Stand Out With The Best CV Format for NGOs In 2025

The best CV format for NGOs does more than list your qualifications. It shows your dedication to creating positive change. NGOs are looking for people who are not just qualified, but also passionate about their mission. This guide will help you create a CV that highlights your skills and experience while demonstrating your commitment to social impact. We’ll show you how to present yourself as the ideal candidate for a mission-driven organization.

How to Write a CV for NGO Jobs – A Quick and Easy Guide

Creating a CV for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) is about more than just listing jobs. It’s your chance to show your passion for helping others and your ability to make a difference. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:

1. Contact Information: Include your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile if you have one. Make sure it’s easy to read.
2. Professional Summary: Write a short paragraph about yourself. Highlight your skills, achievements, and why you want to work with NGOs. Show why you’re a good fit.
3. Key Skills: List important skills like project management, teamwork, communication, and grant writing. These are key for NGO work.
4. Professional Experience: Focus on your work history. Highlight roles where you led projects or made an impact. Use numbers to show your results, such as how many people you helped.
5. Education: List your degrees and any relevant training. Include courses related to NGO work.
6. Volunteer Experience (Optional): Include volunteer roles where you made a difference. This shows your dedication to helping others.
7. Projects or Achievements (Optional): Describe any specific projects you’ve worked on. Show how you made an impact, like raising funds or leading community programs.
8. Languages and Technical Skills (Optional): List any languages you speak and relevant tech skills, such as using project management tools or analyzing data.
9. References (Optional): Simply note “References available upon request.” Only provide contact details if asked.

Looking to write the perfect NGO CV? Keep reading for expert tips and examples that will help you stand out. Plus, check out the ready-made sample NGO CV at the end – just copy it to create your own standout resume!

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Are You the Right Fit? What NGOs Expect from Applicants

When applying to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), candidates should show:

1. Passion for Social Causes: Highlight your commitment through volunteer work or related projects.
2. Flexibility and Adaptability: Show how you handle challenges and adjust to changing situations.
3. Teamwork and Collaboration: Emphasize your ability to work well with diverse teams.
4. Project Management Skills: Share your experience in planning, budgeting, and managing projects.
5. Cross-Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrate your understanding and respect for different cultures.

Formatting Your NGO CV

To grab the attention of recruiters, your CV should do more than list jobs. It should tell your story and highlight the skills and experiences that make you a great fit for mission-driven work. Here’s how to format your CV clearly:

1. Contact Information

Start your CV with your contact information. Keep it simple:

• Full Name: Use the name you go by professionally.
• Phone Number: Provide a number where you can be easily reached.
• Email Address: Use a professional email address.
• LinkedIn Profile: Include it if it highlights your professional achievements and experience.

2. Professional Summary

The professional summary is a brief overview of your career and goals. It should quickly highlight why you are a strong fit for an NGO role. Focus on your key achievements and your passion for working in the nonprofit sector.

Example Professional Summary:
Experienced community development professional with 7+ years of experience in leading health and education projects. Passionate about supporting underserved communities and creating lasting, positive change. Excited to contribute to an NGO that shares my commitment to social justice and equity.

3. Key Skills

This section highlights the skills that make you a strong fit for NGO work. Think about what makes you stand out—are you an expert in project management? Have you successfully engaged diverse communities? Customize this list to match the skills mentioned in the job description, as well as those that demonstrate your capacity for leadership and collaboration.

• Project Management: Skillful in planning and executing projects to meet goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to build and nurture relationships with donors and community leaders.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Effective in interacting with diverse groups and understanding cultural differences.
• Grant Writing and Fundraising: Experience securing funding through compelling proposals and strong relationships with donors.
• Advocacy and Policy Analysis: Ability to promote causes and analyze policies to drive change.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Expertise in assessing project outcomes and identifying areas for improvement.

4. Professional Experience

This section is where you demonstrate your career path and impact. Highlight roles that showcase your leadership, project management skills, and contributions to organizational missions. Use a reverse chronological format, starting with your most recent position.

Example Professional Experience:

Program Manager
Community Development Initiative (CDI) — Nairobi
June 2018 – Present

• Led a team of over 10 staff members in implementing health and education projects, benefiting more than 5,000 community members annually.
• Managed project budgets totaling $500,000, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and project milestones.
• Developed partnerships with local stakeholders, including government agencies and community leaders, to enhance project sustainability.

Community Outreach Coordinator
Global Health Advocates — Nairobi
January 2015 – May 2018

• Coordinated outreach efforts for health awareness programs, reaching over 10,000 individuals in underserved communities.
• Facilitated workshops and training sessions to empower local leaders and volunteers in health advocacy.
• Assisted in the development of communication materials that increased program visibility and engagement.

Tips for Writing the Professional Experience Section:

• Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with action verbs like “led,” “managed,” “developed,” and “coordinated” to convey your active role in achieving outcomes.
• Highlight Achievements: Focus on accomplishments and outcomes rather than just responsibilities. Use numbers and percentages to quantify your impact whenever possible.
• Customize Content: Adjust the content to highlight experience that aligns most closely with the role you are applying for.

