How to Get NGO Jobs in Nigeria

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in addressing various social, economic, and environmental issues in Nigeria.

These organizations offer diverse job opportunities ranging from field-based roles to administrative, technical, and managerial positions. 

Whether you’re passionate about social change or looking for a fulfilling career, working for an NGO can provide both purpose and stability.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the process of securing an NGO job in Nigeria. From identifying the right organizations to preparing your application, here’s everything you need to know.

1. Understanding What NGOs Do in Nigeria

Before diving into how to get a job in an NGO, it’s important to understand what NGOs do.

NGOs are private, non-profit organizations that aim to address issues such as poverty, education, healthcare, human rights, environmental conservation, and community development. 

They work alongside governments, international organizations, and the private sector to make a lasting impact on society.

In Nigeria, NGOs are involved in various sectors, such as:

• Healthcare: Providing medical services, health education, and addressing public health crises.
• Education: Working to improve literacy, access to education, and vocational training.
• Human Rights: Promoting and defending human rights for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and refugees.
• Environmental Conservation: Working towards sustainable practices and protecting natural resources.
• Community Development: Implementing programs that improve living standards, sanitation, and access to basic needs.

2. Qualifications and Skills Needed for NGO Jobs

To land a job at an NGO in Nigeria, you need the right qualifications and skills. While these can vary depending on the type of NGO and the role, there are some common qualifications and skills that most NGOs look for in candidates.

a. Academic Qualifications

Most NGOs require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. For example:

• Health-focused NGOs may prefer candidates with degrees in medicine, nursing, public health, or medical sciences.
• Human Rights NGOs may look for law degrees or social science degrees like sociology or international relations.
• Environmental NGOs often prefer candidates with degrees in environmental science, biology, or sustainable development.
• Education NGOs may seek candidates with degrees in education, psychology, or social work.

Some NGOs also offer internships or entry-level roles for candidates who may not have specific degrees but possess relevant skills or experience.

b. Relevant Work Experience

While some NGOs offer entry-level positions, many require candidates to have prior experience in related fields. 

This could be previous work in community development, volunteering, or working with other NGOs. Internships or volunteering experiences can be a great way to build this kind of background.

c. Skills

In addition to qualifications and experience, NGOs often look for the following skills:

• Project Management: Many NGO roles involve managing projects, so having strong project management skills can give you an edge.
• Communication: NGOs work with diverse groups of people, so being able to communicate effectively is vital.
• Research and Analytical Skills: Many NGO jobs require research and data analysis to inform policy or evaluate programs.
• Teamwork and Leadership: NGOs often operate in teams, so the ability to work well with others is important.
• Fundraising and Donor Management: Understanding how to raise funds and manage relationships with donors is essential, especially in higher-level NGO positions.

3. Finding the Right NGOs to Apply To

There are thousands of NGOs operating in Nigeria, but not all of them may be the right fit for you. Here’s how to narrow down your options:

a. Researching NGOs

Start by researching NGOs in Nigeria that align with your interests or career goals. Some of the largest and most well-known NGOs in Nigeria include:

• The African Development Foundation (ADF)
• The Nigerian Red Cross Society
• Save the Children Nigeria
• ActionAid Nigeria
• UNICEF Nigeria
• World Health Organization (WHO) Nigeria

Many of these NGOs have offices in various Nigerian states, so consider whether you want to work in a particular location.

b. Online Platforms and Job Portals

Various job boards and websites list NGO job vacancies in Nigeria. Some popular platforms to check out include:

• NGO Jobs in Nigeria (ngojobsinnigeria.com)
• MyJobMag (myjobmag.com)
• Hot Nigerian Jobs (hotnigerianjobs.com)
• Jobzilla Nigeria (jobzilla.ng)

You can also check out job listings on the official websites of NGOs or platforms like LinkedIn, where NGOs often post available positions.

c. Networking

Networking is an effective way to discover job opportunities in the NGO sector. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or networking events, and connect with professionals in the sector. 

Many NGO positions are filled through word-of-mouth or internal recommendations, so building relationships with people in the field can be an invaluable strategy.

4. Preparing Your Application

Once you’ve identified NGOs you’re interested in, the next step is to apply. Here’s how to craft an application that stands out:

a. Tailor Your Resume

Your resume should be clear, concise, and tailored to the specific NGO and job role you’re applying for. Highlight any relevant experience, including internships, volunteer work, or projects you’ve been involved in. 

