United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Nov 2020-May 2021
InterWorks and the UNHCR Global Learning Centre (GLC) and Field Security Service (FSS) held the first offering of the Online Security Management Learning Programme (SMLP) from November 2020 to May 2021. The Security Management Learning Programme (SMLP) is a long-running programme for UNHCR managers that started in 2006. The programme has taken on several iterations since it started and has always included a short pre-workshop phase – either consisting of various background readings or eLearning modules – in addition to a face-to-face workshop phase. In 2020, due to covid-19, the programme was reconceptualized with a much heavier focus on eLearning.
The learnings addressed the different steps in the SRM process, programme criticality, security planning and security budgeting to help participants gain an understanding of the underlying concepts with the aim of making more informed security risk management decisions. The primary objectives of the complete SMLP online (eLearnings and web sessions) were for participants to be able to:
- Define the elements of risk, including threat, vulnerability, impact and likelihood
- Integrate into UNHCR Operations their security risk management responsibilities according to the UN the Framework of Accountability, and take steps to fulfill their Duty of Care
- Incorporate relevant UNSMS security policies into UNHCR Operations
Participate actively and constructively in SMT settings, using the UN SRM process and language - Develop the full range of Security Plans (Critical Incident, Contingency, and Business Continuity) and incorporate them into UNHCR Operations
Analyse, and evaluate, operational security risk management documentation within the UNSMS
The online SMLP also included a critical incident management exercise which used a combination of Zoom meeting rooms and the Remote Exercise Management System (REMS) to conduct the exercise. REMS is an automated system that allows for pre-programmed injects (via simulated email, radio calls, news alerts, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) to be sent to participant teams. This system allowed the CIMEX to be conducted with participants remotely
Thank you for your innovative approach to this course, especially in times of COVID-19.
– Workshop participant