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Overview

Humanitarian diplomacy is persuading decision makers and opinion leaders to act, at all times, in the interests of vulnerable people, and with full respect for fundamental humanitarian principles.

The rapid expansion of the number of humanitarian actors in recent years, working for or with governments at all levels and often in complex situations, makes humanitarian diplomacy increasingly important. 

Humanitarian diplomacy aims to mobilise public and governmental support and resources for humanitarian operations and programmes, and to facilitate effective partnerships for responding to the needs of vulnerable people. Humanitarian diplomacy includes advocacy, negotiation, communication, formal agreements, and other measures. It is a field with many players, including governments, international organisations, NGOs, the private sector, and individuals.

The Humanitarian Diplomacy online diploma course is offered by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in partnership with DiploFoundation. Course faculty draws on leading experts from around the world, as resource people and guest lecturers.

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Open for applications: 

Yes

Application deadline: 
22 July 2013
Start date: 
2 September 2013
Course code: 
n/a
ECTS credits: 
0
Mode(s) of study: 
Diploma

..very dynamic, very engaging.

Carine Chehab
Course participant
Course details

Humanitarian diplomacy is persuading decision makers and opinion leaders to act, at all times, in the interests of vulnerable people, and with full respect for fundamental humanitarian principles.

The rapid expansion of the number of humanitarian actors in recent years, working for or with governments at all levels and often in complex situations, makes humanitarian diplomacy increasingly important. 

Humanitarian diplomacy aims to mobilise public and governmental support and resources for humanitarian operations and programmes, and to facilitate effective partnerships for responding to the needs of vulnerable people. Humanitarian diplomacy includes advocacy, negotiation, communication, formal agreements, and other measures. It is a field with many players, including governments, international organisations, NGOs, the private sector, and individuals.

The Humanitarian Diplomacy online diploma course is offered by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in partnership with DiploFoundation. Course faculty draws on leading experts from around the world, as resource people and guest lecturers.

Enabling Action 2 of Strategy 2020 commits the IFRC to 'pursue humanitarian diplomacy to prevent and reduce vulnerability in a globalised world'.

The online course will extend the knowledge base and develop practical skills of current and future practitioners in humanitarian diplomacy and policy.

To achieve its objectives, the course will:

  • Familiarise participants with basic definitions, concepts, actors, and institutions in the field of humanitarian diplomacy.
  • Introduce participants to international humanitarian law, the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and National Societies’ role as an auxiliary to government.
  • Hone the advocacy and negotiation skills of participants.
  • Facilitate an international exchange of experiences and knowledge in a safe and supportive online class environment.
  • Develop the research skills of participants, and increase their understanding of national and regional humanitarian diplomacy activities.

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

  • Explain clearly the concept of humanitarian diplomacy and provide examples of humanitarian diplomacy in action.
  • List and categorise the main actors in the field of humanitarian diplomacy and describe their roles.
  • Describe the interplay between relevant international law, including international humanitarian law, and humanitarian diplomacy.
  • Analyse the role of advocacy and persuasion in humanitarian diplomacy.
  • Organise a humanitarian diplomacy alliance.
  • Plan a persuasion campaign, taking into consideration the application of fundamental humanitarian principles.
  • Explain how to shape or influence negotiations through an evidence-based approach.
  • Describe how different humanitarian diplomacy contexts influence negotiation outcomes.
  • Analyse case studies of humanitarian diplomacy, identifying goals, actors, methods, challenges, and implementation.

