Applications are now closed.

They will open again in Summer 2025.

Our 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. We want to ensure all our staff have access to world-leading universities, particularly those who otherwise would not have the means to pursue this level of education outside of MSF.

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 WaCA, we have based our selection criteria on the following: 

• 70% of students must originate from countries where WaCA has operations 

• All students must have at least 2 years’ prior MSF experience in the last 7 years 

• Medical and paramedical profile applications as well as women will be prioritized 

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: medical and non-medical coordinators and deputies/ assistants, supervisors, activity managers, doctors, nurses and paramedical staff.  

The LEAP Programme represents a significant investment on the part of MSF into its staff and is intended to help staff develop into strong humanitarian leaders. This programme is offered in good faith that the graduates will remain with MSF for some time after graduation. As such, please refrain from applying if you are aware that your contract with MSF is coming to an end and you are unlikely to return to MSF employment in the near future.

Course delivery and study pathway

The courses will be delivered through a blended learning programme, combining face-to-face teaching (including intensive courses taught over 1-2 weeks) with content delivered remotely through an online learning platform. You can find more information on the course content available here. 

WaCA staff will be eligible to take the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma. For further information on the structure of each pathway, please visit the external LEAP Website. 

§   Up to six places are available for 2025 (3 on the PGCert and 3 on the PGDip). Participants will be split evenly to start in the January 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).

If you are interested in taking a Short Courses option (also called ‘Standalone Module’) related to your professional interests, the application process is managed by MSF UK. The cohort for September 2024 has already been selected, but the program will reopen later on in August 2024 for the January 2025 intake. To not miss next announcement, we suggest subscribing to the LEAP newsletter.

English Language Information

It is essential that your English language level is at a C1 minimum to take the LEAP.

You can take an online EF SET test, free-of-charge, to give you an idea of your level. 

The results of this test will be required for your application.

For a full guide on the English language test equivalents, please see this document.

How can you apply?

If you wish to apply for the LEAP programme, please fill out this LEAP application form where you will be asked to directly upload...

• A short video or audio introduction of yourself and your motivation

• Your CV / career resume

• Your free English Language test result / existing certification 

• Recommendation letter

• 500-word essay describing a topic you would like to raise, discuss, and tackle in the LEAP programme

And submit your application to your HRCO (for those in the field), your Pool Manager (for those between missions), Learning and development focal point (for HQ staff); and also send it to your direct line manager for information (field or HQ level).

For the minimum academic and English language level requirements, please see the LEAP English Language Guide. 

Please, kindly also read the WaCA Conditions and Student Commitment Guidance Document, to be aware of the commitment required. This form will have to be signed if your application is validated.

For all the questions you may have,  a webinar has been organized by WaCA on Monday 5th August from 10:00 to 11:00 (Abidjan time): Microsoft Teams Link. For more information and updates, sign up to the LEAP newsletter.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

There are two phases in the selection process: an internal MSF process (in September 2024) and then one at the University of Manchester (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. 

All applicants will be informed of the outcome of the internal MSF selection process at the end of September.

How will we prioritise applicants?

Candidates will be selected based on their potential, motivation and relevant experience, as reflected in their applications. These will be assessed by a selection committee of MSF representatives.

There will be a limited number of places each year. 

Practical information for those managing LEAP students 

If you are an HRCo or line manager responsible for the management of LEAP students, please review 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. Please, read also the “WaCA Conditions and Student Commitment Guidance Document” here.

Funding

The course fees (university tuition) are covered by MSF UK. Attendance costs for staff (visas, accommodation, travel, per diem, etc) will be fully covered by WaCA. 

Students who start on the course during this time will continue to have their tuition fees supported.

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 to MSF WaCA HQ HR department: learning.waca@waca.msf.org. 

For questions about academic content or your eligibility, please contact the University of Manchester: leapmsf@manchester.ac.uk

GO TO STUDY IN 2024/2025