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.π
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!π
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The global career trends below have been made worse by COVID.
- the job market is tighter than pre-COVID times
- jobs don't last forever
- upward promotion is now limited
- there is more lateral growth
- organisations become flatter
- restructures and retrenchments are often
To future proof your career try the "New Traditional" approach:
- define your own success
- change roles often
- don't attach to 1 company
- be a lifelong learning
- build a robust network inside & outside
- enrich your job with growth projects
- have 3 career paths for options
Some jobs are not advertised, but you are invited to apply based on referrals.
My first paid NGO job was with KAF-Zim as a Programme Officer in 2002. The Res Rep asked for referrals from his network, 2 leaders I have volunteered for, separately recommended me for the interview.
At any stage in your career, you will not have the required skills or experience from paid wok, you can develop this from volunteer work.
I learnt program design and coordination from volunteer positions I held in high school, college and even now 20 years into NGO global work.
Tips on how to get into NGO work or transition and grow in the sector from a Career Coach who has worked for 20 years in the sector...π
A thread... π§΅
1. The NGO sector is professional like any other industry, so the usual advice for job search applies:
- have a Job search plan
- know what you offer
- research the market
- develop key documents
- profile yourself
- network
However, contextualise everything to the NGO sector.
2. Assess yourself - be clear about who you are and what type of NGO work resonates with you. So knowing your passion, purpose, vision, values, interests, personality etc helps.
Map what you can offer in NGO work - your education, training, transferrable skills, experience etc.
How to Identify the Life Crutches Holding You Back....π₯
You need to change. Everyone knows it too. Help has been offered. You have tried to change, but somehow there is that one reason you always give.
That's a Life Crutch.
Some examples and How to Change...ITS A THREAD!
2/10 Crutch #1 ~ EXCUSES
Think about excuses you give repeatedly in varying versions for not addressing growth-limiting behaviour. E.g. the two I used a lot before = I don't understand finances; running is not for me;
If it sounds like an excuse ACT!
3/10 Crutch #2 ~ STORIES
There are repeated stories you spin and tell yourself and others for not taking action. E.g. I have tried that before and it didn't work; In my family we are all like that;