This program offers important insights into one of the most pressing issues in humanitarian action – the need for a stronger localization and better integration and participation of populations affected by crises. Localization has become a buzzword in the humanitarian sector. A key commitment of the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit and resulting Grand Bargain, localization aims at making humanitarian action as local as possible and as international as necessary. Responding to demands to make humanitarian responses more efficient and inclusive, localization requires a wide range of changes of the ways in which humanitarian organizations are working as well as the structure and functions of the humanitarian sector. Over the last years humanitarian organizations have sought to live up to their commitments and reformed their way of working – so far with limited progress.
The reason for this are significant challenges and there is still a great need among humanitarian organizations for practical methods that involve the affected population in the planning and implementation of their various humanitarian interventions. For many NGOs, it is a great challenge to find new local partners from a distance with whom they can implement humanitarian projects. Many organizations are unsure how to address difficult issues with their partners without endangering the partnership. There is also uncertainty about the role German humanitarian organizations will play in the future and how they can shape the partnership with their local partner organizations.
This program will introduce you to the concept of localization and offers a range of courses that provide you with practical tools and inspiring ideas that you can use in order to make a difference and contribute to a more inclusive, locally-led humanitarian system.
The program is designed for staff of humanitarian organizations with several years of experience in humanitarian action or in development cooperation. We also admit a limited number of junior professionals who are currently employed by a humanitarian organization.
Courses are taught in English and German. Fluency in both languages is strongly recommended. We cannot guarantee that the five courses required to obtain the CAS will be available in one language only.
A “Certificate of Advanced Studies” is a further education degree at master's level. It has a scope of 10 credit points according to ECTS (10 ECTS). Five „Intensive Training Programs“ (ITPs) can be combined to a „Certificate of Advanced Studies“ (5 ECTS). The courses can be chosen individually based on the courses offered on the aha webpage in each core track. Upon completion of the five ITPs you need to hand in an essay paper which is worth an additional 5 ECTS.
The courses will be held online or in different locations in Germany. The locations are indicated for each course in the course section.
You need to apply for each individual course of your certificate via the registration button in the course section. Please note that some courses are free of charge and others charge a participation fee. Spots are allocated on a first come, first serve basis. If a course is fully booked, kindly register for another one. Course participants must cover the costs for own transportation, meals besides the course catering, and accommodation. A list of cost-effective accommodation options can be provided by the course organizers.
Courses are offered on a rolling basis. Over time, more courses will be added meaning that you can start your certificate whenever you want. Either register for all your courses today, or do it one by one and sign up for the certificate later. It's flexible, just like we are.
If you have any questions, please contact us via the help button in the right hand corner of this page.
Start choosing your courses today!