Conflict Sensitive Program Management
Conflict sensitivity is the awareness that our work, presence, and behaviour can have unintended consequences on conflicts and social relations. It means taking action to avoid negative effects and to reinforce our positive impact. Conflict sensitivity is an institutional approach at Helvetas, which means we integrate conflict sensitivity into all that we do.
Why conflict sensitivity matters
Conflict sensitivity should be an integral part of all humanitarian and development interventions. Working in a conflict-sensitive manner reduces the risk of inadvertently contributing to tensions and conflict, and helps to identify opportunities to contribute to social cohesion. It increases acceptance, reduces security risks, and strengthens project sustainability. In fragile and conflict-affected situations the risks of doing harm are particularly high. For this reason conflict sensitivity is a core component of Helvetas’ Fit for Fragility framework.
How we apply conflict sensitivity
Helvetas staff and partners apply the approach set out in the Helvetas manual 3 Steps for Working in Fragile and Conflict-affected Situations that is based on the Do No Harm approach. The three steps are i) understanding the context, ii) understanding the interaction between interventions and the context, iii) taking strategic decisions on how to adapt project management to avoid risks of doing harm and, where possible, to contribute to transforming conflict.
The approach is applied throughout the project or program cycle with initial analyses and adaptation measures being regularly reviewed and updated. Staff and partners receive regular online and face-to-face trainings on how to apply the approach. Additional support is provided by conflict sensitivity experts based in the region and at the head office. In addition, Helvetas places an emphasis on the importance of individual behaviour and takes this into account in recruitment and provides training to equip staff and partners with the attitude, knowledge and skills to act in a conflict-sensitive manner.
How can Helvetas support you?
- Provide access to tools and instruments for applying conflict sensitivity
- Conduct conflict sensitivity assessments and evaluations
- Assist in finding specialized partners or consultants
- Provide coaching and advice on applying conflict sensitivity
- Design and deliver trainings and workshops on conflict sensitivity
- Develop organizational strategies for mainstreaming conflict sensitivity
- Document good practices and lessons learned
Contact our team
Contact our conflict sensitivity experts
Further information
Download the full publications and learn more about our projects related to conflicts and about typical conflicts arising around natural resources management:
Publications
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Stories of Applying Conflict Sensitivity at HelvetasPDF (1.05 MB)
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Capability Statement Conflict TransformationPDF (0.86 MB)
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Ne Pas Nuire, Faire Plus de Bien: Histoires Illustrant L’application du Principe de Sensibilité aux Conflits ChezPDF (1.24 MB)
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Natural Resources and ConflictPDF (0.3 MB)
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Manual: 3-Steps for Working in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations (WFCS)PDF (2.75 MB)
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Field-Guide: 3-Steps for Working in Fragile and Conflict-affected Situations (WFCS)PDF (1.86 MB)
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Biotrade case study How to make a project document conflict sensitivePDF (0.44 MB)
