UNDAC Induction course

A certification course on humanitarian coordination in sudden-onset and escalating humanitarian crises for OCHA and operational partners.

UNDAC_brochure_final.pdf

The United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) Induction Course prepares national experts, OCHA staff and staff of humanitarian organisations to deploy on UNDAC missions. It builds upon their existing experience in disaster and humanitarian response, concentrating on the core competencies and approaches required of an UNDAC team through the phases of the UNDAC mission cycle.

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Objectives

Reaction and Planned Action

After participation in the training, the participants will:

  • react positively to the overall training programme and actively prepare for their UNDAC deployment
  • subscribe to the four cornerstones of the UNDAC methodology and the UN competency model
  • express confidence in working in a stressful, unknown, highly challenging and rapidly changing environment

Learning and Confidence

After completion of the training, participants should:

  • describe international emergency response coordination mechanisms and explain the role of OCHA, its strategies, tools and services
  • describe the roles and responsibilities of, and be able to support the emergency response efforts between the government, the United Nations and the wider international humanitarian community
  • demonstrate basic competence in the core UNDAC skills of coordination, information management and assessment
  • clarify the UNDAC methodology throughout the UNDAC mission cycle and how it may be adapted to a specific emergency context
  • describe the On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (OSOCC) concept and purpose
  • explain personal responsibility as an UNDAC member, team functioning and the importance of team welfare, including adherence to safety and security policies

Application and Implementation

When trained participants assume their function, they should:

  • apply the UNDAC methodology to achieve the mission objectives
  • exercise a key role in response coordination, including coordinated assessments and information management
  • promote inclusiveness in coordination processes and facilitate communication and information sharing to build common situational awareness
  • gain trust and confidence from the various stakeholders through demonstration of professionalism, dedication, transparency and integrity
  • uphold humanitarian principles and advocate for those most in need
  • establish and effectively perform the key functions within an OSOCC

Participation

UNDAC Selection criteria_OCHA Staff_ENG.pdf



32 participants will be selected on the basis of the following criteria.

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Course Phases

Distant learning tasks and foundation course

  • Mandatory online phase
  • 4 weeks before the course
  • one-webinar session

Face-to-face training

  • 12 days (with a 24-hour break in the middle)
  • Post-course webinar

Methodology

  • Practical sessions to learn and practice technical skills through targeted exercises
  • Group work, case study exercises
  • Scenario-based simulations to allow for practical application of information and concepts presented
  • Discussions and experience sharing among participants
  • Roleplay
  • Entry, Mid-course & post knowledge test
  • Learning enforcers and accelerators-debriefing and summary
  • Virtual OSOCC (Electronic Platform)
  • Recording of key learning

Resources

  • Course Coordinator / manager
  • Administrative support (OCHA) & Regional Office counterpart
  • Lead Facilitator
  • Five mentors
  • Subject matter experts based on sessions
  • Invited role players/subject experts (from OCHA and partners)
  • Technical support partner personnel (MapAction, IHP, TSF, AST, etc.- depending on each region)

Administration

  • Residential
  • 12-13 days
  • No course fee
  • Accommodation and meals covered by organizers
  • Sending organizations/office responsible for travel costs and applicable allowances

Registration