Overview

Objectives

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Analyse complex political and social environments in times of crisis, utilizing AI-powered tools to analyse complex environments, assess the positions of the parties, mitigate risks, identify patterns among stakeholders and leverage influence more effectively;
  • Design a robust plan to set up and facilitate a professional dialogue on high-stake contentious issues and frame this plan in a shared vision;
  • Define the conceptual framework of a complex negotiation process based on a thorough analysis of the environment, the stakeholders involved, their respective positions, interests and motives;
  • Draw from the experience of field practitioners in the planning and undertaking of complex negotiation processes.

Audience

• Health and humanitarian professionals in the Middle East, especially those working in crisis-prone environments
• Staff from non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
• Staff from ministries of Health and related government officials in the region
• Graduate students in humanitarian health and social affairs with a focus on the Middle East
• Professional networks and associations related to health and humanitarian work in the region

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Apply structured negotiation tools to plan and conduct negotiations in health and humanitarian crisis settings.

  • Analyse complex political and social environments using both traditional methods and AI-powered tools (e.g., ChatGPT).

  • Design and customise AI assistants to support real-time negotiation planning and decision-making.

  • Assess stakeholder interests and power dynamics to identify leverage points and manage risks.

  • Develop negotiation strategies and tactical scenarios adapted to high-stakes and adversarial settings.

  • Facilitate dialogue and build trust among conflicting parties or stakeholders in crisis-affected environments.

  • Interpret and integrate AI-generated insights into operational strategies while understanding ethical and technical limitations.

  • Critically reflect on negotiation practices through simulations, peer exchanges, and practitioner insights.

  • Adapt communication and negotiation strategies to culturally diverse and politically sensitive contexts.

  • Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary and international teams involved in crisis response and humanitarian coordination.

Programme

The course is structured as such:

  1. Asynchronous online modules:
  • Introduction to the “Essentials of Frontline Negotiation” & “Crafting of an AI Assistant”
    • Acquisition of basic tools to plan negotiation in a systematic manner
    • Technical briefing on how to craft and manage an AI Assistant
  1. Online synchronous sessions (daily from 14:00 to 18:00 Amman Time)
    • Application of advanced tools and methods to plan a negotiation in a complex environment
    • Case-based exercises and simulations are designed to ensure the acquisition of tactical knowledge to navigate complex negotiations
    • Current challenges and dilemmas of frontline negotiation with the support of seasoned practitioners
  2. Post-course assignment
  3. A reflective analysis to be submitted within two weeks after the course ends (by 31 July 2025)

Registration

Registration deadline

22 June 2025

Fees

Subsidised by the Ville de Genève
Full price: CHF 400
Special Rate: CHF 200. Available exclusively to nationals or staff from local/national NGOs, CBOs, government, INGOs, or IOs in low/middle-income countries (OECD DAC list) with salaries aligned to local living costs. Proof required.

Admission criteria

  1. a university qualification (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
  2. at least two years of relevant professional experience
  3. excellent command of English (minimum level B2)

Curriculum

Period

13 - 17 July 2025

Credits

2 ECTS credits

Teaching hours

40 teaching hours

Director(s)

Prof. Karl BLANCHET, Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, a joint Centre of the University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID), Geneva