Starts January 7, 2026
Mission Ready:
Critical Skills for International Work in Crisis Environments
Mission Ready:
Critical Skills for International Work in Crisis Environments
- 10 online sessions - Certificate
- Taught by seasoned field experts (UN, OSCE)
- Access to GeNIe 5.0 forecasting software
- Affordable High-Impact training
ICEUR School of Political Forecasting under the auspices of
The Federal Ministry European and International Affairs Republic of Austria
...offers you the opportunity to obtain a certificate in the specialization Operational Work in Crisis Regions by completing the course Mission Ready: Critical Skills for International Work in Crisis Environments.
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Course Rationale
As global crises become more complex and frequent—from armed conflict and forced displacement to natural disasters and political repression—international actors are increasingly required to operate in difficult, high-risk, and resource-constrained environments. Success in such settings depends not only on subject matter expertise but on a specialized set of practical, interpersonal, and adaptive skills.
The course is designed to equip students and professionals with the essential competencies needed to work effectively and responsibly under challenging conditions. Drawing on real-world experience from; humanitarian missions, peacebuilding efforts, development projects, and crisis response operations, the course focuses on the how of international work—what it takes on the ground to function safely, ethically, and with cultural intelligence.
The course is designed to equip students and professionals with the essential competencies needed to work effectively and responsibly under challenging conditions. Drawing on real-world experience from; humanitarian missions, peacebuilding efforts, development projects, and crisis response operations, the course focuses on the how of international work—what it takes on the ground to function safely, ethically, and with cultural intelligence.
What Makes This Program Different?
- Advanced ToolsExclusive access to GeNIe 5.0✱, used by NATO and top universities.
- Practical ExpertiseTrainers with real mission experience — not just academics.
- Official CredibilityEndorsed by the Austrian Ministry of European and International Affairs.
✱ GeNIe 5.0 — a tool for working with uncertainty
As part of the course, participants work with GeNIe 5.0, a professional Bayesian modeling tool used to analyze complex situations characterized by incomplete and conflicting information.
GeNIe does not “predict the future.” Instead, it helps structure expert reasoning, compare alternative scenarios, and update assessments as new information becomes available.
This makes analytical conclusions transparent, reproducible, and explainable — for mission leadership, colleagues, and partners.
GeNIe is not artificial intelligence or an automated forecasting system.
It is a tool for disciplined decision-making under uncertainty.
As part of the course, participants work with GeNIe 5.0, a professional Bayesian modeling tool used to analyze complex situations characterized by incomplete and conflicting information.
GeNIe does not “predict the future.” Instead, it helps structure expert reasoning, compare alternative scenarios, and update assessments as new information becomes available.
This makes analytical conclusions transparent, reproducible, and explainable — for mission leadership, colleagues, and partners.
GeNIe is not artificial intelligence or an automated forecasting system.
It is a tool for disciplined decision-making under uncertainty.
Participants will develop skills in:
- Computer-assisted Analytical Skills (Bayesian networks)
- Personal security and safety protocols
- Reporting skills
- Cross-cultural communication and negotiation
- Conflict sensitivity and situational awareness
- Psychological resilience and team dynamics
- Ethical decision-making in highly volatileenvironments
- Logistics and operational planning in resource-limited settings
- Engaging with local communities and stakeholders under stress
Key Career Challenges:
How to address them
No First Experience
Young professionals lack the real preparation required for UN, OSCE, EU, and major NGO missions.
-
Mission ReadinessThe course simulates real field tasks and compensates for the absence of initial mission experience.
Career Ceiling
Transitioning from analytical work to field operations is impossible without the right practical skills.
- A New LevelThe course provides hands-on tools that open access to higher levels of responsibility.
Only Theory
Theory alone does not explain how decisions are made in crisis regions.
- Understanding Real Mission LogicThe course reveals how field environments operate and introduces participants to real operational thinking.
Want to Earn More
Career and financial growth in the international field is impossible without competencies in risk assessment and operational planning.
- Increased Professional ValueThe course develops essential skills that significantly increase a specialist’s value on the job market
The course blends theory with practice through interactive workshops, scenario-based learning, and case studies. It is particularly relevant for future practitioners in international NGOs, UN agencies, diplomatic services, field research, journalism, and global health.
