Guidance
Catalyzing careers
Enablers of career transitions for national practitioners into international leadership roles
- Published by
- Canopy Lab
This paper investigates the perceived shortage of qualified senior leaders in MSD.
Despite significant investments in building capacity, structural barriers and biases continue to hinder the career progression of national practitioners to international leadership roles.
The study, supported by Mercy Corps, seeks to identify the key enablers that facilitate these career transitions. These enablers include:
- mentoring
- coaching
- short-term assignments
- sponsorship
- training, and visibility.
It provides actionable strategies for expanding the pipeline of diverse senior leaders in MSD, promoting equitable career advancement opportunities, and addressing the systemic inequities that exist within the sector. The findings are intended to spark further research and discussions on how to create more inclusive and supportive environments for professionals in international development.
The paper is aimed particularly those stakeholders focused on talent development and diversity, such as donor agencies and implementing partners.
See also a summary version of the paper: Making it to the top: tips for development practitioners pursuing international leadership roles