From essential qualifications like a relevant master's degree to language proficiency and gaining hands-on experience, this guide equips you with the tools to excel in the NGO sector.
Landing your dream job at a non-governmental organisation (NGO) is just as competitive – if not more so – than applying to any other public or private sector vacancy. Ultimately, your personal qualities, skills, knowledge, experience and ‘fit’ with the role and your chosen employer will prove the deciding factor. Below are some tips to boost your chances.
Get a master's degree in a relevant subject
According to untalent.org, an online portal for positions currently open within the United Nations (UN), most NGOs will not even consider applicants without a master’s degree in a subject relevant to what you want to do in the field.
Relevant fields could include international development, international relations, law, public health, nursing, engineering, gender studies, political science and more general subjects. NGOs, particularly larger international development organisations such as UNICEF, Save the Children and Amnesty International, need people who can also work in accounting, management, human resources, fundraising, marketing, public relations, logistics and operations.
The King’s online International Development MSc equips you with a firm understanding of the history, evolution, and impact of the theory, strategies and tactics used to promote development. You’ll see how these are applied in practical case studies from the Global South.
The general knowledge you gain can enhance any existing professional or subject-specific expertise, and you could use it to develop a more active role in international development than you currently have. You could pursue roles working within international organisations and standard-setting bodies like the UN, World Bank, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Improve your language skills
When applying for jobs at an International NGO, multilingualism can prove advantageous. Being able to speak and understand more than one other language will enable you to communicate more effectively with different client groups, government officials, media, staff and volunteers. Some international organisations and agencies insist on at least one second language.
For example, to work at the United Nations (UN), you must know at least two of the six official languages – Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish – to facilitate clear and concise communication (written and spoken) on issues of global importance.
The nature of the business of NGOs, many active in humanitarianism or the social sciences, means that they come into contact with people from all over the world. English, the most commonly spoken language in the world, is an official language in major organisations including the: Commonwealth of Nations, International Criminal Courts (ICC), Interpol, International Energy Agency (IEA), International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), Médecins Sans Frontières, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD/OCDE), Red Cross, World Bank, World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Trade Organisation (WTO).
So, if English is not your first language, you should be looking to improve your language proficiency.
Gain work or voluntary experience
Many charities and NGOs offer internships, for example, the International Crisis Group and Amnesty International, which not only give you valuable experience, but also greater insight into the sector to help you decide which roles are more likely to be of interest to you.
However, you can develop a range of transferrable skills with other more general work experience, which can boost your CV. For example, this could include: teaching and especially teaching English as a foreign language; working in an emergency or healthcare setting, such as a hospital or clinic; gaining legal experience or offering counselling and guidance; or providing support to organisations helping refugees, the homeless, young people and other vulnerable communities.
One of the easiest ways to obtain suitable work experience for NGO roles is to undertake voluntary work – either with a particular organisation you have in mind or something with similar goals – even just a few hours a week.
NGOs are always looking for volunteers who are eager to learn and are committed to their work. Many have their own volunteer programmes, such as UN Volunteers, while other organisations have been set up specifically to coordinate volunteering opportunities. For example, the International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) or the Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO), which has over 80,000 volunteers worldwide. You can even identify VSO volunteering opportunities at a local office in your country of residence.
Why study our International Development MSc?
Our International Development MSc builds your ability to analyse and critically evaluate policy-making processes in global development. Capitalising on the Department of International Development’s extensive in-depth regional expertise on Latin America, East Asia and the Middle East, you’ll get a non-Eurocentric worldview of international development. You’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of key global governance issues in areas such as climate change, trade policy and poverty.
