Training on Safety and Security Management for Humanitarian Organizations

Module 1: Foundations of Humanitarian Security Management

• The duty of care for humanitarian organizations.

• Key concepts: risk, threat, vulnerability, and capacity.

• The security management framework: assessment, planning, implementation, and review.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Analyze a security incident affecting a humanitarian organization, identify failures in security management, and propose corrective actions.

Module 2: Security Risk Assessment (SRA)

• The SRA process: context analysis, threat assessment, vulnerability assessment, and risk analysis.

• Tools: risk matrices, threat mapping, and scenario planning.

• Acceptable risk vs. residual risk.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Conduct a security risk assessment for a humanitarian operation in a specified geographic area, identifying threats, vulnerabilities, and risk levels.

Module 3: Security Planning and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• Developing a security plan: roles, responsibilities, and communication.

• Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for travel, vehicle use, communications, and curfews.

• Contingency and emergency response plans.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Develop a security plan for a field office, including SOPs for movement, communications, and emergency response.

Module 4: Context Analysis and Threat Monitoring

• Analyzing political, social, economic, and security context.

• Sources of security information: open source, network, and formal reporting.

• Early warning indicators and threat monitoring systems.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Develop a threat monitoring dashboard for a high-risk region, identifying key indicators and alert thresholds.

Module 5: Security Communications and Equipment

• Communications equipment: VHF radios, HF radios, satellite phones, and cell phones.

• Communication protocols: call signs, schedules, and emergency nets.

• Security equipment: vehicles, personal protective equipment, and first aid kits.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Design a communications plan for a remote field team, including equipment selection, call schedules, and emergency communication procedures.

Module 6: Travel Security and Movement Management

• Pre-travel security briefings and risk assessments.

• Journey management plans: routes, checkpoints, and contingencies.

• Vehicle security, convoy management, and air travel security.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Develop a journey management plan for a road trip through an insecure area, including route selection, communication checkpoints, and contingency for ambush.

Module 7: Incident Management and Crisis Response

• The incident command system (ICS) for humanitarian organizations.

• Crisis management team (CMT) roles and activation.

• Managing specific incidents: armed robbery, kidnapping, detention, medical evacuation, and natural disaster.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Simulate a crisis response where a staff member is kidnapped. Lead the crisis management team through initial response, communication, and negotiation considerations.

Module 8: Staff Safety, Training, and Wellness

• Security induction and ongoing training for staff.

• Personal security awareness and situational awareness.

• Staff wellness: stress management, trauma support, and post-incident care.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Design a security training curriculum for new field staff, including modules on situational awareness, communications, and emergency procedures.

Module 9: Security for Female Staff and Diverse Teams

• Gender-specific security risks and mitigation strategies.

• Accommodation, transport, and communications considerations for female staff.

• Inclusive security planning for diverse teams.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Conduct a gender-sensitive security risk assessment for a field team, identifying specific risks for female staff and proposing mitigation measures.

Module 10: Organizational Security Culture and Accountability

• Building a security-aware culture from leadership to field staff.

• Security reporting, incident documentation, and lessons learned.

• Accountability for security breaches and continuous improvement.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Develop a security culture action plan for an organization, including leadership messaging, staff engagement, and accountability mechanisms.