Course Details

Business Continuity Management for NGOs and Humanitarian Operations Training Course

Introduction

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and humanitarian organizations operate in some of the world's most volatile and complex environments, often delivering life-saving aid and critical services in fragile states, conflict zones, and disaster-prone regions. The ability to sustain these vital operations amidst crises – whether natural disasters, political instability, public health emergencies, or security threats – is paramount to their mission, the safety of their personnel, and the well-being of vulnerable populations they serve. A disruption can halt aid delivery, compromise beneficiary data, endanger staff, and severely impact the ability to respond to escalating human needs. Our intensive 10-day "Business Continuity Management for NGOs and Humanitarian Operations" training course is meticulously designed to equip NGO leaders, program managers, field staff, and support personnel with the specialized knowledge and practical frameworks required to develop, implement, and maintain robust Business Continuity Management (BCM) programs tailored to the unique challenges and high-stakes context of humanitarian and development work.

This comprehensive program delves into the specific challenges of ensuring duty of care for personnel in high-risk areas, managing complex logistics for aid delivery, protecting sensitive beneficiary data, adapting to rapidly changing operational contexts, and navigating intricate donor requirements. Participants will gain in-depth understanding of how to conduct an NGO-specific Business Impact Analysis, prioritize critical programs and support functions, design resilient field operations, and establish effective communication and coordination protocols with local communities, international partners, and relevant authorities. By the end of this specialized training, you will be proficient in establishing a resilient BCM framework that not only safeguards organizational operations and resources but also ensures the continuous delivery of humanitarian aid and development programs, ultimately protecting lives and fostering sustainable impact in the face of any unforeseen challenge.

Duration

10 Days

Target Audience

The "Business Continuity Management for NGOs and Humanitarian Operations" training course is essential for a wide range of professionals within Non-Governmental Organizations, international aid agencies, development organizations, and emergency response bodies who are responsible for program delivery, safety, and operational effectiveness. This includes:

• NGO Country Directors and Program Managers: Accountable for mission delivery and staff safety in specific regions.
• Humanitarian Coordinators and Field Operations Leads: Directly managing emergency responses and aid distribution.
• Security and Safety Managers: Focused on duty of care and personnel protection in high-risk environments.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Managers: Ensuring the continuous flow of aid, equipment, and resources.
• Finance and Grants Managers: Responsible for financial continuity and donor compliance.
• IT and Communications Managers: Overseeing connectivity, data protection, and communication systems in challenging contexts.
• Business Continuity Managers/Coordinators: Specifically focused on BCM program development within NGOs.
• Human Resources Managers: Managing staff welfare, deployment, and policies during crises.
• Advocacy and Communications Staff: Managing external messaging and reputation during incidents.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEAL) Specialists: Integrating lessons learned from disruptions into program design.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the "Business Continuity Management for NGOs and Humanitarian Operations" training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the unique threats, ethical considerations, and operational complexities for BCM in NGOs and humanitarian operations.
• Interpret and apply relevant international standards, donor requirements, and best practices for humanitarian continuity.
• Conduct an NGO-specific Business Impact Analysis (BIA) to prioritize life-saving programs, critical support functions, and beneficiary data.
• Define appropriate Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs) for aid delivery, financial systems, and communication.
• Develop robust continuity strategies tailored for field operations, remote work, essential logistics, and data protection in challenging environments.
• Implement effective incident response and crisis management protocols for security incidents, natural disasters, and public health emergencies.
• Understand and manage the complex interdependencies with local communities, government authorities, and international partners.
• Plan and execute realistic exercises and drills to validate the effectiveness of NGO continuity plans, emphasizing duty of care.
• Ensure the BCM program aligns with humanitarian principles (humanity, neutrality, impartiality, independence) and accountability to affected populations.
• Contribute significantly to maintaining program delivery, safeguarding personnel, and protecting beneficiaries during disruptive events.

Course Modules

Module 1: Unique Context of BCM in NGOs & Humanitarian Aid

• Defining BCM for NGOs: focus on mission continuity, duty of care, beneficiary protection, and donor accountability.
• Understanding unique threats: conflict, political instability, displacement, public health crises, natural disasters in remote areas, security incidents targeting aid workers, funding shocks.
• The impact of disruptions: interrupted aid delivery, compromised beneficiary data, staff endangerment, reputational damage, loss of trust.
• Overview of relevant humanitarian principles and standards (e.g., Sphere, CHS, Donor guidelines).
• Challenges unique to NGO BCM: operating in fragile contexts, limited resources, rapid deployment, diverse operational models.

