Securing NGO Jobs in Kenya: (Sample Resume and Cover letter included)

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) remain some of the most attractive employers in Kenya. Whether it’s their competitive salaries, meaningful work, or opportunities for growth, NGO jobs draw thousands of applicants every year. But with this high interest comes equally high competition — making it important to understand how to position yourself as the strongest candidate.

If you have ever asked yourself, “How do I get an NGO job in Kenya?”, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. From qualifications and job platforms to networking, CV writing, and interview preparation, here’s how to boost your chances and secure your place in the NGO sector.

1. Why NGO Jobs Are Popular in Kenya

Before diving into the strategies, it’s important to understand why many people target NGOs:

• Competitive salaries and allowances
• Opportunities for both local and international travel
• Supportive work environments
• Exposure to humanitarian, development, and community-based projects
• Strong career growth and global experience
• Job stability, especially in long-term donor-funded programs

Because of these advantages, securing an NGO job requires strategic preparation and a clear understanding of what the sector demands.

2. Types of NGO Jobs Available in Kenya

NGO jobs vary widely depending on the organization’s mission. The most common roles include:

a) Program & Project Management

• Program Officer
• Project Coordinator
• Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Officer
• Field Officer

b) Finance & Administration

• Finance Officer
• Accountant
• Grants Officer
• Procurement Assistant

c) Health & Nutrition

• Public Health Officers
• Nutritionists
• Community Health Volunteers (CHVs)
• HIV/AIDS Program Officers

d) Social Work & Community Development

• Social Worker
• Community Development Officer
• Gender & Protection Officer

e) Communication & Advocacy

• Communications Officer
• Fundraising Specialist
• Advocacy Officer
• Content Developer

f) ICT & Data

• Data Analyst
• ICT Support Specialist
• Database Manager

NGOs range from international giants like the UN, USAID partners, World Vision, and CARE, to local community-based organizations (CBOs).

3. Minimum Qualifications Needed for NGO Jobs

Qualifications depend on the role, but generally NGOs look for:

Academic Requirements

• A diploma or degree in fields like Community Development, Public Health, Project Management, Social Sciences, IT, Finance, or Humanitarian Studies.
• For specialized roles (health, M&E, ICT), additional certifications are essential.

Skills NGOs Look For

• Excellent communication
• Report writing
• Data collection and analysis
• Proposal writing
• Teamwork and leadership
• Community engagement skills
• Understanding of donor guidelines

Experience Requirements

Some NGOs hire fresh graduates for internships or entry-level jobs, but most mid-level positions require:

• 1–3 years experience for junior roles
• 3–5 years for mid-level roles
• 5+ years for senior roles

Field experience is often a strong advantage.

4. Key Certifications That Boost Your Chances

If you want to stand out, consider acquiring additional certifications such as:

• Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Training
• Project Management (PMP, PRINCE2, PMD Pro)
• Data Analysis (SPSS, STATA, Power BI, Excel)
• Safeguarding & Protection Training
• Humanitarian Response Training
• Finance for Non-Profits

These add practical value to your CV and are highly sought after by most NGOs.

5. Where to Find NGO Job Opportunities in Kenya

Here are the top platforms where NGOs advertise vacancies:

• Jobs Miller Kenya
• NGO Jobs in Kenya Websites & Portals
• ReliefWeb
• Fuzu
• UN Careers Website
• DevNetJobs
• LinkedIn Jobs
• Organization websites (Red Cross, World Vision, CARE, Save the Children)

Joining WhatsApp and Telegram groups for NGO job alerts can also be helpful, but always verify authenticity.

6. How to Write a Strong NGO CV and Cover Letter

Your NGO application documents must be tailored and professional.

Tips for an NGO CV

• Highlight relevant field experience
• Use simple, clear language
• Focus on achievements rather than tasks
• Demonstrate your impact with numbers (e.g., Trained 120 community members…)
• Include key NGO skills (M&E, reporting, budgeting, community engagement)
• Keep it 2–3 pages

Tips for an NGO Cover Letter

• Show your passion for humanitarian work
• Mention your experience with donors (USAID, UN, EU, DFID)
• Align your skills with the job description
• Show understanding of the organization’s mission

7. How to Stand Out When Applying for NGO Jobs

The NGO sector is competitive, so you must differentiate yourself.

a) Get Field Experience

Volunteer with a CBO, participate in community projects, or intern with a local NGO. Practical experience is more important than theory.

b) Build a Strong Network

Many NGO opportunities are shared internally before being advertised. Attend:

• Conferences
• Community events
• Webinars
• NGO workshops
• LinkedIn networking groups

c) Stay Updated With Global Humanitarian Trends

Topics like climate change, gender equality, food security, and sustainable development are important. Being knowledgeable helps you during interviews.

d) Prepare for Behavioral and Competency Interviews

NGOs use competency-based interviews like:

• “Tell me about a time you resolved a community conflict.”
• “Describe a project you worked on and its impact.”

