The purpose of this course is to provide professional training to enhance NGOs planning and operational capabilities in humanitarian emergencies.

The objective is to address the challenges to which NGOs are increasingly exposed in complex emergencies, generating the need for the development of strategic tools to enhance the capability of these organizations in high-risk environments, in terms of planning, communication, negotiation of access or security of staff.

The training program is a joint initiative between the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), HPCR International (aisbl) and the Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research at Harvard University.

A five-day core training course on humanitarian action is offered twice a year for twenty-five to thirty participants. Legal, operational and policy aspects of humanitarian action will be examined. The humanitarian principles and 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 instruction modules, case studies based on situations familiar to participants, simulation activities, and high-level panel debates with experts in the field. The course includes opportunities for discussion and analysis of the particular dilemmas faced by NGOs operating in conflict situations, so that participants may exchange information multilaterally.

Each course may be oriented to accommodate specific needs of course participants identified by course management. The core training course aims to cover a selection of the following topics:

- Introduction to International Humanitarian Law
- Interplay between International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights
Law
- Humanitarian Principles, Protection, Access and Assistance
- Refugees and Internally Displayed Persons – protection and relief
- Humanitarian Needs Assessment
- Child Protection in Emergencies
- Gender and Humanitarian Action
- Women’s Role in Conflict Resolution (e.g. UN SCR 1325)
- HIV/AIDS in CPEs
- Participation of Crisis-Affected Populations in Humanitarian Action
- Strengthening Local Capacity in Humanitarian Action
- Linking Relief to Development
- Quality Management in Humanitarian Action
- Humanitarian Impact and Evaluation
- Natural Disasters
- Conflict Management in Complex Political Emergencies (CPEs)
- Codes of Conduct (Do No Harm, the Sphere project)
- Staff Security Management in CPEs
- Humanitarian Coordination and Civil-Military Coordination
- Challenges of Humanitarian Assistance

Application
Professional affiliation with an organization or institution 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.

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 in order to ensure a diverse and wide a range of participants.

Contact and Inquiries

Questions concerning the content of the course should be addressed to Maja Edfast, ATHA Project Coordinator, e-mail: maja.edfast@sida.se, phone:+46 (0)8-698 40 71

Administrative questions concerning lodging, venue, meals etc should be addressed to Sara Hurtig Course Administrator, e-mail: sara.hurtig@sida.se, phone +46 (0)8-698 40 44

Register for course here: http://www.atha.se/course-application