Course outline

  • Module 0 – Orientation to Online Learning: During this short module, participants will be introduced to the online classroom and tools for communication and interaction that they will use during the course. Participants will also be guided through practice exercises and will have the chance to ask questions and request assistance as needed.
  1. Module 1 – Introduction to Humanitarian Diplomacy: This module looks at how diplomacy is understood within various definitions of humanitarian diplomacy, making use of the IFRC humanitarian diplomacy policy and its four signposts for action. How has humanitarian diplomacy evolved, and what is the current situation? Why is it relevant today?  Who practices humanitarian diplomacy? What is the profile of a humanitarian diplomacy practitioner?
  2. Module 2 – Humanitarian Diplomacy Toolkit: This is a cognitive toolkit, or a set of thinking tools, to help the humanitarian diplomat navigate through vast amounts of information and fast-changing policy contexts. The toolkit does not contain ready-made solutions. Practically speaking, this cognitive toolkit will help humanitarian diplomats to engage in debate, argue in favour of their positions, persuade interlocutors, and find creative solutions for overcoming stalemates in policy discussions, eventually reaching compromises acceptable to all negotiating parties.
  3. Module 3 – Humanitarian Diplomacy Actors: This module surveys the evolution of the RCRC Movement and introduces the main characteristics, role and function of the IFRC and National Societies, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). It briefly covers the 1949 Geneva Conventions and other instruments of international humanitarian law. It also introduces the role of other actors, including national governments, international organisations, private entities, and individuals. The module looks at how decisions are made, at national, international, and global levels.
  4. Module 4 – How Humanitarian Diplomacy is Performed – Persuasion and Advocacy: This module explains the functions and audience for persuasion. It looks at different contexts for persuasion (national, international, local, crisis) and differentiates between public persuasion (similar to advocacy and public diplomacy) and private persuasion. The module guides participants through the organisation of a humanitarian diplomacy alliance.
  5. Module 5 – How Humanitarian Diplomacy is Performed – Persuasion and Advocacy (practical skills): This module focuses on skills such as framing devices as a practical technique for persuasion, spin tricks in persuasion, use of the media (including social media), speaking, and writing. It guides participants through the steps of organising a persuasion campaign (main phases and approaches) at different levels.
  6. Module 6 – How Humanitarian Diplomacy is Performed – Negotiations: This module introduces types of negotiations in humanitarian diplomacy, in the multilateral, regional, and national context, as well as in crisis situations. It covers influencing negotiations through decision-shaping (if the humanitarian player does not have a decision-making role) and the evidence base - how to obtain it and maximise its impact.
  7. Module 7 – Humanitarian Diplomacy Beyond Negotiation: Through examination of case studies, this module looks at using humanitarian diplomacy to ensure implementation of a negotiated outcome.
  8. Module 8 – Other Practical Skills in Humanitarian Diplomacy: Many practical skills are relevant to humanitarian diplomacy, including protocol, drafting, media training, public speaking, and use of social media. The module also covers resource mobilisation, planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting, and quality assurance.
Reviews

Using practical skills gained in this course, I have been able to support my National Society in developing its HD work. This process is still on its way but already I have seen staff members taking a more strategic approach into HD. This is very rewarding. Read a interview with Leena-Kaisa on Diplo's blog.

Leena-Kaisa Åberg
Special Adviser to the Secretary General, Finnish Red Cross
May 2013

It was more than excellent. But it was very challenging at the same time. Every participant brought his/her own knowledge and experience... The joint assignments and the interaction in the course — the 'hyper texting' mainly — gave the course an exciting and lively aspect, and enabled all participants to enrich the content and ongoing discussions.
Visit the IFRC learning network blog to read Hosam's full learning story.

Hosam Faysal
Disaster Management Coordinator, IFRC (MENA)
July, 2012

The Humanitarian Diplomacy online course 'competently delivered a practical understanding of a comprehensive body of knowledge on a complex subject to students with diverse academic, language and learning cultures. The initiative’s impressive results can be accredited to a vastly diverse student profile, the quality of course material, the senior expertise evidenced by the course lecturers and a well-designed and efficiently managed interactive learning environment.'

Independent Review
February 2012 Humanitarian Diplomacy Online Course
July, 2012
Who should apply
  • Red Cross and Red Crescent National Society governance, senior management, volunteers, and staff
  • IFRC and ICRC staff
  • Other professionals who need to employ humanitarian diplomacy techniques

Please note that this course is quite demanding in terms of time and commitment, requiring seven to ten hours of study time per week. Before you apply, please consider carefully whether you can commit the necessary time in order to complete the course successfully. Where appropriate, please make sure you obtain the endorsement of your line manager to attend this course.

 

Prerequisites

Applicants must have:

  • An undergraduate university degree; or at least two years of work experience in the humanitarian or development field.
  • Sufficient knowledge of the English language to undertake postgraduate-level studies (including reading academic texts, discussing complex concepts with other course participants, and writing academic essays).
  • Regular access to the Internet (dial-up connection is sufficient, although broadband is preferable).
  • Sufficient time for online study, which requires seven to ten hours per week.
Fees

€950 per participant, due upon acceptance into the course.

A limited number of partial bursaries will be available to selected candidates from developing countries who work or volunteer with their local RCRC National Society. Please indicate if you are requesting a bursary in your motivation letter.

 

How to apply

How to apply

Please apply online for this course. Please upload the following three supporting documents with your application:

  • a current CV;
  • initial ideas for your research project: topic, reasons for choosing this topic, main objectives (maximum 1 page - you will have the chance to further develop your ideas during the course); and
  • a motivation letter (maximum 1 page).

The motivation letter should include:

  • Details of your relevant professional and educational background, including your personal objectives and plans for the future.
  • Reasons for your interest in humanitarian diplomacy.
  • Why you feel you should be selected to participate in this course: how your participation will benefit you, your institution and/or your country.
  • Indication of whether you are applying for a bursary (only available to developing country applicants who work or volunteer with local RCRC National Society); if yes, please include the name and e-mail address of a referee in your organisation.

