Develop the skills of an effective leader in complex, high-stress & volatile humanitarian situations, including managing teams remotely
The Leadership and Management in Humanitarian Contexts course determines the essential characteristics and skills of an effective manager and leader in complex, high-stress and often-volatile humanitarian situations. It describes the competencies and values that humanitarian managers and leaders need, and the tools and approaches that they can use, in order to achieve results and contribute to effective humanitarian responses.
The course includes six modules, which are based on evidence and experience of managing and leading in humanitarian contexts, and which combine theory and practice. The six modules are:
Module 1: Managing and leading in humanitarian contexts. (This module identifies the competencies, values and responsibilities of managers and leaders, how this is shaped by the humanitarian context and the responsibility to exercise power and authority accountably.)
Module 2 : Being effective as a humanitarian leader. (This module draws on leadership models and research to emphasise the importance for humanitarian leaders of having a strategic vision and of adopting a collaborative approach. It provides learners with the opportunity to reflect on their own effectiveness as a leader through analysis of how they communicate.)
Module 3: Managing performance. (This module examines the ways in which a humanitarian manager can support individuals in their teams to perform at their best. It determines the formal and informal tools and approaches that humanitarian managers can use to motivate team members, enable high achievement and address under-performance.)
Module 4: Staff development and well-being. (This module highlights the responsibility of a humanitarian manager to support the professional development and well-being of team members in the frequently high-stress and volatile environments of humanitarian contexts.)
Module 5: Managing teams (This module examines the characteristics of high performing teams and how these are influenced by humanitarian contexts. It identifies the tools and approaches that humanitarian managers can use to build strong teams and to manage conflict constructively.)
Module 6: Risks, challenges and opportunities in humanitarian contexts. (This module examines some of the challenges and opportunities faced in humanitarian contexts and identifies the actions humanitarian managers need to take when working in high-risk, volatile contexts, when managing teams remotely, and when working with diverse teams.)
The facilitated modules use participatory methods and it is expected that learners will actively participate in discussions and activities in order to deepen their understanding of the concepts that are discussed. Participants will be offer opportunities to share relevant personal experiences and reflections to benefit their own and others' learning.
Each module requires some preparation that will be built on during the module. There are practical and reflection tasks to reinforce learning, thereby encouraging participants to progress in their own contexts and professional practice. These will be based on the Moodle (e-learning platform) and while participation in these activities is optional, it is strongly encouraged.
What does the course cover?
By the end of the course participants will be able to:
- Explain what humanitarian management and leadership are and state the essential competencies, qualities and values of effective humanitarian managers and leaders;
- Define the importance of creating a shared vision, leading collaboratively and communicating effectively in humanitarian leadership;
- Explain how a humanitarian manager can effectively build and manage the performance of the individuals in their teams;
- Describe the role of a humanitarian manager in encouraging professional development and supporting individuals' well-being;
- Describe a manager's role in forming a high performing team and manage conflict in a humanitarian context;
- Describe how managers can address the risks and challenges of working in humanitarian contexts and maximise the potential benefits of working remotely with diverse teams;
- Reflect on management and leadership concepts in relation to their own professional practice, leading to identifying concrete actions to improve their performance as a humanitarian manager and leader.
Course Structure
This course is a blended learning programme comprising the following:
- 6 modules, each an online facilitated session of 3.5 hours
- Up to 4.5 hours in total of Preparatory, self-guided pre-course study and asynchronous solo work in between the facilitated sessions.
Total: 25.5 hours
The programme will be run over a three-week period, between 5th and 21st October 2021. Facilitated sessions will be delivered on (Tuesdays and Thursdays) to allow time for collaborative work and self-study. The live sessions will be hosted at 14:00 – 17:30 British Summer Time (BST) / GMT+1 on:
- Tuesday 5th October
- Thursday 7th October
- Tuesday 12th October
- Thursday 14th October
- Tuesday 19th October
- Thursday 21st October
Where is it hosted?
The live online sessions are hosted on Zoom and the best experience is available by joining via the Zoom app. Participants may join the training via a browser, although the browser offers limited access to some of the interactive features of the training. Participants will receive instructions on how to join the module after registration. The individual and small group work is hosted on our e-learning platform.
Who should attend?
The leadership and management course is intended for those who are currently working, or who are intending to work, in humanitarian contexts in positions where they are managing teams, whether in person or remotely. The expectation is that participants will have prior experience of working in the humanitarian sector. There are no formal entry requirements, but it is expected that participants will be comfortable participating in English.
HPass Badge
Upon completion of the course participants will be eligible to apply for a HPass Badge, a digital indicator of achievement, and a way for participants to demonstrate their skills and experience in the humanitarian sector. You can find more information on HPass Badges here.
How much does the course cost?
We offer a 10% Early Bird discount on all ticket types for participants who book more than a month before the course. This discount is applied automatically when booking.
• Standard Individual - £300 (for those funding themselves)
• Standard Organisation - £503 (for those being funded by an organisation)
RedR UK offers special discount rates for staff funded by for local organisations in low and lower-middle income countries. These participants can register by purchasing the Standard Individual ticket.
RedR UK is committed to making our courses accessible to any organisation, regardless of size. We offer course scholarships for eligible participants who meet specific criteria. For more information on RedR UK Scholarships and how to apply, please click here.
Any questions? Check out our Terms and Conditions here, or contact training@redr.org.uk.
In case of any complaints, please email complaints@redr.org.uk
RedR UK is committed to making sure everyone’s needs are met, including people of different genders, ages and disabilities. If you have any specific access requirements or learning needs RedR UK is committed to try and make reasonable adjustments to support your needs, please email training@redr.org.uk at any stage of the booking process to talk directly to RedR UK about your needs.