Prepare using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

8. Salary Expectations for NGO Jobs in Kenya

Salaries vary depending on the organization, funding, and job level.

• Interns: KSh 15,000 – 40,000
• Entry Level: KSh 50,000 – 120,000
• Mid-Level: KSh 150,000 – 300,000
• Senior Managers: KSh 350,000 – 800,000+
• UN Agencies: Often higher, depending on grade and contract type

These are estimates, and benefits may include health insurance, travel allowances, pension contributions, and per diem for fieldwork.

9. Common Mistakes That Reduce Your Chances

Avoid these errors:

• Sending the same CV to all jobs
• Lack of field experience
• Poorly written cover letters
• No knowledge of donor requirements
• Not matching the job description
• Applying without required certifications
• Weak communication skills

A targeted, well-prepared application always stands out.

10. Final Tips for Securing NGO Jobs in Kenya

To break into the NGO world:

• Build your skills
• Volunteer and gain field experience
• Network actively
• Tailor your CV and cover letter
• Stay patient and consistent

Thousands of Kenyans successfully land NGO jobs every year — with the right strategy, you can too.

Final Thoughts

Securing an NGO job in Kenya is highly achievable if you understand the sector and prepare properly. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, mid-level professional, or someone transitioning careers, NGOs offer rewarding opportunities to make an impact while growing professionally.

Sample NGO CV (Editable Template)

[Full Name]
Phone: 07XX XXX XXX | Email: yourname@email.com
Location: Nairobi, Kenya | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yourprofile

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Motivated and results-driven Community Development and Project Support professional with experience in fieldwork, data collection, reporting, and community engagement. Passionate about humanitarian work and skilled in supporting donor-funded programs. Able to work with diverse communities, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality project outcomes.

CORE SKILLS

• Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)
• Community Mobilization
• Data Collection (ODK, Kobo, Excel)
• Report Writing
• Project Planning & Coordination
• Safeguarding & Child Protection
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills
• Proposal and Concept Note Support

WORK EXPERIENCE

Project Assistant — ABC Community Development Organization

January 2023 – Present

• Supported project planning, implementation, and monitoring for USAID-funded education programs.
• Conducted field visits, collected data, and prepared weekly and monthly reports.
• Mobilized over 500 community members for awareness programs on child protection and education.
• Coordinated community training sessions and facilitated stakeholder engagement meetings.
• Assisted in preparing financial requests, activity budgets, and program documentation.

Intern — Kenya Red Cross Society

June 2022 – December 2022

• Participated in emergency response activities including beneficiary registration and needs assessments.
• Provided support in distributing relief items during floods and drought emergencies.
• Assisted with data entry, verification, and compiling field reports.
• Worked with project teams to organize training sessions on disaster preparedness.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in Community Development
University of Nairobi | 2018 – 2022

CERTIFICATIONS

• Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) – AMREF
• Project Management (PMD Pro Level 1)
• Safeguarding & Protection Training – UNICEF
• Data Analysis using Excel & Power BI

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

• Coordinated community outreach programs reaching 1,200+ beneficiaries.
• Improved data reporting efficiency by 30% through better documentation systems.
• Successfully supported 10+ field training sessions across different counties.

REFEREES

Available on request.

Sample NGO Cover Letter (Editable Template)

[Your Name]
Phone: 07XX XXX XXX
Email: yourname@email.com
Date: [Insert Date]

Hiring Manager
[NGO/Organization Name]
[Location]

RE: Application for the Position of [Job Title]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Organization Name] as advertised. With hands-on experience in community engagement, data collection, project support, and fieldwork, I am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to your team and support the successful implementation of your programs.

During my time at ABC Community Development Organization, I supported the implementation of donor-funded programs, conducted field visits, prepared reports, and coordinated community mobilization activities. I also worked closely with stakeholders, beneficiaries, and local leaders to ensure smooth project delivery and alignment with community needs.

I bring strong skills in Monitoring and Evaluation, data analysis, report writing, and project coordination. My experience working with tools such as ODK, KoboCollect, Excel, and Power BI has allowed me to deliver timely and accurate project data. Additionally, I have completed certifications in M&E, Safeguarding, and Project Management (PMD Pro), which strengthen my capacity to support your program objectives.

I am particularly drawn to [Organization Name] because of your commitment to [insert area: community development, humanitarian response, gender equality, education, health, etc.]. I am passionate about impactful work and would be honored to contribute to your mission.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience align with your team’s needs. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your work.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]