Learning and development opportunities

Types of learning

There are different types of development activities that an individual can undertake to suit specific learning objectives or the individual’s learning style:

On-the-job training
For many employees, the greater part of their training will be 'on the job'. This type of learning should be a continuous process and form a part of every employee's development.
Internal training
This refers to the courses delivered at the MSF office by external trainers or internal resources to address learning needs common to a number of employees.

Two recently recruited MSF health promoters learn how to screen children in the community with a more experimented health promotion team member. © Julie Rémy

MSF training
The operational centres’ training brochures and the international training plan outline all the courses and programmes available to MSF field employees.

The application and selection process is managed by the operational centres for which the field employees currently work or will work, as described in the brochures: OCA Training Brochure, OCBA Training Brochure (2011), OCB Training Brochure , OCG Training Brochure.

Security training
As a responsible employer MSF UK takes the safety and security of its employees of the highest importance. In response to the often unstable environments in which MSF works we compiled an inventory of all security training available to MSF employees. This inventory is covering a diverse range of learning methods including online courses, open classroom-based courses and consultancy based tailored solutions focusing on both personal security and security risk management. For a copy of the inventory and further information on what security training is available to you contact the L&D Officer.

Further education
This includes under-graduate and post-graduate programmes, certificates, diplomas and all other accredited qualifications. To apply please complete the L&D application form and email it to the L&D Officer. A list of instutions external tom MSF offering funding can be found here.
Computer based learning and e-learning
MSF UK can provide interactive self-learning technical courses on a CD-ROM (e.g. TB). Also MSF OCA have endorsed an online security course, Humanitarian Distance Learning Centre (HDLC). The application process (including the application form) can be found here.
Language skills learning MSF UK can provide to MSF staff free loan of French and Spanish language skills learning interactive software. MSF UK is running weekly French lessons for conversation practice, free for MSF staff. Classes are delivered by a native French speaker who is a trainer teacher as well a scientist (PHD in Chemistry) and has been volunteering with MSF for over a year (and is familiar with MSF as an organisation).

The classes are taking place in London office of MSF every Friday: 11.15 am for Intermediate 2 (A' level standard), 1pm for Beginners, 2.15pm for Intermediate 1 (GCSE level), 3.30pm Advanced (reading french articles and discussion). For more information please contact the Learning and Development Officer. If you want to improve your general French language skills on your own please read the recommendations from Foundation 9, the language school in Brussels that MSF is collaborating with.
Online language courses
MSF UK has purchased an online product from Rosetta Stone. Our staff will have online remote access to 30 languages:
Arabic (Standard), Chinese (Mandarin), Dari (Level 1 only), Dutch, English (American), English (British), French, Filipino (Tagalog), German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian (Level 1 only), Italian, Irish, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Persian (Farsi), Polish, Portuguese (Brazilian), Pashto (Level 1 only), Russian, Spanish (Latin American), Spanish (Spain), Swahili (Level 1 only), Swedish, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese.
External training
Training providers sourced by MSF UK deliver this type of learning activity externally. Individuals can suggest an appropriate course or seek advice from the MSF UK Learning and Development Officer.

These include one-to-one tailored development sessions with experienced coach/trainer. To apply please complete the L&D application form and email it to the L&D Officer.
Self-studying / reading
The learning is co-ordinated solely by the employee with varying degrees of managerial input. MSF UK runs a library service that can be utilised as an information and resource centre by all MSF employees who can borrow books, CD-ROMs and DVDs.

To access the MSF UK Library click here to contact the MSF UK Learning and Development Officer or the MSF UK Library.
Placements / secondments
Where appropriate and feasible, MSF encourages office employees, with specific experience, to work in the field and field employees to take on office roles. This retains and enhances organisational knowledge within MSF UK.

Learning and development opportunities

Types of learning

On-the-job training
For many employees, the greater part of their training will be 'on the job'. This type of learning should be a continuous process and form a part of every employee's development.

Internal training
This refers to the courses delivered at the MSF office by external trainers or internal resources to address learning needs common to a number of employees.

Further education
This includes under-graduate and post-graduate programmes, certificates, diplomas and all other accredited qualifications. To apply please complete the L&D application form and email it to the L&D Officer. A list of instutions external tom MSF offering funding can be found here.

Computer based learning and e-learning
MSF UK can provide interactive self-learning technical courses on a CD-ROM (e.g. TB). Also MSF OCA have endorsed an online security course, Humanitarian Distance Learning Centre (HDLC). The application process (including the application form) can be found here.

Placements / secondments
Where appropriate and feasible, MSF encourages office employees, with specific experience, to work in the field and field employees to take on office roles. This retains and enhances organisational knowledge within MSF UK.

L&D links

Learning and development opportunities

Types of learning

On-the-job trainingFor many employees, the greater part of their training will be 'on the job'. This type of learning should be a continuous process and form a part of every employee's development.

Internal training This refers to the courses delivered at the MSF office by external trainers or internal resources to address learning needs common to a number of employees.

Further educationThis includes under-graduate and post-graduate programmes, certificates, diplomas and all other accredited qualifications. To apply please complete the L&D application form and email it to the L&D Officer. A list of instutions external tom MSF offering funding can be found here.

Placements / secondmentsWhere appropriate and feasible, MSF encourages office employees, with specific experience, to work in the field and field employees to take on office roles. This retains and enhances organisational knowledge within MSF UK.

L&D links

On-the-job training
For many employees, the greater part of their training will be 'on the job'. This type of learning should be a continuous process and form a part of every employee's development.

Internal training
This refers to the courses delivered at the MSF office by external trainers or internal resources to address learning needs common to a number of employees.

Further education
This includes under-graduate and post-graduate programmes, certificates, diplomas and all other accredited qualifications. To apply please complete the L&D application form and email it to the L&D Officer. A list of instutions external tom MSF offering funding can be found here.

Placements / secondments
Where appropriate and feasible, MSF encourages office employees, with specific experience, to work in the field and field employees to take on office roles. This retains and enhances organisational knowledge within MSF UK.