This section provides all training-related guidance materials, for use in the planning, design, delivery and monitoring of peacekeeping training according to UN standards. Guidance materials include policies, guidelines, standards operating procedures (SOPs), manuals, and handbooks.
Policy: an articulation of institutional position on an issue or activity. Compliance is mandatory.
Standard Operations Procedure (SOPs): a set of instructions (i.e., step-by-step) on how to implement a specific task or activity. Compliance is mandatory.
Guidelines: suggested courses of action on a specific issue. This can include manuals, handbooks, toolkits etc. Compliance is strongly recommended.
Also available are other helpful resources, such as training needs assessments, a glossary of terms and references, and a list of Peacekeeping Training Institutions.
Training Policy for all UN Peacekeeping Personnel
This policy defines what constitutes training for UN peacekeeping and outlines the roles, responsibilities, and relationships of the different entities involved in UN peacekeeping training. The policy also outlines how DPO and DOS fulfil their responsibilities with regard to decentralized learning or training programmes for UN personnel and outlines the process by which UN peacekeeping training is identified, prioritized and leads to the development, budgeting, delivery and evaluation of training to meet strategic and mission-level needs.
Policy on Support to Military and Police Pre-Deployment Training for UN Peacekeeping Operations
The Policy outlines how DPKO and DFS provide guidance and assistance to Member States and associated peacekeeping training institutions conducting UN peacekeeping pre-deployment training for military and police personnel (individuals and/or formed units) deploying to a DPKO-led peacekeeping operation.
SOP on Member State Provided Military Mobile Training Teams
This SOP outlines the process of planning and deploying a Member State-provided Military Mobile Training Team (MTT) to a peacekeeping operation and explains the division of responsibilities. It further outlines the legal status of the MTT in the mission and references relevant legal frameworks. A Member State-provided Military MTT is a technical assistance team composed of training experts provided by one or more Member State(s) and deployed to a United Nations peacekeeping operation on an exceptional basis and in coordination with the United Nations Secretariat to address training requirements needed for the effective delivery of mandated tasks.
SOP on Training of Trainers
This SOP provides instructions for initiating, organizing and deploying training of trainers (TOT) support to Member States and associated peacekeeping training institutions. The SOP applies to the Integrated Training Service and any other DPO and DOS office organizing training of trainer’s activities in relation to the UN peacekeeping pre-deployment training standards for Member States and associated peacekeeping training institutions.
SOP on Training Recognition
This SOP provides standardized instructions for requesting, reviewing and providing official training recognition by DPO and DOS of peacekeeping pre-deployment training courses conducted by Member States or associated peacekeeping training institutions. The SOP applies to the Integrated Training Service and any other DPO and DOS office organizing training of trainer’s activities in relation to the UN peacekeeping pre-deployment training standards for Member States associated with peacekeeping training institutions.
SOP on Mobile Training Teams
This Integrated Training Service (ITS) standard operating procedure (SOP) provides standardized instructions for initiating, assembling, deploying and evaluating Mobile Training Teams (MTTs) to Member States and associated peacekeeping training institutions (PKTI) in order to provide direct support to their military and/or police UN peacekeeping pre-deployment training (PDT) programmes.
Guidelines on Conducting Peacekeeping Training Needs Assessments
The Guidelines on Conducting Peacekeeping Training Needs Assessments are intended for use in peacekeeping operations and provide peacekeeping trainers with step-by-step guidance on how to conduct peacekeeping training needs assessments. Peacekeeping training partners such as Member State trainers and national peacekeeping training centres are encouraged to use the Guidelines to integrate peacekeeping training standards in pre-deployment training and harmonise practices. The Guidelines aim to set the training foundations and outline the procedures for training needs assessments as the core step preceding peacekeeping training design, development, delivery and evaluation, often referred to as the Training Management Cycle.
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Guidelines on Design, Delivery and Evaluation of Training (Training Cycle)
The purpose of these Guidelines is to provide a clear standard for personnel in the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) and peacekeeping operations on how to design, deliver and evaluate individual (not institutional or systemic) training programmes effectively. The guidelines also provide guidance on determining when training can resolve an identified performance gap, and when other non-training solutions should be used.
Practical Guide to Peacekeeping Training Evaluation
This Practical Guide on Peacekeeping Training Evaluation has been designed to provide peacekeeping training personnel with a step-by-step process for conducting evaluations. The guide supports the DPO Guide on Design, Delivery and Evaluation of Training. The guidelines describe the evaluation methodology that is to be used in peacekeeping training, which is based on the Return on Investment (ROI) approach (Philips & Phillips, 2007) and Kirkpatrick evaluation model (Kirkpatrick, Kirkpatrick, & Kirkpatrick, 2014).
