Military Observers Pre-Deployment Course (MILOBS 20)

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

Over the years, United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping has adapted to meet the demands of different conflicts and a changing political landscape. Today’s multidimensional peacekeeping operations are called upon not only to maintain peace and security but also to facilitate the political processes, protect civilians, disarm combatants, support elections, protect and promote human rights and restore the rule of law. Consequently, UN Peacekeepers have long been the best chance for peace for some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Their service and sacrifice under harsh and dangerous conditions has made the Blue Helmet a symbol of hope to millions of people.

It is said that United Nations Military Observers (UNMOs) are “the eyes and the ears of the Mission”. Their ground-level reporting, observation, and expertise help preserve the integrity of each United Nations mandate and the relations between peacekeepers and the public they are meant to serve.

As a contribution to UN Peacekeeping Missions in general and the deployment of UNMOs in particular, KAIPTC with the support of the German Government plans to conduct the Military Observers Pre-Deployment Course from 12 – 23 October2020. The core elements of the training will be drawn from the Core Pre-Deployment Training Module (CPTM) and Specialized Training Material (STM) for UNMOs.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Military Observers Course will be a two-week residential course to be held at the KAIPTC. It will be conducted in English and will be based on the Collaborative Problem-Based Learning Methodology (CPBL).

COURSE AIM

The overall aim of the course is to equip prospective Military Observers nominated to deploy in UN and Regional Peace Operations missions with the requisite knowledge, skills and techniques to enable them discharge their duties and responsibilities effectively and efficiently.

TARGET GROUP

The course will target a mixed group of 30 participants of mid-level (operational) officers.  In view of this, priority will be given to military officers from the ECOWAS member states due for deployment as UNMOs not later than 2 months from the end of the course as they would be expected to provide feedback to KAIPTC on the impact of the course in mission areas.

COURSE CONTENT

This course puts the work of UNMOs in context by offering an enhanced explanation of peacekeeping operations in general and by illustrating specific methods and techniques for serving on a peacekeeping mission. Beginning with a strategic overview of the UN, the course moves through the operational spectrum of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and ends at the tactical level of “on the ground” knowledge and skills required for an individual UNMO to succeed.  Consequently, the course content will be in line with the CPTM and STM.  There will be an exercise at the end of the course to consolidate on the modules covered during the course.

METHODOLOGY

The CPBL approach will be used in the delivery of the course hence course participants will play an active role under the guidance of an experienced team of facilitators.  The course content will thus be delivered using a combination of tools such as lectures, case studies, small group works, brainstorming and exercises.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process will involve submission of bio-data through the KAIPTC application portal after which applicants will be screened and shortlisted.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants are requested to kindly fill and submit an online application form.
Access the application form using the button “How to apply” on LMS.

RELEVANT FACTS

Facilitation team will be composed of resource persons from KAIPTC, Military Officers as well as academics among others.
Selection will strive to achieve gender balance of participants as much as possible.

CONTACT AT KAIPTC