The online diploma course in humanitarian diplomacy is offered by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in partnership with DiploFoundation. Course faculty draws on leading experts from around the world, as resource people and guest lecturers. The diversity of the teaching team takes account of the importance of the course reaching people from everywhere in the world, from all sorts of backgrounds and with all sorts of values. More details on the course team can be found in the Methodology section below.
This course is currently offered in English, however, participants who are more comfortable with French or Spanish will have the option to write and submit some course assignments and the final research paper in either of those languages.
This course will be of interest to:
Red Cross and Red Crescent National Society governance, senior management, branch leaders and managers, volunteers, and staff IFRC and ICRC staff.
Other humanitarian organisations and professionals who need to employ humanitarian diplomacy techniques
Please note that this course is quite demanding in terms of time and commitment, requiring 7 - 10 hours of study time per week. Before you apply, please consider carefully whether you can commit the necessary time in order to complete the course successfully. Where appropriate, please make sure you obtain the endorsement of your line manager to attend this course.
How to register
Fill out the short form to start your application process for this course. You will receive an instruction email on how to continue.
Please upload the following three supporting documents in the English language with your application:
1. A current CV
2. Initial ideas for your research project (300-500 words), keeping in mind that your project should be about a humanitarian diplomacy action which took place (or is currently taking place) locally, nationally, regionally or internationally (refer to the IFRC Humanitarian Diplomacy Policy to better understand what humanitarian diplomacy is about). Please include:
a brief description of your proposed topic
your reasons for choosing this topic: why is it important? why is it of particular interest to you?
your main objectives: what do you hope to learn? who might benefit from the research? what kind of recommendations or lessons might come out of your research?
Please note that you will have the chance to further develop your research project ideas during the course.
3. A motivation letter (maximum 1 page) which includes:
details of your relevant professional and educational background, including your personal objectives and plans for the future
reasons for your interest in humanitarian diplomacy
why you feel you should be selected to participate in this course: how your participation will benefit you, your institution and/or your country
These are required documents and your application will not be considered without them. All supporting documents must be written in English, even if you plan to write your research paper in French or Spanish. Late applications will be considered only if places remain in the course. In case of enquiries, please contact us at admissions@diplomacy.edu