Be sure to include skills that are important for the role, such as project management, fundraising, or communication skills.

b. Write a Compelling Cover Letter

Your cover letter should explain why you’re passionate about working for that particular NGO and how your skills and experience make you the ideal candidate for the job. 

It’s important to show that you understand the organization’s mission and goals and how you can contribute to their success.

c. Prepare for the Interview

If your application is successful, you’ll likely be invited for an interview. To prepare:

• Research the NGO: Understand their mission, projects, and impact in Nigeria.
• Understand the Role: Make sure you know the key responsibilities of the job.
• Prepare Examples: Be ready to discuss how your experience and skills align with the role. Use real-life examples to demonstrate your qualifications.
• Ask Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions about the organization’s work, challenges, and future goals. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the NGO’s work.

5. Volunteering

If you’re struggling to secure a paid position at an NGO, consider volunteering. Many NGOs rely on volunteers, and this can be a great way to gain experience, build your network, and increase your chances of being hired for a full-time role in the future. 

Volunteering shows that you are passionate about their cause, and it can give you a better understanding of the organization’s culture and operations.

6. Career Growth and Advancement in NGOs

One of the most appealing aspects of working for an NGO is the opportunity for career growth and advancement. 

While NGOs may not always have the same financial resources as large corporations, they often provide rich professional development opportunities and offer pathways for employees to grow in their careers. Below are some key aspects of career growth and advancement in NGOs:

a. Professional Development and Training Opportunities

NGOs recognize that their success depends on the skills, knowledge, and motivation of their staff. 

To ensure their teams are equipped to face the ever-changing challenges of the non-profit sector, many NGOs invest heavily in professional development.

• Workshops and Conferences: NGOs often organize or sponsor workshops and conferences, either locally or internationally. These events allow employees to learn new skills, stay updated on sector trends, and network with other professionals. 

You may also have the opportunity to attend global conferences or training programs hosted by international organizations, which can greatly enhance your expertise and expand your professional network.

• In-house Training Programs: Many NGOs run their own training programs, especially in specialized areas such as project management, fundraising, community outreach, monitoring and evaluation, and grant writing. 

These programs are usually tailored to the specific needs of the organization and its staff. Such initiatives help employees stay competitive and develop skills that are highly valued within the sector.

• Skill Development Courses: NGOs are often willing to sponsor employees for courses or certifications that align with their work. This may include diplomas or certifications in fields such as public health, international relations, sustainable development, or finance. 

For example, an NGO focused on healthcare might sponsor you to take a course in public health or epidemiology, improving your knowledge and credentials for future career growth.

b. Mentorship and Coaching Programs

Mentorship is a key factor in career advancement within NGOs. Many organizations offer formal or informal mentorship programs that pair employees with more experienced professionals who can offer guidance, support, and advice.

• Guidance from Senior Staff: In larger NGOs, you may have the opportunity to work closely with senior managers or directors, who can provide you with insights into higher-level decision-making and organizational strategy. 

Senior staff members can also provide valuable feedback on your performance, helping you identify areas for improvement.

• Coaching for Leadership Development: If you demonstrate leadership potential, you may be assigned a coach to help you develop your leadership skills. 

This could involve learning how to manage teams, build effective strategies, and make decisions under pressure. 

Coaching often helps individuals transition from technical roles into leadership roles, which is a common pathway for growth within NGOs.

• Networking Opportunities: Mentorship often includes networking opportunities that open doors to new roles, responsibilities, and projects within the organization or even at partner organizations. 

Building relationships with senior staff and industry leaders can create avenues for career advancement that would not be available otherwise.

c. Job Rotation and Cross-Departmental Opportunities

One of the ways NGOs foster career growth is by offering job rotation programs, where employees can switch between different roles or departments within the organization. This is especially common in large NGOs with multiple projects and departments. 

Job rotation helps employees develop a broad set of skills and gain a deeper understanding of how different parts of the organization function.

• Exposure to Different Functions: By rotating between departments such as administration, fundraising, fieldwork, research, and advocacy, you get a well-rounded view of the NGO’s operations. 

