The detrimental and disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the workforce participation and career ambition of women and other underrepresented groups is well documented across many sectors, but there is limited evidence from the international development sector.

In the development sector, the diversity of activity leadership is important and for MSD activities, it is essential.  In addition, the highly adaptive and facilitative nature of most MSD activities means that Chiefs of Parties and other senior managers can have an outsized influence on the activity strategy and partnerships, which in turn may influence who accesses activity-facilitated services and benefits. To ensure MSD activities empower a diverse range of market actors and achieve broad-based and equitable impact, diversity of perspectives and experiences on the senior management team is essential.

This research explores the impact of COVID-19 on the talent pipeline of MSD programs.