5. Education

The education section of your CV should include your academic background, beginning with the most recent degree or certification. NGOs value education that aligns with their causes. Include your degrees, relevant coursework, and any research projects that reflect your commitment to social causes.

Example Education:

Master of Arts in International Development
University of Nairobi, Nairobi
Graduation: May 2015

• Relevant Coursework: International Development Policy, Social Change Strategies, Nonprofit Financial Management
• Thesis: “Sustainable Development Practices in East African Rural Communities”

Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences
Kenyatta University, Nairobi
Graduation: December 2012

• Relevant Coursework: Community Development, Human Rights Advocacy, Cultural Anthropology

Tips for Writing the Education Section:

• Highlight Relevant Coursework: Mention specific courses, projects, or research that relate directly to the NGO sector or the role you are applying for.
• Include Academic Achievements: If applicable, include honors, awards, or scholarships that underscore your dedication and excellence in your field.
• List Certifications: Mention any additional certifications or professional development programs that have enhanced your skills or knowledge in nonprofit work.

6. Volunteer Experience (if applicable)

Including volunteer experience in your CV is essential for demonstrating your commitment to social causes and community service. Include volunteer roles where you contributed to missions similar to the NGO you’re applying for.

Example Volunteer Experience:

Volunteer Coordinator
Youth Empowerment Network (YEN), Nairobi
January 2018 – December 2020

• Organized and led fundraising events that raised over $30,000 to support youth mentorship programs.
• Managed a team of 15 volunteers, coordinating weekly activities and workshops for over 200 underprivileged youth.
• Developed partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to enhance program outreach and impact.

Volunteer Teacher
Hope for All Foundation, Mombasa
June 2016 – August 2017

• Taught English and mathematics to children in low-income communities, improving student performance by 20%.
• Designed and implemented educational workshops focusing on life skills and personal development.

Tips for Writing the Volunteer Experience Section:

• Focus on Impact: Highlight how your volunteer work contributed to the organization’s goals or made a difference in the community.
• Be Specific: Provide concrete examples of your responsibilities and achievements, using numbers and details where possible.
• Align with NGO Values: Choose volunteer experiences that reflect the values and mission of the NGOs you are targeting in your job search.

7. Relevant Projects or Achievements

Highlighting specific projects or achievements on your CV can showcase your direct contributions and the tangible impact of your work. Focus on outcomes and the skills you used to achieve them.

Example Projects and Achievements:

Project Lead
Water Sanitation Initiative, Green Earth Organization
March 2019 – March 2020

• Led a team in implementing a water sanitation project that reduced waterborne diseases by 30% in a rural community.
• Coordinated with local government and community leaders to ensure the successful deployment and maintenance of water purification systems.
• Developed educational materials and workshops to increase community awareness about hygiene and sanitation practices.

Grant Writer
Renewable Energy Project, EcoPower NGO
September 2020 – June 2021

• Secured $50,000 in grant funding for a renewable energy initiative, expanding access to clean energy solutions in marginalized areas.
• Collaborated with technical experts and community representatives to develop a comprehensive project proposal that met donor criteria.
• Managed relationships with donors, providing regular updates and reports on project progress and impact.

Tips for Writing the Relevant Projects or Achievements Section:

• Use Metrics: Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements (e.g., percentage increases, dollar amounts, number of people impacted).
• Highlight Skills: Emphasize the skills you used in your projects, such as leadership, communication, or technical expertise.
• Connect to NGO Goals: Make sure your achievements demonstrate how you can contribute to the mission and objectives of the NGOs you are applying to.

8. Languages and Technical Skills

In the NGO sector, language proficiency and technical skills can significantly enhance your ability to contribute to an organization’s mission. This section of your CV should reflect your capacity to operate in diverse environments and handle specific technical tasks.

Languages

Being multilingual can be a huge asset in NGO work, especially in roles that involve international communication or community engagement in different regions.

Example:

• Languages:
  • English (Native)
  • Swahili (Fluent)
  • French (Conversational)

Technical Skills

Technical skills can vary widely depending on the role and organization. Highlight skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for, whether they are related to data analysis, project management, or specific software.

Example:

• Technical Skills:
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • Experience with project management tools such as Asana and Trello
  • Skilled in data analysis using SPSS and Salesforce CRM
  • Familiarity with community outreach tools and social media platforms

Tips for Writing the Languages and Technical Skills Section:

• Be Honest: Only include languages and skills you are truly proficient in. You may be tested on these in interviews.
• Relevance is Key: Customize this section to align with the skills and languages specified in the job description.
• Use Levels: Indicate your proficiency level (e.g., beginner, intermediate, fluent) to give a clear picture of your capabilities.

9. References

The references section is your opportunity to provide contacts who can vouch for your qualifications, work ethic, and suitability for the role you’re applying for. It’s important to handle this section with care to ensure your references are both relevant and professional.

How to Present References

• Statement: Typically, you will include a brief statement indicating that references are available upon request. This keeps your CV clean and focused, allowing you to provide detailed references when asked.

