Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Why Work for an NGO in Africa?
2. What Makes an NGO a Good Place to Work?
3. Types of NGOs Operating in Africa
4. Top International NGOs with African Presence
5. Best Local NGOs to Work for in Africa
6. Sectors NGOs Focus On in Africa
7. Benefits of Working for NGOs in Africa
8. Common Roles and Job Titles in African NGOs
9. Requirements and Qualifications
10. How to Apply for NGO Jobs in Africa
11. Challenges of Working with NGOs in Africa
12. How NGOs Are Impacting African Communities
13. Internships and Volunteer Opportunities
14. Tips for Building a Career in the NGO Sector
15. Final Thoughts: Making a Difference Where It Counts

Introduction: Why Work for an NGO in Africa?

Best NGOs to work for in Africa. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in the social and economic development of Africa. From providing health care to remote communities to offering education, clean water, human rights advocacy, and emergency relief, NGOs are often the backbone of development in regions where government infrastructure falls short.

Working for an NGO in Africa offers more than just a job. It’s a calling—a chance to impact lives, strengthen communities, and bring meaningful change to the world. Whether you are a young graduate or a seasoned professional, the NGO sector provides fulfilling career paths across various fields. But with hundreds of NGOs active across the continent, which are the best ones to work for?

This guide highlights the top-rated NGOs in Africa, what they do, and how you can become a part of their mission.

What Makes an NGO a Good Place to Work?

Not all NGOs are equal in terms of working conditions, mission impact, and career growth. The best NGOs to work for in Africa share common characteristics:

• Transparent leadership and mission-driven goals
• Opportunities for training and professional growth
• Competitive salaries and benefits (depending on funding)
• Inclusive, respectful, and diverse workplace culture
• Strong track record of project implementation
• Local community engagement

Types of NGOs Operating in Africa

Africa is home to thousands of NGOs, which can be broadly classified into:

1. International NGOs (INGOs) – Often headquartered in Europe or North America with offices across Africa (e.g., Oxfam, Save the Children)
2. Local NGOs – Founded and run by citizens within African countries
3. Faith-Based Organizations – Religious NGOs that provide humanitarian aid and services
4. Development NGOs – Focused on long-term socio-economic development
5. Humanitarian NGOs – Responding to emergencies, conflict, and natural disasters

Each of these categories provides varied work environments and types of engagement.

Top International NGOs with African Presence

1. Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières – MSF)

Focus: Emergency medical aid
Why work here: Known for frontline medical missions and rapid disaster response. Offers generous compensation and global recognition.
Active Countries: South Sudan, Nigeria, DRC, Somalia, Central African Republic

2. Save the Children

Focus: Child protection, education, health
Why work here: Strong child-centered policies and staff development programs. Highly organized structure.
Active Countries: Kenya, Ethiopia, Mali, Nigeria, Uganda

3. Oxfam International

Focus: Poverty reduction, economic justice, women’s rights
Why work here: Strong organizational culture, anti-poverty mission, and diverse roles for professionals.
Active Countries: Somalia, South Africa, Niger, Burkina Faso

4. CARE International

Focus: Food security, disaster relief, women’s empowerment
Why work here: Known for gender equity policies, good work-life balance, and solid local partnerships.
Active Countries: Chad, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sudan

5. World Vision International

Focus: Child sponsorship, clean water, health, and nutrition
Why work here: Faith-based NGO with structured community development programs. Offers family-friendly benefits.
Active Countries: Malawi, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia

6. International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Focus: Humanitarian relief, refugee services, education
Why work here: Clear mission, strong donor base, and robust field programs.
Active Countries: Ethiopia, South Sudan, CAR, DRC

7. Plan International

Focus: Children’s rights and equality for girls
Why work here: Offers training, child protection practices, and an inclusive culture.
Active Countries: Togo, Cameroon, Senegal, Niger

Best Local NGOs to Work for in Africa

While international NGOs get most of the attention, many African-led organizations offer just as many opportunities—if not more—for professional growth and impact.

1. African Wildlife Foundation (AWF)

Location: Kenya
Focus: Conservation and sustainable development
Why work here: Innovative programs combining wildlife protection with economic development.

2. Slum2School (Nigeria)

Focus: Education and empowerment for underserved children
Why work here: Youth-led, creative culture, and high community engagement.

