Ethics of Humanitarian Negotiation & Mediation

This course is aimed at humanitarian actors and development and peacebuilding professionals who have to negotiate with stakeholders such as local government, donors, defacto leaders, military groups and other NGOs etc as part of their role. No prior training in mediation or negotiation is necessary to join this course. This course is ideal for practitioners and researchers who need an outlet to discuss ethical dilemmas faced during humanitarian and peacebuilding negotiation and mediation.

Upon successful completion of this module, participants will be able to:

1. Analyse and apply ethical principles relevant to humanitarian negotiation and mediation.
2. Explore the ethical dimensions of decision-making in crisis contexts.
3. Develop practical negotiation skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders.
4. Understand power dynamics and cultural nuances in negotiation processes.
5. Explain legal principles and obligations and their impact on negotiation strategies.
6. Apply mediation techniques to resolve disputes and find common ground.
7. Navigate complex ethical dilemmas during mediation efforts.
8. Evaluate ethical challenges across different cultural contexts.
9. Recognize and respect diverse worldviews in humanitarian settings.
10. Foster inclusive dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders.

1. Understanding Ethical Frameworks in Humanitarian Negotiation and Mediation. 
2. Effective Negotiation Skills. 
3. Humanitarian legal principles and their impact on negotiation. 
4. Understanding politics and power in humanitarian negotiations. 
5. Conflict Resolution and Mediation Techniques. 
6. Critical Thinking and Global Ethics. 
7. Navigating Pluriverse Perspectives.

This course was developed in response to the very real need felt by humanitarian, development, peacebuilding practitioners and researchers for training and a safe space to work through the dilemmas arising in everyday negotiation and mediation. The course combines the latest theories and best practices along with live workshops with industry experts to discuss ethical dilemmas in humanitarian negotiation and mediation. The online 3 week block format allows participants to join the course from any part of the world without having to take time off from their work. This module can serve as a stepping stone to further studies in Humanitarian Action or be a refresher/upskilling course for former graduates of Humanitarian Action Masters programmes.

This micro-credential is delivered through the UCD online learning platform (Brightspace) and will consist of asynchronous and synchronous lectures/seminars and discussion forums.

This course is based on the principles of problem based learning and universal design in teaching and learning. As such, the purpose of this course is to help you develop your negotiation and mediation skills and help work through ethical dilemmas that may arise during these negotiations. 

Participants will be provided with guided readings and pre-recorded lectures at the beginning of the course. During the first week, participants will be expected to engage with the learning materials and familiarise themselves with the key principles and issues in negotiation and mediation. There will be two live online discussion 2 hours sessions scheduled (16th and 19th June).

In week 2 (23rd to 27th June), participants will be working with case studies and they will have daily, live online 2 hour workshops with industry experts, to discuss candidly, ethical dilemmas in everyday negotiation and mediation. These live sessions will also be an opportunity to bring up individual participant experiences and dilemmas, to discuss them in a safe space under Chatham House Rules.

The final week (30th June - 4th July) is dedicated to writing a reflective piece based on the materials discussed in the course. One to one/group tutorial sessions can be booked to enable participants to work through their queries or discuss future possibilities in this field of study.

Live online sessions are not mandatory to attend but you are strongly encouraged to attend  to ensure that you get the maximum benefit from the course.

A repository of resources will be available to support your learning, and as a UCD student, you will have full access to the  library. 

This is a 5 ECTS micro-credential and involves approximately 100 hours of learner effort.

No prior training in mediation or negotiation is necessary to join this course.

Applicants are required to hold an NFQ level 7 degree or international equivalent.

Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be admitted on the basis of relevant experience (3+ years) working in negotiation and mediation.

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proof of English proficiency as per UCD's minimum English language requirements.

All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Assessments are submitted online via Brightspace and consist of:

1. Short written exercises or multiple choice questions, delivered at different times throughout the course (50%). 
2. A written individual reflective journal  due at  the end of the course (50%).

Automatic feedback on submission of multiple choice questions. Individual written/audio feedback on written assignments.

Please note: Learners can avail of only one form of funding per application. 

Micro-Credentials Learner Fee Subsidy-Human Capital Initiative Pillar 3

The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy has been introduced to enable more learners to address critical skills gaps and engage with lifelong learning through micro-credentials. The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy is funded by Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. 

HCI Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidies are available on identified micro-credentials only from March 2024 until October 2025. Funded places are limited and course providers will administer the subsidy on a first come first serve basis.

Please see Eligibility Criteria for further information.    

If you have any questions about this micro-credential, or would like to speak to a UCD staff member, please contact (opens in a new window)microcredentials@ucd.ie.