Guidelines on Operational Readiness Preparation for Troop Contributing Countries in Peacekeeping Missions
These guidelines provide Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) and aspiring TCCs with practical guidance on the minimum individual standards and the pre-deployment training required to meet operational readiness expectations before deployment in peacekeeping missions.
e-Guide for Staff supporting the UN Peace and Security Pillar
The e-Guide is an induction and reference tool to the Pillar, and to those offices that support it. Jointly developed by DPO, DPPA and DOS, this online tool provides details on the functions and objectives of the Peace and Security Pillar and supporting offices. It also serves to complement the face-to-face induction course organized for new DPO, DPPA and DOS staff. In addition to information on the three Departments, the e-Guide includes modules on peacekeeping and special political missions, Security Council and General Assembly bodies, Secretariat Departments, and Agencies, Funds and Programmes collaborating with the Peace and Security Pillar. The e-Guide also includes learning, guidance and communication resources for staff as well as practical information on working at UN Headquarters. The e-Guide will help forge a better shared understanding of the Peace and Security Pillar for both new and current staff.
We recommend downloading the PDF to your desktop and opening it with adobe PDF reader to ensure the full functionality of the e-Guide. To download the e-Guide, click here.
Gender Equality and Women Peace and Security Resource Package
The purpose of the Gender Equality and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Resource Package is to enhance the skills and capacity of DPO personnel, as guided by the ten Security Council resolutions on WPS and further elaborated by the 2018 DPKO/DFS Policy on Gender Responsive United Nations Peace Operations (“Gender Policy”).
UN Infantry Battalion Manual (UNIBAM) Second Edition January 2020
The purpose of the United Nations Infantry Battalion Manual (UNIBAM) is twofold. It provides Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) with guidance on how to train and equip units deploying to UN Peacekeeping Missions, and it provides battalion commanders and staff, company commanders, platoon commanders and sub-unit leaders in UN Peacekeeping with reference to effectively plan and conduct operations and tasks in support of a UN mandate.
UN Military Engineer Unit & CET Search Detect Manual
This Manual describes the United Nations (UN) Military Engineer Unit and Counter Explosive Threat (CET)- Search and Detect process, focusing on Military Engineer support to a UN Mission I and Force Headquarters · (FHQ). The UN Military Engineer Unit's size and composition depend on the size, composition and requirements of the UN Mission it supports and the physical characteristics of the Mission area.
UN Manual on Ammunition Management 2020 (UNMAM)
This manual covers the contingent-owned ammunition for troop and police contributing countries (T/PCCs) in order to promote and strengthen the safety of ammunition stockpiles, improve storage facilities, and improve the logistical aspects of ammunition under field storage, and highlights the need for remediation of firing ranges following their closure.
UN Military Peacekeeping-Intelligence Handbook
This handbook covers a broad spectrum and has been designed to assist both personnel with previous peacekeeping-intelligence training as well as those who are deploying in peacekeeping-intelligence roles for the first time. Since each UN peacekeeping operation is organised differently and hence has different peacekeeping-intelligence capabilities deployed, the principles and examples in this handbook should be taken as guidelines and best practices and not as a template. This MPKI HB is part of the Peacekeeping-Intelligence Policy Framework and complies with the Peacekeeping-Intelligence Policy (2019). It should be complemented by the Joint Mission Analysis Centre (JMAC) Handbook and UN Military Peacekeeping-Intelligence training. Throughout, the overarching goals of MPKI will always remain the same: to enhance situational awareness and enable UN decision-making for the protection of UN personnel and the protection of civilians.
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Integrated Assessment and Planning (IAP) Handbook
This handbook should be read in conjunction with the 2023 Policy on Integrated Assessment and Planning (IAP). It provides guidance on methodologies, tools and approaches that may be used to meet the IAP Policy’s mandatory requirements and minimum standards. Some sections of the policy have also required the development of new guidance by relevant parts of the United Nations system, in consultation with a number of United Nations mission and UNCT strategic planners, who also contributed specific sections or experiences. Such inputs have been instrumental in recognizing the diversity of contexts and conditions under which the United Nations is called to undertake integrated assessment and planning processes, and the Handbook has therefore been developed on the basis of accumulated experiences and past practices, and offers flexible tools and critical questions to be asked rather than fixed templates.
Handbook on Command Post Exercise (CPX) in Force Headquarters of UN Peacekeeping Missions
The Command Post Exercise (CPX) in Force Headquarters of UN Peacekeeping Missions Handbook aims at providing information that will contribute to the understanding of the functioning of the Force HQ in crisis situations in a United Nations field mission to include organisation, management and working of Military Component activities in the field. The information contained in this handbook will be of interest to the Head of Military Component/ Force Commander, Deputy Force Commander and Force Chief of Staff. The information will also be of value to all military staff in the Force Headquarters and will provide greater awareness to the Mission Leadership Team. Furthermore, it will help facilitate systematic military planning.
