Ukraine’s humanitarian sector has developed hard-won, practice-based expertise formed amid risk, ethical dilemmas, and uncertainty. To ensure this knowledge endures, the Alliance UA CSO is systematizing and transmitting it — shaping the next generation of professionals who think strategically, act responsibly, and represent Ukraine on global platforms.
What We Are Building
- A national humanitarian learning ecosystem rooted in the voice of Ukrainian organizations and grounded in local practice, integrated with academic rigor.
- Beyond short trainings toward long-term professional education: ethics, analysis, and management culture aligned with international standards.
- A growing network of Ukrainian humanitarian leaders able to influence policy in Ukraine and internationally.
From communities to universities. From practice to science.
Pilot Certificate Program: “Leadership and Advocacy in Humanitarian Response”
Launched in January 2026, the first program was designed by the Humanitarian Leadership Academy together with the UCU Institute of Leadership and Management, with support from Міжнародна організація з питань біженців — built at the request of Ukrainian civil society and incorporating its lived experience.
Format & Curriculum
- Blended format: online modules on Kaya plus a four-day in-person module in Lviv (March 2026).
- Core competencies: leadership in complexity, crisis management, ethical decision-making, advocacy and influencing, evidence-based practice, and inter-sectoral collaboration.
- Faculty: Thomas Jepson-Lay, Ruairi McDermott; the in-person module features Olena Halushka.
- Assessment: completion of Kaya coursework, active participation, and a final applied assignment.
What’s Next
This pilot anchors a broader learning ecosystem championed by the Alliance UA CSO. Next steps include expanding formats, interdisciplinary pathways, and partnerships across universities, research centers, CSOs, and international actors — to build a resilient, open, and professional education system for Ukraine’s humanitarian sector.