Free UN Online Training on Children and Armed Conflict Now Open | Apply Before 13 July 2026
Professionals working in humanitarian action, peacebuilding, child protection, and international development have an exciting opportunity to strengthen their expertise through a free United Nations online training programme. The Advanced Training on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) is now accepting applications for its third edition, offering participants around the world practical knowledge on protecting children affected by armed conflict. The programme is delivered through a partnership between the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) and the Office of the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. Applications close on 13 July 2026, making this a timely opportunity for professionals seeking to advance their careers while contributing to global child protection efforts.
About the Advanced Training on Children and Armed Conflict
Armed conflict continues to have devastating consequences for millions of children across the globe. Beyond exposing children to violence, conflict disrupts education, healthcare, family life, and access to essential services. Many children experience displacement, recruitment by armed groups, exploitation, psychological trauma, and severe violations of their fundamental rights.
To address these challenges, the Advanced Training on Children and Armed Conflict equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to integrate child protection into humanitarian, development, peacebuilding, and human rights initiatives.
Participation in the programme is completely free for selected applicants thanks to financial support from the Government of Malta and the Republic of Austria.
What Participants Will Learn
The programme consists of eight interactive live online sessions led by experienced international experts. Rather than focusing solely on theory, the course emphasizes practical application and real-world solutions.
Participants will learn how to:
- Integrate the Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) agenda into existing programmes and policies.
- Advocate effectively for the protection of children living in conflict-affected areas.
- Apply child protection principles across humanitarian, development, peacebuilding, and human rights initiatives.
- Design and implement activities that improve outcomes for children affected by conflict.
- Identify best practices from different countries and regions.
- Build partnerships with governments, United Nations agencies, civil society organizations, and regional institutions.
These practical skills enable participants to strengthen both their professional practice and organizational impact.
Interactive Online Learning Experience
Unlike many self-paced online courses, this programme provides participants with live virtual learning sessions where they can engage directly with instructors and fellow professionals from around the world.
The interactive format includes:
- Expert-led discussions
- Case study analysis
- Practical exercises
- Collaborative learning
- Networking opportunities with international peers
This approach encourages participants to exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and develop innovative solutions to child protection issues within conflict settings.
Who Should Apply?
The training is designed for professionals working in sectors connected to child protection, peace, humanitarian response, and international development.
Ideal applicants include:
- Humanitarian practitioners
- Child protection specialists
- Government officials
- NGO professionals
- Civil society representatives
- Peacebuilding experts
- Human rights advocates
- Development practitioners
- Researchers
- Policy analysts
- United Nations personnel
- Staff of regional organizations
Professionals who regularly work with vulnerable populations or conflict-affected communities will particularly benefit from this specialized training.
Skills You Will Develop
By completing the programme, participants will strengthen their ability to:
- Analyze child protection challenges in conflict settings.
- Develop evidence-based advocacy strategies.
- Integrate child-focused approaches into broader programmes.
- Collaborate with diverse international stakeholders.
- Understand global legal and policy frameworks relating to children and armed conflict.
- Design practical interventions that safeguard children’s rights during crises.
These competencies are highly valued by international organizations, government institutions, NGOs, humanitarian agencies, and research organizations worldwide.
Why You Should Apply
This programme stands out because it combines world-class United Nations expertise with accessible online learning at no cost to participants.
Some of the key benefits include:
- Free participation for selected applicants.
- Training developed by leading UN institutions.
- Live instruction from experienced international experts.
- Practical tools applicable to real-world humanitarian work.
- Opportunities to network with professionals from across the globe.
- Enhanced professional knowledge in child protection and conflict response.
- Improved career prospects within international development and humanitarian sectors.
Whether you are already working in the field or looking to expand your expertise, this training offers valuable insights that can strengthen your ability to protect children affected by conflict.
Tips for Preparing a Strong Application
As competition for places is expected to be high, applicants should submit a thoughtful and well-prepared application.
Consider highlighting:
- Your current professional role.
- Relevant experience in humanitarian, development, peacebuilding, or human rights work.
- Your motivation for joining the programme.
- How the training aligns with your career goals.
- How you intend to apply the knowledge gained within your organization or community.
A clear demonstration of your commitment to child protection and professional development can strengthen your application.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the online application before the deadline through the official application portal.
Applications are currently open and will be accepted until 13 July 2026.
Application Deadline
Closing Date: 13 July 2026
The Advanced Training on Children and Armed Conflict offers an outstanding opportunity to gain specialized knowledge from leading United Nations experts while joining a global network of professionals committed to protecting children affected by conflict. If you are passionate about humanitarian action, peacebuilding, development, or child rights, this free online programme can help you build the expertise needed to make a meaningful impact in communities around the world.
APPLY NOW
Join Our WhatsApp Community
Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
