Securing NGO Jobs in Kenya: Everything You Need to Know

NGOs are the leading employers in Kenya. The industry accounts for 19% of all hires in the country as shown in our 2025 Kenya Job Search Report. Known for its focus on creating social impact, the industry offers career professionals opportunities to work on issues ranging from education and healthcare to human rights. Navigating the path to a career in this field requires a clear understanding of the industry, its demands, and its opportunities.

Understanding the NGO Industry in Kenya

Over the last decade, Kenya has witnessed remarkable growth in the number of organizations registered under the NGO Coordination Act. This is following a cumulative registration of 12,162 NGOs. This expansion is largely attributed to the country’s enhanced democratic environment, fostering a conducive space for civil society activity. 

NGOs are geographically spread across Kenya and range from small, locally-operating entities to international institutions with regional influence. Their structural makeup is equally varied, from volunteer-driven teams to large organizations employing hundreds of professionals. This diversity enables them to tackle a wide array of social issues, including welfare, environmental conservation, human rights advocacy, gender equality, agriculture, and education.

NGOs in Kenya have also become critical players in the provision of basic services, supplementing government efforts and addressing gaps in various industries. In 2022 alone, the industry contributed KES 175.9 billion to the economy, emphasizing its role as an economic driver. 

Some types of NGOs you would find in Kenya are:

1. Humanitarian NGOs: These NGOs focus on disaster relief and emergency response. Some well-known examples are the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), Mercy Corps, and Plan International. 

2. Development NGOs: NGOs like this target long-term issues like education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Kenya Education Fund and World Vision Kenya are renowned examples.

3. Advocacy NGOs: These NGOs work to influence policy and raise awareness about social justice issues. This is similar to what Amnesty International Kenya does.

4. Environmental NGOs: Informed by the need to protect biodiversity and address climate change, these NGOs are committed to conservation and sustainability. Examples are The Institute for Culture and Technology and The Green Africa Foundation. 

5. Community-Based Organizations: Also known as CBOs, these are smaller, localized groups addressing specific community needs. 

Required Qualifications and Skills to Secure NGO Jobs

Educational Requirements:

Most NGOs prefer candidates with degrees in relevant fields such as international relations, social sciences, development studies, public health, or environmental science. Specialized roles may require advanced degrees or certifications.

Professional Skills:

• Project Management: Knowledge of tools like Microsoft Project or Asana is instrumental.

• Grant Writing and Fundraising: This highlights experience in securing funding from donors.

• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): These are skills required for assessing project outcomes.

• Technical Expertise: This is depending on the NGO’s focus. Technical expertise is needed in areas like healthcare or environmental science 

Soft Skills:

• Communication: This involves the ability to convey ideas effectively to diverse stakeholders.

• Adaptability: This means working in resource-constrained or volatile environments.

• Teamwork: Collaboration across multicultural teams is a significant part of success. Having this skill is a must-have. 

• Empathy: This highlights genuine commitment to NGO’s mission and beneficiaries.

Building a Professional CV and Profile that Attracts NGOs

Your CV is often your first introduction to a potential employer in the NGO industry. To stand out, do these 5 things:

1. Tailor Your CV: To position yourself for NGO opportunities in Kenya, tailor your CV to emphasize relevant skills, experience, and passion for social impact. Start by highlighting any volunteer work, internships, or community involvement you have done in the past. 

2. Show Impact: Use quantifiable achievements. For example, when writing your cover letter, you can write something along this line, “I spearheaded a fundraising campaign that raised KES 5 million for a local wildlife conservation project, resulting in the restoration of 300 hectares of endangered forest. Additionally, I coordinated a volunteer program that engaged over 1,000 participants in eco-awareness workshops, increasing local involvement in sustainable practices by 40%. Through these efforts, I helped to drive measurable outcomes in environmental protection and community engagement.”

3. Focus on Skills: You can include specific skills such as project management, fundraising, research, and community outreach. Emphasize both technical and soft skills relevant to NGO work. 

4. Maintain Professional Profiles: Maintain updated LinkedIn profiles tailored to NGO roles. You can also build a personal portfolio that showcases projects, articles, or case studies you have done that are relevant to NGO work.

5. Show Cultural Awareness: Showing cultural awareness and a genuine understanding of local issues will make your application stand out. NGOs often look for candidates who can connect with diverse communities.

NB: Every NGO has its own unique requirements so we recommend customizing your CV for each. Do not follow the bandwagon or use a one-size-fits-all CV when applying for NGO jobs. Make sure to match your experience to the job description and use keywords that reflect the organization's needs. 

Where to Find Verified NGO Jobs

You can find verified NGO jobs on MyJobMag. We list vacancies in the industry every day. Additionally, many NGOs post openings on their websites or social media pages so you have to follow a good number of them. We also recommend joining professional NGO networks on LinkedIn or attending NGO-specific events. You will be amazed at the hidden opportunities in the industry by just attending these events. 

FAQs Around NGO Jobs in Kenya

Q: Do I need prior experience to work in an NGO? 

A: While experience is good, entry-level roles and internships are available for fresh graduates to gain relevant exposure. NGOs also value volunteer activities as they demonstrate commitment to their causes and provide practical skills. 

Q: Are NGO jobs in Kenya well-paying? 

A: Compensation varies depending on the organization and role. International NGOs typically offer higher salaries compared to local ones.

Q: How can I transition to an NGO role from a corporate job? 

A: You can highlight transferable skills such as project management, leadership, and budgeting. Consider volunteering or taking short courses in NGO-related fields.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work in NGOs? 

A: Yes, especially in roles like grant writing, research, and communications.

Conclusion:

Despite the opportunities, securing NGO jobs in Kenya comes with challenges. The competition is high. Many positions require specific skills and substantial experience. However, with this complete guide, you can significantly enhance your chances. Congratulations in advance. 

Staff Writer

This article was written and edited by a staff writer.