In today's interconnected world, organizations face an unprecedented level of political risk and the constant threat of a public relations crisis. From geopolitical events and regulatory changes to social media backlash and unexpected business disruptions, the ability to effectively manage a crisis and communicate with stakeholders is no longer a luxury—it's a fundamental necessity. This training course is specifically designed to equip leaders and professionals with the strategic frameworks and practical skills needed to anticipate, navigate, and mitigate these complex challenges, safeguarding their organization's reputation and stability.

This intensive five-day program will guide you through the intricate relationship between crisis communication and political volatility. You will learn to conduct thorough risk assessments, build resilient communication plans, and master the art of public messaging under pressure. By exploring real-world case studies and engaging in practical simulations, you will leave this course prepared to lead with confidence, transforming potential threats into opportunities for demonstrating leadership and reinforcing trust. This is a vital investment in your organization's long-term resilience and sustained success.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Public Relations and Communications Managers
• Senior Executives and C-Suite Leaders
• Government Affairs and Public Policy Professionals
• Risk Management and Corporate Security Officers
• Legal and Compliance Specialists
• Marketing and Brand Managers
• Investor Relations Professionals
• Humanitarian and NGO Leaders
• Political Analysts and Strategists
• Consultants specializing in public affairs

Objectives:

• Understand the interconnectedness of political risk and crisis events
• Develop a proactive and comprehensive crisis communication plan
• Master effective messaging and media relations during a crisis
• Identify and assess potential political risks to business operations
• Implement a robust stakeholder engagement strategy
• Utilize digital and social media to manage crisis narratives
• Lead an organization through high-stakes, high-pressure situations
• Prepare for regulatory and government intervention during a crisis
• Build a resilient organizational culture focused on preparedness

Course Modules:

Module 1: Foundations of Crisis and Risk

• The difference between a risk, an issue, and a crisis
• Understanding the lifecycle of a crisis event
• The role of perception and reputation in crisis management
• Key principles of effective crisis communication
• Building a crisis communication team and command structure

Module 2: Political Risk Assessment

• Identifying sources of political risk (geopolitical, regulatory, social)
• Frameworks for conducting a political risk analysis
• Using data and intelligence to monitor and forecast risk
• The impact of policy changes and elections on business
• Integrating political risk into a broader enterprise risk management strategy

Module 3: Crisis Communication Strategy

• Developing a comprehensive and adaptable crisis communication plan
• Crafting a crisis playbook for various scenarios
• The importance of pre-approved messaging and holding statements
• Internal communication strategies during a crisis
• Preparing spokespeople and creating a media engagement protocol

Module 4: Media Relations and Public Speaking

• Navigating the modern media landscape (traditional and digital)
• How to conduct a crisis press conference
• Mastering the art of the media interview under pressure
• The psychology of public perception and message framing
• Effective techniques for public speaking in a crisis

Module 5: Digital and Social Media Crisis Management

• Monitoring and responding to a crisis on social media
• The speed and virality of online narratives
• Developing a digital crisis response plan
• The role of influencers and online communities in a crisis
• Managing misinformation and disinformation campaigns

Module 6: Stakeholder Engagement

• Identifying and prioritizing key stakeholder groups
• Developing targeted communication for employees, investors, and customers
• The importance of transparency and authentic communication
• Building trust with stakeholders before a crisis occurs
• Handling difficult conversations and managing expectations

Module 7: Geopolitical Risk and Regulatory Compliance

• The impact of international relations on business operations
• How sanctions, trade policies, and tariffs create risk
• Navigating regulatory investigations and government inquiries
• The role of lobbying and public advocacy during a crisis
• The legal and ethical dimensions of crisis management

Module 8: Scenario Planning and Simulation

• Designing and running crisis simulation exercises
• Tabletop exercises for testing communication plans
• Live drills for media training and spokesperson preparation
• Post-crisis analysis and lessons learned
• Continuous improvement of the crisis management framework

Module 9: Building a Resilient Organization

• Creating a culture of preparedness and open communication
• The role of leadership in a crisis
• Fostering an adaptable and flexible organizational structure
• Case studies of successful and failed crisis responses

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.