🔹 How to write a perfect NGO CV — step-by-step (expert guide)

NGO recruiters want to see impact-driven CVs, not just job titles.

Getting an NGO job often comes down to one document — your CV. In the NGO world, employers look for a mix of technical skills, field experience, cultural flexibility, and measurable results.This guide walks you through a practical, step-by-step method to build a strong NGO CV that passes ATS filters, catches a recruiter’s eye, and gets you to the interview stage.

⚡ Quick Rules to Remember

• Keep it short: 1–2 pages is ideal.

• Tailor it: Adjust your CV for every role — don’t send the same version everywhere.

• Show impact: Use numbers and clear results.

• Use clean formatting: No fancy designs — ATS systems can’t read them.

• Add mobility info: Say if you’re open to relocation or have work permits for expatriate jobs.

  
  

1️⃣ Choose the Right Format

Stick to a reverse-chronological CV — newest job first. It’s what NGOs expect.

Structure:

1. Header (Name, Title, Contact)

2. Professional Summary (2–4 lines)

3. Key Skills / Core Competencies

4. Professional Experience

5. Education & Training

6. Technical Skills / Languages / Security & Health

7. Volunteering / Short Contracts

8. References

   
   

2️⃣ Header & Contact Details

Include:

• Full name (large, bold font)

• Professional title (e.g., Project Officer – WASH & Health)

• City & Country (“Based in Accra — willing to relocate globally”)

• Phone number (with country code)

• Professional email (Firstname.Lastname@email.com)

• LinkedIn URL (customized link)

• Add nationality or work permit only if relevant to the job.

  
  

3️⃣ Professional Summary (Your Hook)

Write a short intro that explains who you are, what you do, and what you bring.

Example:

Project Officer with 4+ years’ experience in community health and livelihoods projects across West Africa. Skilled in M&E, donor reporting, and team leadership. Managed a CHF 150k grant reaching 9,000+ beneficiaries with 92% satisfaction. Fluent in English & French.

Make it specific, results-driven, and job-relevant.

4️⃣ Key Skills / Core Competencies

List 6–12 key skills that match the job description.

Examples:

• Project Cycle Management (PCM)

• Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)

• Grant writing & donor reporting (USAID, EU, DFID)

• Community mobilization

• Humanitarian standards (SPHERE)

• Budgeting & tracking

• Languages: English (fluent), French (basic)

Place this near the top — ATS systems scan here first.

5️⃣ Professional Experience (Use the STAR Method)

List each job like this:Job Title — Organization — Location — Dates

Under each, add 3–7 bullet points showing achievements, not duties.Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Bad:

Managed project activities and wrote reports.

Good:

Led a 6-month WASH response serving 12,000 beneficiaries through 3 partner NGOs; reduced open defecation by 35% and secured $75k in follow-up funding.

Tips:

• Start bullets with strong verbs (Led, Designed, Coordinated).

• Add numbers — people reached, budgets, time saved, etc.

• Mention donor frameworks (USAID, UN, EU).

  
  

6️⃣ Education & Training

Example:

• MSc International Development — University of Nairobi — 2019

• Certificate in M&E — INGO Institute — 2021

• Security Awareness Training — UNHCR — 2022

Put key courses relevant to the job (e.g., logistics, PSEA, Sphere standards).

7️⃣ Technical Skills, Languages & Security

Example:

• Tools: Excel (advanced), KoBoToolbox, DHIS2, Power BI, QuickBooks

• Languages: English (fluent), French (intermediate)

• Security/Health: Hostile Environment Training, Yellow Fever card

For expatriate jobs, these details show you’re ready for the field.

8️⃣ Volunteering & Field Experience

Include short volunteer roles or internships — they show local experience and commitment.

Example:

Volunteer Trainer – Community Water Project, KisumuTrained 24 community leaders in maintenance and fundraising; formed 3 local water committees.

9️⃣ Tailor Your CV for Every Application

• Mirror the language and keywords in the job ad.

• Put your most relevant experience first.

• Cut or summarize roles that don’t relate to development work.

• Stick to 2 pages unless senior.

  
  

🔍 Formatting & ATS Tips

• Use simple fonts (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica).

• Save as PDF unless told otherwise.

• Avoid tables, text boxes, and graphics — ATS can’t read them.

• Use clear section titles: Professional Experience, Education, Skills.

  
  

✍️ Writing Strong Bullet Points

Use this formula:Action verb + Task + How + Result

Examples:

• Designed a nutrition program for 9,800 children; reduced malnutrition by 18% in 12 months.

• Managed XAF 85M project budget; reduced procurement lead time by 25%.

• Developed M&E tools and trained 14 volunteers; donor reports led to a 6-month extension.

  
  

📨 Cover Letter & Email

Always attach a short, tailored cover letter (3–5 paragraphs):

1. Hook: Why you’re applying and one strong result.

2. Fit: 2–3 examples matching the job requirements.

3. Close: Availability, relocation, and gratitude.

   
   

🌍 LinkedIn & Online Presence

• Keep your LinkedIn updated — same job titles and dates.

• Post about your projects or achievements.

• Request recommendations from past supervisors.

  
  

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Generic CVs with no tailoring.

• Long paragraphs instead of short bullets.

• No numbers or measurable results.

• Personal details (religion, marital status).

• Typos or inconsistent dates.

  
  

🧭 Final Expert Tips

• Tailor your CV for regional roles (consider languages and local partners).

• If you lack experience in NGO fieldwork, demonstrate transferable skills or volunteer work.

• Show resilience — one bullet about working under pressure is a plus.

• If you have multiple successful projects, include a one-page Project Highlights attachment.

  
  

✅ Final Checklist Before You Send

• CV matches the job ad and includes keywords.

• 1–2 pages (max 3 for senior roles).

• Every bullet shows action + result.

• Contact info and LinkedIn are correct.

• Saved as Firstname_Lastname_CV.pdf.

• Tailored cover letter attached.

• Proofread carefully.

  
  

Bottom line: A strong NGO CV doesn’t list every job — it tells your impact story. Focus on results, tailor to each job, and show you’re ready for the field.

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