Cover image: © UNICEF/UNI883535/Marin

  

In fast-paced and complex emergencies, skilled responders are critical. This course equips you with the essentials to step into surge deployments with clarity, confidence, and impact — from understanding how surge works to navigating your first 72 hours and leaving a positive legacy behind.  


This course is designed to prepare you for the realities of surge deployment — what it is, how it works, and what is expected of you. Whether you are new to surge or looking to refresh your knowledge, you will gain practical insights to help you operate effectively under pressure, align quickly with your team, and contribute meaningfully from day one through to your return.

Learning objectives

At the end of this 15-minute micro course, you will be able to:

  • Define surge deployment and understand its unique characteristics. 
  • Recognize different surge mechanisms and how they function. 
  • List key pre-deployment steps and readiness requirements. 
  • Describe actions for your first week of deployment. 
  • Building trust in diverse teams 
  • Identify strategies to achieve results in high-pressure contexts.  
  • Plan to clarify deliverables, expectations, and communication protocols.


Audience

First time Surge Responders

Length

It should take you about 15 minutes to complete this self-paced course. 

Methodology

Self- paced online training 

Contact details

Content issues: lsabbagh@unicef.org; jogolla@unicef.org