Applications are now open.

They will close on 31st March 2026.

What is the vision for LEAP?

The goal of the LEAP is to enable MSF to develop a better prepared and more capable workforce and future leadership that reflects the great diversity of the organization and enables our staff to evolve as humanitarians. 

LEAP looks to complement operational humanitarian experience with multidisciplinary academic expertise. We want to support our staff in developing and strengthening their capacity for leadership, operational management, and strategic vision through reflective learning and critical analysis of humanitarian contexts, as well as through the integration of research outcomes and the exchange of knowledge and practice from across MSF. LEAP empowers staff to learn, innovate, network, and stay curious, which is crucial to fulfil our mission and to best serve the people and communities we work with. 

We want to ensure that there is equitable, needs-based access to development opportunities for all our staff with leadership and management potential, with a strong focus on those who have benefited least historically and who would otherwise have fewer opportunities to access higher education. We want to invest in staff capacity in the long-term and recognise local staff potential, striving to bring operational management closer in proximity to the populations we serve. 

Who is LEAP at WaCA for?

• Staff with a minimum of 24 months working experience with MSF, and with a minimum of 6 months working experience in country programmes either with MSF or with any other humanitarian organization.

• Medical and non-medical staff.

• International Mobile Staff, Locally Hired Staff, and HQ Staff.

• Staff working in WaCA country programmes, HQ offices, partner sections, and branch

• Staff with or without an undergraduate degree:

o   If you do not have an undergraduate degree but have developed your skills through your professional experience in the humanitarian sector, your application will still be considered; however, entry will be at the discretion of the university.

o   If you already have a postgraduate degree, your application will be considered, but please note that we prioritise those without the means or access to postgraduate education.

• Staff with a minimum English level of C1.

• Please see the LEAP English Language Requirements Page for more detailed information on language requirements.

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. Learners who have successfully completed their diploma may be granted the opportunity to continue their training pathway toward obtaining the MSc. For further information on the structure of each pathway, please visit the external LEAP Website. 

Up to two places are available for 2026. Participants will begin in the September 2026 semester.

To stay informed, we suggest subscribing to the  LEAP newsletter.

English Language Information

It is essential that your English language level is at C1 level 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

Please also share a copy of 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 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 May 2026) and then one at the University of Manchester. 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 May.

How are applicants selected?

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.

WaCA has been allocated 2 places for 2026.

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 2026/2027