UNDAC Methodology and Training

The success of the UNDAC team is based on its methodology, training and procedures, which allow all UNDAC members worldwide to work on the basis of a common understanding and methods for coordination, information management and assessment, the three main tasks of an UNDAC team in the field.

The UNDAC Handbook

The Field Coordination Support Section developed a Handbook as reference guide for UNDAC members before and during a mission. The handbook is not an authoritative instruction but rather represents an accumulation of institutional memory relation to processes and procedures for coordination as sees in the scope of the UNDAC terms of reference.

UNDAC training 

In order to be prepared to deploy at very short notice and work together as a team according to a common methodology, UNDAC members have all undergone the same type of training. UNDAC training consists of the following courses:

The UNDAC Induction course: a series of 3 pre-Induction webinars followed by a 2-week intensive training course, upon successful completion of which participants are out on the UNDAC emergency roster provided that they sign the contract. UNDAC members are expected to make themselves available at least 2-3 times a year for emergency missions.

The UNDAC Refresher Courses: a series of 4-5 day training course, which UNDAC members are required to take every 2 years in order to keep abreast of developments in methodology and the humanitarian context and improve their capacity to be operational in missions.

In addition, UNDAC members are encouraged to take other available courses such as:

• OSOCC courses (see under OSOCC), Civil Military Coordination courses, and Assessment courses and others.
• Courses provided by other entities, such as the European Commission Civil Protection Mechanism.