This makes you more versatile and prepares you for higher positions. For example, a program officer might rotate into a fundraising role, gaining insights into donor relations and resource mobilization.

• Specialized Roles: In NGOs that focus on specific sectors (like health, education, or human rights), job rotation can help you move between different projects, allowing you to specialize in an area that aligns with your career interests. 

If you start in a general role, you might eventually specialize in a key project area like child protection, environmental sustainability, or public health advocacy.

• Cross-Cultural Experience: For NGOs with operations in multiple countries or regions, rotating to different geographic locations is often possible. 

This gives employees a unique opportunity to experience different cultural contexts and operational challenges, which can significantly enhance both your personal and professional growth.

d. Promotion and Career Advancement

Promotions within NGOs may not always be as fast as in the corporate sector, but they are certainly possible, especially if you are dedicated to your work and demonstrate leadership potential. Career advancement typically occurs through:

• Merit-Based Promotion: Many NGOs promote from within, recognizing employees who have consistently demonstrated strong performance. If you’ve worked hard on a project or taken the initiative in a key area of the NGO’s work, your contributions will be noticed. 

Employees who show a commitment to the organization’s mission and values, as well as a proactive approach to problem-solving, are often the first considered for promotions.

• Leadership Roles: As you gain more experience, you may be given the opportunity to move into managerial or supervisory positions. Many NGOs prefer to promote internally because it allows the new leader to understand the organization’s culture and processes. 

For example, after a few years in a program officer role, you may be promoted to a program manager or coordinator role, where you oversee multiple projects and teams.

• Executive Leadership: The highest levels of career advancement in an NGO involve executive positions such as executive director, country director, or regional manager. 

Reaching such positions usually requires years of experience and a proven track record in managing large programs, handling budgets, and leading diverse teams.

For those who wish to move into these senior roles, leadership development and strategic thinking are essential.

• International Opportunities: Larger international NGOs often offer career paths that lead to roles in regional or global offices. 

If you’re ambitious and want to work on a global scale, working with an international NGO can open up opportunities to take on regional or global positions, allowing you to work across multiple countries and influence policy at a higher level.

e. Opportunities for Specialization

Another key avenue for career advancement in NGOs is the ability to specialize in a particular area of interest. As NGOs often run numerous programs in different sectors, employees have the opportunity to focus on areas they are most passionate about.

• Sector-Specific Roles: If you’re particularly passionate about a specific issue, such as human rights, health, or environmental conservation, you can aim to specialize in that field. 

As NGOs often have different departments or project units, you may be able to move into more focused roles like advocacy, monitoring and evaluation, or research.

• Building Expertise: Specializing in a certain area allows you to become an expert in that field. Over time, this can make you a highly valuable resource for the organization, especially if you become involved in high-level research, strategy development, or policy advocacy. 

Expertise in a specific sector also opens up the possibility of contributing to thought leadership or representing the NGO in external forums, such as conferences or advocacy campaigns.

f. Building a Professional Reputation and Expanding Your Network

Working for an NGO is not just about the skills you acquire but also about the reputation you build in the sector. As you gain more experience, your reputation for delivering results and making an impact will grow. 

This can help you open doors for career advancement, both within your current organization and across the sector.

• Collaborating with Other NGOs: Many NGOs work closely with other non-profits, governmental agencies, and private sector organizations. 

By collaborating on joint projects or initiatives, you can expand your professional network and gain valuable contacts that can help you in your career.

• Public Speaking and Representation: As you advance in your career, you may be called upon to represent your NGO at events, conferences, or media appearances. 

This can be a valuable opportunity to increase your visibility and build your reputation as an expert in your field.

g. Job Satisfaction and Long-Term Career Fulfillment

While career advancement in NGOs may not always come with the high salaries seen in the private sector, the fulfillment that comes from knowing you are contributing to social change is a powerful motivator. 

Many professionals in the NGO sector report a high level of job satisfaction, especially those in leadership positions who oversee meaningful projects that improve the lives of individuals and communities.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Securing an NGO job in Nigeria requires preparation, dedication, and the right approach.

By understanding the requirements, identifying the right NGOs, tailoring your application, and seeking networking opportunities, you can increase your chances of finding a rewarding career in the non-profit sector.

Whether you’re starting your career or looking to make a career change, working for an NGO can provide you with a meaningful way to contribute to social change in Nigeria.