Peacekeeping-Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Staff Handbook
The Peacekeeping-Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Staff Handbook builds on the UN Military Peacekeeping-Intelligence Handbook and is designed primarily to assist staff deployed in military peacekeeping-intelligence roles in UN peacekeeping operations at Force and Sector levels. The handbook supports those not directly involved in the management of PKISR in understanding the ‘how to’. The use of PKISR allows for a better understanding of the environment peacekeepers operate in and provides critical support to ensure the protection of civilians and the safety and security of peacekeeping personnel deployed to UN field missions.
Formed Police Unit Command Staff Training Needs Assessment
Conducted in 2017-18, to identify training needs of commanders and command staff of Formed Police Units (FPUs) and gaps in pre-deployment training of FPU command staff. The TNA utilised a competency-based approach focusing on knowledge to enhance, skills to develop, and behaviour/mindset to adjust. Surveys were carried out in UNAMID, MINUSMA, UNMISS, MONUSCO and MINUSCA across military, police and personnel, as well as mission leadership.
To read this TNA, click here.
Protection of Civilians Training Needs Assessment
Conducted in 2016-17, to identify performance gaps in the implementation of the UN Protection of Civilians (POC) mandate and identify where implementation can be strengthened through training in peacekeeping missions. The TNA assessed current POC training provided in those peacekeeping missions with their own POC mandate, determined the level of POC understanding and knowledge among peacekeeping personnel involved in the delivery of the POC mandate, identified integrated POC tasks mission to mission and made recommendations for a coherent and coordinated POC training strategy in order to address the identified gaps.
To read this TNA, click here.
Global Peacekeeping Training Needs Assessment
Conducted in 2012-13, to determine the knowledge, skills and behaviors required for effective mandate implementation; identify performance and skills gaps that can be addressed through training; and assess current peacekeeping training activities and mechanisms.
To read this TNA, click here.
The 2010 Policy on Training for all UN Peacekeeping Personnel set by the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations and Field Support (DPKO-DFS), determines that the Integrated Training Service (ITS) has the responsibility to conduct periodic training needs assessments (TNAs), to identify what priority training is required to implement Security Council mandates.
Mentoring and Advising for OROLSI components- Participant Guide
The Mentoring and Advising for OROLSI components training material explores the dynamics of the mentor/mentee relationship, with a focus on the adult learning continuum, cross cultural communication and setting SMART goals for mentoring.
Drafting correspondence and reports: guidance for peacekeeping personnel
This guidance aims at familiarizing UN personnel with the forms and uses of each type of written communication so that staff can choose the most appropriate one for a given situation and feel more confident about the writing style. Guidance on what constitutes good content, conventions on formatting, choice of language, tone and style etc., are also exploited.
Drafting correspondence and reports: guidance for peacekeeping personnel: Instructors' guide
This guidance aims at familiarizing UN personnel with the forms and uses of each type of written communication so that staff can choose the most appropriate one for a given situation and feel more confident about the writing style. Guidance on what constitutes good content, conventions on formatting, choice of language, tone and style etc., are also exploited. This Instructor's Guide and Answer Key contains answers to the exercises (WCR Booklet) found in the Writing Correspondence and Reports Booklet, along with “Notes to the Instructor” (in blue font) on items that may need special emphasis during each lesson.
Comprehensive Mission Training Plan
A consolidation of priority civilian, military and police training activities and learning initiatives to be delivered for mission personnel either as individual or collective training, along with other training targeting leadership and management skills and organizational development, all needed to enhance the capacity to contribute to effective mandate implementation. The plan also gives information on issues such as the mandate and operational environment in which the training is to be undertaken and the resources available to the mission.
Guidelines
Suggested courses of action on a specific issue. This can include manuals, handbooks, toolkits, etc. Compliance is strongly recommended.
HQ and Mission-specific Induction Training
Training that is delivered to DPPA/DPO/DOS staff, on arrival at UNHQ in New York; and to military, police, and civilian personnel on arrival in UN peacekeeping missions. Mission-specific induction training is intended to supplement, and must not duplicate, training provided during the pre-deployment phase.
In-Mission Training
In-mission training refers to all training activities and learning initiatives undertaken after deployment to missions, by military, police, or civilian peacekeeping personnel. It includes induction training delivered on arrival, to equip peacekeepers with knowledge of issues considered to be important to the UN and the mission, and sharing of information required for incoming personnel to enhance their early integration into the system. It also includes ongoing training activities undertaken during their duty assignment, subsequent to induction.