These are required documents and your application will not be considered without them. Late applications will be considered only if places remain in the course. In case of enquiries, please contact us at admissions@diplomacy.edu

Selection process

DiploFoundation and the IFRC will select up to 25 qualified participants to attend this course. Preference will be given to applicants from developing countries, and those currently working in the humanitarian diplomacy field. Selected applicants will be notified after the application deadline.

Print course info
Course details:

Humanitarian diplomacy is persuading decision makers and opinion leaders to act, at all times, in the interests of vulnerable people, and with full respect for fundamental humanitarian principles.

The rapid expansion of the number of humanitarian actors in recent years, working for or with governments at all levels and often in complex situations, makes humanitarian diplomacy increasingly important. 

Humanitarian diplomacy aims to mobilise public and governmental support and resources for humanitarian operations and programmes, and to facilitate effective partnerships for responding to the needs of vulnerable people. Humanitarian diplomacy includes advocacy, negotiation, communication, formal agreements, and other measures. It is a field with many players, including governments, international organisations, NGOs, the private sector, and individuals.

The Humanitarian Diplomacy online diploma course is offered by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in partnership with DiploFoundation. Course faculty draws on leading experts from around the world, as resource people and guest lecturers.

Enabling Action 2 of Strategy 2020 commits the IFRC to 'pursue humanitarian diplomacy to prevent and reduce vulnerability in a globalised world'.

The online course will extend the knowledge base and develop practical skills of current and future practitioners in humanitarian diplomacy and policy.

To achieve its objectives, the course will:

  • Familiarise participants with basic definitions, concepts, actors, and institutions in the field of humanitarian diplomacy.
  • Introduce participants to international humanitarian law, the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and National Societies’ role as an auxiliary to government.
  • Hone the advocacy and negotiation skills of participants.
  • Facilitate an international exchange of experiences and knowledge in a safe and supportive online class environment.
  • Develop the research skills of participants, and increase their understanding of national and regional humanitarian diplomacy activities.

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

  • Explain clearly the concept of humanitarian diplomacy and provide examples of humanitarian diplomacy in action.
  • List and categorise the main actors in the field of humanitarian diplomacy and describe their roles.
  • Describe the interplay between relevant international law, including international humanitarian law, and humanitarian diplomacy.
  • Analyse the role of advocacy and persuasion in humanitarian diplomacy.
  • Organise a humanitarian diplomacy alliance.
  • Plan a persuasion campaign, taking into consideration the application of fundamental humanitarian principles.
  • Explain how to shape or influence negotiations through an evidence-based approach.
  • Describe how different humanitarian diplomacy contexts influence negotiation outcomes.
  • Analyse case studies of humanitarian diplomacy, identifying goals, actors, methods, challenges, and implementation.

Course outline

  • Module 0 – Orientation to Online Learning: During this short module, participants will be introduced to the online classroom and tools for communication and interaction that they will use during the course. Participants will also be guided through practice exercises and will have the chance to ask questions and request assistance as needed.
  1. Module 1 – Introduction to Humanitarian Diplomacy: This module looks at how diplomacy is understood within various definitions of humanitarian diplomacy, making use of the IFRC humanitarian diplomacy policy and its four signposts for action. How has humanitarian diplomacy evolved, and what is the current situation? Why is it relevant today?  Who practices humanitarian diplomacy? What is the profile of a humanitarian diplomacy practitioner?
  2. Module 2 – Humanitarian Diplomacy Toolkit: This is a cognitive toolkit, or a set of thinking tools, to help the humanitarian diplomat navigate through vast amounts of information and fast-changing policy contexts. The toolkit does not contain ready-made solutions. Practically speaking, this cognitive toolkit will help humanitarian diplomats to engage in debate, argue in favour of their positions, persuade interlocutors, and find creative solutions for overcoming stalemates in policy discussions, eventually reaching compromises acceptable to all negotiating parties.
  3. Module 3 – Humanitarian Diplomacy Actors: This module surveys the evolution of the RCRC Movement and introduces the main characteristics, role and function of the IFRC and National Societies, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). It briefly covers the 1949 Geneva Conventions and other instruments of international humanitarian law. It also introduces the role of other actors, including national governments, international organisations, private entities, and individuals. The module looks at how decisions are made, at national, international, and global levels.
  4. Module 4 – How Humanitarian Diplomacy is Performed – Persuasion and Advocacy: This module explains the functions and audience for persuasion. It looks at different contexts for persuasion (national, international, local, crisis) and differentiates between public persuasion (similar to advocacy and public diplomacy) and private persuasion. The module guides participants through the organisation of a humanitarian diplomacy alliance.
  5. Module 5 – How Humanitarian Diplomacy is Performed – Persuasion and Advocacy (practical skills): This module focuses on skills such as framing devices as a practical technique for persuasion, spin tricks in persuasion, use of the media (including social media), speaking, and writing. It guides participants through the steps of organising a persuasion campaign (main phases and approaches) at different levels.
  6. Module 6 – How Humanitarian Diplomacy is Performed – Negotiations: This module introduces types of negotiations in humanitarian diplomacy, in the multilateral, regional, and national context, as well as in crisis situations. It covers influencing negotiations through decision-shaping (if the humanitarian player does not have a decision-making role) and the evidence base - how to obtain it and maximise its impact.
  7. Module 7 – Humanitarian Diplomacy Beyond Negotiation: Through examination of case studies, this module looks at using humanitarian diplomacy to ensure implementation of a negotiated outcome.
  8. Module 8 – Other Practical Skills in Humanitarian Diplomacy: Many practical skills are relevant to humanitarian diplomacy, including protocol, drafting, media training, public speaking, and use of social media. The module also covers resource mobilisation, planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting, and quality assurance.
Who should apply:
  • Red Cross and Red Crescent National Society governance, senior management, volunteers, and staff
  • IFRC and ICRC staff
  • Other professionals who need to employ humanitarian diplomacy techniques

