Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

International Cooperation and NGOs

International Cooperation and NGOs
3
15877
1
First semester
OB
Main language of instruction: English

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish,

Teaching staff


Mrs. MANGIN, Anais - amangin@uic.es

Feel free to reach out to the profesor via email and phone/whatsapp:

email: amangin@uic.es

phone/whatsapp: +33 769 966 935

In person meetings can be organized Fridays between 15-17h. 

Introduction

The course aims to give students the knowledge and tools they need to understand the context and work of non-governmental development aid organizations. What are Non-Governmental Organizations? What are their roles in international cooperation? How do they operate and how are they funded? What are key sectors and areas of influence? What types of aid do they receive and what projects do they develop? Why are some NGOs effective and others not? What are the keys to their survival and impact? 

Objectives

1/ Provide students a deep understanding of what are the roles, impact, fields of work, challenges and potential of NGOs, and how they operate

2/ Apply knowledge to real-world case studies, specific tools and strategies used by NGOs to address global challenges

3/ Facilitate knowledge and generate reflection for a career with or in relation to NGOs

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • C100 - Diagnose root causes of inequality and apply theoretical and empirical development frameworks.
  • C101 - Apply international cooperation models and NGO/development- entity governance frameworks.

Learning outcomes of the subject

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify and describe the key sectors and areas of influence of NGOs working in international cooperation

2. Understand current challenges, opportunities and trends for NGOs in International Cooperation 

3. Identify and describe main problems and key approaches in humanitarian response 

4. Apply concepts and metodologies in Impact Measurement and Evaluation for NGO project 

5. Have the necessary knowledge and a solid overview of the work of NGO professionals 

 

Syllabus

Introduction

  • introduction to the course, preview of the subjects that will be covered
  • Open conversation and activity to get to know the group: background, level of knowledge on international cooperation and interests of the students, expectations

Understanding NGOs

Topic 1: NGOs in the Global Context

  • Defining NGOs: History, types, and classifications
  • The role of NGOs in global governance and international development
  • The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role of NGOs

Topic 2: How does an NGO operate 

  • Governance and organizational structures
  • Emergencies, programmatic work, advocacy and civil society engagement
  • Operations and people
  • Funding

NGOs in Action: Key Sectors and Areas of Influence

Topic 3: Human Rights and Advocacy

  • NGOs' roles in human rights protection, advocacy and policy influence
  • Campaigns and global movements driven by NGOs
  • Case study INGO

Topic 4: Women rights and Gender justice 

  • NGO involvement in women rights advocacy and gender justice
  • Campaigns and programmes driven by NGOs
  • Guest speaker: gender expert (tbc)   

Topic 5: Environment and Climate Action

  • NGO involvement in environmental conservation and climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • Partnerships between international institutions and NGOs on climate policy
  • Case study INGO

Topic 6: Humanitarian response  

  • NGOs' roles in humanitarian response: Emergency response and relief distribution, Protection and safety, Logistics, Recovery and resilience building
  • Roles, functions and operational aspects
  • Humanitarian challenges and dilemmas
  • Guest speaker:  humanitarian expert  

Topic 7: Resilience, Food security and Economic Development 

  • NGOs work to promote Resilience, Food security and Economic Development
  • Programmes driven by NGOs and impact on poverty reduction
  • Guest speaker: Heifer international (tbc)   

Topic 8: Children rights and Education

  • NGO involvement in children rights protection and education
  • Campaigns and programmes driven by NGOs
  • Case study INGO

Topic 9: Private Sector Engagement

  • NGOs engagement with the private sector
  • Campaigns and partnerships between corporates and NGOs
  • Guest speaker: Oxfam Business Advisory Services (tbc)

Topic 10 : Impact Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

  • Defining Impact Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
  • Frameworks and methodologies, practical examples 
  • Group work: impact assessment of an NGO project

Challenges Facing NGOs in International Cooperation 

Topic 11: Political and Operational Challenges

  • NGO legitimacy, accountability, and transparency
  • Scaling up, mainstreaming, global issues and local action
  • Ethical considerations and dilemmas

 Topic 12: Funding and Sustainability

  • Financial sustainability and funding challenges for NGOs.
  • The role of private sector partnerships and philanthropy
  • Alternative funding models for NGOs

Future of International Cooperation and NGOs

Topic 13: Trends and Innovations in International Cooperation

  • Technology and innovation in humanitarian response and international development
  • The rise of digital advocacy and networked NGOs
  • Guest speaker: humanitarian expert

Topic 14 : Innovative financing mechanisms for NGOs

  • Innovative finance and NGOs
  • NGOs as impact investors
  • Case study: examples of impact investing funds run by NGOs

Topic 15 : What future for NGOs

  • Emerging trends and the role of youth and civil society
  • Potential areas for growth: Climate action, migration, global health

Final reflections

Take action 

  • Personal perspectives in the NGO sector
  • Wrap up and course evaluation

Teaching and learning activities

In person



The course will use a participative and hands-on approach combining lectures, case studies, group discussions, specific exercises as well as insights from professional in the field. Guest speakers will include professionals from leading NGOs like Médecins sans Frontières, Oxfam… Furthermore, the course also includes a group assignment in which the students will work on their own NGO project proposal and pitch. 

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



Students will be assessed both group-based and individually based.

The grade will be calculated considering the following components: 

50%: Individual participation throughout the class 

Students are expected to be proactive in the classroom, raising and answering questions, expressing opinions, giving examples and engaging in debates. 

50%: Specific group assignment and oral presentation 

Students will be divided into groups by the coordinator. The group work will consist of developing a project idea and proposal to address a specific problematic (to be chose from one of the focus topics of the SDGs). Students will have at least one month to work on the project. Each group will be asled to "pitch" their project to the class. 

Detailed instructions and schedule for the group assignment will be provided shortly.

Bibliography and resources

Support resources (readings, articles, videos…) will be recommended ad-hoc for each session.  

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