Where do MSD leaders come from? (and where do they go?)

This MSD leadership brief is the first product of the MSD Leadership Clinics, a six-month engagement process that involved 42 senior leaders (donors, implementers and consultants) in 2023. Facilitated small groups explored practical issues related to leadership in programmes that use the MSD approach. 

Programme leaders with a combination of MSD knowledge, leadership and management skills are critical to the success of MSD programmes. With an expanding number of MSD programmes, organisations have promoted and hired leaders from a wider pool.

This brief provides critical information about the varied pathways and experiences of MSD leaders, introducing six career pathways of MSD leaders.

It showcases the factors that support and constrain opportunities to lead in MSD programmes and highlights what donors and implementers can do to create more leadership opportunities.

Related blog:

• Beyond superheroes and wish lists: what makes a good MSD Team Leader?