AI Apprenticeship for International Organisations in Geneva | blended course
The AI Apprenticeship for International Organisations in Geneva blended course offers a hands-on approach to learning about generative AI, specifically designed for Geneva-based professionals in digital governance, diplomacy, and international relations.
The course fee is fully covered by Diplo, thanks to the support of the Foundation for the Adaptation of International Geneva. The project continues to promote inter-institutional exchanges among international organisations in Geneva and to train their staff to acquire the skills necessary to navigate the changes AI is bringing to institutions worldwide.
The course integrates theoretical and practical components. In the theoretical section, participants will gain a thorough understanding of key AI concepts, while the practical segment, delivered in an apprenticeship style, will allow them to apply this knowledge by creating their own AI assistant using generative AI tools. Throughout their course projects, participants will leverage their expertise in areas such as diplomacy, international relations, and digital governance to create AI tools that will help optimise their daily work and develop skills essential to leadership in AI governance and diplomacy.
Not in Geneva? Join our AI Apprenticeship online course instead.
Building leadership in AI governance
This course is structured to bridge the gap between understanding AI and actively applying it in a professional diplomatic settings.
- Theory meets practice: The course integrates both theoretical and practical components to ensure a holistic understanding of generative AI.
- Deep conceptual understanding: In the theoretical section, participants gain a thorough understanding of key AI concepts.
- Hands-on development: The practical segment allows participants to apply this knowledge by creating their own AI assistant using generative AI tools.
- Sector-specific optimisation: Participants leverage their expertise in diplomacy, international relations, and digital governance to create AI tools that optimise their daily professional tasks.
- Leadership readiness: The program focuses on developing the essential skills required for leadership in the evolving landscape of AI governance and diplomacy.
Course lecturers
Executive Director
Director of Digital Trade and Economic Security, Diplo
Director of Digital Diplomacy, Diplo
Who should apply
The course will be of interest to the staff of international organisations based in Geneva.
Overview
The course consists of four bi-weekly modules, combining knowledge acquisition with skill development:
- Basics of AI
- Building your AI: Resources, processing, chunking
- Working with AI: Knowledge retrieval and advanced prompting
- Refining your AI: Fine-tuning and understanding different learning methods
Need more info:
DiploFoundation (attn Tanja Nikolic)
Anutruf, Ground Floor, Hriereb Street
Msida, MSD 1675, Malta
+356 21 333 323;[email protected]
Methodology
Our methodology bridges theory and practice through a 'blended' apprenticeship model specifically tailored for the busy schedules of the Geneva international community. The programme is designed to provide high-impact learning with a manageable weekly commitment. Each module is structured into a two-week cycle:
The first week of each module focuses on theory.
- Class meetings (hybrid): These are the primary instructional sessions held every two weeks. To ensure the best collaborative experience, participants are encouraged to join these meetings on-site at the Diplo office to discuss course topics in depth.
For those who cannot attend in person, an option to join online will be available.
The second week of each module is dedicated to practical work.
- Optional 'open doors' sessions (online): During this week, participants focus on developing their AI assistants. We offer a flexible, optional online session to provide technical guidance as you apply theoretical knowledge in practice.
Course materials and tools for online interaction are provided in a virtual classroom, while face-to-face and hybrid meetings take place at the Diplo office (WMO headquarters, Av. de la Paix, 7 Bis).
NB: A light lunch will be provided for all face-to-face meetings.
For successful completion, this course requires a minimum of 4 to 6 hours of study time per week. This includes reading and annotating course texts, participating in class meetings, and completing practical assignments. Participants who successfully complete the course receive a certificate issued by Diplo.
Learn more about the Swiss-style apprenticeship model for the AI era.
Timeline
The apprenticeship follows a streamlined schedule designed to deliver results before the summer break, while offering an extended support window for final project refinement.
- 28 May: Orientation meeting (hybrid)
- 04 June: Module 1 class meeting (hybrid)
- 18 June: Module 2 class meeting (hybrid)
- 02 July: Module 3 class meeting (hybrid)
- 16 July: Module 4 class meeting (hybrid) — End of formal classroom sessions.
Following the final session on 16 July, participants will transition into a post-course development phase. For an additional month (until mid-August), you will retain full access to the AI development platform and the personalised guidance of our tutors. This allows you to continue refining your AI assistants at your own pace, with ongoing support from our expert team.
Prerequisites
- Proficiency in English suitable for postgraduate studies, encompassing reading, discussion, and practical assignments
- Regular internet access
- A commitment of a minimum of 4 to 6 hours per week, alongside readiness to participate in class meetings at the Diplo office (WMO headquarters, Av. de la Paix, 7 BIS)
- Must be based in Geneva
Fees and scholarships
Selected applicants will be granted a full course fee waiver.
How to apply
NB: The course is aimed at the staff members of international organisations in Geneva. Applications from other locations cannot be considered for this course.
Fill out this application form to start your application process. You will receive an email with instructions on how to continue.
For more information, please contact Mr Cedric Amon at [email protected].
Cancellation policy
Diplo reserves the right to cancel this course if enrolment is insufficient. In case of cancellation, Diplo will notify applicants shortly after the application deadline.