Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Role of NGOs in Nigeria
3. Why NGO Jobs Are in High Demand
4. Key Factors That Influence NGO Salaries
5. Top 10 Highest Paying NGO Jobs in Nigeria
   • 1. Program Director
   • 2. Country Representative
   • 3. Medical Officer / Health Program Manager
   • 4. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist
   • 5. Grant and Proposal Writer
   • 6. Finance and Compliance Manager
   • 7. Project Manager
   • 8. Human Resources Manager
   • 9. Advocacy and Communications Specialist
   • 10. Legal and Policy Advisor
6. General Requirements to Land a High-Paying NGO Job
7. Recommended Certifications and Skills
8. How to Position Yourself for NGO Job Opportunities
9. Where to Find High-Paying NGO Jobs in Nigeria
10. Final Thoughts

1. Introduction

Highest Paying NGO Jobs in Nigeria and Their Requirements. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a critical role in Nigeria’s development sector. Whether in health, education, governance, humanitarian relief, or gender empowerment, these organizations offer employment opportunities that are both meaningful and financially rewarding for this nation. Contrary to popular belief, some NGO jobs are among the best-paying positions in the non-profit and development world, particularly those funded by international donors.

If you are a Nigerian looking to break into the NGO world or you already work in the sector and want to grow into a higher-paying role, this blog post will give you the clarity you need. We’ll explore the highest-paying NGO jobs in Nigeria and the qualifications, skills, and experience needed to land them.

2. The Role of NGOs in Nigeria

NGOs in Nigeria operate across a variety of sectors:

• Health and Disease Prevention (HIV/AIDS, malaria, maternal and child health)
• Education and Literacy
• Food Security and Agriculture
• Human Rights and Governance
• Disaster Relief and Emergency Response
• Youth and Women Empowerment
• Environmental Protection

They work independently or in partnership with government agencies and international organizations like the United Nations (UN), World Health Organization (WHO), and USAID.

3. Why NGO Jobs Are in High Demand

Several reasons contribute to the increasing demand for NGO jobs in Nigeria:

• Competitive salaries (especially compared to the public sector)
• International exposure and travel opportunities
• Workplace diversity and professionalism
• Impact-driven work
• Access to donor-funded training and career development

4. Key Factors That Influence NGO Salaries

Not all NGO jobs pay equally. Salary levels are influenced by:

• Donor funding and budget size
• Type of NGO (local or international)
• Location (urban centers like Abuja or remote field offices)
• Years of experience
• Level of education and specialization
• Technical expertise and certifications

5. Top 10 Highest Paying NGO Jobs in Nigeria

1. Program Director

• Average Salary: ₦1.5M – ₦3.5M monthly
• Key Responsibilities: Oversees planning, implementation, and evaluation of large-scale NGO programs. Reports directly to donors and the board of directors.
• Requirements: Master’s degree in international development, public health, or related field; 10+ years of experience.

2. Country Representative / Country Director

• Average Salary: ₦2M – ₦4.5M monthly
• Key Responsibilities: Leads the entire NGO operation in Nigeria, manages senior staff, ensures compliance with donor and legal regulations.
• Requirements: Master’s or PhD; international work experience; strong donor relations and leadership skills.

3. Medical Officer / Health Program Manager

• Average Salary: ₦1.2M – ₦3M monthly
• Key Responsibilities: Designs and manages health intervention programs, supervises healthcare staff, and conducts needs assessments.
• Requirements: Medical degree (MBBS); MPH or related certification; experience in humanitarian or community health settings.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist

• Average Salary: ₦900K – ₦2M monthly
• Key Responsibilities: Develops M&E frameworks, tracks project performance, prepares progress reports, and ensures data quality.
• Requirements: Degree in statistics, economics, or development studies; data analysis skills; certifications in M&E (e.g., PMD Pro).

