AusAID: Training for emerging leaders in humanitarian assistance

AusAID is helping aid workers to develop the skills needed to better lead in the management of natural disasters through a new program at Deakin University.

The Humanitarian Leadership Program, run by Save the Children, was established in recognition that more specialised training was needed to support people working in humanitarian assistance.

The program is the first of its kind in Australia and covers areas such as humanitarian coordination and collaboration, disaster risk mitigation, human resource management and financial control.

With more than 48 senior aid workers working in 24 countries participating in this course, the program also provides an opportunity for collaboration and information sharing between experts in the field.

Ray Bojczuk from AusAID’s Humanitarian Emergency Response Team said the program has a practical focus to ensure what is being taught in the classroom can be applied on the job.

'We’re hearing from experts in the field and learning about managing humanitarian operations, including the best ways to provide leadership and mentoring in a crisis,' Ray said.

'I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with people from organisations like Save the Children the Red Cross, Oxfam, World Vision and the United Nations Development Program.

'This is an excellent example of how government, UN, civil society and NGOs can work together to build capacity to save lives in disasters and emergencies.'

AusAID is funding the program as part of its Humanitarian Partnership Agreement with NGOs in Australia.

Disasters like floods, cyclones and earthquakes can entrench poverty and wipe out development gains. Strong humanitarian leadership is critical for successful humanitarian responses.

Since July 2011, AusAID has responded to 21 humanitarian emergencies providing or positioning lifesaving assistance to an estimated 15 million persons at risk. This has involved funding to partners of more than $147 million.