Humanitarian Shelter Coordination Training (Master level short course)

About the Humanitarian Coordination Training from the Shelter Land and Site Coordination Cluster

This master’s-level short course in Humanitarian Coordination, from the newly formed Global Shelter, Land and Site Coordination (SLSC) Cluster is a flagship training, offered by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Centre for Development and Emergency Practice (CENDEP) at Oxford Brookes University.

This course draws upon IFRC’s and IOM's role in its new leadership under the humanitarian reset for the Global Shelter, Land and Site Coordination (SLSC) Cluster. This new Global Cluster reflects one integrated global platform bringing together the existing mandates and functions of the Shelter, CCCM, and Housing, Land and Property (HLP) into a placed-based, people-centered model. It builds upon the inter-agency mechanism to coordinate humanitarian shelter, housing land and property, and site management sectors in both preparedness and response situations The course aims to equip participants with the skills required to coordinate a humanitarian response in a crisis caused by disasters, conflicts, or a combination of both. It provides participants with an overview of the humanitarian reform process and the recent humanitarian reset, the inter-agency cluster approach, the role of the SLSC Cluster and the principles and practice of coordination in emergencies.

At the end of the course, participants will have acquired strategic and practical knowledge of the SLSC Cluster, policies, methods, tools, and procedures in the humanitarian response system and are prepared to apply these in the context of a humanitarian crisis. 

• Demonstrate a depth of knowledge of the main foundations, principles, processes, and complexities of humanitarian coordination in emergencies.
• Develop an inter-agency shelter, land and site coordination Cluster response strategy using current humanitarian standards, principles, and approaches.
• Effectively participate in a coordination teams in response to an emergency at the country level, utilizing the most current knowledge, tools, and good practices at the forefront of the discipline.
• Apply leadership and coordination skills effectively and appropriately to a professional standard for different audiences in the field of humanitarian practice.

Tuition Awards

In memory of Graham Saunders, former Global Shelter Cluster Coordinator, the IFRC will support one participant by covering the course fee. Those willing to benefit from this opportunity must indicate so in the online application form. The criteria for selection include number of years of experience, cluster experience and languages. Nationals from less-developed countries and staff or volunteers from the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement will be prioritized.

Course Outline

This course covers the following topics will be delivered through the online and face-to-face components:

• The Humanitarian Reform process, Transformative Agenda, and Humanitarian Reset
• The cluster approach and the newly formed Shelter, Land and Site Coordination Cluster
• The Global Shelter, Land and Site Coordination Cluster methodology for coordination at the country level
• Fundamentals of minimum humanitarian program standards
• Inter-agency disaster response appeal and financing mechanisms
• Inter-agency coordinated assessments
• Information management
• Inter-agency advocacy strategies
• Leadership and coordination skills
• Inter-cluster coordination
• Core cluster functions

Period of Study

The course has two phases:

1. First phase: Tutored distance learning: This will take place during a period of five weeks from March 30, to May 1, 2026  and participants will study through the online Red Cross Red Crescent e-learning platform. This first phase deals with most of the theoretical basis of the course.
2. Second phase: A 5-day, face-to-face workshop from June 1 to June 5, 2026 will be held in Geneva, Switzerland. The face-to-face workshop is based on a scenario that simulates the deployment to and coordination of an evolving emergency.

Practical Information

Who can apply?

Individuals working in the humanitarian and shelter sectors for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, United Nations agencies, non-governmental agencies, governments, in particular agencies or institutions actively involved in the inter-agency shelter coordination at the global or country levels. The course is also open to individuals seeking to advance their understanding of and expertise in the field of inter-agency, humanitarian coordination.

How to apply?

Applications are accepted through this link.To complete your application please send your CV to [email protected]. Applications without CVs will not be considered. Applications for the course should be submitted before midnight (GMT+1) on 28 February 2026 with an agreement of your employer (reference) if this applies to you.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction is English.

Fees

The fees are 1,975 CHF (Swiss francs) per participant. It does not include any costs related to accommodation and travel for the face-to-face workshop. The fees are due once you have been accepted to the course.

Credits awarded

Certified master’s-level credit rated course by Oxford Brookes University (10 UK master’s-level credits- CATS, equivalent to 5 European master’s-level credits- ECTS)

More information

If you have a specific enquiry, please address it to [email protected] and your query will be forwarded to the most appropriate person. Please also consult the available course flyer.