By the end of the course, participants will be better prepared to navigate uncertainty, maintain professional integrity, and contribute effectively to international missions—regardless of the complexity.
By the end of the course, participants will be better prepared to navigate uncertainty, maintain professional integrity, and contribute effectively to international missions—regardless of the complexity.
1
Lectures
A vast arena of international work in difficult environments
Forcasting, Predicting, Modelling
Modelling factors causing and inhibiting Corruption (QGeNIe)
The Golden Rules of professional Reporting
A practical workshop led by the principal architect of GeNIe 5.0
The portfolio of security officers
Which decisions would the training participants take
2
Advanced Training Workshops
In-depth discussion of selected issues
Students are requested...
1. Orientation:
A vast arena of international work in difficult environments
A vast arena of international work in difficult environments
Introductory definitions:
Organizational frameworks of missions:
Mission agencies:
INTERACTICE MODULE
Self assessment:
individual positioning within a real world mission example
- difficult environment
- hostile environment
- high risk environment
Organizational frameworks of missions:
- mandate,
- mission implementation plan etc.
Mission agencies:
- UN,
- EU,
- OSCE (ODIHR),
- FRONTEX
- Election observation missions, fact-finding missions, ad hoc investigative missions (short term)
- Ttrainingmissions, advisory missions, monitoring missions, border monitoring missions (long-term)
- development cooperation (national development agencies)
- Mission headquarter and field offices (different working tasks, different environments)
- Working fields at mission HQ level, working fields at field office level
INTERACTICE MODULE
Self assessment:
individual positioning within a real world mission example
2. Modelling Uncertainty (Genie 5.0)
- Forcasting, Predicting, Modelling
- Dealing with uncertainty
- Bayesian Reasoning
- Formal Structure of Bayesian influence networks, Introduction to major features of Genie5.0
- Building the First models
3. Mission-typical Case Studie (QGeNIe)
- Modelling factors causing and inhibiting Corruption (QGeNIe)
- Building more complex networks; Factors determining success or failure of mine clearance operations using equation nodes (linear predictors) and NoisyMax nodes
- Forecasting the probability of Armed Conflict in a volatile region:
4. No Mission Without Reporting
Mission reporting
Project reporting
The Golden Rules of professional Reporting
Interactive Module:
- spot report,
- special report,
- daily report,
- weekly report etc.
Project reporting
- project goals,
- project phase,
- project cycles etc.
The Golden Rules of professional Reporting
Interactive Module:
- drafting half-page field spot report according to video observations
- drafting two-page special report on incident (material provided by trainer)
5. Minimizing security/safety risks as a priority
How Causal Models Work — Professor Marek Druzdzel explains with GeNIe 5.0.
Dr. Marek Druzdzel, co-founder of BayesFusion and lead developer of GeNIe, demonstrates how structural equations and Bayesian networks uncover causal mechanisms across economics, medicine, and politics.
From simple models of rain and harvests to dynamic systems, chaos, and stock-market forecasting.
Dr. Marek Druzdzel, co-founder of BayesFusion and lead developer of GeNIe, demonstrates how structural equations and Bayesian networks uncover causal mechanisms across economics, medicine, and politics.
From simple models of rain and harvests to dynamic systems, chaos, and stock-market forecasting.
6. Minimizing security/safety risks as a priority
- Safety and security risks in hostile/high risk environments
- The portfolio of security officers
- Personal risk-awareness and immediate threat sensitivity
- The consideration of “local knowledge”
Two real world examples for threat scenarios:
- Which specific actions would the training participants have taken?
7. Trust Building versus Security Protocols
- How to collect and evaluate “local knowledge”
- The relevance of cultural sensitivity
- De-escalation tools in a tense field environment
- Three real world examples for situational trust-building dilemmas in different cultural environments. Which decisions would the training participants take?
- Difficult environments and team dynamics
Two Q&A Sessions
- Presentation and Discussion of training assignments
- In-depth discussion o selected issues
- Sundry matter
Training assignments: Students are requested
- To produce one analytical model built on Bayesian reasoning (using either Genie5.0, QGenie, or a logically structured influence mode stating influence dactors and the resulting scenarios (qualitative model) as well as
- To produce a model report (analytical, situation, spot etc).
MISSION READY – Programme Briefing & Orientation
07 January
Live
Programme Leads: Hans-Georg Heinrich, Doris Vogl
Purpose
Purpose
- Strategic introduction to MISSION READY
- Positioning of the programme within operational, analytical, and policy-relevant mission contexts
- Overview of learning journey, assessment standards, and certification requirements
Module I – Analytical Readiness
Handling Uncertainty in Mission Environments: Technical Support
Handling Uncertainty in Mission Environments: Technical Support
07–15 January 2026
Recorded
Instructor: Hans-Georg Heinrich
Focus
Focus
- Decision-making under uncertainty
- Bayesian reasoning and causal thinking
- Applied use of GeNIe 5.0 for mission planning and scenario analysis
- Translating complexity into structured, defensible decisions
- Participants gain analytical readiness for complex and volatile mission contexts
Module II – Operational Modeling
Applied Workshop: GeNIe 5.0
Applied Workshop: GeNIe 5.0
15 January 2026
Live
Instructors: Hans-Georg Heinrich, Iliya Vorontsov
Format
Outcome
Format
- Hands-on modeling session
- Live construction and refinement of Bayesian networks
- Interactive discussion of operational use cases
Outcome
- Participants are able to build, interpret, and communicate probabilistic mission models.
Module III – Mission Competence
Professional Practice in Mission Contexts
Professional Practice in Mission Contexts
15–21 January 2026
Recorded
Instructor: Doris Vogl
Core Topics
Core Topics
- Mission-oriented reporting and briefing
- Information handling and analytical integrity
- Security awareness and risk sensitivity
- Mission mandates
- Gender perspectives and inclusive mission practice
- Participants develop professional, ethical, and procedural competence required for deployment-relevant environments.
Q&A Session
21 January 2026
Live
Instructors: Hans-Georg Heinrich, Doris Vogl
MISSION READY – Assignment Submission Deadline
4 February 2026
Live
Assessment Criteria
Successful participants receive the MISSION READY Certificate.
- Application of uncertainty analysis using GeNIe 5.0 or qualitative model based on Bayesian reasoning
- Clear, professional, and decision-relevant report
Successful participants receive the MISSION READY Certificate.
Afghanistan · Mali · Ukraine · Cambodia · Georgia · Armenia
Instructors Behind the Program
Field experts with extensive experience in multiple international missions across crisis regions
Prof. Hans-Georg HEINRICH
Founder of the school
Founder of the school
• Studied law, political science, and foreign languages at the University of Vienna.
• Visiting professorships in Europe,Asia and the Near East Field work in Cambodia (UNAMIC, GTZ).
• Headed the Department of Political Science at the University of Vienna.
• Served as a visiting professor in Europe and Asia.
• Worked in various OSCE field missions and representations: Tbilisi, Chechnya, Belgrade.
• Co-founder of ICEUR-Vienna and currently its vice president.
• Author of publications on Soviet, Russian, and Eastern European politics.
• Able to communicate in 12 languages.
Research focus: Northern and Southern Caucasus, the Balkans
• Visiting professorships in Europe,Asia and the Near East Field work in Cambodia (UNAMIC, GTZ).
• Headed the Department of Political Science at the University of Vienna.
• Served as a visiting professor in Europe and Asia.
• Worked in various OSCE field missions and representations: Tbilisi, Chechnya, Belgrade.
• Co-founder of ICEUR-Vienna and currently its vice president.
• Author of publications on Soviet, Russian, and Eastern European politics.
• Able to communicate in 12 languages.
Research focus: Northern and Southern Caucasus, the Balkans
Dr. Doris VOGL
Senior field mission manager (UN, OSCE, EU, NGOs)
Senior field mission manager (UN, OSCE, EU, NGOs)
• Master’s degree in Sinology and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Vienna.
• Study and work stays in the PR China, Taiwan, and Cambodia.
• International assignments in the South Caucasus (Georgia, Armenia).
• Service in CSDP missions: EUMM Georgia (2008–2010), EUPOL Afghanistan (2011–2013), and EUCAP Sahel Mali.
