Advancing Professionalism in the Humanitarian Sector

Theodore John Swystun's "Advancing Professionalism in the Humanitarian Sector" addresses the practical aspects of identifying and disseminating the rapidly growing body of technical knowledge for the management of humanitarian interventions, as well as the development of a professional core within the sector. Its rich documentation and analysis is designed to facilitate the rapid design of training programs and course modules for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and conflict workers, enabling them to better protect and aid the victims of natural and man-made disasters. Informed by a structural-functionalist theoretical framework and a constructivist perspective, Swystun examines the current drive toward professionalization within the humanitarian sector. The current and future state of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) need is explored and the generally accepted model of the HADR community is critically examined, with an alternative full-spectrum model presented. Against this model, key actors are identified and the context in which they interact to service HADR requirements scrutinized. Core professional competencies necessary to facilitate that interaction, now and in the future, are identified. These core competencies are then referenced against the available literature of best practices and technical knowledge to ultimately arrive at a uniform professional body of knowledge, upon which a program of professionalism and training can be based. Various requirements and mechanisms for training delivery are explored and the current community focus on establishing a professional association is critically examined. What humanitarian professionals are saying about "Advancing Professionalism in the Humanitarian Sector" -- "Theodore John Swystun sheds light on a critical issue facing a community increasingly challenged to help the growing scores of millions desperate for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. He draws upon an incredible array of sources to examine the changing construct of the humanitarian community and identify critical competencies, existing and emergent, essential to the future development of this vital sector. His work is an excellent resource for academicians and those working in the sector alike." - Hilary Nathan, Esq., Geneva, Switzerland " T]his research provides rich food for thought and revitalizes a healthy debate on how to advance professionalism in the humanitarian field." - Prof. Doris Schopper, Director, Centre d'enseignement et de recherche en action humanitaire de Gen ve