HPCR International, in close cooperation with the Distance Learning Initiative of the Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research, is offering a series of online courses covering the basic concepts and tools of security management for humanitarian organizations. These online courses are offered at no cost to humanitarian practitioners.

HPCR International is committed to expanding training opportunities for humanitarian professionals. Building on pilot research conducted in partnership with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, online course materials are being offered as part of a multi-year initiative to assess the application of distance learning tools in the field of international humanitarian security management and humanitarian action.

E-modules, including video/audio lectures by faculty from the Advanced Trainings on Humanitarian Security Management, selected readings, and discussion forums, are designed to provide an intensive refresher on security management issues.

Topics include:

• Module 1: Managing Risk
• Module 2: Duty of Care and Legal Accountability
• Module 3: Humanitarian Action and Security Management Integration

As part of the Harvard-based an ongoing research study, online sessions are open to all members of the humanitarian community (free registration required). After completing a module, participants are requested to complete a number of multiple choice questions.

Participants attending on-site core trainings are required to complete all three modules, the session quizzes, and the course evaluation prior to doing one of the trainings in 2009. 

The Security Management online course is not currently available. It is therefore not a prerequisite for the December 2008 Advanced Trainings which will take place in Cambridge, Massachusetts.