Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play an important role in tackling Nigeria’s social, economic, and environmental concerns. NGOs provide a variety of job opportunities for persons who are passionate about making a difference, ranging from healthcare services to community development initiatives. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact, exploring NGO job vacancies in Nigeria could be a rewarding career path

NGO Job Vacancies in Nigeria

Nigeria’s top NGOs include international organizations like ActionAid Nigeria, Médecins Sans Frontières, Save the Children, Oxfam Nigeria, and local organizations like LAPO, WRAPA, and the Society for Family Health. To find NGO job vacancies in Nigeria, you need to visit major NGOs’ websites. You should also use online job boards like Jobberman, LinkedIn, and NG Careers and connect with NGOs’ networks via social media.

Common Roles in Nigerian NGOs

• Program Officers: They manage and carry out initiatives in fields such as community development, education, health, and the environment.
• Project managers: Project managers create, oversee, and keep an eye on project finances and schedules.
• M&E Officers: For this role, they compile, examine, and communicate project data to monitor development and results.
• Finance and administrative officers: They are responsible for managing financial transactions, supervising administrative tasks, and guaranteeing adherence to rules.
• Development and Fundraising Officers: This role involves locating and obtaining funds from sponsors and other sources.
• Advocacy and Communications Officers: They create and carry out communication plans, increase public awareness, and promote social change.
• Logistics and Procurement: They ensure the efficient delivery of goods and services for projects.

Requirements for NGO Jobs in Nigeria

• Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as social sciences, public health, education, or development studies. Advanced degrees are an advantage for managerial roles.
• Work Experience: Most roles require 1–5 years of experience, depending on the position. It is advised to volunteer with the NGO’s as it can help build relevant experience.’
• Skills: The candidate should possess strong communication skills, interpersonal skills, project management, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in IT tools and software, particularly for data-related roles.
• Knowledge of the Sector: Understanding the NGO’s focus area (e.g., education, health, or environment) is a requirement to get a job at the NGO. You should also familiarize yourself with the donor requirements and compliance.
• Languages: English proficiency is crucial, and knowledge of local languages is a plus, especially for field roles.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About NGO Job Vacancies in Nigeria

1. What are some of the most common roles within Nigerian NGOs?

• Program Officers
• Project Managers
• M&E Officers
• Finance and Admin Officers
• Fundraising and Development Officers
• Communications and Advocacy Officers
• Human Resources Officers
• Logisticians

2. What skills are highly valued in the NGO sector in Nigeria?

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Project management and organizational skills
• Data analysis and reporting skills
• Fundraising and resource mobilization skills
• Cross-cultural communication and sensitivity
• Proficiency in relevant software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) 
• Passion for social justice and development

3. How can I increase my chances of landing an NGO job in Nigeria?

Gain experience, develop skills through training, network with professionals, customize resumes, and demonstrate a passion for the NGO sector by volunteering, participating in internships, and attending industry events.

4. What are some of the challenges of working in the NGO sector in Nigeria?

NGOs face funding constraints, security concerns, bureaucratic hurdles, and high workloads due to their programs’ location, nature, and long hours of employees.

Conclusion

In Nigeria, there is a fulfilling chance to support constructive social change by working for an NGO. You can improve your chances of finding a rewarding position in this influential field by looking through the open positions and customizing your application approach.