What are Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)?
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are non-profit groups that operate independently of the government. Their mission is to improve the lives of people in a given geographical area, whether through charity work or advocacy.
NGOs often operate in countries where the government cannot or will not provide basic services. For example, NGOs have helped to reduce poverty and disease in developing countries by providing clean water, food, medical care and education. They also promote human rights, civil society and political freedom.
NGOs have been around for a long time and have often been the driving force behind social change. They range in size and scope from very small grassroots organizations to large international bodies, such as Oxfam International (which has over 1 million members worldwide).
Because NGOs are not part of the government, they are independent entities and have no formal legislative power. They may have a great impact on public policies, however, because of their ability to influence public opinion and persuade governments to change laws or policies.
The most common way for NGOs to raise money is through donations from individuals and companies. Some also receive government funding and support from international organizations such as the United Nations.
Do you want to work for a non-governmental organization (NGO), but aren’t sure what types of NGOs are out there?
The most common types of NGOs are:
Developmental NGOs: Developmental NGOs are organizations that serve to alleviate the effects of poverty, often by providing low-income individuals with basic services such as food, water and shelter. They also work to help impoverished communities develop sustainable sources of income, so they can eventually become self-sufficient.
Relief NGOs: Relief NGOs are non-profit organizations that provide humanitarian aid to people affected by natural and man-made disasters, such as earthquakes, floods and pandemics.
They may provide food, shelter and medical care in disaster zones, while also working with governments to rebuild communities and prevent future disasters.
Cultural NGOs: Cultural NGOs are non-governmental organizations that promote the arts, culture and heritage of a country or region. They often work with communities to develop creative projects, such as festivals, exhibitions and performances. Cultural NGOs are also involved in the preservation of natural and cultural heritage sites. These include monuments, buildings or areas that have been designated as historically significant by government bodies or UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
Charities: Charities provide direct services and support to people in need, such as food banks or homeless shelters. They may also work on issues related to poverty, such as lobbying for more affordable housing or increased social services spending.
Political Advocacy Groups: These groups lobby for specific policies and legislation, often on an international level. They may also pressure governments to adopt better environmental practices and human rights policies, among other things.
Research Institutions: Research institutions conduct studies on specific topics and publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals or reports that are available online or in print form. They may also conduct outreach programs or produce educational materials about their research findings for use by other organizations and individuals interested in their work.
Environmental NGOs are non-governmental organizations that focus on the environment. They can be involved in conservation, education, research and advocacy. Environmental NGOs play a key role in environmental protection and sustainable development by:
- Advancing public understanding of environmental issues and policy options
- Influencing public opinion and government policy on environmental issues
- Mobilizing citizens to participate actively in environmental decision-making
NGOs can also be classified by the level of their involvement in decision making and by the type of activity they undertake. They are: (i) International NGOs; (ii) Regional NGOs; and (iii)National NGOs.
Common Job Roles In Non-Governmental Organizations
NGO jobs can be a great way to make a difference in the world. The idea of working for an NGO may seem daunting, but it is quite simple. The type of job available will depend on your skills and training, the organization itself, its size and structure, and the sector it works in.
For example:
- You might be working with a small local community group that helps people in need by providing food and shelter. This type of job will require you to work with those who need help, so it’s essential that you have good communication skills, empathy and compassion. You will need to be able to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life, understand their needs and how best to meet them, as well as being able to organize events for fundraising purposes.
- You might be working for an international organization that works in a particular area of development such as poverty alleviation or health care provision, where your role may involve overseeing projects or programs that support disadvantaged communities in developing countries around the world. This requires excellent organizational skills along with experience working with people from diverse backgrounds who may not share your culture or language; however they still need to feel welcomed and supported by those around them who care about their wellbeing
So what type of NGO jobs in Kenya will you be suited for?
Here are a few of the most common types of NGO jobs:
Program Officer – This is the most common type of NGO job. These professionals work in program areas like education, healthcare, and human rights. They help develop and implement programs that benefit their communities. For example, they might support an after-school program or develop new health initiatives for at-risk groups.
Fundraising Manager – These professionals manage fundraising efforts for their organization using various strategies like social media campaigns and direct mail appeals. They also help secure funding from donors and foundations.
Communications Specialist – Communications specialists design and implement communication strategies for their organization’s programs, services, policies or advocacy efforts. They write press releases, create websites and newsletters, manage social media accounts and more!
