How to Get an NGO Job in Nigeria Without Experience

Getting an NGO job in Nigeria demands a deep understanding of the humanitarian landscape, a passion for impact and the right mix of technical and soft skills.

NGOs in Nigeria operate in diverse sectors such as health, education, gender rights, food security and emergency response. Whether it’s an international agency like UNICEF or a grassroots non-profit based in a rural community, each organization is looking for candidates who not only meet the job criteria but are also mission-driven and adaptable to the complex realities of humanitarian work in Nigeria.

What makes learning how to get an NGO job in Nigeria truly important is the career transformation and personal fulfillment it offers. Unlike typical 9-to-5 roles, NGO jobs often place you in dynamic environments where your work directly improves lives.

From coordinating relief efforts during crises to training underserved youth in rural communities, the scope is vast and meaningful. But competition is high and without a clear strategy-such as building relevant experience, taking humanitarian-related courses and networking in the sector-it’s easy to get lost in the crowd.

The Different Categories of NGOs Operating in Nigeria

There are thousands of Non-Governmental Organizations operating within Nigeria. Understanding the landscape is the first step to landing your dream job.

International NGOs (INGOs): These are globally recognized bodies like the United Nations agencies, International Rescue Committee (IRC), Oxfam, Mercy Corps, etc. They typically pay the highest and offer long-term contracts.
Local NGOs: These are registered within Nigeria and operate on smaller budgets. They include groups like CLEEN Foundation, CISLAC and Project Alert.
Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations: These NGOs operate around religious or community initiatives and sometimes have donor backing.

To succeed, you must understand the category you want to target and tailor your strategy accordingly.

What Roles Do NGOs Recruit For in Nigeria?

Knowing which roles are frequently in demand helps you focus your efforts. Here are the most common ones:

Program Officer / Project Coordinator
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist
Finance and Grants Officer
Logistics and Procurement Officer
Communications/Media Assistant
Community Mobilization Officer
Health & Nutrition Officers (especially for medical NGOs)
Administrative Support

Every NGO job in Nigeria requires a combination of technical know-how and soft skills like teamwork, empathy and adaptability.

The Right Educational Background and Skills That NGOs Look For

Academic Requirements for NGO Work

You don’t necessarily need a master’s degree to get an NGO job in Nigeria. However, most NGO roles require at least a bachelor’s degree in fields such as:

Sociology
Public Health
Development Studies
International Relations
Political Science
Environmental Science
Economics
Accounting

Specialized jobs may require certifications, especially in finance (ICAN, ACCA), project management (PMP) or monitoring and evaluation (M&E).

Soft and Technical Skills That Make You Stand Out

Beyond academics, NGOs value practical skills. Some of the most demanded include:

Report Writing
Proposal Writing and Grant Management
Data Analysis (SPSS, Excel, KoboToolbox)
Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks
Community Engagement Techniques
Project Implementation Tools (like Gantt Charts)
Stakeholder Management

Strategic Steps to Boost Your Chances of Landing an NGO Job

Step 1: Gain Relevant Experience-Even as a Volunteer

One of the fastest routes to breaking into the NGO sector in Nigeria is through volunteering. NGOs value field experience more than polished certificates.

Volunteer with a local NGO or community project.
Take unpaid internships if needed.
Offer your services to grassroots organizations.

Your experience in these roles is what will eventually attract bigger opportunities.

Step 2: Optimize Your CV for NGO Recruiters

Your CV should reflect:

Results, not just responsibilities
Relevant keywords like “project implementation,” “stakeholder engagement,” or “grant compliance”
Quantifiable achievements (e.g., “trained 200+ health workers on WASH practices”)
Skills aligned with the role (mention tools like Excel, Trello, M&E frameworks)

Customize your CV for every single NGO job in Nigeria you apply for.

Step 3: Build NGO-Relevant Certifications and Courses

Take online courses from platforms like:

Humanitarian Leadership Academy (free and globally recognized)
DisasterReady.org (certifications for free)
Coursera (especially certificates on Public Health, Project Management and Fundraising)

Certificates from these platforms are highly respected and boost your credibility.

Step 4: Be Active on NGO Job Portals and Networks

You must be where the jobs are. Bookmark and check these platforms regularly:

MyJobMag (NGO Jobs section)
ReliefWeb
DevNetJobs
NGOJobsAfrica
Jobzilla
Hot Nigerian Jobs

Follow and engage with NGO recruiters and HR managers on LinkedIn. That visibility alone can get you shortlisted.

Step 5: Ace the NGO Interview Process

Interviews for NGO jobs in Nigeria often test your:

Knowledge of humanitarian principles
Practical experience (especially how you’ve handled field challenges)
Understanding of gender issues, human rights, conflict sensitivity
Commitment to organizational values

Prepare by practicing answers that show empathy, initiative and your ability to work in tough environments.

