RedR Australia’s Essentials of Humanitarian Practice training course teaches you everything you need to know about working within the modern humanitarian system and what it takes to respond to an international humanitarian crisis that involves a global response.

On this training course, you will learn the complexity of the international humanitarian relief system and the legal framework for humanitarian assistance. We will introduce you to the characteristics of natural hazards, conflict-induced emergencies, and the requirements for an effective humanitarian response, highlighting some of the dilemmas faced by humanitarians and aid workers.

During the training, you will learn about the various United Nations agencies that respond to disasters and the roles these agencies play in coordinating responses for various sectors such as health, water and sanitation and logistics.

You will discover how international non-government organisations work with these agencies to share information and data, to avoid duplication and ensure humanitarian aid reaches those who need it without causing harm.

We give you the opportunity to put the knowledge you gain into practice and to explore the team skills required to work effectively in the field.

Course Objectives

• A comprehensive overview of issues, systems and practice related to working in disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
• Increased depth of understanding of the context, history, foundations and new developments in humanitarian practice.
• An experience-based learning environment in which you can put your own skills and newly acquired knowledge into practice, as well as understand what humanitarian work is really like.

Course Modules

• The Humanitarian Story: a history of humanitarianism
• Diversity, Vulnerability and Capacity
• Working in Humanitarian Teams
• National Context and Disaster Management
• International Humanitarianism and Law
• Coordination Structures and Response Processes
• Participation and Accountability
• Cash and Livelihoods
• Humanitarian Standards
• Technical Sectors
  • Emergency Shelter
  • Food Security and Nutrition
  • Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Emergencies (WASH)
  • Protection programming
  • Education in Emergencies
  • Health programming
  • Logistics and Telecommunications
• Quality Humanitarian Programming
• Settlement and Site Planning
• Ethics and Decision Making
• Information Management and Emergency Needs Assessment
• Media and Communications
• Technology and Future Challenges