When responding to humanitarian emergencies, managers need the right skills to work in exceptional, rapidly changing and sometimes dangerous situations. While some conventional techniques may be employed, having skills that take into account the environment and the emotional impact of emergencies on teams and individuals is crucial. This course will teach students the skills required to manage teams responding to humanitarian crises. For students planning to work in such environments, it is recommended that they reflect on whether they envisage being in leadership roles or might need to understand the role of those under whose management they will work. The course is also recommended for humanitarian practitioners at all levels who want to improve their leadership and management skills.
This course will be taught by Professor Peter Rees-Gildea. Peter Rees-Gildea has over 40 years of experience in humanitarian work. During his career, Peter served as Field Director of AfghanAid and worked for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for 20 years. In 2010, he founded his own company, working as a consultant to humanitarian organizations, including various European national Red Cross societies, as well as the British Government aid agency (DFID). He has also served as an UNDAC team leader. He most recently worked with the Danish Red Cross focusing on their partnership with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent in the context of the war in Syria.
Sample course topics outline:
Week 1: Introduction
Week 2: The Humanitarian Environment and Humanitarian Actors
Week 3: Moral Leadership and the Code of Conduct
Week 4: Humanitarian Coordination
Week 5: Response Leadership: Situation Analysis and Assessment
Week 6: Response Leadership: Vulnerability, Capacity and Political Analysis
Week 7: Response Leadership: Beneficiary Analysis
Week 8: Response Leadership: Strategic Coordination
Week 9: Response Management: Mission Planning
Week 10: Response Management: Team Preparation, Welfare and Security
Week 11: Response Management: Operations Design
Week 12: Response Management: Management Tools and Accountability
Week 13: The Challenges of Specialization
Week 14: Reboot the Program
Week 15: Humanitarian Challenges for the Future
How to register:
To apply to an Online Humanitarian Training Course:
- Create an application
- Select "Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs"
- Select Online Humanitarian Training Course
- Select credit option
- Select online course or courses