Courses available

Internationally accredited, field-tested, supported by skills sessions

  • Humanitarian Security (free mini-course)

    An introduction to managing the security of humanitarian and aid organizations.

  • Security for Humanitarian Actors in Violent Environments

    Designed for humanitarians and NGO staff who conduct field work in dangerous and high-risk environments. It is the online version of Strategic Edge's bestselling, Violent Environment Preparedness Training. Learn about the security context, the threats around you, the Acceptance Strategy, explosive hazards, security in field operations, and behavior in a security incident.

  • Mental Health Self-Care

    You serve at the frontlines. You give everything you got for your job and helping people in need. Learn about your own needs and how to care for them. Develop skills in Peer PSS and Trauma Counselling.

  • Women's Safety First

    This course is designed specifically for women who work in NGOs or engage in humanitarian action in risk-sensitive environments. However, it welcomes all women who wish to learn how to protect themselves from Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

  • Security Management for SFPs

    As Security Focal Points (SFPs), you are responsible for the safety and security of your organization's staff, assets, and programs. Learn about Risk Management, Security Planning, managing Critical Incidents, and introduction to Crisis Management.

  • First Aid in the Field

    A vital survival skills course on Basic Life Support, taught by paramedics and field medics whose range of experience includes remote, infrastructure-challenged, and war-affected areas. Includes real-time skills sessions through video coaching. Later followed up by on-site face-to-face sessions arranged with your NGO.

  • Access Methodologies in Hostile Environments

    Will launch soon. Stay tuned for developments.

  • MH/Psychological First Aid for Vulnerable Populations

    Will launch soon. Stay tuned for developments.

  • Fire Safety, Prevention, Protection (free)

    This course is essential for all humanitarian actors and NGO personnel, given that fire hazards are a major threat to life and safety, most especially in crisis settings such as refugee camps and vulnerable communities.

Instructors

From the field to your learning space

  • Gustavo Ott

    Course Instructor

    Gustavo Ott

    Gustavo is the Remote Operations Manager and a Training Strategist for Strategic Edge International. He has co-instructed SEI courses for humanitarians delivering aid to refugees in Greece, plus a number of SEI online courses on safety and security. Gustavo is a Boardmember and the Communications Manager for SEI-founded NGOs, namely "Amalna Foundation" in the U.S. and "Amalna Kapwa Organisation" in Switzerland. He also helped develop the humanitarian courses for Amalna (visit Amalna.thinkific.com). Gustavo was a medic in the Swiss Army. Academically, he taught at the University of Illinois in Chicago as a student tutor, where he also earned his Bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing. Prior to that, he was the editor of the campus newsletter in Harold Washington College.
  • Edessa Ramos

    Lead Instructor, Security Advisor, Frontline Medic, Mental Health Expert

    Edessa Ramos

    Our lead instructor and course designer is a Security Expert in multifaceted and risk-sensitive environments, with solid know-how and experience in security assessment, risk reduction, contingency planning, asset protection, and security design and auditing. Specialized in serving humanitarian aid agencies and international NGOs operating in crisis countries, including Iraq, Syria, Ukraine, Palestine, Afghanistan, Nepal, Philippines, Nigeria, and in the E.U. With 13 years in security, security professional, 15 in developmental cooperation, and 8 years in mental health/psychosocial support. Founder, Strategic Edge International (Swiss social enterprise), Amalna Foundation (U.S. NGO), and Amalna Kapwa Organisation (Swiss NGO).

To stay and deliver

This is your mission. Ours is to enable you to fulfil it with your safety in mind.

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