3. Amref Health Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania)

Focus: Health services and medical training
Why work here: One of Africa’s largest indigenous health organizations, great for medical professionals.

4. Women for Women International (Nigeria, DRC, South Sudan)

Focus: Supporting women in conflict zones
Why work here: Focuses on women’s empowerment, vocational training, and leadership development.

5. BarefootLaw (Uganda)

Focus: Legal empowerment using technology
Why work here: Forward-thinking NGO using digital tools for social justice.

Sectors NGOs Focus On in Africa

NGO jobs in Africa span several sectors. Here are some key focus areas:

• Health & Nutrition: HIV/AIDS programs, maternal health, WASH
• Education: School access, literacy, teacher training
• Environment: Climate resilience, reforestation, wildlife protection
• Human Rights: Gender-based violence, legal aid, civic rights
• Emergency Relief: Food distribution, shelter, disaster response
• Youth & Women Empowerment: Leadership training, vocational skills
• Agriculture & Food Security: Sustainable farming, nutrition
• Technology & Innovation: Tech-for-development, digital inclusion

Benefits of Working for NGOs in Africa

• Job satisfaction and purpose-driven work
• Global exposure and experience
• Training and skill development
• Flexible schedules in some roles
• Fieldwork and real-world problem solving
• Opportunity to network globally

Some NGOs offer housing, relocation allowances, healthcare, and education stipends for dependents.

Common Roles and Job Titles in African NGOs

• Program Officer / Manager
• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer
• Logistics and Procurement Specialist
• Grant Writer / Fundraising Coordinator
• Communications and Media Specialist
• Field Coordinator
• Community Mobilizer
• Health Officer / Nurse / Medical Doctor
• Gender Specialist
• Finance and Admin Officer
• Legal Advisor

Requirements and Qualifications

Most NGO roles require:

• A degree in social sciences, public health, development studies, or related fields
• Prior volunteering or internship experience
• Language skills (English and French are in high demand)
• Problem-solving and cross-cultural communication skills
• Computer literacy and project management experience

How to Apply for NGO Jobs in Africa

1. Search Official NGO Websites: Most reputable NGOs list jobs on their websites.
2. Use NGO Job Boards: Sites like Devex, ReliefWeb, UNJobs, and Idealist.org
3. Network with NGO Workers: Join LinkedIn groups, webinars, and development forums
4. Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Show measurable impact and community involvement
5. Prepare for Fieldwork: Some roles involve living in remote or crisis-prone areas

Challenges of Working with NGOs in Africa

• Funding instability – many roles are dependent on donor grants
• Remote locations – travel and accommodation may be difficult
• Cultural adaptation – working in multicultural teams requires flexibility
• Job burnout – humanitarian work can be emotionally and physically demanding
• Limited job security – short-term contracts are common

Despite these, most NGO workers report a high level of job satisfaction.

How NGOs Are Impacting African Communities

NGOs have contributed to some of the most impactful development milestones across Africa:

• Reduction in child mortality through vaccination programs
• Increased school enrollment in rural communities
• Improved access to clean drinking water
• Legal support for victims of violence and displacement
• Women-led businesses and micro-finance cooperatives
• Conservation programs are saving endangered species

These successes are often powered by dedicated NGO professionals working behind the scenes.

Internships and Volunteer Opportunities

If you’re just starting, many NGOs offer internships or short-term volunteer roles. These can help build your CV and offer exposure to real-life development work.

Examples of where to start:

• UN Volunteers
• VSO International
• Peace Corps (for U.S. citizens)
• Local NGOs offering community-based volunteering

Tips for Building a Career in the NGO Sector

1. Volunteer early to gain experience
2. Specialize in a niche area like M&E, gender, or disaster response
3. Get certified in project management, humanitarian response, or data analysis
4. Stay informed on development trends and global issues
5. Build relationships with local communities and stakeholders
6. Be adaptable to working in different countries or tough environments

Final Thoughts: Making a Difference Where It Counts

Working with NGOs in Africa is more than a career—it’s a life mission. Whether you’re delivering aid in refugee camps, teaching in under-resourced schools, or helping communities build sustainable futures, your work matters.

The best NGOs to work for in Africa offer more than just jobs—they offer platforms to create lasting change. With passion, resilience, and commitment, you can contribute to transforming lives and shaping the future of the continent.

How to get an NGO job in Nigeria.