OCB

OCB are now closed.

Applications will open again in Spring 2025.

What is the OCB vision for LEAP?

The goal of LEAP is to ensure we develop a talented workforce and future leadership that reflects the great diversity of the organisation.

When selecting for LEAP, OCB will consider a person’s capacity for strategic vision, innovation and critical reflection. We look to complement operational humanitarian experience with academic expertise in both medical and non-medical subject areas.

Who is it for?

LEAP is here to support MSF’s current and potential leaders, with an emphasis on ensuring the programme is accessible to those who would otherwise not have the means to pursue a postgraduate level qualification.

For OCB, we have based our selection criteria on the following:

· Open to all staff with Field Experience

· All students must have at least 24 months’ prior MSF field experience[1]

· A diversity of candidates will be strongly endorsed

· The selection committee takes into account the need to promote access to those who have traditionally had few educational opportunities.

The universities’ standard entry requirement is an upper-second Bachelor’s degree (2:1) or international equivalent and a proven C1 level of English language. If you have developed your skills through professional experience in the humanitarian sector, you will also be considered, even if you do not have a university degree.

Your application should emphasize the relevant aspects of your professional experience and demonstrate your ability to produce written work.

We particularly encourage applications from those who have, as a minimum, some management experience within their role, and/or those who are technical specialists. This includes but is not limited to: non-medical coordinators and deputies/assistants, supervisors, activity managers and medical profiles who have an interest to become a generalist management profile (Project Coordinator, HoM, ...).

How will we prioritize applicants?

Candidates will be short-listed based on their aptitude, motivation, critical thinking and relevant experience, as reflected in their application package.

Up to 10 places are available. Participants will be split evenly to start in the January 2025 and September 2025 semesters (there will be an option to allow candidates to state their preference for which semester they would like to start in).

A final selection for both cohorts will be done by a committee of MSF representatives in June/July 2024. There will be an emphasis on ensuring the programme is accessible to those who would otherwise not have the means to pursue a postgraduate level qualification.

Please note that this is a highly competitive programme and that 10 places correspond to a small fraction of the total number of applicants.

Course Delivery and Study Pathway

Please note, the majority of LEAP courses are taught entirely online. However, there are 2 core modules which each have 2 weeks of obligatory in-person teaching in the UK. Please visit the LEAP Website for more information on the course content.

For the January 2025 and September 2025 semesters, successful OCB candidates will initially be enrolled on the PG Certificate pathway with the possibility of extending this to a PG Diploma and then further to the MSc (Masters) in the future.

This change is proposed because of the nature of MSF work, which can make longer-term commitment more difficult for learners.

For those wanting to do a single module

The LEAP standalone modules pathway provides eligible MSF staff with the opportunity to study one online module. The key information for this is as follows:

Candidates can apply for a maximum of one module per academic year.
The module must be relevant to your current or next role.
The applications will be processed by the LEAP London team. This means if you want to apply, you must send your application to LEAP@London.msf.org and not the OCB LEAP email address.
A selection committee will be organised after applications close to assess and select candidates. OCB will be consulted throughout the process and will have final approval for participation in the course.
After completing your module there will be the possibility to apply to OCB for the PG Certificate pathway.
The entry requirements for standalone modules remain the same. This means you must have a 2:1 undergraduate degree or international equivalent, as well as C1 English language. Prior humanitarian experience will be considered if you do not have an academic degree.
Applications for the standalone module pathway (for modules in January 2025) will reopen in July 2024.
For further information and instructions on how to apply, please visit the standalone modules section of the LEAP website or contact the LEAP team directly at LEAP@london.msf.org.
We particularly encourage applications from those who would like to upskill in their current role, and those who are considering applying for the full programme but would like to try one course before committing to the PG Certificate and beyond. For specific questions on the standalone modules, you can email the LEAP team at LEAP@london.msf.org.

How to apply?

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jeDaSOgiizcF-eMgpWKdsGs1jjOYf1Ro/view?usp=sharing

If you wish to apply for the LEAP programme, please click on the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/7amqHwm8CJ

Up-to-date CV; (to upload in the MS Forms)
500-words essay about a topic that you would like to raise, discuss and debate during the programme; (to upload in MS Forms)
Results of a free online English test (minimum C1): Receive an internationally recognized English certificate | EF SET Certificate™ (to upload in MS Forms)
A 3-minute audio recording in which you explain your motivation/inspiration to apply for LEAP; (you can send it via WeTransfer, or another way to send large files to learning-OCB@brussels.msf.org)

We strongly recommend that you discuss with your DA, L&D Manager, HRCo and line manager about your application. If you are shortlisted, they will be informed and if you are successful in your application you will need to agree upon your study time and modules choices with them to ensure they are feasible for your mission. The more they are on board, the higher the likelihood is you will receive their support!

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

There are two phases in the selection process: an internal MSF process (from June to August 2024) and then one at the University of Manchester / Liverpool (October 2024). If you are selected by MSF, you will be informed and then invited to apply directly to the University of Manchester, who will make the final decision on your application. At this point, will also need to take a certified English test if you not meet the standard English requirements for the programme. Please see further information here.

Every candidate will receive an individual response with a short note regarding their application by the beginning of September 2024.

English Language Information

For general information on LEAP, please see the internal MSF LEAP website: www.msfleap.org or contact LEAP@london.msf.org.
For questions about your application, please email the L&D Officers: learning-ocb@brussels.msf.org
For questions about academic content or your eligibility, please contact the University of Manchester: leapmsf@manchester.ac.uk

To ensure we find the most diverse group of students for this program, please disseminate this message widely amongst your team members and colleagues.

We are looking forward to receiving your application! And don’t forget the deadline: 15th of June 2024.

Practical information for those managing LEAP students

If you are an HRCo or line manager responsible for the management of LEAP students, please access the HR Information section of the LEAP website for further information on the expected study time commitment for LEAP students and what resources the mission/ HQ will need to provide. If the applicant is successful they, along with their line manager (or pool manager if applicable), will also be expected to sign and return the LEAP student commitment form. This form is intended to act as an agreement between the student, mission, and their OC on the study conditions, responsibilities of students on the programme, responsibilities of those managing students, and the support available for students.

More information will be made available in a detailed document to be sent later. If you have further questions, please contact the OCB LEAP team: learning-ocb@brussels.msf.org.

Funding

The course fees (university tuition) are covered by MSF UK. Attendance costs for staff (visas, accommodation, travel) will be fully covered by OCB for the face-to-face sessions. More information can be found on the LEAP FAQ page.

Contact Details

For general information on LEAP, please see the internal MSF LEAP website: www.msfleap.org or contact LEAP@london.msf.org.
For questions about your application, please email the L&D Officers: learning-ocb@brussels.msf.org
For questions about academic content or your eligibility, please contact the University of Manchester: leapmsf@manchester.ac.uk