Administrative Jobs – Administrative roles are common in NGOs because they require someone who can keep the operation running smoothly. You might be asked to handle HR or financial matters, or even manage IT systems. If you have experience in these areas, it could give you a head start when looking for NGO jobs.
Research and Development Jobs – NGOs often rely on research as part of their work, so this type of job is common among those who work for them. Research positions can involve conducting interviews and surveys, analyzing data and compiling reports for use by other members of staff within the organization. If you enjoy research and analysis then this might be a good option for you when looking for NGO jobs.
What Qualifications And Experience Do You Need To Work For NGOs?
When it comes to the subject of NGO workers, there are many different people who do many different things. No matter what you’re interested in, there is an NGO out there that will match your skill set with a project that needs to be done. However, if you want to work for an NGO, you need certain qualifications.
The first thing you should know about working for an NGO is that it’s not just about doing good deeds for others. You need to have experience working in the field and gain knowledge about the issue at hand, as well as how to effectively communicate with those who need help.
Here are some of the qualifications that you may need to have:
A degree in social sciences or human services. This is one of the most common qualifications for any kind of NGO worker position because it helps them understand how society works and how people interact with each other under different conditions. It will also give them the skills required to deal with people on an emotional level while still being able to remain objective because they will have learned how to separate their personal feelings from their professional ones in order to do their job effectively.
Apart from academic requirements, these general qualifications that will help you get any job with a nonprofit.
These include:
Good communication skills – To interact effectively with people from all backgrounds, you’ll need strong communication skills. This includes speaking clearly, listening carefully, and being able to express yourself in writing and body language.
Awareness of needs – The aim of an NGO is to help those who need assistance by providing them with resources like food or shelter. In order to do this effectively, you must be aware of what your target group needs most urgently and how best to meet their needs.
Tolerance – NGOs work with people from all backgrounds who may not share your culture or beliefs. For example, an AIDS charity worker may have to work with people from different ethnic groups who aren’t used to having white people working in their communities yet still need aid from those volunteers on equal terms with others who may be more familiar.
If you want to work in Africa as an aid worker then it helps if you have additional skills like fluency in French or another African language such as Swahili or Hausa. While these skills are not essential for working in other parts of the world they will definitely help you get hired by NGOs working in Africa because many organizations prefer hiring people from that part of the world who can speak local languages fluently.
What are the salaries for NGO workers?
The answer to this question is complicated. In general terms, the salaries of NGO workers depend on their level of education, their area of expertise and their experience. In general, salaries tend to be lower than those found in the corporate world.
The average salary for nonprofit workers is Ksh. 4.5M per year. This includes all nonprofits — from large organizations to small ones. There are some exceptions, however: some jobs pay more; some pay less; and there are some that offer no salary at all (see below).
How Much Do Entry Level Positions Pay?
Entry level NGOs will often hire people with bachelor’s degrees in social sciences or liberal arts and pay them between Ksh. 2M-Ksh. 2.5M per year.
How Much Do Nonprofit Managers Make?
Many managerial positions require more than a bachelor’s degree. Managers tend to make more money than entry level employees in nonprofits because they have more responsibility and they usually have higher educational requirements. Many managers also have significant experience working in nonprofits before they advance into management roles. Managers should expect to earn at least Ksh. 2.5M
What About Executive Directors?
Executive directors usually make between Ksh. 3M- Ksh.6M annually, depending on the size of their organizations and other factors like whether or not they manage multiple locations or oversee multiple departments within one location
Some NGOs hire volunteers who do not receive any compensation for their work but most organizations pay some kind.
What Are The Benefits of Working For NGOs?
The NGO sector is a world of its own, with its own jargon and work culture. It can be hard for people new to the sector to get their head around what working in it means and what they should expect from their job.
An NGO job can be extremely rewarding. The work you do can make a real difference to people’s lives, whether it’s helping them find food or shelter or providing education.
NGO jobs offer a wide range of benefits, but they are not always obvious to outsiders. Here are some of the most common ones:
- You’ll have a purpose – working in an NGO is more than just a job – it’s a way of making a difference in society. Many people are drawn to nonprofit organizations because they support causes that are close to their hearts. Volunteering or working for an organization that aligns with your values is a great way to make a difference in the world while working for a cause you believe in;
- You’ll learn new skills – many NGOs provide training courses for their staff and volunteers;
- You’ll meet new people – working in an NGO gives you the opportunity to meet interesting people from all walks of life;
- You’ll develop your career – if you want more responsibility or advancement, NGOs often have room for promotion within them;
- You’ll have flexible hours – most NGOs are open from Monday to Friday during daylight hours only (although many will offer evening or weekend volunteering opportunities). This means that you won’t be tied down by office hours like in other types of employment;
- You do meaningful work – Volunteering or working for a nonprofit helps you find purpose in your life by doing something you care about on a daily basis — whether it’s helping others or protecting the environment, there is something out there for everyone!
