Do you want to land an NGO Job in Kenya?
Before you say you are not interested because they do not pay well. Let me give you a shocker!
Some NGOs offer attractive salaries and benefits to their staff.
Working with a non-governmental organization or NGO as it is popularly called can be very fulfilling as you get to be of help to people in need and create positive changes in your immediate community.
However, before deciding whether to work in an NGO or not, it is important to realize that some NGOs are volunteering jobs. Volunteering jobs are jobs where you are not paid for the work even though the activities you carry out in the name of the organization will be sponsored by them.
So if you are still interesting in working an NGO, then I will share with you some secrets for getting a job with an NGO in Kenya.
What is An NGO?
NGOs are non-governmental organizations that are set up not for profit. They are independent of government influence even though they may receive government funding. It is task oriented and driven by people with a common interest.
NGOs are voluntary citizens groups organized locally, nationally or internationally for a variety of humanitarian services and functions.
What Do NGO’s Do?
Non-governmental organizations play an increasingly important role in international development. They serve as a funnel for development funds from individual donors in wealthy countries. At the same time, NGOs are frequently idealized as organizations committed to "doing good" while setting aside profit or politics.
Non-governmental organizations play important roles, often filling gaps which the government is unable to while complementing existing government activities. Some are organized for specific functions like:
7 Sure Ways to Get An NGO Job in Kenya
There are a lot of opportunities advertised in NGOs every year, but the first thing you need to do is decide exactly what it is you want to do. What do you want to achieve? What drives you? What change do you want to see in the world? Take time to understand what you are passionate about and what will give you job satisfaction.
This will help you to significantly narrow down the type of work you want to do and what types of organizations you want to work for. Whether you want to work with refugees, animals, children, disabled people, war victims, the elderly or any other cause that you can think of, there will be an NGO providing solutions and opportunities.
Securing a job in an NGO is competitive. It is your personal qualities, skills, knowledge, and experience that will determine whether you can get your foot on that first step of the ladder. Invest in yourself and develop skills that are valuable to the role you want to do and the organization you want to work for.
1. Identify which field you want to work:
As earlier stated, NGOs are organized for different functions. You have to identify which particular field you are passionate or enthusiastic about. For example, if you studied public health in the university, then working with an NGO that is in the health sector will give you a huge advantage.
2. Join as a volunteer:
Volunteering is a sure way to boost your CV and a great way to network. And if you don’t know, working as a volunteer with an NGO is perhaps one of the best ways to get a job working with an NGO.
As a volunteer, you might find out about roles at the charity that might not be widely advertised. You will gain insights into the running of the charity, which you might not get as a regular volunteer. Be genuinely involved in the activities of the organization, show off your skills and you just might be staffed based on your performance as a volunteer.
3. Be present and offer value:
It is not enough to just volunteer and not add any value to the organization. Be ready to take up responsibilities. Also, ensure that you have something to offer that will bring about maximum output. For example, have people skills, organization skills and so on.
4. Watch out for job openings:
You can get loads of hints about available NGO jobs from the NGOs’ websites or on a job site in Kenya like this one. Many of them have websites that you can visit for information on the latest available job openings. Small charities are unlikely to advertise widely. If you keep track of nearby charities, you can send out speculative letters expressing your interest in working for them.
5. Network with peers in other NGOs:
Getting a job generally is highly dependent on how well you can network. Talk with your peers who already are working in an NGO so they gave you an insider tip to available openings either with their own NGO or somewhere else.
6. Update your CV to showcase your skills:
Working in an NGO requires a broad knowledge base. There are specialist roles for those with the RIGHT degree and professional CVs, such as surveyors and engineers. If your CV is not properly written or updated, you might not be considered for a job which you even qualify for. You deserve to have your academic and professional background noticed and considered. You can subscribe for professional CV writing services here.
7. Be prepared for the job interview:
Your performance in a job interview goes a long way to determine if you get the job or not regardless of your qualifications. Be bold, look decent and ace your interview with some crucial interview tips here.
