Learning trajectory
MDF offers a learning trajectory for International Advisers who wish to achieve the level of excellence in guiding
their client organisations through change processes. They can join a new MDF learning trajectory; we named this
trajectory 'the trail'.
Overview
The trail starts with an assessment of current competency levels of the candidate, which we compare with our set of
internationally recognised competencies. The comparison between the level of competencies of the candidate and our
standard of excellence forms the basis for the design of an individual learning trajectory. Once all the competencies
have been acquired and assessed by us, the candidate obtains MDF's internationally accredited international adviser
certificate.
Why a competency based, individual learning trail?
National and international advisers in general have acquired excellent expertise in their technical fields. However
they may not yet be sufficiently competent in practising the advisory profession in terms of processes,
entrepreneurship and client orientation.
To effectively enhance adviser performance, tailored support in professional development is needed,
closely linked to the actual daily work. The trail offers an individual learning experience assisted by professional
coaches. In designing the trail we recognise the competencies already acquired by the candidates. The candidate has
her/his own responsibility for his/her development, for the pace of the learning route, and of course for becoming a
recognised international Adviser. The trail is flexible and can be engaged in from any place in the world, as the
learning routes will include both distance and face-to-face learning opportunities.
Profile of the International Adviser
The trail results in the certification of the International Adviser. This is a professional working mostly in
development co-operation with client organisations at various levels (e.g. national and local governments, donors,
NGO's, civil society and private sector). He or she aims to enhance the performance of these actors to benefit their
respective target group. The adviser is an expert in the field of organisational development and possibly other fields
of expertise, like for example IT, agriculture, and education. He or she masters the advisory process and alternates
between the roles of process facilitator and expert. The adviser can perform in his/her own country and abroad.
Profile of the trail participants
We use three criteria for accepting participants to the trail:
- Working experience as an advisor in development co-operation: national or international;
- Motivation to become a professional international adviser;
- English language proficiency (in a later stage the trail will also be offered in French and Spanish).
Examples of potential participants:
- Technical advisers who wish to add a process orientation to their professional work;
- Junior advisers who need to improve their overall advisory performance;
- National consultants who wish to become internationally recognised professionals.
The standard: Competencies
MDF has developed a standard set of excellence, comprising of 12 competencies each made operational through a set of indicators. Eight of these competencies relate to the stages of the advisory process, while four are crosscutting. These competencies are strongly related to and embedded in the daily practice of the adviser. The standard of excellence is defined in such a way that a candidate with a number of years working experience as an adviser, is likely to require a trail of between half a year to two years to obtain the certificate level. The competencies involved in the trail are listed below.
Process competencies:
- Marketing;
- Entry ;
- Contracting;
- Diagnosing;
- Assessment and feedback;
- Strategic planning;
- Change implementation;
- Evaluation, follow-up, separation.
Cross-cutting competencies:
- Interpersonal competencies;
- Cross-cultural competencies;
- Client-centredness;
- Self-awareness, professionalism.
The Advisory Trail
The entire trail consists of three stages: setting up the trail (assessment), acquiring the necessary competencies (the
learning stage) and the certification.
The trail: blended learning
The entire trail consists of three stages: setting up the trail (assessment), acquiring the necessary competencies (the
learning stage) and the certification. The assessment stage results in an agreement between the candidate and MDF on
contents, timing, budget, coaching arrangements and evaluation procedures of the learning stage. At the end of the
learning stage a final assessment is made after which the decision on certification is made.
Stage 1: Setting up the trail
Since each candidate will have his/her own learning needs, the preparatory stage is given ample attention. This stage will start with candidate registration up until the planning of the trail.
MDF provides professional assessors who are not only senior consultants but also have competencies in assessing the professional level of the candidates. Based on the evaluation of the candidate's portfolio and additional test and interview, the trail will be designed together with the candidate. Depending on the number and importance of the various competencies included in the trail, the learning activities can be planned. At the end of this stage, the candidate will also know how he/she will be evaluated on the respective competencies.
Stage 2: The learning process
Each candidate will, guided by the coach, be responsible for the learning process. A typical trail will consist of a variety of methods:
- Distance learning / e-learning (cases, literature, field assignments)
- Classroom courses (MDF or elsewhere)
- Internship in MDF consultancy assignments
- On-the-job learning assignments
- Peer review meetings
- Coaching sessions
The coaching and peer review sessions will provide the participant with progress information. MDF will also include technical coaches in the trail for those assignments where technical (health, education, agriculture, etc.) expertise is needed.
During the trail the candidate builds up a portfolio with evidence of mastering the competencies already acquired. The portfolio will consist of reports of assignments carried out by the candidate, self-reflection reports, feedback of clients, videos/audio-tapes of meetings with clients, etc. Independent assessors evaluate these proofs of mastering the competencies. At the end of the trail the final assessment will be held.
Stage 3: Certification
Once the candidate masters all required competencies (and this is proven through final assessment), MDF will award the Certificate of the International Adviser at the request of the candidate. The Certificate is recommended by esteemed practitioners in the field of International Co-operation, adult education and advisory practice. They subscribe to the Certificate by subscribing to:
- The competency set and its indicators;
- The procedure of assessment by (always at least two) certified senior MDF assessors;
- MDF's approach and past performance in designing and conducting tailored consultancies and training courses.
MDF is in the process of certifying the International Advisory Trail.
For more information on the International Advisory Trail, you can also visit the IAT Course page. Here you can register.
