TRAINING COURSE
7-10 JULY 2015
SKILLS ENHANCEMENT FOR POLITICAL ADVISORS 4-day programme
Course Director
Ms Miriam Fugfugosh Ms Fugfugosh has developed and directed numerous security policy training programmes at the GCSP over the last 10 years. Since 2012, she has focused on creating curricula tailoured to the needs of political advisors.
What does the interdisciplinary nature of political advising mean to you? Political advisors are instrumental actors in the decision-making processes of peace and security efforts. Their effectiveness is of fundamental importance both on the ground and at an international level. Their duties require them to synthesize information rapidly, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the context and key issues at hand, and to convey their understanding and analysis to their institutions at varying levels while building and nurturing meaningful relationships. This course builds the political advisors’ skill sets and networks needed to carry out their work more efficiently and effectively.
Key benefits for you GCSP The Geneva Centre for Security Policy is an international foundation with 45 member states from across the globe that provides forwardthinking and innovative solutions for leaders and policymakers concerned with international affairs and security in today’s complex, globalised world.
The course provides an intensive 4-day learning experience on the interdisciplinary nature of political advising. The objectives are: • To enhance the skill sets required to be an effective political advisor; • To learn from the knowledge and experiences of experts and practitioners; • To build an international community of political advisors.
Trainer profiles The teaching staff includes GCSP’s own international team composed of academics and practitioners with broad experience in security policy, diplomacy and/or military affairs, as well as guest speakers (government officials, military officers, representatives from international institutions and civil society, academics and researchers).
Participant profile
Alumni Community
This course is designed for political advisors and political affairs officers working in government ministries, international institutions, or diplomatic missions, either in capitals or in the field. The course is also open to those interested in becoming a political advisor.
Upon completion of the course, you will become part of the expanding GCSP alumni community of over 4000 members and enjoy continued access to our network. Security policy conferences enable current and past participants to meet, debate policy issues and share ideas and experiences in an informal setting.
Course focus The course offers the opportunity to enhance skills and knowledge through an intensive hands-on curriculum under the mentorship of a diverse teaching staff. The following focus areas are tackled: • The role of the political advisor • Political and conflict analysis • Civil-military collaborative planning
• Working with the media • Effective communication • Risk assessment • Reporting and brief-writing • Speechwriting • Negotiation • Mediation and mediation support
In the heart of “International Geneva” Hosting 35 international organisations, more than 250 non-governmental organisations, and 173 diplomatic missions, representations and delegations, Geneva represents the world’s richest network in international affairs.
Admission Course design
More about this course
Substantive inputs are followed by group work applied to case studies. The group work provides valuable learning opportunities through exchanges between the experienced professionals represented by the participants and the teaching staff, who serve as mentors.
This course is part of a series of skills enhancement modules created by the GCSP for targeted audiences. Over the past four years, 70 political advisors have enhanced their skills sets in GCSP training courses tailoured to their specific professional needs.
Please send a completed application form (found on www.gcsp.ch) to:
polads@gcsp.ch +41 (0)22 730 96 00
Application deadline: Monday, 18 May 2015 Tuition fees: CHF 1,500 In a limited number of cases, partial scholarships may be available.
What others have to say “The course had great added value in my professional life. The module provided me with all the necessary skills and competences, as well as incredibly useful practical tips that a political advisor needs, especially in a challenging environment. Shortly after the course, I became a Political Advisor for KFOR Commander.” - Viktoria Nyulasz, Ministry of Defence, Hungary
Language requirements: The course will be held in English. No translation will be provided. Venue: GCSP Maison de la paix Chemin Eugène-Rigot 2D P.O. Box 1295 CH-1211 Geneva 1 www.gcsp.ch Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn