IMS Tier 2: Working in WHO’s Incident Management System

Course information

This course is also available in the following languages:

français - русский - Español - Português - العربية

Overview: Every individual working in emergencies for WHO must be familiar with the Incident Management System (IMS). This course builds on the introductory IMS course to provide a deeper understanding of the system that WHO uses to organize and manage its response. It should be completed by all current or potential members of IMS functional teams, including non-WHO staff who will deploy.

The course consists of 5 modules with audio narration and quiz. It covers: (1) the key elements of WHO’s IMS and working in Emergency Operations Centres; (2) how the functional teams within the IMS work together; (3) the ethical standards that are required to be upheld by those deployed by WHO during an emergency response; (4) how to work effectively in a team; and (5) the process of deploying and staying healthy.

Before enrolling, participants are recommended to complete the introductory IMS course, which is available here.

Learning objectives: By the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• explain the role of the Incident Management System in WHO's emergency response;
• describe the roles of the functions within WHO's IMS;
• describe the ethical principles which underpin WHO's work in emergencies;
• explain different factors that contribute to effective teamwork; and
• describe how to prepare for a deployment.

Course duration: Approximately 3 hours.

Certificates: A record of achievement is offered at the end of the course to those who earn more than 80% of the maximum number of points from all graded assignments. Participants who receive a Record of Achievement can also download an Open Badge for this course. Click here to learn how.

Course contents

• Module 1: Working in WHO's Incident Management System:

  This module will outline the key elements of WHO's Incident Management System and working in Emergency Operation Centres.

• Module 2: Incident Management System Functional Areas:

  In this module, you will become familiar with the different functional areas of the Incident Management System.

• Module 3: Ethics and Values:

  This module covers the ethical standards that are required to be upheld by those deployed by WHO during an emergency response, and the links between values, principles and actions.

• Module 4: Team Dynamics:

  In this module, you will become familiar with how team members are to relate to one another in emergency settings.

• Module 5: Me and the Mission:

  In this module, you will receive an overview of how to prepare for a mission, deploy and return safely.