Project managers play a vital role in the NGO sector designing, setting-up and implementing programmes that assist people in need. There are a huge range of job for project managers in many NGOs. Here we breakdown some of the best positions for project managers to apply for in the NGO sector…
Field Coordinator
A commonly recruited project management role in the NGO sector is the position of Field Coordinator. The Field Coordinator is in charge of a base of operations, and is ultimately responsible for the NGOs project implementation in that location. The Field Co will see the NGO’s projects through all stages of the project management cycle.
The Field Coordinator line-manages the staff at the field base. This usually includes the Finance, HR and Logistics Officers, as well as programme staff focusing on the implementation and technical support for the NGO’s projects. The Field Co will report to the Operations Director or Head of Mission.
How to Apply
As a management position, you will need some years’ experience in NGOs to get a job as a Field Coordinator. A background, and formal qualification, in project management, would definitely be an asset.
Technical Project Manager
A second NGO job that project managers are often hired for is Technical Project Manager. Roles in the NGO sector can basically be split into two categories – generalist and technical. The main difference is that technical roles require someone to have a formal qualification and technical knowledge of a particular area. For example, technical roles cover functions like health, shelter, nutrition, food security and livelihoods.
The job of the Technical Project Manager is to implement the NGO’s frontline projects. They are usually based at field-level, but can be at the country office or HQ. When at field level, the Technical Project Manager will usually report to the Field Co, but will have technical support from a reference usually stationed at the country office.
How to Apply
You will need an educational background in the technical area you’re applying for to become a Technical Project Manager for an NGO. You will also need knowledge of project management. As a management level position, some years working in the NGO sector will almost certainly be needed.
Programme Manager
A third project management job that NGOs often hire for is the role of Programme Manager. In a lot of NGOs, the Programme Manager role is not technical. The position is responsible for utilising project management techniques to ensure the implementation of the NGO’s programmes, and receives guidance and support from technical supervisors. They usually line-manage the Technical Officers.
…in other NGOs, Programme Managers are technical. In this case the role is relatively similar to the Technical Project Manager position, but will often oversee multiple project streams. The Programme Manager is usually based at country office level and reports to the Head of Programmes.
How to Apply
Being a qualified and experienced project manager will help you secure a role as a Programme Manager for an NGO. As a management level position, you will need some years’ experience working on NGO projects to get the job.
Project Officer
A mid-level project management position in the NGO sector is role of Project Officer. The Project Officer provides a range of support to an NGO’s programme, often including planning, implementation and administration. The Project Officer is usually based at field-level and reports to the Programme Manager or Technical Project Manager.
Like with many project management roles in the NGO sector, the Project Officer can be a technical position or a generalist role. This is determined on the needs of the project and structure within the NGO.
How to Apply
You will need a theoretical understanding of project management in order to become a Project Officer for an NGO. You will also need one- or two-years’ experience in the NGO sector, or in a similar project support role in the public or private sector.
Grants Manager
Another Project Management job that many NGOs recruit is Grants Manager. NGOs take funding from donors in order to run many of their programmes. These funding grants have complex requitements, including on financial management, reporting and compliance. Larger NGOs will have portfolios of funding, meaning multiple grants, for each mission.
It is the responsibility of the Grants Manager to ensure that the NGO is implementing their projects in-line with the funding grants requirements. They also coordinate developing proposals and securing additional funding. Grant Managers are usually based in an NGOs country office, but can be at HQ.
How to Apply
Being a project manager makes you well-placed to get a job as a Grants Manager with an NGO. However, you will need some previous experience in NGO grants, as this is management-level role, as well as a strong understanding of grant cycle management.
Field Assistant
An entry-level position in the NGO sector that is great for project managers to apply for is Field Assistant. Many large NGOs will have a Field Assistant stationed at each field office. The role of the Field Assistant is often to support the Field Coordinator, who manages the base, with a wide range of administrative and project implementation work.
The Field Assistant is often based heavily at the location where the NGO’s projects are being ran. They usually act as a link between this frontline and the Field Co working more at the field office coordinating other project elements.
How to Apply
As a junior role you do not need much professional experience to be a Field Assistant with an NGO. Having an understanding of, or better a qualification in, project management would definitely help your application.
Project Assistant
Another entry-level project management job in the NGO sector is that of Project Assistant. The Project Assistant is a junior role that provides ad hoc support to a specific project. Usually, the Project Assistant focuses on administration, as well as research, planning and report writing. They may also support developing project proposals.
It is quite common to see Project Assistant roles in NGOs HQs. Large NGOs may have a Project Assistant at country office level. However, as a generalist role, it is more likely to that Project Assistant provides support to a wider team at HQ level.
How to Apply
As an entry-level position you do not usually need previous work experience to get a job as a Project Assistant with an NGO. Being able to demonstrate an understanding of project management theories, and how these relate to NGO programmes, would definitely help you secure the role.
Response Officer
A final NGO job that is ideal for project managers is the role of Response Officer. Many NGOs implement humanitarian projects assisting people affected by conflicts, poverty and disasters. One of the main project management positions on these projects is the Response Officer. They provide wide ranging support to the implementation of an NGO’s humanitarian response.
The Response Officer could be stationed at field or country office level, or at HQ. They feed into all aspects of the NGO’s projects related to humanitarian response, including design, planning, logistics finance, admin and funding.
How to Apply
As a mid-level position in the NGO sector, you will likely need around two years’ experience working on NGO projects to become a Response Officer. Previous experience of project management, especially as part of an NGO’s humanitarian response, would be highly beneficial.