Overview

Objectives

At the end of the ESC, participants will be able to:

  • Analyse locally led and community-based accountability models developed across East Africa
  • Compare regional innovations with global frameworks (CHS, AAP, Grand Bargain, etc.) to identify alignment and gaps
  • Identify enablers and barriers to locally led accountability within their own organisations
  • Apply participatory and inclusive tools to strengthen accountability and build trust
  • Formulate strategies and recommendations for integrating people-centered approaches in their operational or policy contexts

Audience

• Professionals in the humanitarian, development or social sector looking to improve the provision of humanitarian assistance through accountability lenses
• Professionals from any other sectors (donors, policy-makers, civil servants) who wish to increase their understanding of the humanitarian field and develop their competence in accountability to affected people
• Professionals in the East Africa region specifically

Programme

  • Day 1: Local innovations in accountability: Eastern African perspectives (regional trends, mapping)
  • Day 2: Community-led models and locally developed tools
  • Day 3: Localisation and partnerships: Case study dialogues with local actors
  • Day 4: Accountability in practice: Field visits to local organisations and initiatives
  • Day 5: Co-designing accountability strategies: Integrating local lessons

Registration

Registration deadline

1 March 2026

Fees:

  • Full price: CHF 1700
  • Partner rate (MSF, ICRC, UNICEF, IOM): CHF 1360 (20% discount) 
  • Special Rate for Government and NGO/CBO Staff: CHF 850. Available exclusively to staff from local and national NGOs, CBOs, and government employees in low/middle-income countries. Proof of local employment and salary required.

Admission criteria

  • A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a Swiss or foreign university
  • At least three years of relevant professional experience
  • Excellent command of English*

*Documents and language requirements for Executive Short Courses

Application File

  • CV (Resume)
  • Cover letter (explaining what is the reason why you apply for this course and how will the acquired skills help you in your career)
  • Employer’s funding agreement, if applicable
  • Partial tuition fee waiver form, if applicable
  • Highest educational qualification obtained
  • Work certificate or official document of your current job position
  • Proof of English language competence to be dated less than 2 years (see details below)
  • Portrait photo (ID format)
  • Scanned copy of the passport

More information about the application process is available on our admissions page.

Cancellation Policy

Please consult our cancellation policy.

Curriculum

Period

30 March 2026 - 3 April 2026

Credits

2 ECTS credits

Teaching hours

50 teaching hours

Director(s)

Prof. Karl BLANCHET, Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, University of Geneva

Coordinator(s)

Erna BURAI, University of Geneva

Remarks

This residential course requires 6-7 hours of dedicated work per day. We recommend that participants allow 100% of their time for the course and adapt their professional activity accordingly.

Around 50 hours of work including:

  • Face-to-face sessions (presentations, case studies, visits)
  • Preparatory work before the course (readings, podcasts, videos)
  • Assessment after the course