Learning and Development Specialist

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, humanitarian, non-governmental organisation providing assistance to people in need as a result of natural and man-made disasters, irrespective of race, religion, ideology or politics.

 

We are seeking to employ a candidate for the following position:

Learning & Development Specialist

 

Place of work: Baghdad – coordination office Deadline for application: 15 July 2026

 

Main purpose of the job:

Development, implementation, maintenance and monitoring of the L&D work in the projects according to MSF policies, standards and values in order to support a continual high level of capability and performance to meet operational goals. Con-tribute to the development of L&D activities in the projects by sup-porting the Management Team in the analysis of learning needs and use of appropriate L&D solutions. Provides active support to staff (international and national) regarding the use of L&D tools and the implementation of work-related L&D activities in the project.  This position is intended to be anchored in a big project rather than in the coordination of a mission, with a focus on activating L&D directly in teams, communities of practice and in experiential, on-the-job situations

Accountabilities:

• Defines procedures and ensures the implementation, monitoring, maintenance and correct functioning of the L&D tools, processes and plans
• Manages L&D activities in support of and in close collaboration with the field supervisors, managers &/or field coordinators responsible for each department (logistics, medical, supply, etc.).
• Carries out learning needs assessment and feasibility studies in the project to provide line managers with alternatives and possible solutions. Upon approval of line manager, liaises directly with the staff to identify learning needs, supporting L&D plans & solutions and prioritization of requests.
• In close collaboration with the HR Manager, plans & supports all L&D aspects of the employee development cycle: , induction processes, individual and team development & training plans, performance evaluations, relevant aspects of recruitment, as well as communication about and upkeep of L&D tools and opportunities. Ensures follow-up and evaluation to support staff in transfer of learning to performance after L&D processes and learning events.
• Develops L&D tools, processes & strategy when needed together with the PDM &/or HRCo to implement with the HR Manager and with project leaders & managers.
• Ensures the proper documentation, filing and the compilation of records of training courses and learning programs and regularly shares them with the hierarchical and with the functional report (HR Manager, PDM, HR Coordinator).
• Acts as a technical L&D specialist, providing advice, technical feedback about and follow-up on quality of implementation of L&D activities linked to operational needs and objectives. When required, acts in Flying/ Mobile role to provide L&D technical advice and support to other parts of the mission in collaboration with the PDM.
• Ensures staff travelling through the capital is picked up, has appropriate papers and a place to stay.

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MSF CH/Context Specific Accountabilities:

 

• Adapt L&D plans, schedules, and delivery methods to Baghdad ensuring continuity of learning activities.
• Promote and implement the onboarding and induction plans for the newly hires.
• Ensure that newly hires have their induction and onboarding planned, implemented and completed with the first 3 months.
• Periodic implementation of various training and workshops including Welcome To MSF, First Aid Training, First Psychological Aid Training, and Tembo workshops.
• Promote and implement remote, blended, and on-the-job learning modalities where in-person training is limited due to security or access constraints.
• Annually, mapping local providers to ensure the continuity of the learning activities implementation.
• Implement and lead trainings and workshops when needed.
• Able to create training content, adapt and present it to an audience.
• Fill the gap of facilitators or co-facilitators to ease the training implementation when needed.

 

Locally Hired Staff Capacity Building

• Identify skill gaps and propose developmental plans for it.
• Prioritize capacity building of LHS in line with MSF Iraq localization and succession planning objectives.
• Ensure L&D activities respond to identified skill gaps among national staff working in different departments (operational and support departments).

 

Language & Cultural Adaptation

• Ensure L&D materials, tools, and sessions are available in both English and Arabic, with simplified language where needed.
• Adapt learning approaches to local learning styles, cultural norms, and levels of formal education.
• Design flexible induction and refresher training packages to address staff turnover and frequent onboarding.
• Adapt learning plans to accommodate mixed profiles.

 

Operational Relevance

• Ensure learning initiatives are directly linked to operational priorities in Baghdad projects (e.g. emergency response, hospital support, etc).
• Work closely with field supervisors to translate operational challenges into practical, job-embedded learning solutions.
• Annually run the learning needs assessment in line with MSF operational objectives.
• Network and coordinate with local providers to stengthen the local initiatives.

 

Coordination & Compliance

• Coordinate L&D activities with HR, and project managers to ensure alignment with MSF policies, Iraqi Law and MSF internal regulations.
• Ensure training records meet internal MSF audit and reporting requirements.

 

Infrastructure & Resource Constraints

• Maintain and adapt L&D tools to be functional in office-based and field-based locations across Baghdad.

 

Transfer of Learning

• Strengthen post-training follow-up, and on-the-job support to ensure transfer of learning into performance.
• Support managers in using performance evaluations as learning and development tools.

 

Inter-Mission & Mobile Support

• When required, provide mobile L&D technical support to other projects or locations in Iraq, respecting security clearance and coordination mechanisms.
• Share best practices and lessons learned from Baghdad with the wider mission.

What we offer:

• Legal contract and pay in accordance with MSF Salary Grid. Level 08
• The chance to gain professional development and to develop (career path, training, etc.) within the organisation.
• The opportunity to contribute to our objective of saving lives, alleviating suffering and working with those most in need.

Specific requirements for the role:

 

Education	Essential: Bachelor’s degree in the field of HR, learning and development, organizational development and/ or relevant experience.
Experience	Essential: min. 2 years previous experience in in relevant jobs. Desirable: experience with MSF or other NGOs in developing countries Well-versed with the employee life cycle and its related L&D processes Experience in delivering basic level training courses based on adult learning
Languages	Essential: Fluency in English (minimum B2) and Arabic good commands (verbal & written)
Knowledge	Essential: computer literacy (word, excel and internet, Powerpoint).
Competencies	•        Results and Quality Orientation   •        Team work and Cooperation  •        Behavioural Flexibility  •       People Management & Development •        Commitment to MSF Principles •           Stress Management

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their complete application file (Updated 2 pages CV + motivation letter+ Certifications & Diploma + ID Card + References), Only applications with complete documentation will be considered.

 

By email to MSFCH-baghdad-Recruitment@geneva.msf.org

 

Please indicate “BGD – L&D Specialist” in the e-mail title.

We encourage all applicants to submit a cover letter that introduces themselves, outlines their motivation for applying, and highlights their suitability for the role. Your resume should clearly present your experience, key responsibilities, and demonstrated skill set. This information is essential for us to assess your fit for the position and understand how your background aligns with the job requirements.

 

Only English CVs are considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. (Please make sure your email and phone number are updated)

Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications may be screened prior to the vacancy deadline.

 

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your data only for the recruitment process to have all the information and documents necessary to proceed with the recruitment, validation of your application and selection of the most suitable candidate. Your data will be treated confidentially. Only people part of the recruitment process has access to your data. MSF does not sell your data under any circumstances. If you have any questions or requests, you can contact MSFCH-baghdad-Recruitment@geneva.msf.org