Conflict Sensitivity and Do-No-Harm Programming Course

Course Introduction

Conflict sensitivity and Do-No-Harm programming are essential approaches for ensuring that humanitarian and development interventions do not unintentionally exacerbate tensions or contribute to violence in fragile and conflict-affected environments. This course provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how aid programs interact with conflict dynamics and how to design interventions that promote peace and stability.

The program explores the principles of conflict analysis, highlighting how social, political, economic, and cultural factors shape tensions within communities. Participants will learn how to assess conflict drivers and identify risks that may arise from humanitarian assistance or development programming in sensitive environments.

A central focus of the course is the Do-No-Harm approach, which emphasizes minimizing negative impacts while maximizing positive contributions to peacebuilding. Participants will gain practical skills in identifying unintended consequences of aid delivery and adjusting program design to reduce harm and strengthen community resilience.

The course also examines tools and methodologies for conflict-sensitive programming, including stakeholder mapping, dividers and connectors analysis, and context monitoring systems. These tools help practitioners understand how interventions influence relationships within and between communities.

Participants will explore real-world case studies where humanitarian and development programs have either mitigated or intensified conflict dynamics. These examples provide practical insights into how programming decisions can significantly affect peace and conflict outcomes.

By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to design, implement, and evaluate programs that are conflict-sensitive, do-no-harm compliant, and contribute positively to peacebuilding and social cohesion in complex environments.

Duration

5 days

Who Should Attend

• Humanitarian program managers
• Development practitioners
• NGO and INGO staff
• Peacebuilding professionals
• Conflict analysts
• UN agency personnel
• Government policy makers
• Community development officers
• Security and stabilization advisors
• Monitoring and evaluation specialists

Course Objectives

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of conflict sensitivity and Do-No-Harm principles, enabling participants to design and implement programs that minimize negative impacts while promoting peace and social cohesion in fragile and conflict-affected environments.
• Strengthen the ability to conduct conflict analysis by identifying key drivers, actors, and dynamics that influence tensions and violence within communities and operational contexts.
• Build proficiency in applying Do-No-Harm frameworks to humanitarian and development programming to ensure interventions do not unintentionally exacerbate conflict or inequality.
• Enhance skills in identifying dividers and connectors within communities to better understand how interventions affect social relationships and cohesion.
• Develop capability to integrate conflict sensitivity into program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation processes across sectors.
• Improve understanding of how aid resources, targeting, and delivery mechanisms can influence conflict dynamics positively or negatively.
• Strengthen ability to engage stakeholders and affected communities in conflict-sensitive planning and decision-making processes.
• Gain expertise in using conflict analysis tools and context monitoring systems to inform adaptive and responsive programming.
• Develop skills in managing risks associated with programming in fragile and conflict-affected environments while ensuring accountability and ethical standards.
• Prepare participants to lead conflict-sensitive and Do-No-Harm compliant interventions that contribute to sustainable peace and resilience.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Conflict Sensitivity

• Understanding conflict sensitivity concepts and principles in humanitarian and development programming.
• Exploring the relationship between aid interventions and conflict dynamics.
• Identifying risks of unintentionally exacerbating tensions through programming.
• Reviewing global frameworks for conflict-sensitive approaches.

Module 2: Conflict Analysis Fundamentals

• Conducting structured conflict analysis in fragile environments.
• Identifying key actors, drivers, and triggers of conflict.
• Mapping power dynamics and relationships between stakeholders.
• Understanding historical and contextual factors influencing conflict.

Module 3: Do-No-Harm Framework

• Understanding the Do-No-Harm approach and its practical application.
• Identifying potential negative impacts of humanitarian interventions.
• Designing strategies to minimize harm in programming.
• Balancing assistance delivery with conflict prevention.

Module 4: Dividers and Connectors Analysis

• Identifying dividers that increase tension and conflict in communities.
• Recognizing connectors that promote peace and cohesion.
• Using analysis tools to assess social dynamics.
• Integrating findings into program design and implementation.

Module 5: Conflict-Sensitive Programming Design

• Designing programs that account for conflict dynamics and risks.
• Integrating conflict sensitivity into project planning frameworks.
• Ensuring equitable resource allocation to avoid tensions.
• Adapting program approaches to local contexts.

Module 6: Community Engagement in Conflict Settings

• Engaging communities in conflict-sensitive program design.
• Building trust and participation among diverse stakeholders.
• Facilitating inclusive dialogue and consultation processes.
• Strengthening local ownership of interventions.

Module 7: Risk Assessment and Monitoring

• Conducting conflict risk assessments for humanitarian programs.
• Establishing monitoring systems for conflict sensitivity.
• Tracking unintended consequences of interventions.
• Adjusting programs based on evolving conflict dynamics.

Module 8: Resource Allocation and Equity

• Understanding how resource distribution affects conflict dynamics.
• Ensuring fair and transparent targeting of aid and services.
• Preventing perceptions of bias or exclusion in programming.
• Promoting equitable access to humanitarian assistance.

Module 9: Case Studies and Practical Applications

• Analyzing real-world examples of conflict-sensitive programming.
• Learning from successful and unsuccessful interventions.
• Applying lessons learned to program design and adaptation.
• Strengthening practical decision-making skills.

Module 10: Peacebuilding and Future Directions

• Linking conflict sensitivity to peacebuilding outcomes.
• Exploring innovations in conflict-sensitive programming.
• Strengthening long-term resilience and social cohesion.
• Preparing for future challenges in fragile environments.   

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue 

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group (at a discount of 10% to 50%) at requested location all over the world. The Onsite course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, buffet lunch, airport transfers, Upskill gift package, and guided tour.

Visa application, travel expenses, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808

Terms of Payment:

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better.