The courses we offer, have been developed from on the ground experience, studied and lectured at the highest academic levels, while being regulated, to update new emerging trends, agendas, and practices.
“An exceptionally distilled course, explaining the very realistic aspects of peace mediation approaches, and how these can function in real time geopolitically, imposing multi-actor complexity on humanitarian organisations and conflict-societies as they strive to effect conditions in crises. Certainly a course designed to inform Foreign Office actors, Diplomats and Humanitarian Leaders.”
International Peace Mediation: Humanitarians, Diplomats & Government Personnel
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Foreign Office staff, Mediators, Diplomats, INGOs, Humanitarian Management, and Military Leadership.
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Our course includes a team leadership and decision making skills element within the workshop framework, particularly aimed at building critical management, and teamwork skills, through theory and praxis of mediation styles, in accordance with multi-complex scenarios.
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The syllabus, builds upon the historical and contemporary approaches to mediation and negotiation. Taking into consideration, complex stressors, and mental health in decision making. The theoretical knowledge gained, will be applied to complex cases during workshop praxis.
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Courses can be tailored to suit your institutional needs:
4 Days
“A cleverly distilled course, to advance research training across conflict and humanitarian boundaries. Staff at EPI are PhD qualified, and have taught research methods at Masters Degree level to students, humanitarians, and political staff. This course is designed as an “in-field” engagement over two weeks, engaging with real world events, and developing policy from the research and fieldwork. The course covers, research ethics, qualitative and quantitative approaches and the ethics of AI engagement in the research space. A one-week course is also available, designing policy research, with monitoring and evaluation. ”
Research Methods and Policy Development - Monitoring & Evaluation Training (Field Based)
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Monitoring & Evaluation Specialists, INGOs, Humanitarian Management, Policy professionals carrying out rapid human needs assessments and humanitarian fieldwork. Course is open to academics and PhD students who are working in complex environments.
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Our course includes a ‘policy output’ design, particularly aimed at building critical research skills with M&E professionals. Training to develop policy as an output, informs process in design, and impact findings to support where humanitarian intervention need is required. Policy findings also assist in generating points of mediation, for societies needs in complex environments, assisting targeting of aid, and donor funding.
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Course Structure:
Each day will incorporate a mix of:
Interactive Lectures: Introduction to key concepts, theories, and principles.
Practical Exercises: Individual and group activities to apply learned concepts.
Case Studies: Examination of real-world examples from the humanitarian sector.
Group Discussions: Opportunities for sharing experiences and learning from peers.
Q&A Sessions: Dedicated time for addressing participant questions and concerns.
Day 1: Foundations of Policy and Research Evaluation in Humanitarian Action
Morning Session (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
Introduction & Course Overview: Welcome, objectives, schedule, and participant introductions.
Humanitarian Principles and Ethics: Core principles (humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence) and their relevance to research and M&E. Ethical considerations in research with vulnerable populations.
Introduction to Research Methods: Qualitative vs. Quantitative research, Mixed Methods approaches.
Needs Assessments in Humanitarian Contexts: Purpose, methods, and challenges.
Afternoon Session (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM):
Introduction to Monitoring & Evaluation: M&E concepts, principles, and the program cycle.
M&E Frameworks: Logic models, theory of change, results frameworks.
Defining Indicators and Targets: Selecting appropriate indicators and setting SMART targets.
Case Study 1: Examining a real-world humanitarian project's M&E plan and its challenges.
Day 2: Qualitative Research Methods in Humanitarian Settings
Morning Session (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
Overview of Qualitative Methods: Strengths and limitations of different qualitative methods.
In-depth Interviews: Planning, conducting, and analysing interview data.
Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Facilitation techniques, participant selection, and data analysis.
Participatory Research Techniques: Community mapping, Transect walks, and other participatory approaches.
Afternoon Session (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM):
Observation Techniques: Structured and unstructured observation.
Data Analysis for Qualitative Data: Coding, thematic analysis, and reporting.
Practical Exercise 1: Participants practice designing interview questions and a focus group protocol.
Ethical Considerations in Qualitative Research: Ensuring consent, confidentiality, and safety of participants.
Day 3: Quantitative Research Methods in Humanitarian Settings
Morning Session (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
Overview of Quantitative Methods: Surveys, questionnaires, and sampling techniques.
Questionnaire Design: Developing clear and effective survey questions.
Sampling Strategies: Probability and non-probability sampling methods.
Data Collection Techniques: Tools and methods for collecting quantitative data.
Afternoon Session (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM):
Data Analysis for Quantitative Data: Basic statistical analysis using spreadsheets and simple software.
Presenting Quantitative Data: Charts, tables, and reports.
Practical Exercise 2: Participants develop a short survey and analyze sample data.
Case Study 2: Analysing survey results from a humanitarian intervention.
Day 4: Data Management and M&E Systems in Humanitarian Contexts
Morning Session (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
Data Management in Humanitarian Contexts: Challenges and best practices in data collection, storage, and analysis.
Data Quality Assurance: Ensuring accuracy and reliability of data.
Developing M&E Plans: From program design to reporting.
Digital Tools for M&E: Exploring mobile data collection and management platforms.
Afternoon Session (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM):
Reporting M&E Findings: Effectively communicating results to stakeholders.
Using M&E for Program Improvement: Learning and adaptation in humanitarian programs.
Practical Exercise 3: Participants develop a simple M&E plan for a hypothetical humanitarian project.
Group discussion: Sharing experiences and challenges related to M&E implementation in the field.
Day 5: Evaluation Approaches and Future of Research in Humanitarian Action
Morning Session (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
Overview of Different Evaluation Approaches: Formative, summative, impact evaluations.
Rapid Assessments & Real-Time Evaluation: Agile approaches in fast-moving humanitarian crises.
Accountability and Learning: Using evaluation results for accountability and program adaptation.
Participatory Evaluation: Engaging communities in the evaluation process.
Afternoon Session (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM):
Future of Research in the Humanitarian Sector: Emerging trends and innovative approaches.
Ethical considerations revisited: Emphasizing ongoing importance and complexities.
Course Wrap-up: Q&A, participant feedback, and course evaluation.
Closing Remarks & Certificates:
Throughout the course:
Emphasis on practical application: All sessions will include hands-on exercises and case studies.
Focus on ethical considerations: Ethical dilemmas will be discussed in the context of each topic.
Relevance to diverse contexts: Examples will be drawn from various types of humanitarian interventions and locations.
Learning environment: Encourage open discussion, collaborative learning, and peer support.
Resource materials: Participants will receive a course handbook with key concepts, templates, and resources.
Assessment:
Active participation in discussions and exercises.
Completion of practical exercises.
A short group project developing a research or M&E plan.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Understand core principles of research and M&E in humanitarian action.
Design and implement needs assessments and research studies.
Apply qualitative and quantitative data collection methods.
Develop M&E plans and frameworks for humanitarian programs.
Analyze and interpret data.
Use M&E results to improve program quality and accountability.
Apply ethical principles in research and M&E.
This five-day course is designed to be intensive but also highly practical and relevant. It will provide participants with valuable tools and skills that they can immediately use in their work to improve the effectiveness and impact of humanitarian programs.
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Courses options can be tailored to suit your organisations needs:
Course option 1: (1 Week Class Based)
5 Days, classroom based.
Course option 2: (2 Weeks Field Based)
5 Days classroom, with an extended week of 5 days to carry out live research with the research team in complex environments, designing policy from the research output engagement.
“I constantly find myself reflecting on that immersive week of HEAT/HEMAT training. So much of what we learnt has become integral in my work with UNHCR, helping me to understand my surroundings, the thought processes of different stakeholders in certain situations and encouraging proactive measures at problem solving. Probably one of the most indispensable trainings I have undertaken as a humanitarian.”
Pre-Deployment Hostile Environment Leadership Training
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Field researchers, humanitarians, crisis operators, academics, government staff. Masters students (University groups discounted rate) preparing to work in the humanitarian sector.
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Our course includes a team leadership and decision making skills element within the training framework, particularly aimed at building critical management, and teamwork skills, through theory and praxis.
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Pre Deployment - Hostile Environment Training
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Courses can be tailored to suit your needs:
Combined HEAT-HEMAT Course runs for 4.5-5 Days (with final assessment).
Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) 2 Days
Hostile Environment Medical Aid Training (HEMAT 3 Days)
Inquire to book your course.
“This course explores the complex field of humanitarian peace, examining the principles, practices, and challenges of providing aid and promoting stability in conflict-affected regions. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving relationship between humanitarian action and peacebuilding, including the ethical and operational considerations involved.”
Humanitarian Peace: Advocacy, Neutrality & Negotiation
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Field researchers, humanitarians, crisis operators, academics, government staff. Masters students (University groups discounted rate) preparing to work in the humanitarian sector.
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Our courses are shaped for leaders, to inform critical decision making within the training framework, particularly aimed at building critical management, and teamwork skills, through underpinning theory and praxis.
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Humanitarian Peace: Advocacy, Neutrality & Negotiation
Course design: Dr Thomson
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Define humanitarian peace and its key principles.
Explain the historical evolution of humanitarian action and its relationship with peacebuilding.
Analyse the ethical dilemmas and challenges faced by humanitarian actors in conflict zones.
Identify and assess different approaches to humanitarian peacebuilding, advocacy, neutrality and access negotiation.
Critically evaluate the role of international organisations, NGOs, and other actors in promoting humanitarian peace.
Develop practical skills in conflict analysis, needs assessment, and program design for humanitarian interventions.
Course Outline:
Module 1: Introduction to Humanitarian Peace
Defining humanitarian peace and its core principles
Historical overview of humanitarian action and peacebuilding
Key concepts: protection of civilians, conflict sensitivity, do no harm principles
The humanitarian-development-peace nexus
Module 2: Humanitarian Action in Conflict Zones
Types of humanitarian crises and their impact
International humanitarian law and its relevance for humanitarian action
Protection of civilians: challenges and strategies
Ethical dilemmas and challenges faced by humanitarian actors
Module 3: Peacebuilding Approaches
Track-1.5 diplomacy and mediation
Transitional justice mechanisms
Community-based peacebuilding initiatives
Role of local actors and civil society
Module 4: Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus
Linking relief, rehabilitation, and development
Early recovery and resilience building
Addressing root causes of conflict
The role of local ownership and sustainability
Module 5: Actors and Institutions in Humanitarian Peace
United Nations system and its role in humanitarian action and peacebuilding
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other international NGOs
Donor governments and their influence on humanitarian aid
The role of civil society and local communities
Module 6: Contemporary Challenges and Future Directions
Climate change and its impact on humanitarian crises
Forced displacement and refugee protection
New technologies and their implications for humanitarian action
The future of humanitarian peacebuilding
Required Readings:
A selection of academic articles, reports, and policy briefs on humanitarian peace
Case studies of successful and unsuccessful humanitarian interventions
Relevant international legal instruments and policy frameworks
Memoirs and personal accounts of humanitarian workers
Fiction and non-fiction literature that explores themes of conflict, displacement, and resilience
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Courses can be tailored to suit your institutional needs:
Short course runs for 3 Days, examining the themes and issues of, Peace Advocacy, Neutrality, and Negotiation.
CPD - Can be added to academic syllabus lectured by Dr Thomson.
Delivered as a Module on a Masters course linked to an academic institution.
Inquire to book your course or discuss collaboration.