Within the framework of the PfP Partnership Work Programme, the Swiss Government, through the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), has the honour to invite participants from the National and International Mine action Organisations and from National Mine Action Authorities (NMAA) to the above-mentioned course taking place form 07 to 18 August 2023 at the training centre of the Swiss Armed Forces International Command (SWISSINT) .
The training course “Non-Technical Survey” is a 11- day intensive course, which aims to improve the NTS capacity of mine action community such as National Mine Action Authorities, national and international implementing organisations and actors such as the Military or Police where applicable.
The training course is aimed at field staff, mid-level and senior managers looking to expand their knowledge, to learn more about survey and to explore best practices.
Disclaimer: The course is subject to final funding confirmation.
The objective of this course is to provide field staff and team leaders with the necessary skills to successfully carry out effective NTS operations: Identify, Gather, Analyse and Record Evidence of Contamination.
This will be achieved by employing the strategies listed below:
The course’s presentations, discussions and group work will provide participants with:
By enhancing the role of NTS, operational outcomes will improve, along with increased precision in determining how to distribute scarce resources to contaminated areas.
The course entails both theoretical and practical elements, with a focus on evidence–based approaches to NTS in various contexts and environments.
During the training, participants will acquire both the hard and soft skills required for effective NTS and test new methodologies, technologies and tablet applications.
A real-life environment with practical exercises, scenarios and role-plays to test methods and techniques. This includes surveys for landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war.
A platform to ask questions, exchange views, and good practices on NTS.
This training course will be held at the training centre of the Swiss Armed Forces International Command (SWISSINT). The centre is located in Oberdorf at Stans, Canton of Nidwalden which is especially suited to the practical exercises for NTS and scenario-based training.
The number of participants is limited to 20. Preference will be given to individuals charged with the management and conduct of field–based surveys, or involved in training personnel for NTS. The GICHD will seek to ensure gender and diversity-balanced participation and encourages women, minorities, persons with disabilities and persons of all sexual orientation or gender identity to apply for the course
The course will be conducted in English. Good working knowledge of English is therefore a requirement.
Shortlisted participants are required to provide a support letter from their organisation.
In addition to national and international staff of mine action organisations, the course is also open to NATO/PfP, MD, ICI and Contact States.
Course participation is limited to 20; as far as possible 2 slots per nation will be accepted.
Allocation will be on application basis! The acceptance will be submitted by 30 April 2023.
The Swiss Government will cover participant expenses for food and accommodation while in Stans (arrival date 06 August 2023 and departure date 19 August 2023). Train tickets Zurich Airport – Stans – Zurich Airport will be reimbursed to the participants (only second-class tickets). In addition, there are limited number of subsidies for transportation to and from Switzerland available.
It is imperative that applicants wishing subsidies for transportation send a letter signed by their supervisor, stating that they are the NMAC person in charge of the programme and that they do need sponsorship for travel expenses, to pfp@gichd.org as soon as possible, before making any arrangements, and not later than the application deadline on 05 April 2023.
NOTE: The Swiss Armed Forces and the GICHD do not cover health care expenses or any expenses related to Covid-19, including quarantine/isolation. All participants are themselves responsible for obtaining adequate insurance (health, accident, and liability) or will need a governmental guarantee to cover any health care expenses incurred in Switzerland. Participants are advised to pay special attention to additional costs that might arise because of Covid-19 (such as hotel costs for quarantine, flight change etc.), as they are not necessarily covered by insurance policies.
The GICHD will provide equipment required for the training.
GICHD.org / AP Mine Ban Convention / Mine Action Standards / IMSMA wiki / Collaborative ORDnance data repository / Convention on Cluster Munitions / Gender and Mine Action Programme