The International Association for Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research’s (HPCR International) Professional Development Program offers a unique opportunity for mid-career professionals to develop strategic and managerial skills, deepen their understanding of applicable legal and policy frameworks, and expand their informal networks. By engaging professionals on emerging challenges and issues, it also aims to enrich humanitarian debate and improve the professionalism of the international responses to armed conflict. Drawing participants from around the world, the Professional Development Program provides a forum to share institutional experience and best practices.

Within the Program, HPCR International offers a series of on-line and on-site training activities designed to support mid-level to senior policymakers and practitioners engaged in humanitarian protection and assistance. These activities culminate in the professional certification by HPCR International of participants that have fulfilled all the requirements as per the rules of the Program.

The Program currently offers two distinct certificates. The first one focuses on humanitarian law and policy and addresses more specifically the legal and policy challenges to humanitarian protection. The second certificate focuses on the management of the security of humanitarian organizations and addresses the policy and managerial consideration of deploying activities in hazardous environments.

Each certificate entails four components:

• A series of online introductory sessions and discussion forums;
• Advanced core training sessions on advanced principles and strategies;
• A series of thematic workshops on critical issues and challenges; and,
• A series of professional peer briefings to further engage the community of practitioners in an ongoing dialogue on these issues.

These activities are offered throughout the year in multiple international locations. Introductory online courses are offered on an ongoing basis at no cost to practitioners. On-site sessions are offered at a fee. Candidates for on-site advanced training sessions and thematic workshops are invited to apply on a rolling basis.

HPCR International’s Professional Development Program is offered in collaboration with the Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research at Harvard University, benefiting from the latest research from the Harvard-based Distance Learning Research Initiative and the IHL Research Initiative. Course content and trainings are presented in cooperation with leading institutional partners.