Example:

• References: Available upon request.
• Detailed References (if included directly in your CV):
  • Dr. Jane Smith
    Former Supervisor
    Community Development Organization
    Email: jane.smith@cdo.org
    Phone: (555) 987-6543
  • Mr. John Doe
    Board Member
    Global Outreach Initiative
    Email: john.doe@goi.org
    Phone: (555) 123-4567

Tips for Including References:

1. Select Relevant References: Choose references who are familiar with your work in the NGO sector or who can speak to your skills and achievements relevant to the role you are applying for.
2. Ask for Permission: Always seek permission from individuals before listing them as references. This courtesy ensures they are prepared to provide a positive and accurate reference.
3. Provide Accurate Details: Make sure the contact information for your references is current and correct.
4. Customize Your List: For each application, you might need to customize your list of references to best match the role you are applying for.

Final Tips

• Keep It Professional: Ensure all your references are professional contacts who can provide credible testimonials about your work.
• Update Regularly: Periodically update your references to ensure they remain current and relevant.

Example Of A CV For Non-Governmental Jobs

John Doe
Phone: +254 712 345 678
Email: john.doe@gmail.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndoe

Professional Summary
Experienced community development professional with over 7 years of expertise in leading health and education projects. Passionate about empowering underserved communities and driving impactful, sustainable change. Eager to contribute to an NGO that aligns with my dedication to social justice and equity.

Key Skills

• Project Management: Expert in planning, coordinating, and executing community-based projects to achieve targeted goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with local leaders, government agencies, and donors.
• Grant Writing and Fundraising: Extensive experience in securing funds through compelling grant proposals and fostering donor relations.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Skilled in working with diverse communities and understanding cultural sensitivities.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Proficient in assessing project impact, identifying areas of improvement, and reporting outcomes.
• Advocacy and Policy Analysis: Adept at promoting causes and analyzing policies to drive social change.

Professional Experience

Program Manager
Community Development Initiative (CDI) — Nairobi
June 2018 – Present

• Led a team of 10 staff members in implementing health and education projects, impacting 5,000+ community members annually.
• Managed project budgets of $500,000, ensuring compliance with donor guidelines and timely delivery of project milestones.
• Built partnerships with local authorities and community leaders, enhancing long-term sustainability of initiatives.

Community Outreach Coordinator
Global Health Advocates — Nairobi
January 2015 – May 2018

• Coordinated outreach efforts for health programs, benefiting over 10,000 individuals in marginalized communities.
• Facilitated workshops for local leaders, empowering them to champion health advocacy efforts in their regions.
• Developed educational materials that increased visibility and community participation in health campaigns.

Education

Master of Arts in International Development
University of Nairobi, Nairobi
Graduated: May 2015

• Relevant Coursework: International Development Policy, Social Change Strategies, Nonprofit Financial Management
• Thesis: “Sustainable Development Practices in East African Rural Communities”

Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences
Kenyatta University, Nairobi
Graduated: December 2012

• Relevant Coursework: Community Development, Human Rights Advocacy, Cultural Anthropology

Volunteer Experience (Optional)

Volunteer Coordinator
Youth Empowerment Network (YEN) — Nairobi
January 2018 – December 2020

• Organized and led fundraising events, raising $30,000+ to support youth mentorship programs.
• Managed a team of 15 volunteers, coordinating activities for 200+ disadvantaged youth on a weekly basis.
• Built partnerships with local businesses to increase program reach and impact.

Volunteer Teacher
Hope for All Foundation — Mombasa
June 2016 – August 2017

• Taught English and mathematics to low-income community children, improving their academic performance by 20%.
• Designed and implemented life skills workshops, helping children build confidence and personal development skills.

Relevant Projects and Achievements (Optional)

Project Lead
Water Sanitation Initiative, Green Earth Organization
March 2019 – March 2020

• Led a project to improve water sanitation, reducing waterborne diseases by 30% in rural communities.
• Collaborated with local government to install and maintain water purification systems.
• Created educational programs to promote hygiene practices in the community.

Grant Writer
Renewable Energy Project, EcoPower NGO
September 2020 – June 2021

• Secured $50,000 in grant funding for a clean energy project that improved access to renewable energy in underserved areas.
• Developed a comprehensive proposal with technical experts and community input, meeting donor requirements.

Languages and Technical Skills (Optional)

Languages

• English (Native)
• Swahili (Fluent)
• French (Conversational)

Technical Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Experienced with project management tools like Asana and Trello
• Skilled in data analysis using SPSS and Salesforce CRM
• Familiar with community outreach tools and social media platforms

References (Optional)
Available upon request.

Conclusion

Writing a CV for NGO roles involves a strategic focus on your commitment to social causes, relevant skills, and measurable achievements. By following the outlined structure and focusing on the elements that resonate with NGO values, you will create a compelling CV that stands out to recruiters. Customize each section to highlight your unique experiences and demonstrate your passion for making a positive impact in the world.

Remember to proofread thoroughly and update your CV regularly to reflect your latest accomplishments and skills. A well-structured CV will enhance your chances of making a meaningful contribution to an NGO and advancing its mission.