Introduction

The Policy Analysis in Humanitarian Contexts Training Course is designed to provide participants with the tools and methodologies to critically analyze the policies that govern humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and crisis response. Understanding the political, legal, and social dynamics that shape policy is crucial for effective intervention in humanitarian contexts. This course will explore the relationship between policy, humanitarian practice, and advocacy, enabling participants to engage with policymakers, donors, and stakeholders to ensure that humanitarian actions are aligned with international standards and community needs.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze humanitarian policies: Develop the skills to critically assess and understand the role of policies in shaping humanitarian responses and operations.
2. Understand the policy-making process: Gain insights into the key factors, stakeholders, and processes involved in policy creation, implementation, and reform.
3. Assess policy impact: Learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of policies in humanitarian contexts and their impact on affected populations.
4. Engage in advocacy: Acquire the tools to advocate for the development, reform, and implementation of policies that are more responsive to humanitarian needs.
5. Develop policy briefs: Learn how to prepare policy briefs and recommendations for decision-makers based on thorough analysis and field data.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Humanitarian professionals working in policy development, program management, or advocacy.
• Policy advisors and government representatives involved in the formulation of humanitarian policies.
• Legal experts, analysts, and advocates working in humanitarian contexts.
• NGO staff engaged in policy-related activities or lobbying for changes in humanitarian law.
• Donors and international agencies working on policy initiatives related to disaster response and development.
• Academics and researchers studying the intersection of policy and humanitarian assistance.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Policy Analysis in Humanitarian Contexts

• Morning Session: Foundations of Policy Analysis
  • Understanding policy analysis and its importance in humanitarian settings.
  • Overview of the policy-making process: from agenda-setting to implementation and evaluation.
  • Key elements in humanitarian policy: political, economic, and social dimensions.
  • Case study: The response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the role of international policy in shaping relief efforts.
• Afternoon Session: Stakeholders in Humanitarian Policy
  • Identifying key stakeholders in humanitarian policy: governments, NGOs, UN agencies, local actors, and donors.
  • The influence of politics, international relations, and public opinion on policy formation.
  • The role of humanitarian principles (neutrality, impartiality, independence) in shaping policy decisions.
  • Group activity: Mapping out key policy stakeholders and their roles in a specific humanitarian crisis.

Day 2: Policy Frameworks and International Standards

• Morning Session: Key Policy Frameworks in Humanitarian Action
  • Understanding core international frameworks such as the Sphere Standards, Core Humanitarian Standard, and UN humanitarian reform agenda.
  • Overview of international law, humanitarian law, and human rights law as they inform humanitarian policy.
  • Case study: Analysis of international humanitarian law (IHL)‘s influence on policy during the Syrian conflict.
• Afternoon Session: Humanitarian Policy Instruments
  • Tools for creating and assessing policies: policy briefs, position papers, and advocacy strategies.
  • Understanding the donor policies and their impact on program delivery, including the challenges of earmarked funding.
  • Policy analysis techniques: SWOT analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and impact assessments.
  • Group activity: Drafting a policy brief focused on a current humanitarian issue.

Day 3: Policy-Making and its Impact on Humanitarian Programs

• Morning Session: Analyzing the Policy Environment
  • Examining how policies impact program design and implementation in humanitarian contexts.
  • Challenges in policy coherence: coordinating international, national, and local policies.
  • The impact of political agendas and geopolitical factors on humanitarian aid.
  • Case study: The role of international sanctions in influencing humanitarian access in North Korea.
• Afternoon Session: Evaluating Policy Impact
  • Techniques for assessing policy effectiveness: measuring outcomes, monitoring and evaluation (M&E).
  • Developing indicators for policy success and identifying unintended consequences.
  • Tools for engaging with policymakers: ensuring that field-level realities inform policy decisions.
  • Group activity: Assessing the impact of a recent policy (e.g., EU policies on refugee resettlement) and presenting findings.

Day 4: Policy Advocacy in Humanitarian Settings

• Morning Session: Strategies for Influencing Policy
  • Understanding the advocacy process: identifying targets, building coalitions, and engaging in public discourse.
  • How to effectively advocate for policies that promote humanitarian action and protection of vulnerable populations.
  • The role of media, public opinion, and grassroots movements in shaping policy.
  • Case study: Advocacy for gender equality and women’s protection in humanitarian policy.
• Afternoon Session: Engaging with Policymakers and Donors
  • The role of NGOs and civil society organizations in influencing national and international policy.
  • Developing strategies for advocacy campaigns: targeting key decision-makers, lobbying strategies, and media engagement.
  • The importance of research and evidence in advocating for change.
  • Group activity: Develop an advocacy strategy for a policy issue (e.g., the need for better protection of children in conflict zones).

Day 5: Current Trends and Future Directions in Humanitarian Policy

• Morning Session: Emerging Issues in Humanitarian Policy
  • Understanding new challenges in humanitarian policy: climate change, urbanization, and technology in aid delivery.
  • The growing role of local actors and community-led responses in shaping policy.
  • Legal and ethical considerations in the context of humanitarian innovation and the use of technology (e.g., AI, data protection, and surveillance).
  • Case study: The policy implications of climate-induced displacement and environmental migration.
• Afternoon Session: Future Directions and Wrap-Up
  • Developing a framework for continuous policy analysis in humanitarian contexts.
  • The importance of flexibility and adaptability in policy-making in the face of changing global dynamics.
  • Group activity: Creating a policy analysis report that integrates learning from the course and applies it to a real-world humanitarian issue.
  • Closing remarks and Q&A.