Description

Course Objectives 

The course is designed to provide professionals with a thorough understanding of the increasing complexities of the WASH sector. It provides students with the latest contextual and technical skills to plan, design and implement sustainable activities and programmes within the framework of the fundamental principles of the WASH sector, namely public health and equitable access to water supply and sanitation services. Designed to contribute to Agenda 2030 (SDG 6) by focusing on all aspects of sustainable WASH interventions, this course is strongly practice-oriented, allowing a direct link between theory and reality/complexity on the ground. After completing this course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify and analyse context-specific challenges and plan tailor-made WASH interventions to improve sustainable access to WASH services and facilities in complex institutional environments, both in the field of cooperation and humanitarian aid
  • Conduct a context-specific public health risk analysis of inadequate WASH services and design appropriate prevention strategies
  • Conduct a systematic analysis of environmental, social and technical problems, both in urban and rural contexts, and design appropriate intervention strategies.
  • Confidently implement the wide range of advanced WASH intervention tools: from specific technical approaches in water supply and sanitation to current approaches developed in the field of hygiene promotion, as well as sectoral assessment tools.

Participants and prerequisite 

The course caters to those working in, or supporting work in low- and middle-income countries and is ideal for professionals working in: 

  • Civil society or non-government organizations 
  • International development and humanitarian agencies 
  • Government agencies 
  • Consultants and sector professionals 
  • Prerequisite: Professionals in WASH and development related disciplines, with at least a Bachelor degree, wishing to deepen their knowledge in water, sanitation and hygiene in both humanitarian and development contexts. 

Certificate and exams

The Certificate of Advanced Studies will be granted after having completed 3 written exams, to be done at the end of each theoretical module. In case of failure, the exam can be repeated orally during the practical module.

The online lectures are recorded, however, active participation on the part of the students is required (80% of the online lectures at least).

The CAS WASH grants 12 ECTS points.

Fees 

CHF 4’500.–. The fee includes full board from arrival at venue until departure (providing basic accommodation in shared rooms). The fee does not include transportation to and from venue. All course participants must have private health insurance to cover any possible costs.

Management has no funding provisions for applicants of this course.

Organising partners

  • SUPSI, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Centre for Development and Cooperation, Lugano-Canobbio (lead)
  • Eawag-Sandec, Department of Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development, Dübendorf
  • UNINE, The Centre for Hydrogeology and Geothermics, Neuchâtel

Venues

SUPSI, Centre for Development and Cooperation
Via Flora Ruchat-Roncati 15, CH-6850 Mendrisio
Website

Eawag-Sandec, Department of Sanitation, Water and Solid
Waste for Development
Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf
Website

UNINE, The Centre for Hydrogeology and Geothermics
Bâtiment UniMail, Rue Emile-Argand 11, 2000 Neuchâtel
Website