In collaboration with the Centre of Competence on Humanitarian Negotiation (CCHN).

For a long time negotiating in humanitarian operations was felt as compromising principles and norms. Only recently was it found to reinforce humanitarian impact by considering the interests of all sides and the context to make a deal.

This executive short course is a full-time training that focuses on the design of adapted negotiation strategies in humanitarian settings and the development of participants’ self-awareness. It links real situations experienced by participants with the latest concepts around humanitarian negotiation, meaning negotiations aimed at securing access, assistance and protection for civilians facing humanitarian emergencies.

A printable “course-at-a-glance” document is available here.

Objectives of the course

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

  • Define the objectives and specificities of humanitarian negotiation
  • Apply a negotiation framework adapted to humanitarian crises
  • Select and manage the most appropriate interaction and communication modes with various stakeholders while in a negotiation process
  • Discover your personal style as negotiator and its consequences.

 

Workload

Around 50 hours of work for the whole course, including:

  • E-learning materials (videos, readings, forum discussions, individual and collective work, exercises, reflective analysis, role play)
  • Live sessions (including online discussions)
  • Producing an essay (only for those wanting academic certification)

 

Structure of the course

  • Defining the similarities and differences between Humanitarian Negotiations and other types of negotiation
  • Analysing a negotiation context
  • Defining a strategy adapted to humanitarian crises
  • Panel with experts
  • Special types of negotiation: abduction of humanitarian staff, mediation with communities.
  • Role plays

 

  • Professionals in the humanitarian, development or social sector looking to develop their competencies in Humanitarian Negotiation
  • Professionals from other sectors involved in humanitarian operations like government officials, CIMIC officers, liaison officers.
  • Graduate students with relevant volunteer or intern experience, looking to undertake a postgraduate course with a view to entering the humanitarian sector.

For more information about the Course Coordinator, André Picot, read his latest blog.

Admission requirements:

  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.

 

Documents required:

  • CV (Résumé)
  • Copy of your highest diploma
  • Work certificate or official document of your current job position
  • Proof of English language competence (TOEIC/TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent); see details here
  • Scanned copy of passport.

 

More information about the admission process is available on our application page.

“This training has allowed me to process my thoughts and to put words on situations and experiences which I kind of felt “stuck with” at this point in my carrier, without being able to pinpoint what made me uncomfortable. The reflexive process is too often absent from our daily practice, busy as we are running around trying to “fix things” and I am very grateful to have had that opportunity.”

Maëlle, course participant, November 2020

 

“On the one hand, what I learned from this training can be used not only externally with interlocutors of governments or non-state armed actors by getting access to a community in need of assistance and/or protection or to evaluate those needs and as part of this negotiation (but not as the main aim) to obtain security guarantees for the staff that will deliver aid or/and work alongside the community. On the other hand, it can be used internally to have the support of key stakeholders of my organisation that are important for one intervention as sometimes it is more difficult to gather a consensus in house. Finally, it can also be used when negotiating with other humanitarian or development organisations.” 

Thaïs, course participant, November 2020

 

“I found both  group and individual exercises very enlightening about negotiation techniques, approaches and don’ts of humanitarian negotiations. It was great to discuss during the group work on several elements which to me were obvious, but other members had a completely different vision and perspective. Several elements of this part will be used in my team’s and my future negotiations”.

Alexandros, course participant, November 2020

 

 

 

  • Negotiation in Humanitarian Crises (Session II)Dates November 2023
  • Negotiation in Humanitarian Crises (Session II)Duration Two weeks
  • Negotiation in Humanitarian Crises (Session II)Location Online
  • Negotiation in Humanitarian Crises (Session II)Language English
  • Negotiation in Humanitarian Crises (Session II)CREDITS 2 ECTS
  • Fee 1,700
  • Application Deadline To be announced