NGO CV
How to write a CV for NGO jobs
By Alexander Phillip · Career Coach and Recruitment Expert · Updated July 2026
Quick answer
A strong NGO or project officer CV leads with a summary of your development experience, then your work on specific projects with your role, the communities or sectors involved and the outcomes, followed by skills like reporting, monitoring and stakeholder work. Keep it to two pages if needed, match the language of the job advert, and show real, honest impact.
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What NGOs look for in a CV
NGOs and development organisations hire against a detailed job advert, often with clear requirements and competencies. They look for people who can plan and deliver projects, report accurately to donors, and work respectfully with communities and partners. Your CV should show that you have done this kind of work and understand how it runs.
The strongest NGO CVs speak the language of the sector and the advert. Name the projects, the sectors, the locations and the outcomes, and mirror the key terms the organisation uses, so a busy recruiter can match you quickly.
What to include on an NGO or project officer CV
- A summary of your development experience and the sectors you know
- Your education, especially in a relevant field
- Project experience: your role, the sector, the location, the donor if relevant and the outcome
- Skills such as monitoring and evaluation, report writing, budgeting and proposal support
- Community mobilisation and working with partners and stakeholders
- Computer and data tools, and the languages you speak
- Referees such as a project manager or supervisor, with their permission
NGO and project skills worth highlighting
- Project planning and implementation
- Monitoring and evaluation of activities and results
- Clear report writing for management and donors
- Stakeholder engagement and partnership work
- Budgeting and basic financial reporting
- Data collection and simple analysis
- Community mobilisation and field coordination
Turn project duties into achievements
| Instead of | Write |
|---|---|
| Worked on a health project | Supported a community health project reaching several villages in the district |
| Wrote reports | Prepared timely progress reports that met donor requirements |
| Collected data | Led field data collection that informed the project monitoring reports |
Mirror the advert, and be honest about your role
NGO recruiters often shortlist against the exact wording of the job advert, so use the same key terms where they honestly apply to you. Be clear about your own contribution on team projects, and never claim results that were not yours.
Frequently asked questions
What should an NGO CV include?
A summary of your development experience, your education, project experience with your role and outcomes, skills like monitoring and evaluation and report writing, community and stakeholder work, tools, languages and referees. Match it to the job advert.
How do I write an NGO CV with no experience?
Lead with any volunteering, fieldwork, community work or attachments, then your relevant studies and transferable skills such as report writing and data collection. Show that you understand and care about the sector and are ready to learn.
How long should an NGO CV be?
Two pages is common and acceptable for NGO roles, because they often want detail on projects and competencies. Keep it focused and relevant rather than padding it out.
How do I show impact on a project officer CV?
Point to real outcomes: people reached, reports delivered on time, activities completed or partnerships built. Be specific and honest, and make clear what your own role in the result was.
Should I tailor my NGO CV to each advert?
Yes. NGO recruiters shortlist against the advert, so adjust your summary and highlight the experience and terms that match each specific role, as long as every claim stays true.
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