Overview

Objectives

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

  • Lead teams and make decisions in stressful operational environments
  • Design, implement and adapt humanitarian programmes
  • Analyse systems to inform operational and strategic choices
  • Prioritise and allocate resources in conditions of uncertainty
  • Strengthen organizational effectiveness in crisis settings

Audience

For programme managers, field coordinators and mid-level managers in humanitarian and development organisations, and for technical specialists moving into leadership roles or wanting to build systems thinking.

Programme

  • Module 1 (5 weeks): Systems thinking and resilience applied to health
  • Module 2 (5 weeks): Humanitarian project cycle management
  • Module 3 (5 weeks): Humanitarian leadership and people management
  • CAS assessment (to submit after the end of the CAS)

Registration

Registration deadline

15 August 2027

Fees

  • Full price: CHF 5’000

  • Partner rate (MSF, ICRC): CHF 4’000 (20% discount) 

  • Special Rate for Government and NGO/CBO Staff: CHF 2’500 (50% discount). 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.

  • Application form for partial tuition waivers

Financial support (chèque annuel de formation)

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 MAS/DAS/CAS

Application File

  • CV (Resume)
  • Highest educational qualification obtained
  • Cover letter (explaining what is the reason why you apply for this course and how will the acquired skills help you in your career)
  • Proof of English language competence dated within the last two years (see details below)
  • Work certificates/official documents from your current job position and the previous one
  • Two recent letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional) signed and with a direct reference to the programme of your choice
  • Portrait photo (ID format)
  • Scanned copy of passport

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

Cancellation Policy

Please consult our cancellation policy.

Curriculum

Period

6 September - 17 December 2027

Credits

10 ECTS credits

Teaching hours

250 distance teaching hours

MODULE 2: ANALYSING HUMANITARIAN CONTEXTS: VULNERABILITY AND RESILIENCE

Speakers

Claire Barthélémy - Patrice Chataigner - Gustavo Fernandez

MODULE 3: SAFETY AND SECURITY

Speakers

Claire Barthélémy - Virgile Debu - Baptiste Martin

ASSIGNMENT 1

MODULE 4: ASSESSING NEEDS AND CAPACITIES

Speakers

Claire Barthélémy - Bonaventure Sopko - Sandrine Delattre - Patrice Chataigner

MODULE 5: PLANNING PROJECTS AND THEIR MONITORING SYSTEM

Speakers

Sandrine Delattre - Claire Barthélémy

MODULE 6: PROGRAMMING RESOURCES AND IMPLEMENTING INTERVENTIONS

Speakers

Sandrine Delattre - Julia Frei - Claire Barthélémy - Philippe Ruscassier

MODULE 7: MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Speakers

Sandrine Delattre - Claire Barthelemy

CAS PAPER WRITING

Speakers

Sandrine Delattre - Claire Barthélémy

Testimonial

The course forms a strong foundation for persons who are starting careers on managing humanitarian projects but also 
refreshes the experienced humanitarian professionals with current tools for managing humanitarian projects.

The content was comprehensive, covering all aspects of quality project cycle management.

Testimonial

Honest and substantial feedback is a very important learning element. They went above and beyond to give it to each student!

The expertise and relentles support of the two teachers, made a real difference. Through collaborative exercises and case studies, we shared hard-won insights — knowledge no textbook could provide.

Testimonial

The content was presented in a clear and structured way, combining theory, real case studies, and practical tools applicable in the field.

The course is well designed; I loved the first module that prepared us well for the rest.

Testimonial

What truly set this course apart was learning alongside peers facing similar challenges in diverse settings. Interactions and discussions with them brought valuable insights.

The programme delivers practical tools humanitarian workers can implement immediately.

Director(s)

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

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

FAQ