Please note that this is the FINAL CALL for applications to ITP DRM 321 for candidates from Bangladesh, Nepal and the Philippines.
Detailed information about the practical details can be found here. Please read the information in full before applying.
Background
Managing and reducing disaster risks is central for saving lives, assets, and livelihoods and for ensuring sustainable development. Women and girls are often disproportionally affected by disasters. Their contribution to disaster risk management plays a central role in community resilience and is often overlooked in strategies and programmes. The ITP DRM supports participating organizations in strengthening, adapting and maintaining capacity over time. The ITP method is tailored to organisations with a strong commitment to drive change.
The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) offers the International Training Programme (ITP) in Disaster Risk Management (DRM) to organisations of strategic importance to the economic, social and environmental development of partner countries. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) implements the ITP on Sida’s behalf.
Learning Objectives
After active participation in the programme, you will be able to:
- explain how change happens and identify ways to push for change in disaster risk management;
- demonstrate effective skills in influencing others; and
- integrate gender, diversity, and environment perspectives into change processes...
... for the further development of your change initiative and your organization.
Methodology
The programme takes an evidence-based adult learning methodology approach. You can expect a mix of different types of learning activities both online and face-to face (i.e. experiential learning, reflection, group discussion, simulations, study visits and lectures). Emphasis is put on peer learning, sharing and networking.
Content
The programme is given from December 2023 to December 2024 and has four training phases. During this time you are expected to dedicate around 20-30% of your work time to scheduled programme activities and independent work on your change initiative. Most work is carried out from your home countries but parts of the training will take place abroad.
At the heart of the programme lies your change initiative, a prioritized issue within your organisation, where you intend to achieve change. It can be either a new or ongoing initiative within the organisation, and can have either an internal or external focus. During the programme, you will apply new tools, skills and knowledge to your change initiative and will receive support in developing and implementing a robust change process. The programme puts special emphasis on networking, mentorship and the integration of gender and environmental perspectives. The content of the programme is tailored to fit your needs and interests.
Structure
First training phase: Three-four sessions, digital
During this initial training phase, you are introduced to the programme and will have an opportunity to get to know the other participants. The core focus is to deconstruct and analyse the change initiative and the space for change. You will be introduced to gender and environmental perspectives and supported in integrating these perspectives into your change initiatives.
Networking workshop: One full-day, in-person in home country
The focus of this workshop is peer review and sharing of change initiative ideas, identifying conditions for cooperation and networking with your fellow ITP participants and alumni from previous cycles.
Second training phase: Four sessions, digital
The second training phase is focused on how to prepare the ground for change. You will be introduced to the practice of change management and change readiness and further your knowledge of gender and environment in disaster risk reduction.
Third training phase: Dates TBC, in-person in Sweden
This intensive training phase focuses on skill development and understanding different DRM systems through study visits, peer-to-peer exchange and learning, and simulation exercises. This is an excellent opportunity for you to network with other participants and experienced facilitators, and meet your mentor in person.
National meetups: One full-day, in-person in home country
Support and be supported. This meetup's focus is on sharing change initative progress and joint problem solving.
Fourth training phase: four-five sessions, digital
The final training phase focuses on how to sustain change over the long term.
Closure and celebration: One session, in home country or digital
The final component of the programme focuses on lessons learned and on celebrating results from the change initiative within the organisation, sector, or community. The programme is officially closed with a certification ceremony.
Admission requirements
The following countries are invited to nominate candidates: Bangladesh, Nepal and the Philippines.
The programme welcomes technical experts and middle management representatives from any relevant organization – government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector or academic institutions – working to improve disaster risk management in the local or national context. The nominated candidate should:
- Hold a strategic position within their organisation in relation to the tentative change initiative.
- Have at least five years’ worth of relevant work experience.
- Be proficient in English.
- The applicant must be nominated by their organization.
The programme is open to anyone meeting the admission requirements, regardless of gender, age, physical ability, ethnicity, or religion. Adaptations can be made to facilitate participation. The programme strives for a diverse and representative group of participants.
Change initiative
Nominated candidates apply with a change initiative – a problem the candidates’ organization wishes to solve. It is strongly recommended that applicants apply with a joint change initiative in teams of at least two members. The teams can be set up either within an organisation or between organisations. Individual change initiatives can be accepted in special circumstances.
Language requirements
The training programme will be conducted fully in English, without the possibility of translation. You are expected to deliver both written reports and oral presentations, and should therefore be proficient in English.
Health requirements
Due to the international travel and the overall intensive nature of the programme, you must be in good health. You are required to complete a health declaration before international travel.
Application Process
Please read this information in full before applying.
Organisations who wish to nominate candidates for the programme will have the option to attend a digital coaching session to discuss thier ideas for change initiatives. This is not a prerequisite for applying and does not guarantee you a spot on the programme, but you will get useful tips and have the opportunity to find partners for joint change initiatives. Coaching sessions will be held on:
October 2, 2023 (The Philippines),
October 3, 2023 (Nepal), and
October 4, 2023 (Bangladesh).
To register for a session, contact itp@msb.se.
All applications are submitted online, at the bottom of this page. Applications consist of three parts: a change initiative, a management confirmation, and a digital questionnaire. Follow these steps to apply:
1. Download, fill out, and have a supervisor sign your Change Initiative - please download the template here.
2. Download and have a supervisor fill out and sign the Management Confirmation - please download the template here.
3. Start the electronic application at the bottom of this website and fill out the questionnaire. In the end of the questionnaire, you will be asked to upload your signed Change Initiative and Management Confirmation, which is why it is important you complete these steps first. Please note! The questionnaire will take around 20-30 minutes to complete so make sure that you have enough time to complete it.
4. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an additional digital interview between November 1 and November 17, 2023. Your manager will be asked to join in on a part of the interview.
Final deadline for applications is the 15th of October 2023.
Successful candidates will be notified by e-mail.
For more information about the programme, or if you come across any problems with the application, please contact itp@msb.se or visit the ITP DRM website http://www.msb.se/itp