Thread by @EnnieChipembere

Hi future NGO Worker... some tips on how to get an NGO job.

Hi NGO worker... adapt these tips to grow in your NGO career or to support your search for a new job/role.

A thread... to set you up!

#CoachEnnie

If interested in getting a job in an NGO, you probably have relevant transferrable experience for the NGO sector, map what that is.

However, entering a sector or going through a career transition requires systematic career planning and a bit of faith, opportunity and luck.😊

Know yourself - is a foundation for any career

Be clear about who you are and what type of NGO work resonates with you. Knowing your passion, purpose, vision, values, interests etc helps.

Map what you can offer in NGO work - your education, transferrable skills, experience etc

Research your target to know how to get the job.

Explore the NGO sector - research via websites, social media, interview NGO workers.

Focus your interest area e.g. women, agriculture, education etc.

Review sector trends in terms of - issues, jobs, funding, skills in demand etc

Focus your job search!

Use your NGO research to narrow your focus using a criteria that works for you. E.g. subject, geography, local/international NGOs etc.

Identify employers to target. Eg. 5 to learn more about or engage in their activities - volunteering, free events etc.

For the job you want, get relevant experience & knowledge

For NGOs:
- volunteer with community groups
- network with NGO workers/be mentored
- participate in NGO programs/Internship
- ensure current experience is transferable to NGO jobs
- setup an NGO
- take NGO courses/degrees

Position yourself for the job you want.

For NGOs:
- get a traceable profile showing your interest
- "get your hands dirty" via experience
- blog/write about your passion.
- present at conferences
- post work on social media
- ensure the right NGO people notice you & your work.

Learn about the career you want to be equipped.

For NGOs:
- Do NGO courses even if you don't get a certificate
- Learn trends, jobs types on the market, skills in demand, qualifications needed, hiring cycles
- Get sector knowledge by joining NGO groups to learn how they operate

Networking is a critical job search strategy

For NGOs:
- Identify NGO experts in your interest area and follow them on social media or published work they share
- Participate in NGO events/campaigns are still a great entry point
- volunteer to connect and get referrals and leads

Job sources mapping is a must to target your search.

For NGOs:
- go to their websites
- NGO workers as leads
- lean on your network eg where you volunteered
- NGO local and global job portals - Devjobs; Reliefweb; Devex; NGO umbrella bodies
- NGO specific recruitment agencies

Job application is a systematic process.

Once you identify the job:
- map the requirements against your CV
- work on your CV and Cover Letter
- prepare referees
- update LinkedIn profile
- develop elevator "pitch" for networking
- apply in time, checking submission requirements

Personal and Career Branding helps your job search

Work on who you are, image, expertise, social media posts, profile; work on your interview skills.

Getting into NGOs is not linear and can be short or long depending on the responses from the sector and your work.

Good luck!🌟

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