How NGOs hire
Most NGOs, international agencies and donor programmes hire against competencies. These are behaviours and skills such as delivering results, working with others, accountability and integrity. Technical competencies for the specific job sit alongside them.
Competencies are tested at every stage. The application should show them. The interview asks for examples. The scoring sheet has a row for each.
Use the competency list as your structure
Treat the posting's competency list as a map. In your cover letter, choose the top three and give real evidence for each. For the interview, prepare a short true story for every competency listed.
Prepare for long forms
Many organisations use their own online systems or personal history forms. These ask for far more detail than a CV, including:
- exact dates for every job
- supervisors' names and contact details
- salary history, where the form requires it
- declarations about relatives, previous applications and criminal records
Gather this information before you start. Some forms do not save drafts. Answer truthfully, because details are checked.
Write for a donor-aware reader
Development employers look for compliance and results. Where true, mention donor names, grant sizes, reporting cycles, audit outcomes, locations and numbers reached.
Use sector terms only where your experience supports them. Readers can tell when vocabulary is borrowed.
Expect safeguarding checks
Roles involving children, vulnerable adults or communities have safeguarding requirements. Expect a police clearance, conduct-focused reference checks and a signed code of conduct. Interviewers may ask how you would handle a safeguarding concern.
Consider short contracts
Much development work is contracted for short periods. Enumerators, trainers and evaluators are common examples. These roles are a recognised entry route. They also build the experience longer roles require.
Prepare for tests
Written tests are common. You might draft a report from data or correct a budget. Ask about the format when invited, and practise with spreadsheets and clear report writing.
In the full lesson
- How to map competencies to your letter and your interview examples
- What personal history forms ask for, and how to prepare from your inventory
- The development-sector vocabulary to use, and when to use it
- What a consultancy application needs beyond a CV, including technical and financial proposals