strong>Overview

This is a highly practical, hands-on course designed to prepare anyone wanting to work in conflict prevention, crisis management or peacebuilding with the essential skills for working in a conflict situation. Each day of the course will focus on a particular set of skills and how to apply them in the peacebuilding context. The final day-long simulation exercise will test these skills. You will be assessed by an experienced observer who can advise you on next steps in your personal and professional development as a peace worker.

Who is it for?

This training is designed for young graduates or professionals with a prior understanding of the challenges of conflict work, but with no prior field experience. If you have completed a relevant level 1 ‘Introductory’ course, are thinking about a career change, or want to build up your skills before an assignment overseas, this course is for you.

Course outline

This course focuses on nine key practical skills which are generally considered essential for anyone working in a conflict situation, regardless of the role they may play or their level of responsibility. Each day of the course focuses on a particular set of skills and how to apply them in a peacebuilding context. The final day-long simulation tests those skills, where participants are assessed by an experienced observer who can advise on the next steps in their personal and professional development in the peace field.

The course develops the following core skills

• Research skills
• Written communication skills
• Verbal communication skills
• Self management
• Conflict management
• Observation skills
• Teamwork
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Gender awareness

These skills will be developed for use in real-life situations:

• Talking to representatives of international organisations
• Being able to report effectively to donors or employers
• Dealing with the media
• Communicating with different parties to the conflict
• Understanding inter-cultural communication issues

Objectives

This is an assessed course leading to a level 2 certificate. With this certificate you will have a greater chance of convincing employers that you have the core skills they are looking for when you lack the experience that would otherwise prove it to them. At level 2, you may be qualified for entry level jobs in the field as well as office-based positions at home. You will also have developed a better understanding of your current capabilities and the ways forward to put these to use or develop them further.

Requirements

This training welcomes participants from all nationalities and age groups. In order to benefit from the complete experience, participants must be fully proficient in English.

Frequency
Twice a year: Spring and autumn

Methodologies
Lectures, Role play, Case studies, Simulations, Group work, Discussion, Participant presentations, Writing exercises, Guest speakers

Trainers
Lucy Holdaway & Aurelien Tobie plus guest trainers

For more information, contact the Training and Learning Team