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Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are autonomous groups dedicated to humanitarian and advocacy causes across the globe. While they often operate through donations and volunteer efforts, many NGOs provide opportunities for internships, part-time roles, and full-time positions. These roles can serve as an ideal career path for those wishing to earn a living while contributing positively to society. Although NGOs can be just as competitive as corporate industries, understanding what you seek in an organization, what they require, and how to navigate the application process will enhance your chances of securing your dream role.
Steps to Take
Identifying the Right NGO for You
Clarify your career aspirations. Spend time reflecting on what you truly want from a job. While NGO salaries may not be as high as those in the private sector, they can offer valuable experiences. If your aim is to travel, assist communities, or work towards meaningful social change, NGOs might be an excellent match for your goals.
Seek an NGO that aligns with your values and goals. Choose an NGO that focuses on the issues you are passionate about. If your goal is to work abroad, consider organizations like World Vision or CARE International. For those interested in specific fields such as education, sports, or animal welfare, look for NGOs with roles in those areas. Aim to identify 4 or 5 large NGOs that resonate with your interests so you have multiple options when applying for jobs.
- Organizations like the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations provide comprehensive, searchable NGO directories categorized by interest areas.
Understand their mission and objectives. While most NGOs focus on humanitarian or advocacy work, their specific goals can vary greatly. Use their website and informational materials to locate their mission statement and detailed objectives. Ensure that the NGOs you're considering are in line with your personal values and ethical beliefs.
Learn about the skills and qualities they seek in applicants. Each NGO has unique needs based on its specific mission. Carefully review the requirements for the positions you're interested in and aim to meet or exceed their expectations. This information can usually be found under a ‘Careers’ or ‘Get Involved’ section on the organization's website.
- For example, some organizations like Acumen may prefer candidates with general degrees and relevant work experience.
- On the other hand, groups like Doctors Without Borders typically require trained, licensed professionals.
Building a Strong Resume
Gain volunteer experience with local charities. Since NGOs prioritize activism and assistance, having volunteer experience is highly valuable. Dedicate time to volunteering at local organizations such as food banks, shelters, and other community services. Taking on leadership roles during your volunteer work will make you a stronger candidate, as NGOs often prefer applicants with substantial volunteer experience.
- Platforms like VolunteerMatch can help you find nearby charities and non-profit organizations seeking volunteers.
Master a second language. While not required for every NGO, speaking a second language can be a valuable asset, especially for organizations involved in international travel and aid. Common languages like Spanish, French, and Chinese are always helpful, but less widely spoken languages tied to specific regions may be even more beneficial, such as:
- Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, or Marathi for India.
- Persian, Farsi, Arabic, or Kurdish for the Middle East.
- Tagalog or Cebuano for the Philippines.
Gain practical experience through local work and internships. If possible, secure a local job or internship that aligns with the work of the NGO you're interested in. This could range from working at an animal shelter if you're focused on animal rights, to tutoring if you want to pursue education-related work abroad.
- In smaller cities and towns, you can often find internship opportunities through government agencies or local services.
- If you're attending school, check for internships available through your degree program.
Earn a college degree. While some NGOs hire high school graduates, most prefer candidates with at least a bachelor's degree, and some may even require graduate-level qualifications. If possible, aim for a degree in a field relevant to your target organization, such as medicine or cultural studies, or choose a versatile degree like accounting, marketing, or computer science that can apply to many NGOs.
- Entry-level positions in NGOs typically require a bachelor’s degree, though the field of study may not always be crucial.
- Specialized or senior roles in NGOs often require a degree in a specific area, such as education, public health, business management, or urban planning.
- If you don't have a degree, still apply! Some organizations may waive educational requirements if you have significant relevant work or volunteer experience.
Submitting Your Application
Look for job openings and internships. Like most professions, NGOs post job openings periodically, so it's important to stay updated on current listings. If no positions are available, consider reaching out to the organization's Public Relations team to see if you can submit your resume for future consideration.
- Besides the organization’s own website, NGO job openings can also be found on platforms like NGO Job Board, NGO Recruitment, and Idealist.org.
Update your resume. Craft a resume that highlights your relevant professional experience, volunteer work, and education, starting with the most recent and significant items. Include a concise 2-3 sentence summary at the top, outlining your skills and expressing your dedication to the NGO's mission. Along with your job descriptions and volunteer roles, mention specific achievements such as:
- Organized and led 3 successful fundraisers for a local crisis center.
- Assisted in building homes for 12 low-income families.
- Conducted several community seminars focused on child abuse prevention.
Write a tailored cover letter. As with any job application, prepare a concise and clear cover letter to accompany your resume. In addition to your professional experience and qualifications, include 2-3 sentences explaining what you can contribute to the organization's mission and why you are passionate about the cause. You can include brief personal anecdotes, but keep them relevant and concise.
- For humanitarian roles, you might say, 'Helping others has always been my life's goal, and I believe now is the perfect time to make a real difference.'
- For educational positions, something like, 'Teaching has always been my dream, and I believe your organization offers the platform to have a greater impact.'
- For medical roles, you could say, 'I'm deeply committed to my profession, and I want to use my skills to help those who need it most.'
Submit your application. Carefully review your resume, cover letter, and any other required materials before submitting. Then take a deep breath and send off your application. If you're fortunate, you might be invited for an interview or a skills assessment. If not, don’t be discouraged—just keep applying and your ideal job will come along!
- Remember, major NGOs receive hundreds or thousands of applications each year, so a rejection isn’t a reflection on your abilities or character.
Prepare for a successful job interview. If you're invited to interview, take steps to ensure you make a great impression. Dress in professional attire, stay well-groomed, and familiarize yourself with the role you're applying for. Arrive early, bring an extra copy of your resume, and be polite. Common interview questions may include:
- 'Where do you see yourself in five years?'
- 'What motivates you to work for our organization?'
- 'Why are you passionate about this field?'
Securing Your Role
Stay committed to the mission. Over time, the initial excitement for a cause may start to fade. If you find your motivation waning, take a step back to remind yourself why you chose this path and the difference your work is making. Revisit the NGO's mission and core objectives, have a conversation with colleagues about your feelings, and reconnect with the deeper purpose behind your work.
- For short-term roles, maintain contact with the people or communities you've helped through letters, emails, or phone calls.
- For long-term projects, document your journey with photos, so you can visibly track the positive changes you've contributed to.
Stay informed about global events and politics. Humanitarian and advocacy work often shifts in response to major political changes or world events. Keep yourself updated by reading news from diverse sources, particularly those based in the regions you serve, and stay aware of new laws, movements, or shifts in political sentiment that could impact your work.
- Many NGOs provide internal newsletters or resource lists to help employees and volunteers stay informed about developments relevant to their cause.
Be adaptable in your role. While some NGO positions may follow regular 9-to-5 hours, others might demand irregular work hours or require you to live in challenging environments. Adaptability is key to succeeding in these roles, so try to maintain a lifestyle that accommodates these demands.
- If your job requires frequent travel, consider keeping your possessions minimal or storing everything in compact digital formats.
- If your work schedule is unconventional, build a network of long-distance friends you can stay in touch with when your usual circle isn’t available.
Consider your family dynamics with your career in mind. Many NGOs, particularly those operating in high-risk areas such as conflict zones or refugee camps, offer little to no work-life balance, which can create challenges in family relationships. If you're looking for a partner, find someone who understands the demands of your job and shares your passion for it. For those with families, prioritize quality time with your loved ones and be open to discussing any concerns they may have about your job's impact on family life.
