OSOCC Operations Course

The On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (OSOCC) Course

A specialized coordination course to prepare OCHA and its operational partners to operate an on-site operations coordination centre (OSOCC) in sudden-onset humanitarian crises.

The OSOCC Operations Course prepares both emergency response generalists and operational specialists to perform their respective OSOCC roles in the immediate aftermath of an emergency. Its modular approach provides plenary learning opportunities related to core concepts, while also allowing for specialized instruction through a variety of learning tracks, including OSOCC generalist, Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) coordination and Emergency Medical Team (EMT) coordination.

Course topics include advanced use of the Virtual OSOCC, establishing and operating a Reception Departure Centre (RDC), OSOCC facilities, implementing an OSOCC operational cycle, performing key OSOCC functions (e.g., operations, situation and support), interacting with media and considerations for sub- OSOCCs.

It aims to prepare participants to establish the OSOCC components and perform functions at a generalist level immediately following a disaster.


OSOCC Course Concept Note

(click on the top right button of the document to expend)

OSOCC Operations Course - Concept Note.pdf

Objectives

After completing the OSOCC Course, participants will:

  • Establish OSOCC components consistent with assigned responsibilities.
  • Perform applicable operational roles associated with each of the OSOCC system components.

Target Audiences

The overall OSOCC curriculum is aimed at five thematic audiences:

a) Strategic (e.g., Senior Government officials, Humanitarian Country Team)

b) User (e.g., NGOs, military, cluster staff, private sector)

c) OSOCC Generalist (e.g., United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC), OCHA staff)

d) Operations Specialist (e.g., Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Coordinators, Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Coordinators, Humanitarian Civil-Military Coordination (UN-CMCoord)

e) Functional Specialist (e.g., Public Information Officers, Information Management Officers, Assessment personnel, partner NGOs)

The Operations Course is aimed at audiences “c” and “d”. Group “e” members may also benefit from the course, depending on their specific role/function in relation to the OSOCC.

Participation

Prerequisites for this course are:

  • Completion of the OSOCC Awareness Course (completed within a three-month period prior to the Operations Course) or active UNDAC membership
  • Assigned, or pending assignment, to be eligible to perform OSOCC functions during an emergency

Methodology

The course instructional methodology includes:

  • Lectures
  • Facilitated group discussions
  • Group work and discussion-based exercises
  • Guided practice/simulations
  • A culminating functional exercise (SIMEX)

Administration

  • Residential
  • 4 days (Sunday to Thursday)
  • No course fee
  • Accommodation and meals covered by organizers
  • Sending organizations/office responsible for travel costs and applicable allowances

Resources

  • Course coordinator (OCHA)

Registration