Communications in humanitarian emergencies covers how humanitarian organisations manage information within their responses and with external actors such as the media. Humanitarian communications includes the collection, management and distribution of the information needed to effectively coordinate humanitarian actions, as well as inform both the people affected and the wider world of what is happening in an area of conflict of disaster.
Taking a course in humanitarian communication provides the knowledge needed to effectively manage information in a humanitarian crisis. These courses can be taken as an introduction to humanitarian communications by students or graduates wanting a career in international aid, or by current humanitarian aid workers who wish to gain additional knowledge in effective communication management in disasters. These courses are also appropriate for current humanitarian communications workers as a refresher.
Communication is Aid – CDAC Network
Self-Directed Study
Shareable Certificate
Start Instantly and Learn at Your Own Schedule
Intermediate Level
Approx. 3 Hours to Complete
The Communication is Aid is a free online course by the CDAC Network that defines how communications is crucial to effective humanitarian action. The course explains how through providing vital information and dialogue with those affected and responding to humanitarian emergencies allows for effective decisions to be made. Participants learn how information and communications can save lives and ensure humanitarian responses best serve the people affected. The course takes students through a number of fictitious crises, covering both human conflict and natural disasters, and student’s participant in activities and decision making allowing them to gain practical experience in effective communications in humanitarian responses.
The free online course is self-directed, allowing participants to study and complete the course in their own time. The course should take around three hours to complete. Upon completion of the course students receive a certificate of their new qualification. The Communication is Aid course by the CDAC Network is aimed at current aid workers who wish to improve their knowledge on the role of communications in humanitarian response. The course can also be taken by anyone wishing to expand their knowledge on humanitarian communications or as an introduction to how effective communications in humanitarian settings can be achieved.
Certificate in Humanitarian Communications – Strategia Netherlands
Course Begins on the 1st of Each Month
Course Level: Certificate Course
Beginner Level
3 Months to Complete
Strategia Netherlands, a Dutch based humanitarian training and consultancy firm, offers a certificate in humanitarian communications. The three-month course focuses on how humanitarian organisations should work with external media stakeholders to ensure effective communications is achieved in a humanitarian crisis, whilst protecting the reputation of the organisation. The course begins by covering the theory of crises communications, stakeholders and audience’s engagement, as well as external endorsements and how the media operates. It then goes on to cover complaints against media organisations, information technology and media handling. The course concludes with a focus on practical crisis communications, team management, crisis planning and whistle-blowing.
The course starts on the 1st of every month and takes three months to complete. It costs around 400 EUR including tax. It is taught in The Haque in the Netherlands. The course is aimed at all levels and can be taken by those wishing to expand their knowledge in humanitarian communications. Participants receive a certificate upon completion of the course.
Humanitarian Information Management, Communications and Media – Save the Children
Self-Directed Study
Shareable Certificate
Start Instantly and Learn at Your Own Schedule
Beginner Level
Approx. 1 to 2 Hours to Complete
Created by Save the Children, this free online course combines modules covering how information and communications should be managed in humanitarian contexts, as well as how to work with the media. The course provides an overview of media and communications tools and how these are best used by humanitarian actors. It also provides best guidance and practice for how humanitarian workers can improve information management and communications. The course contains a section on self-care, acknowledging that humanitarians working in communications are often exposed to traumatic events whilst relaying these events to the outside world.
The Humanitarian Information Management, Communications and Media course by Save the Children is aimed at those beginning their career in the humanitarian sector, or for people transitioning from working in development. It is also good for people working in the humanitarian sector who have not received formal training on communications and information management, or are working with the media. The course is free to take and participants receive a certificate at the end. The course takes between 1 and 2 hours to complete and can be taken on a computer, tablet or smart phone.
Guide for the Media on Communicating in Public Health Emergencies – BBC Media Action
Self-Directed Study
Shareable Certificate
Start Instantly and Learn at Your Own Schedule
Beginner Level
Approx. 30 Minutes to Complete
BBC Media Action is the humanitarian and development charity connected to the UK broadcaster. Here, BBC Media Action have developed a guide on how best humanitarian communications and members of the media can work with audiences during a public health emergency. The document details what a public health emergency is, how the media can impact public health emergencies and their outcomes, as well as how effective communications can be used to save lives during a public health emergency. BBC Media Action often works with local media outlets during humanitarian crises, and this booklet also provides details in how this can be effective in communication during public health emergencies.
Guide for Working with Broadcasters in Humanitarian Crises – BBC Media Action
Self-Directed Study
Shareable Certificate
Start Instantly and Learn at Your Own Schedule
Beginner Level
Approx. 30 Minutes to Complete
This guide was developed by BBC Media Action to help humanitarian workers cooperate more effectively with media broadcasters. The aim of the booklet is to show how, by working well with the media, humanitarian organisations can improve their communications and their responses. The online document explains how to engage with the media during a humanitarian crisis, audience data on media consumption and access and preferences in hazard-prone countries. The booklet also contains links to further reading materials and practical resources. This guide is not about using the media for fundraising or promotional purposes, but how to use the media to communicate lifesaving information during a humanitarian disaster.