• OSCE deployment to Eastern Ukraine, SMMU, Luhansk region (2015–2017).
• Lecturer in Comparative Politics and International Relations at the University of Vienna (1994–1998, 2007–2008) and the University of Salzburg (1996, 2013, 2016–2019).
• Since 2010, author of various IFK publications.
Research focus: China, South Caucasus, European security policy, human security.
• Study and work stays in the PR China, Taiwan, and Cambodia.
• International assignments in the South Caucasus (Georgia, Armenia).
• Service in CSDP missions: EUMM Georgia (2008–2010), EUPOL Afghanistan (2011–2013), and EUCAP Sahel Mali.
• OSCE deployment to Eastern Ukraine, SMMU, Luhansk region (2015–2017).
• Lecturer in Comparative Politics and International Relations at the University of Vienna (1994–1998, 2007–2008) and the University of Salzburg (1996, 2013, 2016–2019).
• Since 2010, author of various IFK publications.
Research focus: China, South Caucasus, European security policy, human security.
Webinar
The webinar introduces the Mission Ready course and its practical approach
Practical analysis, decision-making, and uncertainty management.
This ICEUR School webinar focuses on the most common mistakes made in international, humanitarian, and monitoring missions operating in crisis and post-conflict environments. Drawing on real-life field experience from Afghanistan, Mali, Georgia, Kosovo, and other high-risk regions, seasoned experts from EU, UN, and OSCE missions explain why well-designed mandates often fail in practice - and how proper preparation can significantly reduce those risks.
This ICEUR School webinar focuses on the most common mistakes made in international, humanitarian, and monitoring missions operating in crisis and post-conflict environments. Drawing on real-life field experience from Afghanistan, Mali, Georgia, Kosovo, and other high-risk regions, seasoned experts from EU, UN, and OSCE missions explain why well-designed mandates often fail in practice - and how proper preparation can significantly reduce those risks.
How Training Helps You Avoid Mistakes in Field Missions
Webinar. Learning the Hard Way
Online Professional Training Program
Program Architecture
Programme Briefing & Orientation
Module I.
Analytical Readiness
Module II.
Operational Modeling
Module III.
Mission Competence
Q&A Session
Assessment & Certification
Ready to join the next mission?
- 2Pricing packages are available: Standard and Extended.
- 10Training sessions available live and as recordings
- 7th JanuaryThe course begins on the first Wednesday of the new year
Official Pricing for Mission Ready
Choose your package and preferred payment option
Standard Tier
€ 600
€ 600
The basic program package. Includes full access to lectures, materials, recordings, and the student dashboard.
- 7 sessions
- Two Q&A mind-sessions
- Full materials and templates
- Certificate (Pass / Fall)
- Access to case library
Core Rate
€600
The basic program package. Includes full access to lectures, materials, recordings, and the student dashboard
Installment Plan
2 x 50%
2 x 50%
€300
Pay 50% now (based on the standard tuition fee (€600)) and get immediate access. Complete the remaining 50% one month later
Student Rate
50%
50%
€300
To receive the student rate, please email us at school[at]iceur-vienna.at your proof of enrollment. After verification, we will send you either a promo code or a personalized payment link.
Expanded Tier
€900
€900
An expanded package with individual consultations, additional materials and priority support
- 7 sessions
- Two Q&A mind-sessions
- Full materials and templates
- Certificate (Pass / Fall)
- Access to case library
and
- Personal session with the instructors
- Individual analysis of Your field / analitical challenge
- Priority feedback and strategic guidance
Core Rate
€900
An expanded package with individual consultations, additional materials and priority support
Installment Plan
2 x 50%
2 x 50%
€450
Pay 50% now (based on the expanded tuition fee (€900)) and get immediate access. Complete the remaining 50% one month later
Student Rate
50%
50%
€450
To receive the student rate, please email us at school[at]iceur-vienna.at your proof of enrollment. After verification, we will send you either a promo code or a personalized payment link.
Take the Next Step in Your Diplomatic Career
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
This program is ideal for those preparing to work — or already working — in international missions: humanitarian organizations, NGOs, think tanks, UN structures, OSCE, EU missions, media, and university research projects.
