About the course

Following periods of prolonged violence or of complex and profound governance changes, countries seek to rebuild their public sector institutions and restore the relationship between state authorities and citizens. To accomplish this, authorities often call on national and international experts/advisers to help strengthen national capacities. Yet reviews of decades of technical assistance show that the expertise provided is not always producing the desired results.

This course seeks to better equip advisors by honing essential interactional skills and by offering guidance on how to understand and navigate the broader political and institutional environments they find themselves in.

Overall objectives
The course will provide participants with:
- An assessment of their personal inclinations and reflexes, and interpersonal skills that are central to effective advising.
- A deeper understanding of the multiple roles played by advisers.
- A thorough understanding of change processes.

Who is this course for?
The course is targeted at international or national experts, both civilian and uniformed; national public sector officials; professionals active in areas wherein advising is a major focus; individuals with advising experience who are currently deployed or about to be. Read up on the competency requirements for effective advising Cliquez ici.

Learning approaches
With a strong emphasis on practical skills, this course nonetheless provides theoretical frameworks from which advisers can work with to better understand and handle the challenges they are confronted with.

Content of the course
The course will explore the overall record of international technical assistance, paying particular attention to the diverse advisory roles and their challenges and dilemmas. It will also look at key interpersonal skills for advising and the importance of communicating across cultures. Finally, it will examine capacity-strengthening and various change processes.
Please note that this course is in English – translation will not be provided.

When and where?
24 August (noon) to 1 September 2015 (after-noon). Saturday 29 August will be a day off.
The course takes place at the Chateau de Bossey near Geneva, Switzerland.

Application and cost
Maximum 20 participants. Interested individuals should apply using the following application form. Selection will be based on the general criteria outlined above, the personal case study proposed when applying, and so as to ensure an equal balance of men/women, and civilian/uniformed participants.
Deadline for applications: Sunday 17 May 2015

Food and accommodation expenses are covered and there is no course fee. However, participants are responsible for travel to and from the course venue, including any visa application fees. Health insurance coverage for Switzerland is strongly recommended.

For more information, contact
Oscar Waltz
Course Coordinator, International Peacebuilding Advisory Team (IPAT)
Email: waltz@interpeace.org

Download the application form

Download the flyer

This course is implemented by the International Peacebuilding Advisory Team (IPAT), an initiative of Interpeace, and is organized in partnership with the Human Security Division of the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs.