Gender Advisers

Specialisation Training Course

Gender Advisers

16 November 2014 - 21 November 2014
Sandö, Sweden

For the past 15 years there has been a growing understanding of the importance to integrate a gender perspective into all aspects of civilian crisis management. To this end, functions that bring in gender expertise have been introduced in all major international organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union and the OSCE as well as in non-governmental organizations and governmental structures. The responsibilities of these expert functions are often demanding. Gender advisers and experts require specific knowledge related to the concept of gender as well as a comprehensive understanding of the mission as a whole and its other expert functions. In addition, the experts need to have a wide range of technical knowledge, including the understanding of how to promote and deal with organizational change, how to plan and conduct trainings, and how to provide advice to the mission leadership in the best way. To be successful, gender experts need to be well trained and prepared for their responsibilities. To support the development of the gender expert functions and to meet the training needs related to such responsibilities, the Folke Bernadotte Academy has developed a new specialized course for civilian personnel focusing on gender aspects in international crisis management.

Aim and objectives

The Gender Adviser course provides personnel with a responsibility to promote a gender perspective in their organizations the opportunity to upgrade their knowledge and to strengthen their skills. The course builds on input from experienced gender experts working in international civilian crisis management missions and current research on the topic. The main aim is to strengthen the gender expert functions within international crisis management missions by providing the participants with up to date knowledge and practical skills deemed necessary to work effectively in a gender expert function. The course is run by experienced trainers and applies an interactive methodology that mixes theory with practice and actively draws on the knowledge and experience of the participants.

Target Group

Personnel working in civilian international crisis management missions with a special focus on gender aspects (or aiming for such positions) such as Gender Advisers, Gender Focal Points or other kinds of Gender Experts. As this is a specialized course, applicants are expected to already have a basic understanding of the concept of gender.