Please note that this course is quite demanding in terms of time and commitment, requiring seven to ten hours of study time per week. Before you apply, please consider carefully whether you can commit the necessary time in order to complete the course successfully. Where appropriate, please make sure you obtain the endorsement of your line manager to attend this course.

 

Methodology:

The Red Cross Red Crescent Learning Network has developed partnerships with academic institutions on humanitarian diplomacy, management and capacity building, disaster management and global health. This 12-week course in humanitarian diplomacy is conducted entirely online, making the Red Cross Red Crescent Learning Network environment accessible through web-based techniques developed by DiploFoundation. The course consists of two phases: an interactive online course lasting eight weeks, immediately followed by a four-week research phase.

During the course, reading materials and tools for online interaction are provided through an online classroom. The course is based on a collaborative approach to learning, involving a high level of interaction. Each week, participants read an assigned module text, adding questions and comments as hypertext entries. Lecturers and other participants read and respond to these entries, creating interaction based on the module text. During the week, participants complete additional online activities (e.g. further discussion via blogs or forums, quizzes, group tasks, simulations, or short assignments). At the end of the week, participants, lecturers, and guest experts meet online in a chat room to discuss the week’s topic. Please note that due to the spread of course participants accross time zones worldwide, scheduled online session times will not fall within working hours for all participants. Some participants will need to attend online sessions during the morning or evening hours.

During the research phase, participants will apply their knowledge to analysing a humanitarian diplomacy action or activity. Working individually or in small groups, participants will select a topic relevant to their work, country or region, and prepare a short research paper as the final assignment for the course. Each participant will have individual support and feedback from a tutor throughout this phase.

Participation in the course requires approximately seven to ten hours of study time per week.

Participants who complete the course successfully will receive a diploma issued by DiploFoundation and the IFRC. This qualification will also be recognised with Red Cross Red Crescent credits, awarded under the IFRC Learning Passport as determined by the Learning Reference and Standards Committee.

Prerequisites:

Applicants must have:

  • An undergraduate university degree; or at least two years of work experience in the humanitarian or development field.
  • Sufficient knowledge of the English language to undertake postgraduate-level studies (including reading academic texts, discussing complex concepts with other course participants, and writing academic essays).
  • Regular access to the Internet (dial-up connection is sufficient, although broadband is preferable).
  • Sufficient time for online study, which requires seven to ten hours per week.
Fees:

€950 per participant, due upon acceptance into the course.

A limited number of partial bursaries will be available to selected candidates from developing countries who work or volunteer with their local RCRC National Society. Please indicate if you are requesting a bursary in your motivation letter.

 

How to apply:

How to apply

Please apply online for this course. Please upload the following three supporting documents with your application:

  • a current CV;
  • initial ideas for your research project: topic, reasons for choosing this topic, main objectives (maximum 1 page - you will have the chance to further develop your ideas during the course); and
  • a motivation letter (maximum 1 page).

The motivation letter should include:

  • Details of your relevant professional and educational background, including your personal objectives and plans for the future.
  • Reasons for your interest in humanitarian diplomacy.
  • Why you feel you should be selected to participate in this course: how your participation will benefit you, your institution and/or your country.
  • Indication of whether you are applying for a bursary (only available to developing country applicants who work or volunteer with local RCRC National Society); if yes, please include the name and e-mail address of a referee in your organisation.

These are required documents and your application will not be considered without them. Late applications will be considered only if places remain in the course. In case of enquiries, please contact us at admissions@diplomacy.edu

Selection process

DiploFoundation and the IFRC will select up to 25 qualified participants to attend this course. Preference will be given to applicants from developing countries, and those currently working in the humanitarian diplomacy field. Selected applicants will be notified after the application deadline.