How to write a CV for an NGO job?
1. Learning Outcome
By the end of this article, you will:
- Understand what an NGO job CV is and why it is important.
- Learn how to structure your CV for an NGO job in Nigeria.
- Know what to include in each section of your CV.
- Learn tips to make your CV stand out to NGO recruiters.
2. Topic Contents Outline
- Introduction
- What is an NGO job CV?
- Key sections of a CV for an NGO job
- How to write a CV for an NGO job in Nigeria
- Contact information
- Personal profile
- Work experience
- Education and qualifications
- Skills
- Certifications and training
- Volunteer experience
- Languages
- References
- CV formatting tips for NGO jobs
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Final CV checklist
3. Topic Goal
The goal of this blog post is to help job seekers in Nigeria understand how to write a CV for an NGO job. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions to create a well-structured, professional, and compelling CV that increases your chances of getting hired by an NGO in Nigeria.
How to Write a CV for an NGO Job in Nigeria
Introduction
Applying for an NGO job in Nigeria requires a well-written CV that highlights your skills, experience, and passion for humanitarian work. NGOs look for candidates who are not only qualified but also committed to their mission. This guide will show you how to write a CV for an NGO job in a way that captures recruiters’ attention and improves your chances of getting an interview.
What is an NGO Job CV?
A CV (Curriculum Vitae) for an NGO job is a document that showcases your qualifications, work experience, skills, and volunteer activities related to NGO work. Unlike corporate CVs, NGO CVs focus on humanitarian experience, community service, and soft skills like teamwork and adaptability.
Read also: Guide to Get Work with NGOs in Nigeria
Key Sections of a CV for an NGO Job
To make your CV effective, you need to include the right sections. Here are the key parts of a strong NGO job CV:
- Contact Information
- Personal Profile
- Work Experience
- Education and Qualifications
- Skills
- Certifications and Training
- Volunteer Experience
- Languages
- References
Now, let’s go step by step on how to write a CV for an NGO job in Nigeria.
How to Write a CV for an NGO Job in Nigeria
1. Contact Information
Start with your name and contact details at the top of your CV. Include:
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Location (City and State)
- LinkedIn Profile (if available)
Make sure your email is professional, such as firstname.lastname@email.com. Avoid casual emails like coolguy123@email.com.
2. Personal Profile (CV Summary)
This is a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) that summarizes your experience, skills, and career goals.
Example:
“Dedicated humanitarian worker with 3 years of experience in community development and project coordination. Passionate about improving healthcare access in rural communities. Skilled in program planning, fundraising, and team leadership. Seeking a program officer role at a leading NGO in Nigeria.”
3. Work Experience
List your previous jobs in reverse order (most recent first). Include:
- Job Title
- Organization Name
- Location
- Dates of Employment
- Key Responsibilities and Achievements
Example:
Community Outreach Officer
Save the Children, Abuja
January 2022 – Present
- Led community engagement programs, reaching over 5,000 beneficiaries.
- Coordinated health awareness campaigns in rural areas.
- Managed a team of 10 volunteers to implement projects effectively.
4. Education and Qualifications
List your educational background, including degrees and relevant certifications.
Example:
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
University of Lagos, 2018 – 2022
5. Skills
Highlight skills relevant to NGO work. Examples include:
- Project Management
- Fundraising and Grant Writing
- Community Engagement
- Report Writing
- Communication and Public Speaking
- Data Analysis
6. Certifications and Training
NGOs value additional training in humanitarian work. List any courses or certifications you have completed.
Example:
- Certificate in Humanitarian Project Management – ALNAP, 2023
- Monitoring and Evaluation Training – Red Cross, 2022
7. Volunteer Experience
Since NGOs appreciate community service, include any volunteer work you’ve done.
Example:
Volunteer Health Educator
Red Cross Nigeria, 2021 – 2022
- Organized health education programs for local communities.
- Assisted in emergency response training.
8. Languages
NGOs often work with diverse communities. Mention languages you speak fluently.
Example:
- English – Fluent
- Hausa – Fluent
- Yoruba – Intermediate
9. References
Include at least two references from previous employers or volunteer supervisors.
Example:
John Doe
Project Manager, Save the Children
Email: johndoe@email.com
Phone: +234 80XXX XXXXX
Read also: Top 10 international NGOs in Nigeria you should know in 2025
CV Formatting Tips for NGO Jobs
- Use a clean, professional format with clear headings.
- Keep your CV one to two pages long.
- Use bullet points for easy readability.
- Choose a professional font like Arial or Times New Roman, size 11-12.
- Save and submit your CV as a PDF file unless stated otherwise.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Spelling and grammar errors – Always proofread your CV.
- Including irrelevant information – Focus on NGO-related experience.
- Using a generic CV for all applications – Tailor your CV for each NGO job.
- Providing fake information – Always be honest about your experience.
Final CV Checklist
Before sending your CV, check the following:
- Clear and professional layout
- No spelling or grammar errors
- Includes all key sections
- Highlights relevant experience ansections
- Matches the job description
4. Conclusion
A well-structured CV is crucial for landing an NGO job in Nigeria. By following this guide, you can create a CV that showcases your experience, skills, and passion for humanitarian work. Remember to customize your CV for each job application and highlight your most relevant experiences.
5. Self-Assessment
Ask yourself these questions to check if your CV is well-prepared:
- Does my CV include all the key sections?
- Have I highlighted my NGO-related experience and skills?
- Is my CV free from errors and well-formatted?
- Have I tailored my CV to the specific NGO job I am applying for?
If you answered “yes” to all these, your CV is ready to be sent!
6. References
- Save the Children Nigeria: www.savethechildren.org.ng
- Red Cross Nigeria: www.redcrossnigeria.org
- ALNAP Humanitarian Learning: www.alnap.org
Now that you know how to write a CV for an NGO job! Based on these steps, you’ll be one step closer to your dream job in the NGO sector, We hope this helps.
