IF SOMEONE WANTS TO BEGIN A CAREER IN HUMAN RIGHTS, WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST AS A STARTING POINT?
Working in development is an attractive option for people around the world. The sector has grown significantly over the past two decades, as organizations have become larger, more sophisticated, and increasingly professionalized. Working for an NGO provides an opportunity to make a difference, support others in need, and create positive change in communities the world over.
People frequently ask how to secure a job with an NGO? Do I need a degree? Do I need to speak different languages? Do I need to volunteer first? What experience do I need? The truth is that there is no single route of entry into the sector. People from a diverse range of backgrounds, employment histories, and experiences find employment in not-for-profit organizations.
NGOs operate just like any other business, with people working in accounting, management, fundraising, and operations. Larger international development organizations maintain whole departments for marketing, logistics, public relations, business development, human relations, product development, legal compliance, and more.
There are tens of thousands of opportunities advertised by NGOs every year, but first, you need to decide exactly what 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 motivates you and what will give you job satisfaction.
Securing a job in an NGO is competitive and, just like any other field of work, 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 play and the organization you want to work for.
Look for jobs you might be interested in and note what skills or experience are required. Review entry-level job descriptions to get an understanding of the basic requirements, but also look at more senior positions to establish an appreciation of what experience and qualities you may need in the future. Ask those whom you respect how they see your skills and skill gaps, what they would do if they were in your shoes and a couple of points of specific advice.
Check ngojobboard.org for regular NGO job postings.
People frequently ask how to secure a job with an NGO? Do I need a degree? Do I need to speak different languages? Do I need to volunteer first? What experience do I need? The truth is that there is no single route of entry into the sector. People from a diverse range of backgrounds, employment histories, and experiences find employment in not-for-profit organizations.
NGOs operate just like any other business, with people working in accounting, management, fundraising, and operations. Larger international development organizations maintain whole departments for marketing, logistics, public relations, business development, human relations, product development, legal compliance, and more.
There are tens of thousands of opportunities advertised by NGOs every year, but first, you need to decide exactly what 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 motivates you and what will give you job satisfaction.
Securing a job in an NGO is competitive and, just like any other field of work, 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 play and the organization you want to work for.
Look for jobs you might be interested in and note what skills or experience are required. Review entry-level job descriptions to get an understanding of the basic requirements, but also look at more senior positions to establish an appreciation of what experience and qualities you may need in the future. Ask those whom you respect how they see your skills and skill gaps, what they would do if they were in your shoes and a couple of points of specific advice.
Check ngojobboard.org for regular NGO job postings.
DOES BRIDGEWAY FOUNDATION OFFER INTERNSHIPS?
Bridgeway Foundation facilitates a fellowship program that meets the need for specific help among partner organizations worldwide that operate on challenging budgets. Bridgeway Fellows commit to one year of service, with placement in one or more partner organizations around the world, depending on the need. The program targets men and women—no matter their stage of career development—who express the desire to create impact in underserved areas of the world, and gives them a structured path of discovery.
If you are interested email info@bridgewayfoundation.org
If you are interested email info@bridgewayfoundation.org
DO YOU ACCEPT UNSOLICITED GRANT PROPOSALS OR INTRODUCTION FORMS?
No; the Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications or proposals for funding. Prospective grantees must receive an invitation from Foundation staff to apply for funding.
Where Do You Work?
Geographic funding areas are dependent upon the strategic priority of the Foundation. In general, the Foundation funds programs in East and Central Africa.