Aim of the Course: To train political advisers serving in peacekeeping operations, political and peacebuilding missions by enhancing their specific knowledge and skills, and enabling them to develop a deeper understanding of ways to manage the political dimension in a conflict or post-conflict environment.
The course program is designed for mid and senior level political advisors and political affairs officers working in international organizations headquarters and field operations (UN, AU, OSCE, EU, etc.), and those working in governments, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, or preparing to serve in peace operations and in diplomatic service.
The course will cover two complementary aspects – operational activities in conflict prevention, management and resolution (mediation, negotiation, provision of advice, building rapport and network management, internal and external coordination and cooperation, talking to non-state armed groups and unarmed actors…), as well as conventional diplomatic activities (political reporting, speech writing, designing political strategy, liaison with governments…).
Particular attention will be paid to bringing the aspect of culture into political analysis, strategies and activities, with a view to enhancing the necessary skills to establish and maintain an effective inter-cultural dialogue.
Special focus will be placed on the influence of information and digital technologies on the scope of work of political advisors, including opportunities and risks (cyber diplomacy, conflict analysis, use of social media, cyber security…).
The course will also address the role and required skills of political advisors related to public diplomacy, communications with the media, as well as information and reputation management.
The course will be conducted virtually via Zoom software. The training will consist of lectures and facilitated discussions by senior experts and practitioners in the field (former head of UN missions, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Military and Police Commanders, Ambassadors, and Senior Political Advisors), as well as simulation exercises, role play and case studies, which will comprise over 50% of the course. A space will be provided for group discussions and best practices and experience sharing among the participants under the guidance of the senior mentors.
In order to join the virtual training, all attendees should have access to the internet and a personal computer (laptop), with an operational web-cam and microphone (external or internal). A stable internet connection is essential in order to minimize the chances of stutter or disconnecting. It is advisable that the participants download the Zoom application (free of charge). They can also join a meeting directly from their browser, but the meeting experience from the browser is limited. The participants will receive all necessary information in the joining instructions prior to the start of the course.
The participants should be relieved of their regular work duties for the duration of the course.
The course is conducted in English and translation is not provided.
After completing the course, training certificates in PDF will be issued, and a hard copy can be sent via post if requested.
For further details about the course, please contact us at: office@confluxcenter.org or +381 65 3081976
The course timing is in accordance with CET (Central European Time). CET is one of the well-known names of UTC+1 time zone which is 1h. ahead of UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). The time offset from UTC can be written as +01:00.
How to register:
Upon online registration, which will remain open till 18th October 2020, participants will receive an invoice, pre-course video and reading material and all necessary information on how to use Zoom, as well as any assistance they might need. Pre-course video and reading material and additional reading will also be available on our website. Instructions on how to use Zoom will also be presented during the introduction sessions of the course.