Introduction

In today's complex global landscape, where humanitarian crises frequently intersect with protracted conflicts, Conflict Sensitivity and Peacebuilding in Humanitarian Work has become an indispensable competency for all aid practitioners. Conflict sensitivity means understanding how an intervention might interact with, exacerbate, or mitigate conflict dynamics in a given context, ensuring that humanitarian aid "does no harm" and ideally contributes to peace. It requires a nuanced appreciation of power dynamics, local grievances, and existing tensions. Without a deliberate and systematic application of conflict sensitivity principles, humanitarian efforts, no matter how well-intentioned, risk inadvertently fueling conflict, reinforcing divisions, or undermining local peace efforts, ultimately compromising their effectiveness and the safety of both beneficiaries and staff. This essential training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Conflict Sensitivity and Peacebuilding in Humanitarian Work.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower humanitarian aid workers, program managers, field staff, M&E specialists, and aspiring practitioners with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to integrate conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding principles effectively into their daily operations. Participants will gain a deep understanding of conflict analysis, explore various approaches to integrating peacebuilding elements into humanitarian action, learn about navigating complex operational environments, and acquire skills in designing and implementing conflict-sensitive programs. The course will delve into topics such as Do No Harm principles, stakeholder analysis in conflict contexts, understanding local conflict dynamics, integrating peacebuilding into sectoral programs (e.g., health, WASH), ethical considerations, and monitoring conflict sensitivity. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Conflict Sensitivity and Peacebuilding in Humanitarian Work, participants will be prepared to enhance the safety and effectiveness of their programs, contribute to more sustainable peace, and ultimately alleviate suffering in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Humanitarian Aid Workers and Field Staff
• Program Managers and Coordinators in conflict-affected areas
• Emergency Response Team Members
• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialists
• Protection Officers
• Peacebuilding Practitioners (for cross-learning)
• Security and Access Managers
• Grant Managers and Proposal Developers
• Community Engagement Specialists
• Aspiring professionals in humanitarian and peacebuilding sectors.

Objectives

• Understand the core concepts of conflict, conflict sensitivity, and peacebuilding in humanitarian contexts.
• Learn to conduct a basic conflict analysis to understand local dynamics.
• Acquire skills in applying the "Do No Harm" principle to humanitarian interventions.
• Comprehend techniques for integrating conflict sensitivity into program design and implementation.
• Explore strategies for identifying and mitigating risks associated with conflict.
• Understand the importance of coordination and collaboration with peacebuilding actors.
• Gain insights into monitoring and evaluating conflict-sensitive approaches.
• Develop a practical understanding of ethical considerations and challenges in conflict-affected environments.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Conflict and Humanitarian Action

• Defining conflict, violence, and fragility in humanitarian contexts.
• The changing nature of humanitarian crises and their link to conflict.
• Overview of humanitarian principles and their application in conflict settings.
• Understanding the impact of conflict on populations and aid delivery.
• The imperative of "doing no harm" in humanitarian interventions.

Module 2: Basic Conflict Analysis for Humanitarian Practitioners

• Key concepts in conflict analysis: actors, issues, dynamics, causes, triggers.
• Tools for rapid conflict analysis: mapping, timelines, SWOT.
• Identifying conflict drivers and dividers in a specific context.
• Understanding power dynamics and their influence on humanitarian work.
• Utilizing conflict analysis to inform program design and strategy.

Module 3: The "Do No Harm" Principle and Conflict Sensitivity

• Detailed exploration of the "Do No Harm" framework.
• How aid can inadvertently interact with and exacerbate conflict.
• Analyzing resources and implicit messages in humanitarian interventions.
• Identifying "dividers" and "connectors" in a community.
• Practical application of "Do No Harm" in various sectoral programs.

Module 4: Integrating Conflict Sensitivity into Project Cycle Management

• Applying conflict sensitivity throughout the project cycle: design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation.
• Designing conflict-sensitive objectives and activities.
• Contextualizing program interventions to local conflict dynamics.
• Ensuring equitable access to aid and avoiding perceptions of bias.
• Adaptability and flexibility in program implementation in volatile settings.

Module 5: Peacebuilding Concepts and Humanitarian Action

• Introduction to peacebuilding concepts: conflict prevention, resolution, transformation.
• Understanding the continuum from humanitarian aid to development and peacebuilding.
• Identifying opportunities for peacebuilding within humanitarian programs.
• The role of humanitarian actors in supporting local peace initiatives.
• Differentiating between direct and indirect contributions to peace.

Module 6: Security, Access, and Risk Management in Conflict Contexts

• Assessing security risks for staff and beneficiaries in conflict zones.
• Negotiating access with armed groups and local authorities.
• Developing context-specific security protocols and risk mitigation strategies.
• The impact of security measures on aid delivery and perceptions.
• Balancing humanitarian principles with security imperatives.

Module 7: Monitoring Conflict Sensitivity and Peace Outcomes

• Developing indicators for conflict sensitivity and peace dividends.
• Tools for monitoring changes in conflict dynamics and community relations.
• Collecting and analyzing qualitative data on perceptions of fairness and impact.
• Incorporating feedback mechanisms to assess conflict sensitivity.
• Reporting on conflict sensitivity to donors and stakeholders.

Module 8: Ethical Considerations and Coordination in Fragile Contexts

• Navigating ethical dilemmas in conflict-affected environments.
• Ensuring accountability to affected populations while maintaining neutrality.
• Coordination mechanisms with other humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding actors.
• Building local capacity and supporting local leadership in peace efforts.
• Self-care and resilience for humanitarian workers in challenging contexts.

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 5 working days before commencement of the training.