Overview
For anyone currently working in or entering the humanitarian sector, 
the Essentials of Humanitarian Practice course is important foundation training. The course helps to bring about an understanding of the characteristics of natural disasters and conflict induced emergencies and the requirements for an effective humanitarian response, and to gain knowledge of the complexity of the international relief system and the legal framework for humanitarian assistance. The course highlights some of the dilemmas faced by humanitarian workers and gives participants an opportunity to practise the team skills required to work effectively in the field.
The course uses participatory training methods, including a number of group exercises and discussions. Central to the course is a major team exercise in planning for a refugee influx. While the course is intensive, opportunities for informal discussion are built into the program. Essentials of Humanitarian Practice is widely recognised and used by major relief organisations throughout the world.
Aims & objectives
The aim of the course is to prepare relief workers for the realities of life on assignment so that they are able to contribute as effectively as possible. The course provides an understanding of the international context of emergency relief work, explaining the distinctions between natural disasters and conflict induced emergencies and provides an introduction to the international humanitarian system.
Key objectives are that by the end of the course participants should be able to:
- Have a reasonable knowledge of the humanitarian relief system and to understand the roles and relationships of organisations in the international relief system
- Understand the characteristics of natural disasters and complex emergencies
- Understand key issues in cultural, political and organisational environment of relief assistance
- Appreciate the legal and emotional issues impinging on those affected by disasters
- Assess your personal skills and identify areas for development
- Recognise teamwork skills required in relief work and practice some essentials of effective teamwork
- Apply techniques and approaches that increase individual responsibility in humanitarian work
- Be familiar with basic radio protocol and use
- Develop contacts that will help you in your work in relief.
Potential participants
The Essentials of Humanitarian Practice course is designed for people from all professional backgrounds and disciplines. The course is open to all RedR Australia Register members and applicants, staff from humanitarian aid organisations and individuals currently working or with experience in relief work and for those actively seeking work in the sector. The course provides a unique opportunity to enhance participants’ skills, gain fresh insights and share practical experience with others.
Course outline
- International Humanitarian Charter
- Working in a Team in a Relief Operation
- Minimum Standards and Indicators
- Understanding Gender and Cross-Cultural Issues
- Role and Mandate of UN and other Humanitarian Agencies in Disasters
- Personal Health, Behaviour and Safety
- Individual Security Issues
- Introduction to Radio Communications
- Dealing with the Media
- Professional and Personal Development
- Planning for Relief Work
Selection criteria
As places are limited priority is also given to those applicants who
- Are RedR Australia Register members or applicants
- Currently work for an operational NGO
- Intend to be deployed within 6 months of completing the course.
The course is in English and a reasonable proficiency is required by participants
