Requirements

Officers of non-governmental organisation - requirements

Officers of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) perform a range of tasks for different kinds of groups, such as charities and trade unions. Read more about what the job area is all about.

Know what you'll need to land a job below.

What qualifications do you need to be an officer of non-governmental organisation?

An undergraduate degree might not be essential for a job in this sector but having one will go a long way. There is a wide range of roles, so many subjects can be relevant. You could consider:

Knowing a second language might also be helpful, especially if you work for an international organisation.

Please note this is a beta version. We'll continue to improve our suggestions here so that we show you the most relevant subjects.

Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be an officer of non-governmental organisations?

A postgraduate degree is not normally essential for a job in this area, but one might boost your career prospects. Examples of courses at postgraduate level include:

International Development
Humanitarianism, Aid and Conflict
NGO Management

What skills do you need to be an officer of non-governmental organisations?

It will depend on your specific role, but you’ll usually need a passion for working with people and a desire to make a positive impact through your work.

Hard skills usually include:

Commitment to and knowledge of your NGO’s mission
Ability to provide administrative support
Understanding of the charity sector

Soft skills include:

Verbal and written communication
Attention to detail
Customer service
Numeracy and IT literacy
Adaptability and flexibility

Do you need work experience to be an officer of non-governmental organisations?

If you’re applying for an entry-level role, many NGOs, especially charities, look for evidence that you’ve done some sort of volunteering. Volunteering equips you with a good set of skills and an insight into the non-profit sector.

Work experiences within an NGO, such as volunteering or an internship, can potentially lead to a job. You’ll already be supporting the NGO's mission and hiring managers like to employ people already working with them. Internships are often advertised on NGO websites, or you can contact NGOs directly to ask how you can support them while gaining experience.