Leadership and Management in Humanitarian Assistance

When responding to humanitarian emergencies, managers need the right skills to work in  exceptional, rapidly changing and sometimes dangerous situations. While some conventional  techniques may be employed, having skills that take into account the environment and the  emotional impact of emergencies on teams and individuals is crucial. This course will teach  students the skills required to manage teams responding to humanitarian crises. For students  planning to work in such environments, it is recommended that they reflect on whether they  envisage being in leadership roles or might need to understand the role of those under whose  management they will work. The course is also recommended for humanitarian practitioners at  all levels who want to improve their leadership and management skills. 

This course will be taught by Professor Peter Rees-Gildea. Peter Rees-Gildea has over 40 years of experience in humanitarian work. During his career, Peter served as Field Director of AfghanAid and worked for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for 20 years. In 2010, he founded his own company, working as a consultant to humanitarian organizations, including various European national Red Cross societies, as well as the British Government aid agency (DFID). He has also served as an UNDAC team leader. He most recently worked with the Danish Red Cross focusing on their partnership with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent in the context of the war in Syria.

Sample course topics outline:

Week 1: Introduction

Week 2: The Humanitarian Environment and Humanitarian Actors

Week 3: Moral Leadership and the Code of Conduct

Week 4: Humanitarian Coordination 

Week 5: Response Leadership: Situation Analysis and Assessment

Week 6: Response Leadership: Vulnerability, Capacity and Political Analysis

Week 7: Response Leadership: Beneficiary Analysis

Week 8: Response Leadership: Strategic Coordination

Week 9: Response Management: Mission Planning

Week 10: Response Management: Team Preparation, Welfare and Security

Week 11: Response Management: Operations Design

Week 12: Response Management: Management Tools and Accountability 

Week 13: The Challenges of Specialization

Week 14: Reboot the Program

Week 15: Humanitarian Challenges for the Future

Course Cost: $915

Upon fulfilling the course requirements described in the syllabus, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from Fordham University. 

Registration Deadline: August 1, 2021