5. Grant and Proposal Writer

• Average Salary: ₦800K – ₦2.5M monthly
• Key Responsibilities: Writes funding proposals and donor reports, develops budgets, liaises with program teams and finance units.
• Requirements: Strong writing and budgeting skills; knowledge of donor requirements (USAID, EU, DFID); proven fundraising track record.

6. Finance and Compliance Manager

• Average Salary: ₦1M – ₦2.8M monthly
• Key Responsibilities: Manages budgets, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance with donor regulations.
• Requirements: Accounting degree (BSc, HND); ICAN or ACCA certified; experience in donor fund management.

7. Project Manager

• Average Salary: ₦800K – ₦2M monthly
• Key Responsibilities: Coordinates project activities, supervises field staff, and ensures project milestones are met.
• Requirements: PMP certification preferred; background in social sciences or development studies.

8. Human Resources Manager

• Average Salary: ₦700K – ₦1.5M monthly
• Key Responsibilities: Oversees recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and compliance with labor laws.
• Requirements: BSc in HR, Industrial Relations, or Psychology; HR certifications (CIPM, SHRM).

9. Advocacy and Communications Specialist

• Average Salary: ₦600K – ₦1.5M monthly
• Key Responsibilities: Manages public relations, stakeholder engagement, advocacy campaigns, and content creation.
• Requirements: Degree in communications or journalism; experience in advocacy and digital media.

10. Legal and Policy Advisor

• Average Salary: ₦1M – ₦2.2M monthly
• Key Responsibilities: Provides legal guidance, reviews contracts, and ensures compliance with laws and donor rules.
• Requirements: Law degree (LLB); Call to Bar; experience in NGO legal frameworks and policy drafting.

6. General Requirements to Land a High-Paying NGO Job

Whether you’re aiming for an entry-level or high-paying role, here are the typical requirements:

• Education: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree; master’s degree preferred for senior roles
• Work Experience: Relevant experience in program implementation or support roles
• Technical Skills: Budgeting, reporting, data analysis, policy development
• Language Skills: English is mandatory; French is a plus for international NGOs
• Soft Skills: Communication, leadership, time management, and teamwork
• Digital Literacy: Proficiency in MS Office, online communication tools, and project management software

7. Recommended Certifications and Skills

Here are some certifications that can boost your qualifications:

8. How to Position Yourself for NGO Job Opportunities

Here are practical steps you can take:

• Tailor your CV: Focus on your achievements, impact, and donor-funded project experience
• Build a portfolio: Document your contributions in previous projects with clear metrics
• Volunteer or intern: Gain experience and build networks in the sector
• Attend training workshops: Many NGOs offer short courses and certifications
• Network strategically: Attend development sector conferences and events
• Subscribe to job portals: Set alerts on platforms like MyJobMag, Devex, or ReliefWeb

9. Where to Find High-Paying NGO Jobs in Nigeria

Here are trusted platforms to find verified NGO vacancies:

• ReliefWeb – Global NGO and humanitarian job listings
• Devex – Development job search engine
• UN Jobs – United Nations vacancies
• NGOJobsAfrica – Africa-focused NGO roles
• MyJobMag – Local Nigerian NGO jobs
• Jobberman Regularly features NGO openings

Also, consider directly visiting the career pages of major NGOs like:

• Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
• International Rescue Committee (IRC)
• Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
• Plan International
• Action Against Hunger (AAH)
• Save the Children
• United Nations agencies (e.g., UNDP, WHO, UNICEF)

10. Final Thoughts

NGO jobs in Nigeria are no longer considered charity work or “small salaries” professions. Today, they offer competitive packages, professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on society. However, these high-paying roles are not handed out easily; they demand expertise, experience, and continuous learning for a variety more skills.

If you are serious about working in the NGO sector, invest in your education, sharpen your skills, and stay informed about opportunities. With the right strategy and persistence, you can build a rewarding career while contributing to national development and humanitarian goals.

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