In Control – A Practical Guide for Civilian Experts Working in Crisis Management Missions

This handbook offers a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of a crisis management mission for experts who are or will be deployed. In its seven chapters, it addresses the entire cycle of a deployment from the context and preparation for the deployment to life and work in a mission and, finally, the return and reintegration both at work and in the private life.

The European Commission, through Europe’s New Training Initiative for Civilian Crisis Management (ENTRi) and 14 implementing partners, funded and implemented the project to compile this handbook. Though financed by the Commission, it provides advice relevant to all crisis management missions, including the ones of the EU, UN, OSCE, AU and NATO.  

In chapter 1, relevant international organisations are presented with their structure and policies regarding crisis management. Mandates, setup, cooperation and coordination of missions are also described. Chapter 2 offers an overview of principles and crosscutting topics in missions such as human security, gender and security sector reforms. Chapter 3 focusses on preparing deployment, including familiarisation with the context of a mission, items to bring when going on a mission, and arrangements that should be made before leaving the home country and chapter 4 outlines appropriate conduct during the deployment. All things health, safety and security are presented in chapter 5. In chapter 6, technical aspects in the field such as communication equipment, navigation and transport are explained. Lastly, chapter 7 offers a guide for the departure including handover and the return home. 

Candidates with or without experience can benefit from the comprehensive overview offered in this guide when applying to missions, before deployment and during deployment.  

Reference: Center for International Peace Operations (ZIF) (2024). In Control – A Practical Guide for Civilian Experts Working in Crisis Management Missions. 

Resource

PDF | 394 pages
Read the full policy paper

Related

The European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia: Special Annual Report on Gender Mainstreaming (2016)
This report highlights the efforts made by EUMM Georgia in implementing the…
Gender, Peace and Security in the European Union's Field Missions
This report explores how can the EU and EU Member States act more…
Field Assessment: Implementing EU Gender Policy in EUPOL COPPS
The report looks closer at what it means to work with gender mainstreaming…