Training Course on Accountability Mechanisms in Humanitarian and Development Settings for Protection Officers

Course Outline:

Module 1: Foundations of Accountability in Humanitarian and Development Settings

ü  Defining accountability and its various dimensions (upwards, downwards, inwards)

ü  The importance of accountability to affected populations (AAP)

ü  Linkages between accountability, protection, and humanitarian principles

ü  The power dynamics in humanitarian and development aid

ü  Ethical imperatives of accountability in sensitive contexts

ü  Practical Session: Analyzing case studies where lack of accountability led to protection failures

 

Module 2: International Standards and Principles for Accountability

ü  Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) on Quality and Accountability

ü  Grand Bargain commitments on localisation and participation

ü  Sphere Handbook and other sector-specific standards

ü  IASC Protection Policy and principles

ü  Rights-based approaches to accountability

ü  Practical Session: Mapping relevant accountability standards to a typical protection program

 

Module 3: Community Feedback Mechanisms (CFM)

ü  Types of feedback mechanisms (hotlines, suggestion boxes, community meetings, helpdesks)

ü  Designing effective CFMs for diverse contexts and populations

ü  Ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in feedback channels

ü  Promoting safe and dignified participation

ü  Challenges and best practices in implementing CFMs

ü  Practical Session: Developing a CFM plan for a specific community in a crisis setting

Module 4: Designing and Managing Complaint and Response Mechanisms (CRM)

ü  Differentiating feedback from complaints, particularly sensitive complaints

ü  Key principles of a robust CRM (confidentiality, safety, accessibility, fairness, transparency)

ü  Steps in designing and implementing a CRM

ü  Roles and responsibilities within a CRM system

ü  Managing sensitive and high-risk complaints (e.g., PSEA, GBV)

ü  Practical Session: Drafting a CRM flowchart and assigning roles for a protection project

 

Module 5: Participatory Approaches to Accountability

ü  Principles of participation in humanitarian and development action

ü  Methods for meaningful community engagement (e.g., community scorecards, participatory assessments)

ü  How participatory approaches enhance accountability

ü  Ensuring inclusive participation of marginalized groups

ü  Challenges and limitations of participatory accountability

ü  Practical Session: Designing a participatory activity to gather feedback from a specific vulnerable group

 

Module 6: Data Management for Accountability Information

ü  Establishing systems for collecting and documenting feedback and complaints

ü  Categorization and coding of accountability data

ü  Ensuring confidentiality and data protection for sensitive information

ü  Data storage, security, and access protocols

ü  Introduction to simple tools for tracking feedback and complaints

ü  Practical Session: Setting up a basic tracking log for complaints, ensuring confidentiality

 

Module 7: Analyzing and Interpreting Accountability Data

ü  Basic methods for analyzing quantitative feedback data (e.g., frequency of issues)

ü  Thematic analysis of qualitative feedback and complaints

ü  Identifying trends, recurring issues, and systemic problems

ü  Linking accountability data to protection risks and needs

ü  Presenting data in an actionable format for decision-makers

ü  Practical Session: Analyzing a simulated set of feedback/complaint data to identify key themes

 

Module 8: Communicating and Responding to Feedback Effectively

ü  Importance of closing the loop with affected populations

ü  Strategies for timely and appropriate responses to feedback and complaints

ü  Communicating complex information clearly and respectfully

ü  Managing expectations and addressing grievances constructively

ü  Internal communication and coordination for response

ü  Practical Session: Role-playing scenarios for responding to difficult or sensitive feedback

 

Module 9: Integrating Accountability into Protection Programming

ü  How accountability strengthens protection outcomes

ü  Mainstreaming accountability throughout the protection project cycle

ü  Linking accountability findings to program design and adaptation

ü  Advocacy for accountability at organizational and inter-agency levels

ü  Case studies of successful accountability integration in protection

ü  Practical Session: Identifying opportunities to strengthen accountability in a given protection program design

 

Module 10: Building a Culture of Accountability and Organizational Learning

ü  The role of leadership in fostering accountability

ü  Developing organizational policies and guidelines for accountability

ü  Staff training and capacity building on accountability

ü  Utilizing accountability data for organizational learning and adaptive management

ü  Promoting transparency and continuous improvement within the organization

ü  Practical Session: Developing a short internal communication strategy to promote accountability culture

About Our Trainers

Our trainers are highly experienced Protection and Accountability specialists with extensive field experience in complex humanitarian crises and long-term development programs. They have worked with leading international organizations, UN agencies, and local partners, directly involved in designing, implementing, and overseeing accountability mechanisms for vulnerable populations. With backgrounds in human rights, international law, social work, and humanitarian action, our trainers possess a deep understanding of protection principles and the practical challenges of ensuring accountability in challenging environments. Their expertise ensures that participants receive training that is both theoretically sound and immediately applicable to their roles.

Quality Statement

Phoenix Training Center is committed to delivering high-quality, relevant, and impactful training programs. Our "Accountability Mechanisms in Humanitarian and Development Settings for Protection Officers" course is meticulously designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to uphold accountability standards and enhance protection outcomes. We ensure a dynamic learning environment, experienced trainers, and comprehensive, up-to-date materials reflecting the latest global standards and best practices. Your capacity building and the safety of affected populations are our utmost priority.

Admission Criteria

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. 

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free
2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.
4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.
5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737296202

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.
2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.
3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.
2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.
3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor Made Courses

This training course can also be customized for your institution upon request for a minimum of 5 participants. You can have it conducted at our Training Centre or at a convenient location.

For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

Accommodation and Airport Transfer is arranged upon request and at extra cost. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202