{"id":19771,"date":"2023-11-07T11:51:44","date_gmt":"2023-11-07T10:51:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humanrightscareers.com\/?p=19771"},"modified":"2024-10-07T15:43:06","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T13:43:06","slug":"ngo-jobs-quick-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humanrightscareers.com\/magazine\/ngo-jobs-quick-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"NGO Jobs: Our Short Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Charity groups have existed for centuries. Early organizations often addressed poverty or needs related to war. Many consider The Anti-Slavery Society, founded in 1839, to be the first international NGO. The term \u201cNGO\u201d, however, didn\u2019t emerge until 1945. Chapter 10, Article 71 of the United Nations Charter defines<\/a> \u201cnon-governmental organizations\u201d as organizations with a consultative role with the UN. Today, the term \u201cNGO\u201d is a bit broader and includes organizations like Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders. NGOs have spread extensively across the world, numbering in the millions. Interested in working for an NGO? Here\u2019s our quick guide to NGO jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What types of jobs are available at NGOs?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because of the many types of NGOs, NGO professionals work in just about every field. NGOs need researchers, project managers, finance officers and more. Here are eight job descriptions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Research managers coordinate and manage an NGO\u2019s research projects. Many types of NGOs<\/a> depend on research, so the content can include business, health, torture, LGBTQ+ rights, and more. Research managers work with a team to develop and monitor methodologies and processes. They also analyze the collected research, create reports and present findings. Most research managers need at least a bachelor\u2019s degree in a field like statistics, economics or psychology. Advanced degrees are often preferred alongside previous research experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NGO project manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Project managers at NGOs are responsible for overseeing project development and execution, guiding a team, submitting activity reports, budgeting and monitoring the project processes. Because managers are deeply involved in a project from start to finish, it\u2019s a big job. They need excellent leadership and communication skills, including the ability to delegate responsibilities, motivate a team and communicate with an NGO\u2019s stakeholders. A candidate should have at least a bachelor\u2019s degree, though many organizations prefer advanced degrees<\/a>. Previous work experience \u2013 specifically in leadership \u2013 also increases a candidate\u2019s chances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to learn about more NGO job types? Here\u2019s our list of<\/em> 20 job types<\/em><\/a>,<\/em><\/a> their associated salaries, qualifications and tasks. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finance officer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finance officers oversee an NGO’s financial operations. Responsibilities include maintaining financial records, creating reports, preparing budgets and making financial recommendations. Officers work in close communication with other departments in the organization, ensuring that program funds are used appropriately and that all reporting is done on time. At least a bachelor\u2019s degree in finance, business administration or a related field is necessary, although again, many NGOs want candidates with advanced degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communications officer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Communications officers are essential to an NGO\u2019s branding, campaigning, PR and fundraising strategy. Their work can include developing long-term strategies for an organization, developing business plans, researching and creating communications materials like websites, annual reports and brochures. Communications officers also act as spokespeople for the NGO’s media events. Good candidates will have at least a bachelor\u2019s degree in communications, journalism or a related field, as well as experience in a communications role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fundraisers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fundraisers work on the financial side of an NGO. Their job is to generate funds. Activities can include promoting monthly donations, developing fundraising campaigns and organizing other events. Most fundraisers have at least a bachelor\u2019s degree in marketing, communications, business or a related field, although many NGOs like candidates with master\u2019s degrees in nonprofit management or something similar. Good fundraisers have skills like excellent organization, problem-solving, budget management, and excellent communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re interested in fundraising, check out our list of<\/em> 10 master\u2019s programs in fundraising and related areas<\/em><\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grant writer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because most NGOs depend on grants for their operations, grant writers are essential. As a type of fundraiser, they\u2019re responsible for identifying grants the organization is eligible for, writing proposals, balancing budgets and completing other tasks related to the grant. Most grant writers need at least a bachelor\u2019s degree in a field like communications, while some NGOs prefer candidates with master\u2019s degrees. A few years of grant-writing experience, excellent research skills, excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of the NGO world are also important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Policy analyst<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Policy analysts study the impact of laws and regulations on certain groups, organizations and society in general. Many organizations hire policy analysts to collect data on certain laws, develop policy recommendations and track legislation. As an example, an advocacy group focused on ending poverty will hire analysts to study how certain policies affect poverty rates and what policies can reduce poverty. Some policy analyst positions may only require a bachelor\u2019s degree, but many NGOs want candidates with a master\u2019s degree in a field like economics, political science or public policy. Work and research experience is also valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Educator<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Education is a human right, so many NGOs implement education-focused programs and initiatives into their work. Education professionals can work as managers, consultants, program directors, curriculum writers, policy analysts and so on. They may focus on traditional education (reading, writing, math, science, etc) or human rights education<\/a>. Entry-level educator jobs typically require a bachelor\u2019s degree (not necessarily in education), but a master\u2019s degree is usually required for higher-level positions. Tasks may include developing and coordinating education programs, working in the field, creating curriculum and working directly with students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NGOs like Plan International and Amnesty International offer careers in education. Here\u2019s our list of<\/em> 11 organizations<\/em><\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why are NGO jobs important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

NGOs play an important role in society on a local, national and international scale. While governments have a primary responsibility to help their citizens, they often fail for one reason or another. NGOs, depending on their goals, advance human rights, provide humanitarian relief and promote sustainable development. They work on issues like disaster relief, hunger, water and sanitation, gender inequality, climate change, children\u2019s rights<\/a>, education and much more. Their activities can focus on both short-term and long-term needs. Because of globalization, the NGO world is growing and needs qualified, trustworthy people to fill a variety of jobs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out our article on<\/em> why NGOs are important<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We know NGOs matter, but what do NGO workers get out of the job? While the work can be challenging – and even dangerous – there are many benefits<\/a>. The first is the sheer volume of available careers. This article only scratches the surface of what NGOs offer, which work in every field. These jobs also provide professionals with countless skill-building and travel opportunities. NGO work can also make you eligible for student loan forgiveness and help you get into certain post-graduate programs. Working for an NGO can also be incredibly meaningful, and research consistently shows that \u201cmeaningfulness\u201d is more important<\/a> to most people than any other aspect of a job. If you find a job that feels meaningful, you\u2019re more likely to feel content and motivated.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Do you believe it\u2019s difficult to find resources on NGO jobs?<\/strong><\/p>