The ATHA program is composed of two types of training activities.

Core Training:
A five day course on humanitarian action will be presented twice a year. Legal, operational and policy aspects of humanitarian action will be examined. The legal framework of international humanitarian law, considered in relation to humanitarian and operational tools, will serve as a conceptual underpinning for the training. Trainings will be interactive, and will include instructional modules, case studies, simulation activities and high-level panel debates with experts from the field. The course includes opportunities for discussion and analysis of the particular dilemmas faced by actors operating in conflict situations, so that participants may exchange information multilaterally.

Specialized Training:
Building on the core training, specialized sessions are offered on key issues such as international humanitarian law, security of humanitarian personnel, protection, humanitarian coordination etc. The trainings differ in length, and are focused on specific pressing issues. The sessions are offered a number of times throughout the year.

You will find all the trainings offered within the program throughout the year under Training and Seminars. There you will also find previous trainings.

For each training there is attached a Training Forum. The Forum will be used as a communication platform, between the administration, resource persons together with the participants prior to the training. It will be only active when being invited to participate in a training. Each participant will after being approved to participate receive Login and Username details to access the Training Forum.

Target Groups
The main target group is Nordic NGOs and their partners in the South. Targeted organizations include organizations working with humanitarian aid, as well as organizations oriented towards long term development work. Staff from other International organisations, regional organisations international NGOs, Governmental Institutions, Academia, IGOs and military may also apply for the courses.

Interested participants should be:
• Mid-career and senior management professionals seeking to benefit from a broader understanding of humanitarian issues and principles;
• Professionals holding positions in organizations or institutions which would allow them to implement the theoretical, policy and operational learning gained from the ATHA course;
• Individuals with prior exposure to the application or theory of humanitarian issues and/or development work.

Professional affiliation with an organization or institution in the field of humanitarian action is a requisite for participation in the course.

Thus individuals interested in applying to the course are asked to submit applications in conjunction with their employing organization. In addition to the program's primary target group of nordic NGOs and their local partners, professionals from other regional or international organanisations, governmental institutions, academia, IGOs, and military are also welcome to apply for the course.

Selection of participants
Selection of course participants will be based on qualifications related to professional experience and interest in the sphere of humanitarian action, as indicated on the application form. A selection will be made with a view to inviting a diverse and wide range of participants based, in view of the course output.

Expenses
Additional course fees cover venue, meals and other costs related to the course. The sum varies pending on the training lenght and type. Members of the program's target group who are Swedish NGOs, will together with their local partners have their fees covered by Sida. All Sida or Swedish MFA personnel fall under normal travel regulations. The cost of transportation to and from the training session will be the responsibility of participant.

Scholorships
The program do not provide for any scholarships for attending the trainings within the program.

ATHA Advanced Training Program Certification (ATP)
For professional development please read more about how to acquire a ATP Certification through participating in the program activities here.

More information regarding the Sida Training Center can be found here.

Inquiries and/or applications should be addressed to:

For inquiries related to Program:
Maja Edfast
Project Coordinator
Phone: +46 (8) 698 40 71
Mail: maja.edfast@sida.se

For inquiries related to travel, lodging, venue, meals etc:
Sara Hurtig
Course Administrator
Phone: +46 (8) 698 40 44
Mail: sara.hurtig@sida.se