NGO
NGO Jobs in Kenya – Career Opportunities
NGO jobs in Kenya offer some of the most impactful and well-paying opportunities in the job market today. With Kenya being a hub for international development and humanitarian organizations, thousands of professionals find meaningful work in sectors like health, education, environment, gender equality, human rights, and disaster response.
Whether you are a fresh graduate, an experienced humanitarian, or simply passionate about social impact, this 2025 guide breaks down everything you need to know about landing NGO jobs in Kenya.
What is an NGO Job?
An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) job refers to work within non-profit organizations that focus on development, aid, or advocacy — often funded by international donors, governments, or the United Nations. NGO roles can be project-based, contract-based, or full-time, depending on the funding cycle.
Most Common NGO Job Titles in Kenya
| Job Title | Function | Average Monthly Pay (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Program Officer | Project implementation & reporting | 80,000 – 180,000 |
| M&E Officer (Monitoring & Evaluation) | Data tracking & project impact | 100,000 – 250,000 |
| Finance & Grants Officer | Budgeting & donor compliance | 120,000 – 300,000 |
| Community Mobilizer | Fieldwork, training, outreach | 40,000 – 100,000 |
| Health Officer/Nurse | Healthcare delivery & reporting | 80,000 – 250,000 |
| Gender & Inclusion Officer | Promote equality in projects | 80,000 – 200,000 |
| Humanitarian Coordinator | Emergency response & logistics | 150,000 – 400,000 |
| Communications & Advocacy Officer | Media, branding, storytelling | 90,000 – 200,000 |
| Logistics & Procurement Officer | Supply chain, inventory | 80,000 – 200,000 |
| Country Director | Overall management | 400,000 – 1M+ |
Required Qualifications for NGO Jobs in Kenya
Academic Background:
- Degree or diploma in fields such as:
- Development Studies
- Public Health
- Social Work
- Project Management
- Environmental Science
- Finance or Accounting
- International Relations
Key Skills & Competencies:
- Proposal writing & donor reporting (e.g., USAID, UN, EU)
- Community engagement and participatory methods
- Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)
- Financial management and grants compliance
- Excellent communication & cross-cultural skills
- Knowledge of tools like KoboToolbox, DHIS2, Salesforce, SPSS, or Excel
Certifications That Boost Your NGO Career:
- PMD Pro (Project Management for Development Professionals)
- MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning)
- CPA/ACCA – for finance roles
- Humanitarian Essentials (e.g., Sphere Standards, CHS)
- Safeguarding & PSEA – increasingly required
Top NGOs Hiring in Kenya (2025)
International NGOs:
- World Vision Kenya
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
- Save the Children
- International Rescue Committee (IRC)
- CARE International
- Oxfam
- Plan International
- ActionAid
- Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
- Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
United Nations Agencies:
- UNDP
- UNICEF
- UNHCR
- WFP
- WHO
- UN Women
Local NGOs:
- Kenya Red Cross Society
- Amref Health Africa
- Twaweza
- Uhai EASHRI
- Haki Africa
- Siasa Place
Where to Find NGO Jobs in Kenya
| Website | Type |
|---|---|
| jobsweber.com | Global humanitarian jobs |
| DevNetJobs.org | Development sector |
| NGOJobsAfrica.com | Africa-wide NGO jobs |
| BrighterMonday Kenya | Local listings |
| Fuzu.com | Career development & NGO listings |
| UN Careers Portal | UN-specific jobs |
| LinkedIn Jobs | Verified NGO postings |
| Jobsinkenya.co.ke | Aggregated listings |
| Telegram & WhatsApp Groups | NGO Job Alerts, Humanitarian Jobs KE, UN Job Updates KE |
How to Make Your NGO Job Application Stand Out
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to each job and mention specific donors, tools, or sectors you’ve worked with (e.g., “Managed a KSh 20M USAID-funded education project in Turkana”).
- Highlight language skills (Kiswahili, English, Somali, French are often advantageous).
- Use action verbs like “Coordinated,” “Facilitated,” “Monitored,” “Led,” or “Reported.”
Entry-Level NGO Jobs in Kenya: How to Get Started
Start With:
- Internships or volunteer roles (e.g., Red Cross, Amref, Huru Kenya)
- Community-based organizations (CBOs) or local NGOs
- Short-term field assignments (enumerators, outreach assistants)
Build Your Profile:
- Take online courses (free or low-cost on Coursera, Humanitarian Leadership Academy, or ALX)
- Create a polished LinkedIn profile showcasing your NGO interests
- Join professional groups like Development Professionals of Kenya
Real Success Story
“I began volunteering at a small community NGO in Kisumu. That experience helped me get a monitoring & evaluation assistant role with Save the Children. Today, I coordinate education programs across three counties.”
— Grace A., Program Coordinator
Trends in NGO Hiring in Kenya (2025 Outlook)
- Increased demand in climate change, youth empowerment, and refugee response
- More remote & hybrid roles, especially in comms and grants management
- Focus on localization – NGOs prefer Kenyan nationals with local language & context knowledge
- Growth in digital tools for data collection, finance, and reporting
Final Thoughts
NGO jobs in Kenya provide a unique blend of purpose and profession. While competition can be high, those with the right mix of education, skills, field experience, and passion for impact can thrive in this sector. Whether you’re starting out or aiming for a senior role, the Kenyan NGO job market is full of opportunities waiting to be explored.
Need help crafting an NGO-focused CV or cover letter? Drop a comment below or request a free template.
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