Module 2: Governance, Policy & Integrated Risk Management in NGOs

• Establishing a robust BCM governance framework suitable for international and national NGOs.
• Developing BCM policies aligned with organizational mandate, donor requirements, and humanitarian principles.
• Defining clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability for BCM from headquarters to field operations.
• Integrating BCM with security management, safety protocols, and program risk assessments.
• The importance of leadership commitment and resource allocation for resilience in high-risk environments.

Module 3: Business Impact Analysis (BIA) for Humanitarian Programs

• Conducting a BIA focused on critical humanitarian programs (e.g., food distribution, WASH, health clinics, protection services).
• Identifying essential support functions (e.g., finance, HR, logistics, IT, communications, MEAL).
• Determining RTOs and RPOs for aid delivery, financial transactions, beneficiary data, and critical communications.
• Assessing the human impact of disruption on vulnerable populations and the financial impact on donor funds.
• Mapping operational interdependencies between programs, field offices, and support functions.

Module 4: Duty of Care & Personnel Continuity

• Strategies for ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of staff in high-risk environments.
• Developing robust security management plans integrated with BCM (e.g., hibernation, relocation, evacuation).
• Policies for remote work, telecommuting, and alternative staff deployment during crises.
• Ensuring access to medical support, psychological first aid, and critical incident stress management for staff.
• Managing communications and accountability for dispersed personnel.

Module 5: Logistics & Supply Chain Continuity for Aid Delivery

• Identifying critical aid items, suppliers, and distribution channels.
• Strategies for diversifying sourcing, pre-positioning stock, and establishing emergency logistics hubs.
• Developing contingency plans for transportation disruptions (road blockages, port closures, airspace restrictions).
• Managing customs and border clearance for humanitarian goods in crisis zones.
• Ensuring cold chain continuity for vaccines and medical supplies.

Module 6: IT & Communications Resilience for Field Operations

• Ensuring resilience of vital IT systems for program management, data collection, and financial tracking.
• Strategies for maintaining communications in austere or disrupted environments (satellite phones, HF/VHF radio, mesh networks).
• Data backup, replication, and restoration for sensitive beneficiary data and operational records.
• Cybersecurity measures and data privacy protocols for humanitarian data (e.g., data anonymization, consent).
• Planning for alternative power sources and internet connectivity in remote areas.

Module 7: Financial & Donor Continuity

• Strategies for ensuring continuous access to funds and managing financial transactions in crisis zones.
• Contingency plans for banking system disruptions, cash shortages, and financial fraud.
• Ensuring compliance with donor reporting requirements during and after disruptions.
• Managing grant agreements, budget re-allocations, and financial accountability.
• Establishing emergency funding mechanisms and reserve funds.

Module 8: Crisis Management & Incident Response in Humanitarian Settings

• Developing NGO-specific incident response plans for security incidents, natural disasters, or major operational failures.
• Establishing clear roles and responsibilities for a Crisis Management Team (CMT) from HQ to field level.
• Protocols for rapid assessment, information sharing, and decision-making during fast-moving events.
• Coordination mechanisms with UN agencies, local governments, other NGOs, and affected communities.
• Managing internal and external communications during a humanitarian crisis.

Module 9: Beneficiary Protection & Accountability

• Strategies for ensuring the safety and well-being of beneficiaries during continuity events.
• Protecting sensitive beneficiary data and upholding data privacy principles.
• Maintaining mechanisms for feedback and complaints from affected populations during disruptions.
• Ensuring access to essential services and support for vulnerable groups.
• Aligning BCM with humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.

Module 10: Testing, Maintenance & Continuous Improvement

• Designing and conducting rigorous exercises for NGO continuity plans (e.g., simulated field office evacuation, data system outage, logistics disruption).
• Involving field staff, HQ support teams, and relevant partners in drills.
• Evaluating exercise performance against RTOs, safety protocols, and program delivery metrics.
• Documenting lessons learned from exercises and actual incidents for organizational learning.
• Establishing a robust maintenance schedule for BCM plans, integrated with security reviews and program cycles.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

• Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com