Manual
A comprehensive and step-by-step guide to a particular topic for both beginners and practitioners that also serves as a reference book. A manual provides detail on what is given and what is required, explains how to put the presented information into practice, and instructs how to solve problems as they occur. This term is commonly used interchangeably with handbook.
Military/Police Training Directives
These are the military and police inputs that reflect training needs and requirements into the mission training plan. Heads of military and police components are required to issue annual training directives to include mission specific requirements for pre-deployment, induction, and ongoing training.
Ongoing Training
Training or learning activity for military, police, or civilian peacekeeping personnel undertaken during their duty assignment, subsequent to induction, at Headquarters or in a UN peacekeeping mission. It may include "refresher" training for reinforcing previous individual or collective training, "on-the -job training" to address gaps in attributes, skills and knowledge, or enhancement of skills in different areas and at different stages of deployment. It may be based on individual, mission or organizational needs.
Operational Training Guidance
Guidance provided by ITS on methods and best practices on the design, delivery and evaluation of training on operational issues. When providing operational training guidance, ITS works with troop contributing countries (TCCs) and police contributing countries (PCCs) to integrate the operational advice provided by OMA and PD into pre-deployment training programmes.
Policy
An articulation of institutional position on issue or activity. Compliance is mandatory.
Pre-Deployment Training (PDT)
Generic, specialized and/or reinforcement training, and where appropriate, mission-specific peacekeeping training that is based on UN standards and takes place prior to actual deployment to a UN mission. Pre-deployment training is delivered by Member States trainers to all military and police personnel/units in their home countries, and by the Integrated Training Service (ITS) of the UN for civilian personnel up to Director (D-1) level. According to General Assembly Resolution A/RES/49/37 (1995), Member States have the responsibility for delivery of pre-deployment training for uniformed personnel deploying to UN peace operations, and ITS is responsible for developing training materials and offering guidance and assistance in support to Member States.
Pre-Deployment Training Materials
Pre-deployment training materials include the core pre-deployment training materials (CPTM), specialized training materials (STMs), reinforcement training packages (RTPs) and where appropriate, mission-specific peacekeeping training materials based on UN standards and are used in training delivered prior to deployment to a field operation. The materials are used in training delivered by Member States for military and police personnel and formed units in their home countries; and by the Integrated Training Service (ITS) for civilian personnel at the UN Regional Service Center.
Reinforcement Training Package (RTP)
Comprises of training materials related to a priority cross-cutting thematic area relevant to a specific category of personnel deployed or are to be deployed in missions mandated to carry out tasks related to this area.
Leadership Training
Leadership Training refers to training programmes delivered to specifically enhance the knowledge and skills of actual or potential senior peace operations leaders.
Specialized Training Materials (STM)
Comprised of training materials on knowledge, skills and aptitudes required for effective performance in peace operations for specific functions or categories of personnel (e.g., military experts on missions or political affairs officers).
Standard Operations Procedure (SOP)
A set of instructions (i.e., step by step) on how to implement a specific task or activity. Compliance is mandatory.
Training Manual
A handbook, booklet of instructions, a learning resource /source material, set of guidelines or specific instructions showing step by step information to be covered during a training activity, describing the methodology to be used by instructors or trainers or participants. It supports the training objectives and outcomes, and consists of general reference materials for prior, during and after training, designed to improve the quality and content of instruction on a concept or skill to be learned.
Training Material
Printed, recorded, written, video-taped, web based (audio, written or visual) training aids or information used in a training programme to offer guidance and impart knowledge, skills and attitudes to a person /group with a view to enhancing their performance and bringing about behavioral change. The training material provides instructional support, i.e., illustrations of a topic/facilitation of a session containing subject matter such as exercises, case studies, etc. Examples include POC Materials, Core Pre-deployment Training Materials, Specialised Training Materials, Videos, Instructors’ Notes and PowerPoint presentations to be used during training.
Training Module
A specific or standardised part/unit of a training course/package. Most peacekeeping training packages consist of training modules. Training module can be online or offline or used as part of a workshop which can be completed with or without a trainer or facilitator. It may contain core, basic or extensive learning content, handouts for participants and instructions for trainers. It can be referred to as a sub-element; a short lesson or a collection of lessons to make part of a training programme covering a specific topic or skill with learning objectives and outcomes.
Training Package
Set of approved/endorsed standards, guidelines and training materials, the total of a set of modules and their associated training materials which make up the training programme content or are required for the successful completion of a training activity.
UN Peacekeeping Training Materials
An authoritative document outlining the objectives and outcomes of training, target audience, and course specifications. They may also be supplemented with related training materials which fulfils course specifications.
Integrated Training Service 