How do you find NGO jobs?
If you’re looking for a job in the nonprofit sector, the first step is to identify the types of organizations that interest you. You can then search for positions at those organizations or look for other ways to get involved — such as volunteering or interning.
Here are some steps to help get started:
1. Identify your interests. Do you want to work with children, animals or seniors? Or do you have a specific cause that is near and dear to your heart? Asking yourself these questions will help narrow down the types of jobs that might be available to you in the nonprofit sector. For example, if you love animals but aren’t necessarily interested in working with dogs specifically, then consider other ways you could support animals (including volunteering at an animal shelter).
2. Research organizations that fit your interests. Start by using Google or another search engine to find out which nonprofits exist in your area (or internationally). Then look up those nonprofits’ websites and read about their missions and other areas of interest (such as program areas or geographic locations). This will help you figure out if any of these groups might be good matches for what you’re looking for in a job or volunteer opportunity.
What are the best places to find NGO jobs?
Finding a job in the non-profit sector can be a difficult process. There are many ways to go about it and there is no right or wrong way, but here are some tips that may help you find a job in this field:
a) Search NGO Jobs In Kenya on AtomCareer
AtomCareer is great resource for finding NGO jobs in Kenya or abroad. AtomCareer offers more than 5,000 job opportunities each month across Kenya and abroad with listings of full-time, part-time and volunteer positions at nonprofits and companies across multiple industries. You can search by keyword or browse by location or category if you have more specific interests in mind.
b) Look at their websites and social media accounts
Start by looking up online. Many non-profits have their own websites where they advertise their vacancies.
What are some examples of NGO websites In Kenya?
- Kenya Redcross https://www.redcross.or.ke/careers
- Engender Health https://www.engenderhealth.org/about/work-with-us/careers
- Rescue Committee https://www.rescue.org/careers
- Amref https://amref.org/vacancies/
- Mercy Corps https://www.mercycorps.org/careers
c) Find NGO Jobs in Kenya On LinkedIn
One of the best ways that you can find NGO jobs is by using LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a social media platform that allows users to create profiles and connect with other users who have similar interests and goals.
It’s also a great way to find jobs. There are plenty of people who use LinkedIn as a job search tool because they know that recruiters often look through the site when they’re looking for workers.
When you set up your profile on LinkedIn, you should make sure that it’s as complete as possible. Your profile should include all relevant information about your experience and education so that recruiters can better understand your background and what makes you qualified for the position they’re trying to fill.
It’s also important to take advantage of any opportunities that come up in search results related to the NGO jobs that interest you most. If there’s an organization in your area that has posted openings, don’t hesitate to apply! You never know what could happen!
You can use LinkedIn to find NGO jobs in a variety of ways.
Search for positions at NGOs
You can search for NGO jobs by using the advanced search function on LinkedIn. In the search field, type in keywords such as “nonprofit” or “NGO.” You can also limit your search results to a specific geographic region or country by using a keyword like “Kenya” or “Nairobi.” Use the drop-down menu next to the category section to select from a list of options such as “fundraising,” “human resources,” and “programming.” You’ll see job titles listed under each category. Click on any job title that interests you to view more information about it, including its location and salary details.
Follow individual organizations’ career pages
Many NGOs in Kenya have their own career pages on LinkedIn where they post job openings and other employment opportunities. The Global Fund for Women, for example, posts all of its open positions on its career page, including an internships at its offices ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-fund-for-women/ ). The Kenya Red Cross also lists many of its open positions on its career page on LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/kenya-red-cross/ )
d) Check out volunteering opportunities
If you’re looking for experience or don’t want to commit to full-time employment straight away, then why not try volunteering? Volunteering is a great way of gaining valuable experience and making connections with people who work for non-profits or charities in your local area, which could lead to full-time employment later down the line!
We hope this tips will help you land employment in the NGO sector. One thing that is important to note is that there are many NGOs operating around the world and hence competition for these jobs can be quite stiff. If you really want to get a job in an NGO, then it will require effort on your part as well as perseverance.
Good Luck!
