IRIS Sup'

Strategic Specialty

The training leading to the title of International Program Manager - Humanitarian and Development (bac+5) aims to develop one's skills in analyzing the context of intervention in the field, developing strategic and programmatic approaches to international solidarity projects, mastering project cycle management (PCM), managing human resources and project teams, and designing and managing partnerships. Skills are acquired by working on projects in partnership with international solidarity actors (NGOs, associations, social entrepreneurs).

The training is characterized by a common core, with three specialties (only for face-to-face training):

• Operational specialty
• Strategic specialty
• specialty Advocacy and influence communication

This training is also offered remotely via blended learning.

Our partners on projects since 2014: Action against Hunger, Alima, Doctors of the World, Solidarity International, MSF Access Campaign, First Emergency, The Nubian Vault, MakeSense, Global Health Action, Libraries Without Borders, The Chain of Hope. ..

objectives

The result of reflections and projects carried out jointly over many years with humanitarian and development actors (NGOs, social entrepreneurs, donors), this operational training prepares students for the technical, tactical and strategic dimensions of programs, but also for the major developments that the sector is experiencing.

At the end of the training leading to the title of International Program Manager - Humanitarian and Development level 7 (bac+5), all students will have acquired the following skills:

• BLOCK 1: Development of strategic and programmatic approaches to international solidarity projects
• BLOCK 2: Management of the different stages of the cycle of an international solidarity program/project
• Identification of the components of the international solidarity program/project
• Design of the international solidarity program/project
• Development of financing methods and budgetary management of the international solidarity program/project
• Implementation and monitoring of international solidarity programs/projects
  • Identification of the components of the international solidarity program/project
  • Design of the international solidarity program/project
  • Development of financing methods and budgetary management of the international solidarity program/project
  • Implementation and monitoring of international solidarity programs/projects
• BLOCK 3: Management of teams in connection with the international solidarity program/project
• BLOCK 4: Design and management of international solidarity program/project partnerships

It is imperative to validate these four skill blocks and two additional tests: an operational dissertation and at least 455 hours of professional experience to obtain professional certification. Validation of the training can be total or partial. Validated blocks are definitively validated. Unvalidated blocks can be validated the following year. Validation of the training allows you to obtain 60 ECTS credits.

Objective of the specialty

In connection with the profound changes and rapid developments in the sector and intervention contexts, humanitarian aid and development organizations and actors are faced with numerous internal challenges and the need to rethink and adapt their approaches and operating methods, whether in terms of partnerships, the economic model, human resources, or their institutional positioning.

This specialty allows students to deepen their knowledge of the international solidarity ecosystem from the perspective of ethical and organizational issues, governance, and innovation. Graduates from this specialty will be able to combine skills in project management and change management, and acquire a strategic and forward-looking vision.

Profile of the public received

The classes are deliberately characterized by a wide diversity of profiles in order to promote team complementarity and develop the ability to work for several months with people of all ages, from different educational backgrounds and cultures. Our students share:

• Commitment, associative experiences;
• Good resistance to stress, autonomy;
• International orientation: experience of living abroad, interest in international news;
• Languages: a good level in French and English (B2 to C2);
• Proven ability to work in a team.

Prerequisites

• Academic level: candidates must present a document attesting to a validated bac+4 level (parchment, diploma, certificate of achievement, etc.):
• Master 1 university degree in law, international relations, political science, economics and management, management, etc.;
• Graduates of specialized schools in France (ESC, IEP, engineers, etc.) or abroad (Bachelor in International Relations, etc.);
• Medical and paramedical diplomas.
  • Master 1 university degree in law, international relations, political science, economics and management, management, etc.;
  • Graduates of specialized schools in France (ESC, IEP, engineers, etc.) or abroad (Bachelor in International Relations, etc.);
  • Medical and paramedical diplomas.
• Maturity: desire to become a professional, capacity for analysis and initiative.

Specific prerequisites for the Strategic specialty

• Taste for long-term projects, change, innovation;
• Excellent analytical skills.

Program of the training

Face-to-face:

The in-person training takes place at the IRIS association's premises, located at 2 bis rue Mercœur, Paris 11th arrondissement. It begins at the end of September and ends at the beginning of September of the following year. Classes are held two days a week, from October to May. Professional experience (internship or work-study program) can be completed part-time from October to the end of May and/or full-time from June.

From a distance :

Distance learning includes a week of face-to-face training in Abidjan (Ivory Coast) in November.

The training begins at the beginning of October with a mandatory remote integration week allowing you to get to know your peers and familiarize yourself with the rules and tools.

Learners work in groups on a challenge submitted by partner international solidarity actors throughout the year.

Evaluation methods

The assessment of the targeted skills takes the form of written and oral productions, both individual and collective: analysis notes (block 1); concept note, project file, proposals produced as part of group work on a project submitted by an international solidarity actor, and oral presentations before two juries of professionals, at the end of January and the end of May (block 2); practical case study and analysis note on management and team coordination practice (block 3); two argued notes on the development of partnership approaches and on the implementation of the partnership (block 4).

Students must also complete a minimum of 455 hours of professional experience. This is mandatory for students in initial training and for continuing education trainees undergoing professional retraining. It is optional for continuing education trainees already performing duties related to the training. The exemption must be validated by the Professional Experience Office.

Teaching methods

The training combines theoretical input, practical exercises, and professional scenarios. At the start of the school year, partner organizations present their structure and values, and propose challenges that have an operational, strategic/organizational, or advocacy dimension.

Students are divided into project groups. They then work on this project for eight months, supervised by the teaching team and a tutor from the partner organization. Using a teaching method designed to develop critical thinking, creativity, and the use of innovative tools, they will be able to propose original solutions, produce professional-level deliverables, and present and defend them before professional juries.

The year is also punctuated by current affairs conferences, led by experts from a geographical area, a sector of activity or a geostrategic issue; but also professional conferences, offered by practicing professionals who share their experience.

Class life sessions provide an opportunity to review the progress of the training throughout the year.

Students in the face-to-face training will alternate between sessions in the amphitheater as a whole class, and in dedicated rooms as a specialized class.

Distance learning students will alternate between synchronous and asynchronous learning modalities:

• Synchronous sessions consist of virtual classes that allow for direct interaction with the speaker, in-depth study of the manuscript, and the organization of exercises. Sessions last an average of 1.5 hours and take place in the evening between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. They are held via Zoom.
• Mentoring sessions for project group monitoring will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. or from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• A week in person in Abidjan is also planned, from November 17 to 22, 2025.
• Asynchronous learning allows students a great deal of organizational freedom, allowing them to consult the materials whenever they wish. These courses can be presented in the form of manuscripts (written documents in which the speaker explains in detail all the elements necessary to understand and assimilate the course), videos, podcasts, or methodological guides. The time required for asynchronous work varies depending on the initial knowledge of the course and the individual's work pace.

All resources are available on the Moodle platform.

opportunities

At the end of the training, students will be able to integrate different types of structures such as NGOs, international organizations, public administrations, etc. Their skills in project cycle management, management and partnership relations will allow them to access various positions in international solidarity: program coordinator, project manager, advocacy officer, partnership officer, grants manager, etc.

Partnership

IPAG

IRIS Sup' and the Institute for General Administration Preparation (IPAG) of the University of Western Brittany (UBO) have strengthened their partnership signed in 2011 by developing a program allowing students to obtain a double degree: one of the IRIS Sup' state-recognized level 7 qualifications, registered with the RNCP (National Register of Vocational Training) and the IPAG Master's in Public Administration in Brest. To be validated, the double degree must be taken during the first and second years of IRIS Sup'.