Where to Find NGO Job Vacancies in Nigeria

If you’re serious about knowing how to get an NGO job in Nigeria, you must bookmark and track the right platforms.

Best Websites and Portals:

ReliefWeb (reliefweb.int)
MyJobMag (myjobmag.com)
NGOJobsAfrica.com
DevNetJobs.org
Jobzilla.ng
UN Job List
Fuzu
HotNigerianJobs.com
Official NGO websites (e.g., Mercy Corps Careers, Action Against Hunger, IRC, etc.)

Social Media:

LinkedIn
Twitter (follow hashtags like #NGOJobs, #HumanitarianJobs)
NGO WhatsApp/Telegram job groups (very effective)

Top NGOs in Nigeria Currently Hiring

If you’re actively looking, these organizations regularly advertise openings:

1. International Rescue Committee (IRC): Known for its work in health, protection, education and economic recovery, IRC has a strong presence in northeastern Nigeria. They often recruit for field staff, child protection officers and nutrition experts.

2. Mercy Corps Nigeria: Focused on resilience-building, youth empowerment and conflict resolution, Mercy Corps operates in volatile regions and hires for technical and support roles. They frequently post jobs for community engagement officers, MEL advisors and program assistants.

3. Plan International: This child rights-focused NGO often hires for gender, education, youth development and WASH-related roles. They offer both permanent and project-based contracts.

4. Action Against Hunger: Specializing in food security, nutrition and water sanitation, this NGO recruits across multiple states for health workers, logistics experts and program managers.

5. Catholic Relief Services (CRS): A faith-based NGO with a strong focus on agriculture, health and emergency response. CRS often seeks professionals in administration, finance, project design and field coordination.

6. Save The Children: One of the largest NGOs focusing on child protection and education. They recruit regularly for program development officers, education specialists and advocacy officers.

7. CARE International: With active projects in gender equality, health and livelihoods, CARE Nigeria hires for program leads, safeguarding officers and M&E roles.

8. UNICEF: As part of the United Nations system, UNICEF offers highly competitive jobs in child protection, health, education and communications. Their hiring process is rigorous but rewarding.

9. World Food Programme (WFP): Also under the UN, WFP specializes in food security and nutrition. They regularly hire logistics officers, warehouse managers and program policy officers for their Nigerian operations.

10. Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC): NRC supports displaced populations through shelter, education, livelihoods and legal support. They often seek humanitarians for their protection and camp coordination roles.

These NGOs are mostly headquartered in Abuja but have strong field presence in Maiduguri, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Borno, Taraba and Lagos. Many roles, especially in emergency response and monitoring, require relocation or frequent travel to field sites. To stay ahead, follow their career portals and set alerts on platforms like ReliefWeb, MyJobMag and NGOJobsAfrica.

How to Transition from Other Careers Into the NGO Space

Switching from Corporate Jobs

If you’re in banking, telecom or a tech company, you can still switch. NGOs often need expertise in finance, communications, IT and logistics. Highlight your transferable skills and emphasize your passion for development.

Switching from Government or Teaching Roles

Teachers and civil servants can highlight their experience in community engagement, policy implementation and education management. These are highly transferable to NGO project roles.

Start Small, Think Big

Don’t ignore entry-level NGO positions. Many NGO leaders in Nigeria today began as interns, volunteers or community liaisons. Get your foot in the door, prove yourself and you can climb the ladder quickly.

Insider Secrets to Landing Your First NGO Job in Nigeria

Networking Like a Pro

Over 50% of NGO hires in Nigeria come from referrals or internal recommendations. Here’s how to network smart:

Attend development-focused webinars and seminars
Join LinkedIn groups for NGO professionals in Africa
Comment insightfully on posts by NGO HR managers
Keep in touch with former volunteers and field colleagues

Crafting Emails That Get You Noticed

When applying directly or cold-emailing NGOs:

Use a specific subject line like “Application for Program Officer Role – North East Nigeria”
Be concise and results-oriented
Attach a tailored CV and relevant certificates
Mention why their cause matters to you

Applying During the Right Season

Most NGO jobs in Nigeria open up around donor funding cycles. Watch out for January to April and August to October. This is when most project funding starts and fresh recruitments happen.

Breaking into the NGO space in Nigeria is competitive and sadly, many qualified candidates sabotage their chances through avoidable errors. Knowing how to get an NGO job in Nigeria also means knowing exactly what not to do during your application process. Below are common pitfalls-and practical solutions to help you stay ahead of the pack.

Generic CVs and Cover Letters

This is by far the most widespread mistake. Many applicants send out the same CV and cover letter to every NGO job they find. Recruiters can smell a generic application from a mile away. It screams: “I didn’t do my homework.”

Solution: Tailor every CV and cover letter to match the specific job description. Highlight relevant keywords from the job ad. Emphasize how your past experience aligns directly with the role’s responsibilities.

