CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
I. Context and justification
In a context marked by increasing natural hazards, the growing complexity of technological and health crises, and the increasing impacts of climate change, higher education institutions are working to strengthen their programs and academic partnerships to offer students specialized, relevant training that aligns with current disaster risk management requirements. It is within this framework that the Alioune Blondin BEYE Peacekeeping School (EMP-ABB), in partnership with Kurukanfuga University of Bamako (UKB), has launched a series of initiatives aimed at promoting training, research, and expertise in areas related to disaster risk prevention, preparedness, and response.
One of the first concrete results of this academic approach was the establishment of a Master's program in Disaster Risk Management (DRM). This program is designed for African and international practitioners, professionals, researchers, and managers involved in risk management systems, civil protection, emergency planning, and vulnerability reduction. Structured over four semesters (two years), this Master's program aims to provide learners with advanced skills based on international knowledge, proven methodological tools, and innovative teaching approaches adapted to the operational requirements of the field.
This program will enable learners to acquire diverse knowledge in risk analysis, prevention, preparedness, and disaster response, while benefiting from interactive learning methods and feedback from various professional contexts. It also fosters exchanges with teachers and national and international experts, contributing to the development of essential technical, strategic, and intercultural skills for effective intervention in an environment marked by an increasing number of crises. It represents a strategic opportunity for learners to strengthen their professional skills, improve their ability to anticipate, manage, and mitigate risks, and contribute significantly to the development of more resilient public policies. It also constitutes a key lever for enhancing their effectiveness in institutional and operational environments facing growing challenges related to natural and man-made disasters.
This call for applications, under the auspices of EMP-ABB, is launched to select students for the second cohort of the Master's program in Disaster Risk Management (DRM). The first cohort (2023-2025) has now concluded at USTTB under the scientific coordination of eminent researchers from the faculties of medicine, dentistry, and EMP-ABB. Following this call, 30 students will be selected to ensure high-quality supervision and personalized support. Through this selection process, EMP-ABB aims to identify motivated candidates with a genuine interest in risk management issues and the potential to fully benefit from this specialized academic program.
The program will take place at EMP-ABB, in a friendly learning setting and a stimulating academic environment that promotes the acquisition of technical, analytical and operational skills needed to address contemporary challenges in risk and disaster management, in Mali and in the sub-region.
II. Objectives of the Master's Program
General objective:
Developing the skills of leaders in disaster risk management (risks related to climate change, conflict, epidemics and strengthening community resilience) in Mali and the sub-region by offering a high-performing program based on experience.
Specific objectives:
The Master's program will specifically enable participants to:
• develop human resource skills in the implementation, monitoring and multidisciplinary, multisectoral evaluation of policies, programs, projects and interventions in disaster risk management in resource-limited countries;
• apply appropriate responses to health disaster situations;
• contribute to improving the resilience of populations at community, regional and national levels;
• share relevant policies and programs in disaster risk management.
III. Organization of the training
This Master's program will be spread over four semesters.
The first semester will focus on core, interdisciplinary, and elective teaching units (UEs) designed to level the playing field for all students. The elective UEs will consist of seminars led by experts or visiting professionals involved in disaster risk management.
The second semester will be devoted to deepening the skills acquired in the first semester and a professional integration internship with a report writing component.
The third semester will focus on specializations.
The 4th semester will be devoted to the implementation of the learner's professional Master's project.
Each semester will be worth 30 credits, so there will be 600 hours of coursework per semester per student.
In total, at the end of the program, each learner will have validated 120 credits and 2400 hours of coursework.
IV. Teaching methods:
For teaching the teaching units, the program will use:
• specialized courses in risk, climate, health, environment and humanitarian aid;
• real case studies;
• thematic and summary seminars;
• field visits to operational structures;
• simulation and crisis management exercises;
• interventions by national and international experts;
• a research paper.
The courses will be evaluated by students using an electronic assessment form that guarantees student anonymity. The data will be analyzed by the Master's program director, and feedback will be provided to instructors to improve the quality of teaching.
V. Target audience and recruitment conditions:
The program is open to anyone holding a degree in one of the following fields related to disaster risk management:
• Land use planning and architecture;
• Social and community development;
• Risk and disaster management at local or national level;
• Logistics ;
• Environmental sciences;
• Health Sciences;
• Science and technology;
• Engineering sciences;
• Educational sciences;
• Legal, political and administrative sciences;
• Social sciences and humanities.
VI. Application files:
Application files must include:
• A certified copy of the original diploma(s) and certificate(s);
• A certified copy of the Baccalaureate diploma;
• A cover letter;
• A curriculum vitae;
• A copy of an extract of the birth certificate;
• A letter of endorsement or a financing guarantee;
• A handwritten request stamped at five hundred CFA francs addressed to the Director General of EMP-ABB;
• 04 recent passport photos.
The original diplomas will be presented during the interview.
Registration start date: April 20, 2026.
Registration closing date: August 31, 2026.
Application fee: an amount of ten thousand CFA francs (10,000 FCFA) as an application fee (non-refundable) will be paid at the time of filing against a receipt.
This amount is payable either directly to the secretariat for physical deposits or via Orange Money at (+223) 93 02 99 98 for online deposits.
VII. Registration procedures:
Registrations are made online at the email address: mastercaress@empbamako.org or by sealed envelope to the CARESS secretariat of EMP-ABB with the mention "Application file for the GRC Master's program".
Applications will be evaluated by a committee and partners through a review of the application file and an interview.
VIII. Duration of training:
The training will be spread over four semesters.
IX. Cost of training:
Tuition fees are set at three million five hundred thousand CFA francs (3500000 FCFA).
Payment terms :
• 50% upon registration;
• 25% at the end of the first semester;
• 25% at the end of the 2nd semester.
X. Career opportunities from the program:
• Conducting research work in the field of risk and disaster management;
• Pursuing doctoral studies in one of the options of risk and disaster management;
• Coordination of programs and projects in the field of risk and disaster management;
• Evaluation of programmes and projects in the field of risk and disaster management;
• International humanitarian organizations;
• National or international non-governmental organizations;
• Emergency Operations Center;
• Community, social and humanitarian development.
XI. Practical Organization
• Start of classes: October 05, 2026
• Duration: 4 semesters
• Hours: 17:00 PM – 21:00 PM
Training location: EMP-ABB, Bamako.
XII. CONTACT
Email: mastercaress@empbamako.org Telephone: (+223) 93 02 99 98