“Empowering growth, shaping the future of energy”
At the GECF, we are committed to fostering the growth and development of both our team members and industry professionals from our member countries. We believe that continuous learning is essential, not only for personal and professional advancement but also for shaping the future of the energy sector. Our training and development programs are designed to equip both internal staff and external professionals with valuable skills and knowledge, particularly in areas related to natural gas and the broader energy industry. Through targeted training programs, specialized courses, and access to a range of educational resources, we support each participant’s journey to becoming a more knowledgeable and impactful contributor to the energy landscape. Stay tuned for updates as we expand our offerings to support career growth and industry expertise at the GECF.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY TRAINING COURSE (MDTC) OVERVIEW
Course Description
The Multidisciplinary Training Course (MDTC) is an annual capacity‑building initiative organised by the Secretariat of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Doha. The program is designed to strengthen institutional knowledge, promote professional development, and facilitate knowledge exchange among professionals from GECF Member Countries.
Objectives of the MDTC
The Multidisciplinary Training Course (MDTC) is designed to support GECF’s strategic goal of strengthening institutional capacity and promoting knowledge transfer among Member Countries, in line with the GECF Long-Term Strategy (LTS).
The MDTC aims to:
• Provide participants from GECF Member Countries with a comprehensive understanding of the Forum’s vision, mission, history, governance structure, and strategic goals, as set out in the LTS, including potential pathways for professional engagement and contribution within the Secretariat.
• Introduce participants to key global energy trends, gas market dynamics, policy issues, and the evolving role of natural gas in sustainable development, reinforcing the GECF’s advocacy for natural gas as a reliable, flexible, and clean energy source (as defined under LTS Strategic Goal 1).
• Facilitate direct engagement between participants and the GECF Secretariat’s experts and leadership, fostering alignment with LTS instruments of dialogue, cooperation, and institutional integration.
• Promote cross-country knowledge-sharing and professional networking among energy experts from Member Countries, contributing to a more cohesive and informed GECF knowledge community and advancing the Forum’s strategic positioning as a platform for collaboration.
Target Participants
The MDTC is designed for professionals from GECF Member Countries who possess academic or professional backgrounds in the fields of energy, economics, public policy, or related disciplines. The Course particularly welcomes individuals who are engaged in policy development, strategic planning, research, or technical functions within government institutions, national energy companies, research centers, or regulatory authorities.
The course is open to individuals who meet the following profile:
• Mid-level to senior professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in multidisciplinary aspects of energy policy and economics.
• Early career professionals with demonstrated potential for leadership and commitment to advancing the development of the energy sector in their respective countries.
• Researchers, analysts, and technical experts who wish to broaden their perspectives by engaging with cross-cutting issues of energy, economics, and governance.
• Individuals motivated to contribute to knowledge exchange and cooperation among GECF Member Countries.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
• Be a national of a GECF Member Country.
• Hold at least a first university degree (Bachelor’s level) in a relevant field such as economics, energy, engineering, public policy, international relations, or an equivalent discipline.
• Demonstrate a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in the energy sector, government, academia, or other relevant institutions.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
• Obtain official endorsement from the respective Executive Board Member of the applicant’s country.
Course Duration and Frequency
The MDTC shall be conducted annually at the GECF Secretariat in Doha. The duration of the course shall be five (5) consecutive working days, equivalent to one working week.
Structure and Format
The course shall be structured around daily themes, with each day addressing specific functional and strategic areas of the Forum. Courses are held throughout the whole day, with one lunch break and shorter coffee breaks. The format of delivery shall consist of:
• Presentations,
• Interactive sessions, and
• Group discussions
Indicative Training Themes
• History, mandate, governance, and strategic framework of the GECF.
• Short‑term gas market analysis and dynamics.
• Long‑term global gas outlook and forecasting.
• Energy data systems, methodologies, and research initiatives.
• International cooperation, dialogue partnerships, and professional development within the GECF framework.
Language
The working language of the course shall be English, and full participation in all sessions shall be mandatory for the issuance of a Certificate of Participation.
Admission and Communication
• Successful participants shall receive official invitation letters, along with logistical notes, Code of Conduct, and other relevant documents.
• Member Countries shall be informed of the outcome of the selection process in a timely manner.
Participants’ Responsibility
• Engage fully in all sessions and activities of the MDTC.
• Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and respect for peers and trainers.
• Actively contribute to discussions, group exercises, and collaborative tasks.
• Complete all required feedback forms and surveys to assist in program evaluation.
• Uphold the confidentiality of non-public information shared during the course.
• Upon completion, join the MDTC alumni network and apply acquired knowledge within their institutions, thereby supporting knowledge transfer and strengthening cooperation between the Secretariat and Member Countries.
Expected Outcomes
Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the GECF’s work and the global gas sector, strengthen professional competencies, and contribute to enhanced cooperation and knowledge exchange across Member Countries.
Code of Conduct and Compliance
Participants of the MDTC are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, punctuality, and respect for peers, facilitators, and Secretariat staff. Disruptive behaviour, harassment, or discrimination of any kind shall not be tolerated. Participants shall comply with the Code of Conduct of the Secretariat and the instructions of facilitators throughout the duration of the program. Violation of the Code may result in warnings, withdrawal of certification, or removal from the course, subject to the decision of the Secretary General.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
All information shared during the MDTC, including presentations, internal materials, and discussions, shall be treated as confidential unless explicitly authorized for external use by the Secretariat. Participants shall respect the intellectual property rights of the Secretariat and other contributors.
The Secretariat shall collect and process participant data (including personal and professional information) solely for the purposes of program administration, reporting, and alumni engagement. Such data shall be handled in accordance with the Secretariat’s data protection practices and shall not be shared with third parties without consent.
Health and Safety
The Secretariat shall ensure a safe and secure environment for the delivery of the MDTC. All participants are required to comply with the Secretariat’s safety protocols and building regulations, as well as any applicable public health measures in force at the time of the program. Emergency and security procedures will be communicated to participants on the first day of the course. The Secretariat will provide the necessary support to safeguard the well-being of participants during the program.
Administrative Arrangements
The GECF Secretariat covers course materials, venue, logistical arrangements, and training delivery. Member Countries are responsible for travel and accommodation of nominated participants unless otherwise supported by external contributions. In-person participants are responsible for arranging their travel and health insurance.
Completion of the Program
Successful participants who complete all sessions will receive a Certificate of Participation issued by the GECF Secretariat.
How to Apply
This participation for the Program is open for nomination only. Please approach the Executive Board member of your respective Member Country for the application submission.
We wish you the best of luck and look forward to receiving your nomination submitted by your Member Country.