Concern Universal, in collaboration with the Sphere Project, will offer a Sphere Training of Trainers course in English.
Venue: The Coconut Residence, Kerr Serign, The Gambia
Dates: 6-14 November 2008
Language: English
Organiser: Concern Universal
Deadline for submission of applications: Wednesday 1 October 2008 (23h00 GMT)
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course aims to prepare individuals to promote learning on applying the Sphere Handbook (entitled: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response), as a tool for improving the quality and accountability of humanitarian action, through sharing experiences and practising.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
Explore how to apply the Sphere Handbook as a tool for disaster response;
Describe the structure and content of the Sphere Handbook;
Explore the links between the Humanitarian Charter and humanitarian action;
State the principles of adult learning and apply them to designing and running a Sphere learning event;
Define content, and write aims and objectives for Sphere training workshops;
Demonstrate a range of training and facilitation skills;
Prepare for running a Sphere learning event in the field or for your organisation;
Devise tools and techniques for assessing learning needs and for evaluating training.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The OBJECTIVE of this training IS NOT to thoroughly study the content of The Sphere Project or its Handbook, since participants are expected to have a good knowledge of and/or practical experience in Sphere prior to the start of the course.
HOW THE COURSE WILL BE RUN
We encourage effective learning and retention with a participant-led methodology. Each participant will deliver two training sessions: one short practice training session on their own, and one longer practice training session as part of a team. Some preparation time will be set aside during the course for the team training session. Video filming and constructive feedback will be the key to developing personal training and facilitation skills, in a safe environment.
Methods will honour different learning preferences and include facilitated discussions, brainstorms, quizzes, case studies, individual study, role plays, free reflection time, guest speakers, syndicate work and plenty of hands-on practice. A pre-course assignment will be given.
The agenda:
Sphere content sessions modelled by the training team;
Participant-led sessions that use the Sphere training modules and technical chapters of the Sphere Handbook;
Principles and methods of adult learning, training and facilitation skills, assessing learning needs and practical tips on running learning events.
APPLICANTS PROFILE
This course is for people who train or manage learning in the humanitarian sector. Priority is given to people based in countries that are vulnerable to disasters with a responsibility for training / learning within their job. Particular consideration is also given to people who would be in a position to significantly disseminate the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards.
SELECTION PROCESS
We strive to have a diversified group of participants balancing gender, organizational and geographical representation.
Participant selection is based on a number of criteria:
The candidate’s profile, examined through the application form and based on the requirements mentioned below;
Potential of the applicant’s organisations (or of the individual, if applicant is an independent consultant) for further use and promotion of Sphere;
Clear plan for future defined training/learning activities on Sphere to be implemented in the 6-12 coming months after the end of the course;
Support of applicant from its supervisor or organisation director by submitting a letter of endorsement explaining how the organisation will support the applicant in the use and future implementation of what he/she has learned in the training.
Note: If you are an independent consultant, please submit a letter of endorsement from an organisation/institution interested in requesting your services as Sphere trainer alter the course. Eventually, a letter of support from an organisation/person who knows the applicant in a professional capacity will also be accepted.
Additionally, selected applicants should have:
A regular training / learning function within their job, solid communication and presentation skills, strong training and facilitation skills;
Experience in field operations in response to disasters or in humanitarian assistance;
Know the Sphere Project and its Handbook, and/or have practical experience in its use in humanitarian assistance;
Proficiency in the language the course is delivered (English) is a must, multilingual ability is a plus.
Please note that given the number of participant slots (24) selection is usually one candidate per organisation. However, there may be exceptions depending on the range of applicants who meet the criteria for participation.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Dates: 6 November (at 5pm) to 14 November (at 1pm) - total: 9 days
Location: Kerr Serign, The Gambia.
* Note that this is a residential course, with full-board and participation for the full 9 days (staying in the hotel-venue) is mandatory.
Also participants having their residences in the same city/country where the course will take place must stay in the hotel-venue with the rest of the group of participants. This is essential to provide the appropriate learning environment. Participation fees remain the same for all participants.
Participation fees: £674 Pound Sterling
This subsidised fee covers instruction, materials, video equipment, venue costs, private en-suite accommodation for 8 nights, all meals and special events.
*Important notes:
Transportation to and from The Coconut Residence, Kerr Serign, The Gambia is not included in the fees and must be arranged by you;
Participant fee must be deposited and received by Concern Universal by Friday 17 October 2008; otherwise, participation will be cancelled;
Reimbursements will not be made on cancellations after Tuesday 21 October 2008.
We regret NOT having funds for scholarships/grants to cover participation fees. If funding is an issue, we suggest contacting key organisations involved in disaster response and/or humanitarian action in your country to see if they could support you financially in case you were selected to participate.
Language of the course: English
A high proficiency of English is required. Concern Universal reserves the right to assess applicants’ language level during the selection process.
TRAINING TEAM: The training team will be lead by Emma Jowett (independent consultant) and will include Paul O’Hagan, International Director – West Africa, Concern Universal, as co-facilitator.
SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS
Please complete the
Application Form and send it along with the letter of endorsement (see information on application form) to:
husainatu.kargbo@concern–universal.org by Wednesday 1 October 2008 (23h00 GMT)
ALL APPLICANTS will be informed about the decision by 10 October 2008.
If you haven’t received an answer after that date, please contact us.
*Please make sure you include contact information (e-mail or phone number) you will have access to during those dates.
