Engineering In Emergencies - Course Announcement

I N D A A Training Course on

I

A training module that prepares humanitarian engineering professionals/practitioners to meet the demands of maintaining and improving health of disaster affected populations through water supply, environmental sanitation, hygiene promotion and shelter response.

“ENGINEERING EMREGENCIES” Training

for

building

capacities

on

IN Emergency

response

Venue: Pune, India (nearest International Airport is Mumbai) Dates: 16th to 22nd November 2009.

Engineering in Emergencies (EE) training course: Most emergencies have complex causes and require complex responses if a durable solution is to be found. The initial response in an emergency may seem simple – provide protection, shelter, clean water and food. However, the manner in which this humanitarian relief is provided can have profound consequences for the affected society. Engineers responding to crisis situation need to be aware of the complexities of the emergency and the consequences that may result from their actions. RedR’s experience of deputing personnel over many years has shown that being competent in one’s area of expertise is usually not enough in itself to cope with the rising demands of maintaining and improving public health in the disaster affected area. This EE module of RedR offers participants the opportunity to broaden their knowledge base and practical skills in different aspects of humanitarian action that need engineering response. Theory, practice and hands-on experience are all built into this intensive seven-day module. This course helps engineers understand the important link between ‘Water- SanitationHygiene-Shelter-Settlement’; the delivery of lifeline services as humanitarian response. In addition to technical information, the course gives basic grounding on humanitarian principles, Standards (Sphere) and key humanitarian practices like Needs Assessment, Community mobilisation & Organisation, Logistics, Security, Teamwork, Monitoring and Effective Coordination. 2.0 Course Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

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Relate their work to the humanitarian principles and legal frame work of humanitarian assistance. Recognise key actors of the international relief system and their respective mandates

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Discover the links between water, sanitation and health the key elements of environmental health Explore the link and combine the key elements to build public health response. Explore and analyse a range of Water supply and sanitation options including vector control, drainage, solid waste management and waste water management Relate to the goal of Hygiene Promotion in emergencies. Identify and recognize right approaches to carry out an emergency assessment. Explain the key components of Procurement and distribution processes related to NFIs Illustrate the link between Emergency, transitional and permanent shelter and settlement response. Develop and monitor projects using Sphere guidance. Relate to and apply key participatory tools for people centred response. Relate to practices on logistics, security, personal and team preparedness and coordination to implement an engineering response to emergencies.

3.0 Criteria for selection of Engineers for the Training: This practical and hands on training course is for motivated construction and public health engineers who have experience in civil engineering and allied aspects of humanitarian response. Engineers working with the government, corporate sector, construction industry, consulting engineers and individuals are the expected participants. Candidates fulfilling the following criteria are eligible to enrol for this course. Essentials Criteria: 1. Background and qualifications in civil engineering or related fields like hydrogeology, geology etc. 2. At least two years of experience working on WATSAN and related issues with communities in development or disasters. 3. Willingness to work in a challenging environment, under difficult circumstances and with limited resources. 4. Problem solving skills to assess & analyse, plan and implement rapidly. 5. Dynamic ability to work with multiple stakeholders and diverse actors. 6. Gender sensitivity and ability to work in and with teams and groups. Desirable Criteria: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

At least one year of emergency experience, preferably in floods. Leadership skills and enterprising attitude. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Capable of working in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic workplace in trying circumstances Ability to be flexible in demanding situations reflected through creativity, versatility and adaptability.

4.0 Training Methodology: RedR training emphasises on active learning through participatory group exercises, case studies, role-play, focused discussion, simulations and practice with equipment used in the field.

Training is planned and presented in collaboration with relief agencies and specialist organisations. Informal exchange of experience is a vital part of every course.

5.0 Duration, venue and general information: It will be a Seven day training course starting from 16th Nov. 2009 at 0830 hrs. to be conducted at The BAIF Development Research Foundation (BAIF), National Highway No. 4, Warje, Pune, Maharashtra, India – 411 029. Training shall be conducted using English language but as a RedR India policy, those participants who are not very comfortable with English are encouraged to participate and are helped in every possible way. The attached registration form (Pls. read page1 of Reg. Form for fee & mode of payment) has to be sent back by email to [email protected]; for further details visit us at www.redrindia.org 6.0 About RedR: RedR India is a member of the RedR International network. In addition to its primary task as a recruiter of humanitarian workers for work with non-government organisations (NGOs), Red Cross and the United Nations (UN), the RedRs have a global reputation for the development and presentation of high quality training for the humanitarian aid sector. Training emphasises our recruitment methodology of identifying competencies and building on life experience. RedR has a particular commitment to the training concept of "honouring the learner". This entails recognition that different people learn and teach with different training methods (lectures, group work, individual reflection, role-plays, videos and other interactive materials). While there is no substitute for experience in the field, RedR training provides a solid base on which to link relevant experiences in home countries to the challenging demands of fieldwork when deployed.