Ignoring the Selection Criteria

NGOs-especially international ones-usually include specific selection or eligibility criteria in their job ads (e.g., minimum years of experience, language requirements or familiarity with certain tools like KoboCollect).

Solution: Don’t skip over this. Read the job description line by line. Address each criterion clearly in your CV or cover letter. If you don’t meet one or two, use your letter to show willingness to learn or how other skills can compensate.

Faking Experience

Some applicants get desperate and decide to invent job titles, responsibilities or organizations to sound more qualified. This backfires quickly. Most NGOs conduct rigorous background checks, call former supervisors and even reach out to partner organizations to confirm your experience.

Solution: Be honest about your experience. If you lack real fieldwork, build it authentically by volunteering or interning with local NGOs. Even community projects or church-based outreach can count when presented correctly.

Poor Email Etiquette and Presentation

Using unprofessional email addresses like “hotguy234@gmail.com” or writing vague subject lines such as “Application” reflects poorly.

Solution: Use a simple, professional email (e.g., firstname.lastname@gmail.com). Always include the job title and reference number (if any) in the subject line, like: “Application for MEAL Officer – Ref: 21/NGO/ABJ.”

Submitting Incomplete Applications

Many candidates forget to attach required documents like cover letters, certificates or reference contacts. Some don’t even rename their files properly.

Solution: Double-check every submission. Ensure all attachments are included, properly named (e.g., “John_Okoro_CV.pdf”) and that your application follows the exact instructions given-whether it’s submitting via email, Google Forms or NGO portals.

Not Following Up or Networking

After submitting applications, most candidates go silent. But many NGO hires happen through internal recommendations or referrals.

Solution: Follow up on critical applications after one to two weeks-politely. Also, start connecting with NGO staff on LinkedIn. Join Telegram groups or attend local NGO events and training to build visibility.

If you truly want to understand how to get an NGO job in Nigeria, it all starts with a mindset shift. You must be willing to start small, work hard and show genuine commitment to humanitarian causes. The sector is deeply rewarding – financially, professionally and emotionally.

Be proactive, stay visible, never stop learning and most importantly, keep showing up. That’s the ultimate key to breaking into the NGO world in Nigeria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous NGO experience to get a job in the sector?

No, you don’t always need prior NGO experience, especially for entry-level roles. However, volunteering, internships or NYSC placements with humanitarian organizations can give you a strong advantage. Many NGOs are open to hiring passionate individuals who demonstrate readiness to learn and contribute.

What degree is best suited for NGO work in Nigeria?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but degrees in Public Health, Development Studies, Sociology, Agriculture, Environmental Science or International Relations are highly relevant. That said, NGOs also hire based on practical experience and technical certifications-so your skillset can be more important than your degree.

Can I apply for NGO jobs in Nigeria without a university degree?

Yes. Roles like field support staff, drivers, cleaners, security personnel or community mobilizers often do not require university degrees. However, to grow within the sector, pursuing relevant training or online certifications is advisable.

Which platforms should I check daily for NGO job updates?

Top job boards include ReliefWeb, MyJobMag, HotNigerianJobs, NGOJobsAfrica and DevNetJobs. Also, regularly visit the official websites of major NGOs and follow LinkedIn accounts of hiring managers or organizations for fresh postings.

How can I make my CV stand out for NGO job applications?

Tailor your CV for each role. Use clear headings, list relevant experiences (including volunteer work), highlight humanitarian-related skills (like M&E, proposal writing, field coordination) and use action verbs. Keep your CV under two pages and make sure your achievements are measurable where possible.

What soft skills do NGOs in Nigeria look out for?

NGOs prioritize empathy, communication, adaptability, teamwork and cultural sensitivity. These soft skills are crucial in high-pressure or conflict-prone environments, especially when working with vulnerable communities.

How important is volunteering in securing a paid NGO job?

Very important. Volunteering allows you to build real-world experience, understand NGO work culture and expand your professional network. Many volunteers eventually get absorbed into permanent roles when new projects or funding opportunities emerge.

What are the salary expectations for NGO jobs in Nigeria?

Entry-level NGO jobs can start from ₦100,000 to ₦300,000 monthly, depending on the organization and location. Mid to senior-level professionals can earn from ₦400,000 to ₦900,000+ or more, especially with international NGOs offering competitive benefits.

Can I work remotely for NGOs in Nigeria?

Remote opportunities are growing in roles such as communications, grant writing, research and digital marketing. However, most program-related roles require on-ground presence, especially in humanitarian or development projects across northern Nigeria or rural areas.

How long does it typically take to get an NGO job in Nigeria?

There’s no fixed timeline. It could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on your strategy, qualifications and networking. Consistently applying, improving your profile and staying connected to industry updates increases your chances significantly.

How to Get an NGO Job in Nigeria Without Experience