In short
Course Date/Duration	14 June – 25 June 2021
Course Capacity	20 participants
Target Group	senior civilian (Director level), police (Superintendent and above), military personnel (Lt Col and above) and NGOs
Course Language	The course is conducted in English; there will be no translation in other languages.
Application Deadline	17 May 2021

Background

The complexity of the political and security environment in many African regions, where missions and operations are launched makes it challenging for heads of missions and operational commanders to thoroughly assess, monitor and analyse the impact and the political consequences of their actions. Also, due to the many different tasks these heads of missions and commanders have to perform, they often cannot be aware of the full spectrum of developments from the strategic and international levels to domestic and regional situations. All these challenges could have an influence on the success of a mission/operation. As a result, the role of the political advisor is very critical for providing the leadership with proper analyses of developments, trends and emerging issues in the country or region and making recommendations on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern.

Despite the potential important role of Political Advisors (PolAds) and significant engagement of African countries in African missions and operations, a formalised training of PolAds for Commanders of Operations and/or Heads of Missions has so far not been introduced in Africa. It is for these reasons that the KAIPTC and Austrian MoD are offering this course to build the capacity of potential and existing practitioners.

Course Aim

The overall objective of this ten-day residential course is to train Political Advisors for UN Missions in Africa, AU and ECOWAS operations and missions. It is also meant to enable senior personnel from African countries and organisations to know the core tasks of Political Advisors working on conflict and crisis and improve and/or enhance the quality of information they provide.

Target Group

The envisaged target groups senior civilian (Director level), police personnel (Superintendent and above), military personnel (Lt Col and above) and NGOs who are either already in an advisory position or are likely to become PolAds in the coming years.

The selection process will strive to achieve gender balance of participants as much as possible.

Course Content

The course will cover, inter alia, the following topics:

• The Role of a PolAd;
• The PolAd at Work;
• Policy Advising in Other Actors Operations and Missions;
• Reporting and Speechwriting;
• Public Diplomacy;
• Analytical tools for PolAds;
• Negotiation and Mediation;
• Communication through the Media;
• The Possible Role of PolAds in ECOWAS and AU Operations and Missions;
• Interaction between Different Security Actors
• The Way Ahead in International Crisis and Conflict Management.

 

Course Objectives

• Train PolAds for UN Missions in Africa, African Union and ECOWAS military operations/missions.
• Enable senior personnel from African countries and organisations to know the core task(s) of political advisers working on conflicts and crises
• Improve and/or enhance the quality of information they provide to Operation Commanders/Heads of Missions.
• Provide thorough knowledge of the latest developments in African and International Security Policies.
• Provide participants with the skills to collect, analyse, report and brief, and
• Give advice on developments concerning the area of operation/mission.

 

Expected Outcomes

• On completion of this course, participants should:
• Understand and appreciate the complexity and sensitivity of the multidimensional role of a PolAd.
• Undertake the tasks and responsibilities of a PolAd at the operational and strategic levels.
• Articulate key roles, mandates, and response mechanisms of international, regional, and local actors within different scenarios.
• Know and apply basic techniques for writing effective reports, briefs and speeches.
• Know and apply concepts and techniques of negotiation and mediation models for alternate dispute resolution.
• Communicate and interact effectively with the media.
• Harmonise and improve the interactions between various actors in the in/direct mission environment of a PolAd.

 

Teaching Method

The problem-based learning approach will be used in the delivery of the ten-day residential course. Participants will play active roles in the learning process under the supervised guidance of a team of experienced facilitators. The course content will thus be delivered using a combination of tools such as; lectures, case studies, small group work exercises and simulation among others. The course will be conducted in English

Selection Process

The course generates a lot of interest and a high number of applications. This will make the selection very competitive. The process will be as follows:

• The selection process will strive to achieve gender balance of participants as much as possible.
• Selection Board will decide on shortlisted and waitlisted applications (end of May 2021)
• Shortlisted candidates will be asked to confirm their seats bindingly
• Should not all shortlisted candidates confirm their seats, these will be offered to candidates on the waitlist on “first come first served” basis
• Limited scholarships may be available depending on position, experience and qualifications. The selection board will determine specific applicants that qualify to receive financial support.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are requested to kindly fill and submit an online application form. Please click on the “How to Apply” button.

Contact

For administrative issues	For course content issues only
Mrs Marylyn Agblor Training Coordinatior Tel. 00 233 (0) 302 718200 Ext. 1012 Fax. 00 233 (0) 302 718201 Email: marylyn.agblor@kaiptc.org	Lt Col Ortwin Gammer Austrian Armed Forces Course Director Tel: +233 (0) 302 718 200 Ext. 2165 Omit (0) when calling from outside Ghana Mob: +233 (0) 59 137 7499 Email: ortwin.gammer@kaiptc.org