REACT Training Program
Rapid expert assistance and
co-operation teams for conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation (REACT)
General information
The REACT course is a five-week training programme on conflict prevention and peacebuilding intended for professionals interested in being deployed in peace operations and contribute to the global efforts to build international peace and security.
Background
REACT was created in 2003 with the aim of preparing professionals of different backgrounds, interested in joining the experts pool “Expert Teams for Rapid Assistance and Cooperation” of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Over time, the content of the course has been expanded to include all aspects of conflict prevention and peacebuilding and all contexts in which peace operations take place.
REACT is the only training course of its kind that takes place in Spain. Since 2003, 23 editions have been taken place and over 500 students have benefit from it. Next edition will take place in May and July 2021.
Objectives
To provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and analyze the main threats to international peace and security, the contexts in which armed conflicts arise, their key actors and the impact of conflict on civilians.
To build participants’ capabilities in prevention, management and resolution of conflicts as well as protection of civilians in armed conflicts.
To strengthen the capacity and confidence of participants to deal effectively with risk-associated and emergency/critical situations while deployed in hostile environments abroad.
- Peace and conflict analysis
- Conflict prevention
- Conflict management
- Conflict resolution
- Peacebuilding
- Public International Law: basic concepts
- International Human Rights Law
- International Humanitarian Law
- International Criminal Law
- Protection of civilians in armed conflict
- Women, Peace and Security. Gender in Operations
- Children and Armed Conflict
- Refugees and internally displaced people
- Asia: Afghanistan, North Korea and Myanmar
- Middle East: Israel-Palestine, Iraq, Syria and Yemen
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali and South Sudan
- Maghreb: Libya and Western Sahara
- Eastern Europe and Caucasus: Ukraine and Kosovo
- Latin America: Colombia
- Radicalization, terrorism and violent extremism
- Transnational organized crime
- Weapons of mass destruction
- Hybrid threats
- Climate change
- United Nations, Peace and Security Pillar
- European Union, Common Security and Defense Policy
- Organization for the Security and Cooperation in Europe, OSCE
- African Union, Common African Defense and Security Policy
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO
- The role of Civil Society
- Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration of ex-combatants (DDR)
- Security Sector Reform (SSR)
- Accountability and transitional justice
- Democracy and Rule of Law
- Elections in peacebuilding
- The role of media in peace and conflict
- Awareness of threats and risks. Personal security
- Safety and security procedures for vehicle movement
- Kidnapping and hostage survival
- Weapons, mines, improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnances
- Protection of classified and sensitive information
- First aid in hostile environments
- Orientation and communications in the field
- 4×4 off road driving
- Working with interpreters
- Stress management
- Negotiation and multicultural communication
- Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense
- Addressing media
- Career development
Working in Hostile Environments
As part of the REACT course, students will learn how to deal effectively with risk-associated and emergency/critical situations while deployed in hostile environments.
This training is expected to improve participants’ understanding of the behavioural requirements while working as a team member of an international field operation.
Next edition will take place in May and July 2021
The course takes place in Madrid, at the premises of the Escuela de Organización Industrial (EOI) which is located at Av. de Gregorio del Amo 6.
Considering the current COVID-19 situation in Madrid, the course may be done in a place where students can sleep, eat and also attend to the classes. Everyone will stay in only one place to avoid any risks. Further information will be updated depending on how the COVID-19 situation evolves in these months.
- United Nations, UN
- Organization for the Security and Cooperation in Europe, OSCE
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO
- Spanish Ministry of Defense
- International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC
REACT´s fee is € 4,950 which includes the following services:
- 220h of training
- €350 registration fee (non refundable)
- Three day HEAT course (field trip, equipment and simulations)
- Field visits
- Individual career development coaching
- Access to jobs interviews
- Diploma
Meals and Accommodation are NOT included in the course fees.
Candidates who wish to be considered for a partial scholarship should enclose proof of their annual income and employment status. Documents should be officially translated into English or Spanish.
If you are interested in applying for REACT 2021, please send us a copy of the following documents:
- REACT Registration Form (can be downloaded from helsinkiespana.org)
- Motivation Letter
- Resume/CV
- Recent digital photo, passport size
- Copy of passport
- Copy of academic transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation on letter headed paper. They should include the date and stamp/signature of the entity/person that is writing the letter.
- The ORIGINALS MUST be sent by post. Letters may be advanced via email, however, originals are still required.
- English language certificate. If you don’t have one, contact us and we will schedule a brief phone interview.
- In case you apply for a partial scholarship, proof of your annual income together with an official translation into English or Spanish. This is absolutely mandatory.
Applications will be evaluated according to order of arrival until all available places are filled. Early applications are encouraged.
Application dossiers should be sent to iucpm@helsinkiespana.org
The registration form can be downloaded from www.helsinkiespana.org
Deadline for applications:
- Participants in need of Schengen visa: March15th, 2021
- Europeans and visa holders: April 15th, 2021
Incomplete applications will NOT be considered.
Upcoming event