It suits both beginners and professionals seeking to strengthen their analytical and operational mission skills.
It suits both beginners and professionals seeking to strengthen their analytical and operational mission skills.
No.
Experience is helpful but not required.
The curriculum is structured to guide you from foundational skills to professional-level mission readiness, even if you’re starting from zero.
Experience is helpful but not required.
The curriculum is structured to guide you from foundational skills to professional-level mission readiness, even if you’re starting from zero.
Format: Online · 6 live sessions, plus access to materials.
All sessions take place via Zoom and include interactive exercises, discussions, case study simulations, and hands-on work with GeNIe 5.0.
All sessions take place via Zoom and include interactive exercises, discussions, case study simulations, and hands-on work with GeNIe 5.0.
Yes.
After completing all 6 sessions and assignments, you will receive an official ICEUR certificate, certifying your readiness for international mission work.
After completing all 6 sessions and assignments, you will receive an official ICEUR certificate, certifying your readiness for international mission work.
GeNIe 5.0 is a professional decision-analysis and risk-forecasting software developed by Bayes Fusion.
It is used by NATO, leading universities, and security analysts.
You will learn to apply it to real missions — from threat assessment to scenario simulations and operational planning.
It is used by NATO, leading universities, and security analysts.
You will learn to apply it to real missions — from threat assessment to scenario simulations and operational planning.
About 70% practical.
Each session is based on real cases from Afghanistan, Mali, Ukraine, the Sahel, the Balkans, the Caucasus and other crisis regions.
Instructors draw directly from their field experience in UN, OSCE, and EU missions.
Each session is based on real cases from Afghanistan, Mali, Ukraine, the Sahel, the Balkans, the Caucasus and other crisis regions.
Instructors draw directly from their field experience in UN, OSCE, and EU missions.
Yes.
The program is offered under the auspices of the Austrian Ministry of European and International Affairs, which reinforces its academic and professional credibility.
The program is offered under the auspices of the Austrian Ministry of European and International Affairs, which reinforces its academic and professional credibility.
The course is conducted in English.
All slides and materials are also provided in English.
All slides and materials are also provided in English.
Tuition: €500.
Regional discounts and scholarships are available — contact us to check eligibility based on your region or institutional affiliation.
Regional discounts and scholarships are available — contact us to check eligibility based on your region or institutional affiliation.
Yes.
You will gain full access to all previous session recordings and can catch up smoothly at your own pace.
You will gain full access to all previous session recordings and can catch up smoothly at your own pace.
Each live session lasts 1.5–2 hours.
Assignments take 1–2 additional hours per week.
The overall workload is designed to be manageable for working professionals.
Assignments take 1–2 additional hours per week.
The overall workload is designed to be manageable for working professionals.
A standard laptop is sufficient.
You need stable internet, Zoom, and the ability to run lightweight analytical software such as GeNIe 5.0.
You need stable internet, Zoom, and the ability to run lightweight analytical software such as GeNIe 5.0.
Yes.
Graduates use this certificate when applying to UN missions, OSCE, EU projects, NGOs, research centers, and university programs.
Skills in forecasting, risk modeling, and scenario analysis are highly valued by mission security and analytical units.
Graduates use this certificate when applying to UN missions, OSCE, EU projects, NGOs, research centers, and university programs.
Skills in forecasting, risk modeling, and scenario analysis are highly valued by mission security and analytical units.
Yes. A two-part payment plan is available upon request.
All sessions are recorded.
You will receive the recordings, materials, and the opportunity to ask follow-up questions directly to the instructor.
You will receive the recordings, materials, and the opportunity to ask follow-up questions directly to the instructor.
• Real field experience, not just theory
• Hands-on training with GeNIe 5.0, used by NATO and top universities
• Instructors with genuine mission background
• Backed by the Austrian Ministry of European and International Affairs
• A Certificate that strengthens your mission-related career prospects
• Hands-on training with GeNIe 5.0, used by NATO and top universities
• Instructors with genuine mission background
• Backed by the Austrian Ministry of European and International Affairs
• A Certificate that strengthens your mission-related career prospects
Questions About the Program?
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Technical Support
Enrollment Questions
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Enrollment Questions
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