Crisis communication
Organizations today face unique crises, ranging from natural disasters and armed conflicts to financial downturns and political transitions, that can impact their reputation, operations, and long-term success. These crises also pose major obstacles to the UN’s goals of decent work, sustainable development, and poverty reduction.
This customizable course on crisis communication equips participants with the skills, strategies, and confidence they need to effectively prepare for and manage crises. Designed for governments, international organizations, United Nations agencies, bilateral development agencies, regional organizations, international financial institutions and multilateral development banks, humanitarian and development NGOs, the course is fully adaptable to meet the specific needs of your institution, ensuring relevance and real-world applicability.
Key features
Tailored to you
Each workshop is co-designed with you, ensuring it speaks directly to your goals and challenges.
Immersive learning
Dive into real-world activities like crafting multimedia content, analyzing case studies, and getting out into the field.
Expert guidance
Learn from communication professionals who bring years of global experience to the table.
Who should attend?
This course is for organizations operating in crisis environments and is ideal for professionals responsible for planning, preparing, and responding to crises within their organizations, including those working in:
- Crisis management and communication
- Strategic alliances and partnerships
- Leadership and strategy
- Public relations and communication
- Policy and advocacy
- Operations and programme management
There are no limits on seniority or prior experience. The course content will be customized to the participants’ roles and the host organization’s specific needs.
Key learning objectives
Participants will gain a wide range of skills tailored to their organization’s priorities. Examples of potential learning outcomes include:
- Defining, creating, and delivering key messages to stakeholders.
- Planning effective communication strategies before, during, and after a crisis.
- Engaging confidently with journalists and on social media during crises.
- Conducting crisis risk assessments, including issues mapping.
- Designing best-practice crisis systems, teams, and protocols.
- Navigating difficult conversations on sensitive issues and managing stakeholder relationships.
- Leveraging digital and social media effectively during crises.
- Utilizing storytelling techniques to convey key messages and organizational values.
- Gaining buy-in from executive teams and non-communicators.
Main topics
While tailored to organizational needs, the course can cover:
- Reputation and issues management
- Crisis communication management
- Crisis management on social media
- Handling the media in a crisis
- Designing crisis communication plans and delivery strategies
- Intercultural communication during crises
- Storytelling for crisis communication
- Stakeholder engagement through participatory approaches
Format and delivery
The course is offered in multiple formats, allowing flexibility for diverse needs:
- Online, in-person, or hybrid delivery
- Customizable duration (e.g., standard 3 days, extended programmes, or shorter sessions)
Interactive and practical methodologies include:
- Simulations and role-playing
- Case studies tailored to the organization
- Social media crisis management
- Mock press conferences and media interviews
- Live discussions with expert guest speakers
Customization and research
Each course is highly customized to reflect the host organization’s environment and challenges. ITCILO will:
- Conduct in-depth research to understand your organization’s specific context.
- Develop case studies and scenarios tailored to your needs.
- Focus on relevant regional or sector-specific issues.
Language and accessibility
We offer:
- Live interpretation in any language.
- Translated course materials.
- Accessible content to ensure inclusivity for all participants.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for participation, making the course accessible to all levels of experience.
What participants receive
Upon completion, participants will:
- Earn an official Certificate of Participation from ITCILO.
- Gain access to the ITCILO Alumni Network, fostering connections with professionals worldwide.
Why choose ITCILO?
As part of the United Nations system, ITCILO brings:
- Decades of experience in delivering world-class training programmes.
- Access to top-tier expert guest speakers and facilitators.
- A commitment to practical, results-driven learning tailored to your needs.
Let’s get started
Ready to prepare your organization for the future? Contact us at learninginnovation@itcilo.org to design your tailor-made course today!
FAQs
How do I apply?
Tailor-made courses are developed collaboratively between the ITCILO and your organization. To get started, simply reach out via email, and we’ll work with you to design the ideal learning experience.
What are the admission criteria?
There is no formal application process for tailor-made courses. We collaborate with you to identify the right participants based on factors such as job experience, language skills, and academic background, ensuring the course meets your team’s needs.
What does the course fee cover?
Course fees are determined through discussions between stakeholders and the ITCILO team. Fees generally cover:
Tuition: Course preparation, delivery, and evaluation; training materials and resources; access to facilities and support services. For face-to-face courses, tuition may also cover study tours (if planned) and emergency medical insurance.
Subsistence: Accommodation and full board on campus, laundry services (for courses longer than one week), and local study visits (if planned). For courses held outside of Turin, subsistence includes accommodation, full board, and incidentals, depending on the facilities available.
What if I need to cancel?
The following cancellation policy applies:
- 14+ days before the course start date: No penalty, 100% refund (minus applicable bank charges)
- 8–13 days before the course start date: 50% penalty on course price, with a refund of the residual amount (if any), minus bank charges
- 7 days or less before the course start date: 100% penalty on course price
How many participants are in each session?
Tailor-made courses typically accommodate 20 to 30 participants, allowing for an engaging and interactive learning environment.
