation.
How to Apply: Application Process
Applicants must complete the online application form provided by the Asfari Foundation. The application process requires organisations to demonstrate eligibility, commitment, and readiness to engage fully in the programme.
Applications are assessed based on:
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Organisational eligibility
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Regional relevance
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Capacity to commit time and resources
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Alignment with the programme’s advocacy and influencing focus
Important Dates and Programme Timeline
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Applications Open: Currently open
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Programme Timeline: Includes online modules, an in-person module, and post-programme mentoring
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Funding Consideration: Selected proposals reviewed after programme completion
Applicants are encouraged to apply early and ensure full availability for all programme components.
Why Apply for the CIPA Programme?
The Certificate in Influencing and Political Acumen (CIPA) offers a rare opportunity for civil society organisations in the MENA region to strengthen their advocacy, leadership, and political analysis capacities. Through a rigorous, context-specific curriculum delivered by leading regional and global institutions, participants gain the tools needed to influence policy, challenge power structures, and pursue sustainable social change.
For civil society actors committed to moving beyond service delivery toward transformative advocacy, the CIPA programme by the Asfari Foundation provides a structured, impactful pathway to long-term influence.
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