Human Resources Development
|
Harmel Cazeau, an LWF employee and
professional agronomist, explaining
treatment of coffee cultivation to
a cooperative member. |
DWS values human resources as a critical factor in achieving its strategic goals and objectives. Over the years, strong programs of staff training and exchange have been instrumental in developing staff capacities. Increasingly, the complex and rapidly changing nature of the work demands an environment that stimulates continuous learning at all levels and throughout the DWS partnership network.
Long-established methods of staff development continue to be effective in preparing and supporting staff for their roles and responsibilities. These methods include:
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orientation for new staff and new assignments
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developing specific knowledge, practices and skills
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sharing the accumulated experience of field staff
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mentoring, coaching and supervision
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courses, workshops, seminars and exchange programs.
In developing human resources, DWS works in partnership with the LWF member churches, the ecumenical community, ACT (Action by Churches Together), related agencies, non-governmental organizations and UN agencies to share perspectives, experiences, knowledge and skills.
Continuous Learning
For DWS to work effectively and professionally in responding to complex emergencies and challenging contexts for sustainable development, continuous learning is required. This approach includes five levels that have considerable overlap:
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individual learning
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team learning
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cross-functional learning (between teams or groups)
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operational organizational learning (improving practices and increasing effectiveness and efficiency)
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strategic organizational learning (addressing significant changes that affect organizational strategy).
Human Resources Development Desk
|
Team Building exercise in Muxungwe
(Sofala project, August
2003): Carlotta
(Charlotte), one of the LWF CDAs. |
The role of the Human Resources Development Desk is to facilitate and nurture an organizational learning culture throughout DWS. On a practical level, the desk undertakes the following: coordinates field program training; supports country programs to operate professionally and effectively; responds to the need to develop new capacities; ensures that all processes include an explicit learning function; encourages or organizes joint training courses, workshops and conferences; and evaluates the effects and impacts of training and staff development.
For further information please contact:
Program Officer Ms Colette Bouka Coula
