Certificate of Advanced Studies in Humanitarian Action

Accountability to Affected People

  • Dr Erna Burai Dr Erna Burai
    Designation: Senior Lecturer (CAS Accountability)

This certificate addresses the ambition of improving Accountability to Affected People (AAP) and people-centred programming within the humanitarian sector. It explores the components, conceptual underpinnings, and practice of AAP in various contexts. It prepares participants to better realise the principle of accountability in their field of expertise by familiarising them with existing modalities and organisational practices and by critically assessing the promises and limitations of these approaches.

This intensive online course, which culminates in a residential week in Nairobi, is organised in partnership with UNICEF.


Course outline PDF


  • Application Deadline TBC

  • 12 January – 3 April 2026

  • 12 weeks
  • Online and residential in Nairobi, Kenya
  • English
  • 10 ECTS

  • Full price: CHF 5'000
    Partner rate (UNICEF, ICRC, MSF): CHF 4'000 (20% discount)

    Special Rate: CHF 2'500. Available exclusively to nationals or staff from local/national NGOs, CBOs, government, INGOs, or IOs in low/middle-income countries (OECD DAC list) with salaries aligned to local living costs. Proof required.

    Application form for partial tuition waivers

 

For detailed information about admission criteria, required documents, deadlines, and the application process for the Master, please refer to the “How to Apply” page on our website.

Students are required to have:

– Broadband/high speed connection – 2.5 Mbps minimum.
– Please note that most weekly content and activities is accessible via phone, but a PC/laptop/tablet is preferred
– Microphone and webcam

The participants of the inaugural session of the CAS AAP course shared their experiences and insights, reflecting the diverse and impactful learning that the course offers. Here’s what some of them had to say:

“The practical experience brought to this course narrowed down the gap between the theoretical and practical methods of learning.”

“[Strengths include] ‘the variety of speakers from different backgrounds and sharing experiences and information. It brings experiences from different parts of the world. The students from different regions coming together was also an added value.’”

“The certificate in AAP is a very relevant course not only for humanitarian workers but also those in development like myself.”

“Excellent course, I will recommend it to all my programme colleagues.”