Business Continuity and Crisis Management

Humanitarian Crisis Coordination

Humanitarian crises involve many agencies, governments and communities working under pressure. This course covers humanitarian coordination: humanitarian principles, coordination architecture, needs assessments, cluster approach, information management, access and negotiation, accountability to affected populations and working with local actors.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Poor coordination leads to gaps and duplication in aid. You will learn how humanitarian coordination works in practice.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Simulation of coordination meetings, needs assessment exercises, case studies and negotiation role plays.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain humanitarian principles and architecture
Conduct coordinated needs assessments
Work within cluster and sector coordination
Manage humanitarian information
Negotiate access and work with local actors
Ensure accountability to affected populations

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

NGO and UN staff
Government emergency officials
Donor representatives
Humanitarian programme managers
Civil-military liaison officers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Coordination
Needs assessment
Information management
Negotiation
Accountability

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Humanitarian System

09:00–10:08Principles
10:08–11:00Actors
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Actors (continued)
11:45–12:53Coordination architecture
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Needs Assessment

09:00–10:08Joint assessments
10:08–11:00Data collection
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Data collection (continued)
11:45–12:53Prioritisation
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Clusters and Information

09:00–10:08Cluster approach
10:08–11:00Information products
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Information products (continued)
11:45–12:53Meetings
12:53–14:00Simulation

Day 4Access and Localisation

09:00–10:08Humanitarian access
10:08–11:00Negotiation
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Negotiation (continued)
11:45–12:53Local actors
12:53–14:00Role play

Day 5Accountability

09:00–10:08Feedback mechanisms
10:08–11:00Protection
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Protection (continued)
11:45–12:53Lessons
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

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