3 Core Skills Needed to Work in An NGO.
The Main Challenges of Working With An NGO.
• Financial constraint- NGOs are organized by individuals who come together to put their money, time, and effort down for a particular cause. However, some of these organizations are constrained by limited funds and resources. This also restricts their activities unless there is external support from the government or other organizations.
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others – Mahatma Gandhi
Working in an NGO helps to improve the community and the nation at large. It doesn’t matter what your experience is if you have the passion to support people you can find a job in an NGO in Kenya.
Hello.I am very much delighted to have the knowledge about MyJobMag.I hereby write to ask for an opportunity to be a volunteer.I'm a third year student at Masinde muliro University, taking nursing.Im conversant with French,and fluently speak English and Swahili
Thanks for the knowledge. I can volunteer too. Am a graduate in in nutrition and dietetic Management diploma level.i wish to get more information and skills in that field if given a chance
Willing to volunteer
Thanks for the information. I am a second year student from garissa University and am ready to volunteer ,I pursue bachelor of science in applied statistics with computing . I would like to know more and get more experience on the that field
I am mercy with Bsc.in sociology and social work....I could wish to volunteer...
I would like to volunteer. I am a Clinical Medicine student .
Hello I have diploma in supply chain management and current a General Manager in farm machinery company I would like to volunteer
Am willing to volunteer too am a graduate ,, nutrition and dietetics at certificate level
I am Dancan wish to volunteer if given a chance. I pursued in Community Development and Social Work at The Co-operative University of Kenya Karen diploma level
Am Martha Biginga and I'd wish to volunteer if given a chance. I have done both certificate and diploma in mass Communication from the technical university of Mombasa
Am Odhiambo Ronny Jkuat university 3.1 taking public management and development I would like to volunteer
Am loise maina Egerton university willing to volunteer
I am Evaline Jeptoo a third year student from South Eastern Kenya University pursuing Bachelor of Science in Education (Chemistry/Mathematics. I am ready and willing to work as a volonteer in this organization.
Am isaya abwao I did diploma in business management am ready to volunteer
Am isaya abwao I did diploma in business management am ready to volunteer
Am isaya abwao I did diploma in business management am ready to volunteer
Am isaya abwao I did diploma in business management am ready to volunteer
Thanks for the information.I have pursued certificate,diploma and higher diploma in Social work and Community development.I am ready and willing to volunteer and get more knowledge,skills and experience in that field.
Hello, am Stella Njogu, i did a course in Catering and Accommodation. I am willing to be a volunteer.
Hi,i appreciate for the above information,i hereby write to ask for an opportunity to be a volunteer.am a third year student persuing diploma in early childhood teacher education (CBC BASED) at International teachers training college ready to work with an organization concerning children( save the children) Thank you.
Am greatful for the information and knowledge above, am Lovine Ouma, a Mount Kenya University Student, am In my fourth year, pursuing Health Records and Information management . Am requesting to volunteer and learn more of my career.
Hi,my name is Judy wanjiku, I have pursued diploma in hospitality and tourism management.i am ready and willing to volunteer
I thank you for that important information you have offered here. I would like to volunteer to work with any of the Kenyan NGOs. I hold bachelor of commerce in hrm from Kenyatta university and since I am currently doing nothing, I can engage in this charity work to better others lives as we move on. My name is Simon mwanzia2020@gmail.com
Hello ,,I am Racheal Nyambura Maina a third year student at Murang'a university of technology pursing bachelor in linguistics and communication studies.
I am willing to volunteer in field of communication , public relations and customer services ..article writing etc .
Hello, am Rhodah, a teacher of learners who are mentally challenged. Willing to volunteer on this field. Thanks.
Hello, am Rhodah, a teacher of learners who are mentally challenged. Willing to volunteer on this field. Thanks.
Hello, am Rhodah, a teacher of learners who are mentally challenged. Willing to volunteer on this field. Thanks.
I'm Dorothy odipo willing to volunteer