Humanitarian Action

Overview

Our Master in Humanitarian Action programme at University of Geneva has been developed in response to the growing need to understand, question and reform today’s humanitarian system, and it is delivered in collaboration with our partner organisations, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The programme offers evidence-based, cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural education in the field of humanitarian action.

This blended postgraduate course combines theoretical, practical and managerial skills in a unique adult-learning environment, to empower humanitarian professionals with reflective and critical analysis for a more effective humanitarian response. The course work will focus on deconstructing the humanitarian system, on learning about its normative frameworks and reflecting on the interactions and power dynamics among humanitarian actors. It will provide expertise in assessing methods, tools and approaches used to provide assistance to affected populations in different humanitarian contexts (including armed conflicts, disasters, urban settings and migration).

Objectives

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the evolution of the humanitarian system, governance and stakeholders
• Demonstrate knowledge of core humanitarian values, principles, codes and frameworks
• Engage with major debates and critiques in the humanitarian sector
• Critically assess humanitarian contexts and complex emergencies (armed conflicts, disasters, urban settings and migration)
• Assess, monitor and evaluate humanitarian projects
• Demonstrate key management, leadership and accountability skills

Develop relevant skillsets and competencies for the humanitarian sector, including public health, gender-based and sexual violence, communication, advocacy, negotiation, protection, finance and management