The course provides an overview of the professional opportunities in the sector of international cooperation, humanitarian and development programmes.
It is divided into three parts: the first part is composed of theoretical lectures on the essential elements of the humanitarian and development sectors. The second part offers an opportunity to practice some specific elements of the sector. The third part is dedicated to career opportunities in the humanitarian and development sector, and development of personal skills.

The first part of the course is an introduction to the global humanitarian architecture and stakeholders, the basic concepts and language common to the international cooperation sector, the key operational stakeholders (such as UN Agencies, National and International NGOs, ICRC/IFRC), their roles and mandates, and the core elements of humanitarian coordination and advocacy. It addresses the Humanitarian Programme Cycle in the context of natural disasters and man-made crisis, the use of the international minimum standards for relief and development interventions.

The second part focuses on Project Design, Project Cycle Management, Communication & Reporting, highlighting how humanitarian and development programmes are connected and implemented, the essential elements of communication in relief operations, and what are the potential professional opportunities and resources of the sector.

In the third part of the course, students explore the various aspects of the humanitarian and development work, the practical elements of deployment to field missions, and the “soft” skills and key competencies required to undertake a career as humanitarian and/or development professionals. They will have the opportunity to learn how to register to the main professional rosters and training platforms, and how to prepare for a job application and interview for International, Governmental, and Non-Governmental Organizations.