Executive Short Course

Humanitarian Health Diplomacy: Reconstructing health systems after war in the Arab World

Humanitarian Health Diplomacy: Reconstructing health systems after war in the Arab World is a unique residential course in Doha for professionals in the humanitarian, development and social sectors. This course offers face-to-face training with leading experts, focusing on practical methods for post-conflict health system reconstruction. Participants learn to analyse complex environments, develop strategic recovery plans and manage challenging relationships through a blend of theory and hands-on exercises.

The curriculum delivers targeted, actionable insights on crisis management, strategic planning and effective negotiation—core skills for operating in post-war contexts. Key features include comprehensive case studies from recent regional conflicts, interactive simulations that mirror real-world challenges, and intensive workshops that foster practical problem-solving and leadership development.

Expert-led sessions explore emerging trends and innovative strategies in health system reconstruction, equipping you with sustainable solutions and the confidence to implement forward-thinking responses in post-conflict settings. Certification is awarded by Hamad Bin Khalifa University and the University of Geneva upon successful completion, underscoring the programme’s academic rigour and professional relevance.

Further details on course structure, workload, objectives, target audience and admission criteria are provided below.
This localised course is subsidised by the Ville de Genève.

Apply for Humanitarian Health Diplomacy: Reconstructing health systems after war in the Arab World to gain practical knowledge and enhance your capacity to lead health recovery initiatives in conflict-affected areas.

Course outline PDF

  • 4 - 8 May 2025

  • 5 days
  • Residential in Doha
  • English
  • 2 ECTS (certification awarded upon successful completion)

  • Subsidised by the Ville de Genève
    Full price: CHF 800
    Special Rate: CHF 400. 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

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At the end of the course, you will be able to:

  1. Analyse Complex Environments: Develop your ability to critically analyse political and social environments during public health and other humanitarian crises using a political science lens.
  2. Strategic Planning and Facilitation: Design and implement a robust plan for diplomacy, dialogue and reconstruction of health systems.
  3. Interpersonal Skills and Tension Management: Enhance interpersonal skills to navigate challenging relationships, employing contemporary tools and methods to manage tensions, de-escalate conflicts, and perform effectively under pressure when working in a group.
  4. Practical Application and Reflection: Leverage insights from seasoned practitioners through experiential learning, simulations, and group work, enabling students to confidently engage in face-to-face dialog.

Around 50 hours of work, including:

  1. Lectures
  2. Group activities and dialogue with experienced practitioners
  3. Readings

Day 1: Understanding Post-Conflict Frameworks

 

  • Morning Session:
    • Introduction to Sultan Barakat’s Theories on Post-Conflict Recovery
    • Key Concepts: Resilience, Reconstruction, and Planning
  • Afternoon Session:
    • Impact of Conflict on Health Systems
    • Group Discussion: Initial Reactions and Ideas

Day 2: Contextualized Assessments and Frameworks

  • Morning Session:
    • Conducting Context-Sensitive Needs Assessments
    • Post-Conflict Situational Analysis
  • Afternoon Session:
  • Workshop: Applying the appropriate Framework to Assess Health Needs in a Case Study
  • Sharing Insights and Methodologies

Day 3: The Role of Governance and Leadership

  • Morning Session:
    • Governance Structures in Health Reconstruction
    • Importance of Effective Leadership in Health Systems Recovery
  • Afternoon Session:
    • Simulation: Navigating Political Landscapes in Health Reconstruction
    • Reflection: Best Practices for Leadership Engagement

Day 4: Financing and Resource Mobilisation

  • Morning Session:
    • Financing Strategies for Health Reconstruction
    • Importance of Donor Engagement and Resource Allocation
  • Afternoon Session:
    • Workshop: Crafting a Funding Proposal for a Health Reconstruction Project
    • Presentation of Proposals and Group Evaluation

Day 5: Designing Integrated Health Systems

  • Morning Session:
    • Integration of Health Services: Step Towards Resilient Health Systems
    • Understanding the resilience of health systems
  • Afternoon Session:
    • Case Study Analysis: Successful Integration Approaches in Post-Conflict Regions
    • Group Discussion: Challenges and Strategies for Integration

Day 6: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Future Directions

  • Morning Session:
    • Designing M&E Frameworks
    • Measuring Success in Health System Reconstruction
  • Afternoon Session:
    • Final Project Presentations: Reconstruction Plans Incorporating Barakat’s Insights
    • Course Reflection: Key Learnings and Future Applications
  • Professionals in the humanitarian, development or social sector looking to develop their competencies in humanitarian diplomacy
  • Professionals from other sectors (political analysts, decision-makers, government officials, donor agencies) who wish to increase their understanding of reconstruction of health systems
  • Graduate students with relevant volunteer or intern experience (2-3 years), looking to undertake a postgraduate course with a view to entering the humanitarian sector
  1. a university qualification (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
  2. at least three years of relevant professional experience
  3. excellent command of English
  4. motivation working in the humanitarian sector