Understanding the NGO & Development Sector

The international development sector encompasses a wide range of organisations — from large multilateral bodies like UNDP and WHO, to international NGOs such as Oxfam and Save the Children, to smaller local civil society organisations working at the grassroots level. Despite their differences in size and mandate, these organisations share a mission-driven culture and a focus on measurable impact.

Competition for roles can be intense, especially at the entry level. But with the right strategy, qualifications, and persistence, breaking in is entirely achievable.

Types of Organisations in the Sector

  • UN Agencies & Multilaterals – UNDP, UNICEF, WHO, WFP, ILO, UNHCR. These offer structured career tracks and competitive packages but have rigorous selection processes.
  • International NGOs (INGOs) – Oxfam, MSF, IRC, CARE International, Plan International. Field-focused, often requiring willingness to be deployed in challenging environments.
  • Bilateral Development Agencies – USAID, DFID/FCDO (UK), GIZ (Germany), AFD (France). These implement government-funded development programmes and hire both nationals and internationals.
  • Local NGOs & Civil Society – Country-specific organisations often partnered with INGOs. Excellent entry points for gaining sector experience.
  • Development Consulting Firms – Companies like Palladium, DAI, and Tetra Tech manage large donor-funded contracts and hire specialists across many disciplines.

Essential Qualifications & Skills

While requirements vary by role, certain credentials and competencies consistently strengthen an application:

  • Relevant degrees: International Development, Public Health, Economics, Political Science, Social Work, or a technical field (engineering, agriculture, etc.).
  • Programme management skills: Experience with the project cycle — design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation — is highly valued.
  • Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E): The ability to design results frameworks and collect/analyse impact data is increasingly essential at all levels.
  • Language skills: French, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, or Swahili dramatically widens your geographic scope of opportunities.
  • Humanitarian principles: Understanding of Do No Harm, protection mainstreaming, and accountability to affected populations.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your First NGO Job

  1. Start locally. Volunteer or seek internships with local NGOs in your country. Hands-on experience — even unpaid — builds your CV and your network.
  2. Get certified in key areas. Short courses in project management (PMD Pro), humanitarian response (BSAFE, HEAT), or M&E can set you apart.
  3. Create profiles on sector job boards. ReliefWeb, DevEx, Idealist, and the UN Careers portal are the primary platforms for development sector vacancies.
  4. Network actively. LinkedIn is valuable, but also attend sector events, webinars, and conferences. Many jobs are filled through professional connections.
  5. Tailor every application. Generic cover letters fail in this sector. Demonstrate specific knowledge of the organisation's programmes and strategic priorities.
  6. Apply for Associate and Junior Professional Officer (JPO) programmes. Many UN agencies offer sponsored entry-level positions for nationals of contributing countries.

Key Job Boards for NGO & Development Roles

  • ReliefWeb – The leading platform for humanitarian and development vacancies worldwide.
  • DevEx – Focused on international development professionals, with news and jobs.
  • Idealist.org – Strong for NGO roles, especially in the Americas and Europe.
  • UN Careers (careers.un.org) – All UN Secretariat positions listed here.
  • UNICEF Jobs, WHO Careers, WFP Careers – Individual UN agency portals often list roles not appearing elsewhere.

Common Misconceptions About NGO Careers

  • "You have to be a foreigner to get international roles." Not true — local national positions often outnumber international ones, and many organisations prioritise local hiring.
  • "NGO salaries are always low." Salaries vary enormously. Senior roles at INGOs or UN agencies are highly competitive; entry-level roles at small local NGOs tend to be more modest.
  • "You need to be in a conflict zone to matter." Development work happens everywhere — capital cities, rural development projects, policy offices, and regional hubs.

The path into international development takes dedication, but for those with the right skills and commitment, it offers a career of genuine global impact.