NGO Jobs in Kenya: Salaries, Qualifications, and Opportunities in 2025
Jobs in Kenya – Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) has a whole lot of positive impact in Kenya’s economy, providing employment opportunities while also addressing key challenges such as health, education, human rights, poverty reduction, climate change, and humanitarian response.
For every young professionals and experienced workers alike, NGO jobs in Kenya offer more than just a paycheck, they provide a chance to make a real positive impact on society.
With hundreds of local and international NGOs working throughout the nation, Kenya has emerged as one of Africa’s largest centers for development organizations, with major NGO headquarters and project offices located in cities like Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Eldoret, which are also popular destinations for job seekers.
We’ll look at how to work for an NGO in Kenya, what credentials are needed, compensation ranges, the highest-paying jobs, and the best NGOs that are hiring right now in this guide. This post will provide you with all the information you need to secure your ideal NGO job in Kenya, regardless of your level of experience.
How to Get an NGO Job in Kenya
Landing NGO jobs in Kenya is competitive, but with the right approach, you can stand out. Here’s how:
1. Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter
NGOs look for candidates who demonstrate not just skills but also passion for their mission. Highlight relevant volunteer work, community service, or internships.
2. Network with Professionals in the NGO Sector
Many job opportunities are filled through referrals. Attend NGO workshops, career fairs, and professional networking events in Nairobi and other cities.
3. Apply Through Official Websites and Job Portals
Most NGOs in Kenya advertise jobs through their own career portals and platforms like:
- ReliefWeb (reliefweb.int)
- DevNetJobs (devnetjobs.org)
- BrighterMonday Kenya (brightermonday.co.ke)
- NGO Jobs Africa (ngojobsinafrica.com)
4. Volunteer or Intern First
A strong entry point into NGO jobs in Kenya is volunteering or interning with organizations. This builds experience and improves your chances of securing full-time employment.
5. Stay Updated on Recruitment Cycles
UN agencies and large NGOs often have fixed recruitment periods. Subscribe to job alerts and newsletters to never miss an opportunity.
Qualifications and Skills Needed for NGO Jobs in Kenya
Different organizations require different qualifications, but here are the most common ones:
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree: Fields such as International Relations, Public Health, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Finance, or Human Rights.
- Master’s Degree: Preferred for higher-level jobs, especially in policy, management, or research roles.
- Diplomas: Many NGOs also hire diploma holders for technical, administrative, or field support roles.
Professional Skills
- Strong communication and writing skills
- Project management and proposal writing
- Monitoring and evaluation (M&E)
- Financial management and budgeting
- IT and data analysis
- Knowledge of humanitarian law and policies
Soft Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Cultural sensitivity
- Problem-solving and adaptability
- Leadership and initiative
If you’re just starting out, short online courses in project management, humanitarian response, data analysis, or community development can greatly improve your chances of landing NGO jobs in Kenya.
How Much Do UN and NGO Jobs Pay in Kenya?
One of the most asked questions is: “How much do UN jobs pay in Kenya?” The salaries vary depending on the agency, position, and level of experience.
UN Jobs in Kenya Salaries
- Entry-level professionals (GS or NO-A level): Ksh 120,000 – Ksh 250,000 per month
- Mid-level officers (NO-B to NO-C): Ksh 300,000 – Ksh 600,000 per month
- Senior-level managers (P-level): Ksh 700,000 – Ksh 1,500,000+ per month
Other NGO Jobs in Kenya Salaries
- Program officers: Ksh 80,000 – Ksh 250,000
- Field officers: Ksh 50,000 – Ksh 120,000
- Finance and admin staff: Ksh 100,000 – Ksh 300,000
- Country directors and senior managers: Ksh 500,000 – Ksh 1,200,000+
Clearly, NGO jobs in Kenya are among the best-paying opportunities in the country, especially for professionals with advanced degrees and years of experience.
Which NGO Jobs Are the Highest Paid in Kenya?
Some positions come with higher pay due to the technical expertise and responsibilities involved. The highest paid NGO jobs in Kenya include:
- Medical Doctors and Health Specialists – especially with WHO, MSF, and UN agencies.
- Project Managers and Directors – leading large-scale humanitarian and development programs.
- Finance Managers – overseeing donor funds and budgets.
- Monitoring & Evaluation Specialists – tracking impact and ensuring accountability.
- Humanitarian Coordinators – working in emergency and refugee response with organizations like UNHCR and WFP.
These positions not only pay well but also provide exposure to international opportunities and career growth.
Top International and Local NGOs Hiring in Kenya
Kenya hosts hundreds of NGOs, ranging from grassroots organizations to global giants. Some of the big NGOs in Kenya include:
International NGOs
- United Nations Agencies (UNEP, UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR, WFP, WHO, UN-Habitat)
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
- World Vision International
- Oxfam
- CARE International
- Save the Children
- ActionAid
Local NGOs
- Kenya Red Cross Society
- Amref Health Africa
- Uhai Eashri
- Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC)
- Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO)
These organizations provide thousands of NGO jobs in Kenya every year across different sectors.
Where to Find the Latest NGO Jobs in Kenya
If you are serious about working in the NGO sector, here are the best resources to check regularly:
- UN Careers Portal (careers.un.org) – For all UN-related jobs in Kenya.
- ReliefWeb Jobs (reliefweb.int/jobs) – For humanitarian and development roles.
- DevNetJobs (devnetjobs.org) – A global site featuring Kenyan NGO jobs.
- BrighterMonday Kenya (brightermonday.co.ke) – General job site with NGO listings.
- NGO Jobs in Africa (ngojobsinafrica.com) – Focused on NGO careers across Africa.
Tip: Always double-check job postings to avoid scams. Reputable NGOs do not charge application fees.
Building a Career in NGO Jobs in Kenya
As NGOs increase their operations in areas such as health, education, human rights, humanitarian aid, and climate change response, the need for NGO positions in Kenya is expected to continue to rise in 2025.
NGO positions offer prospects for both employment and influence, regardless of your background, irrespective if you are a recent graduate, a professional seeking advancement, or an individual with a strong commitment to social change.
NGO employment in Kenya that offer competitive salary, global exposure, and the opportunity to change lives can be obtained with the correct abilities, credentials, and networking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on NGO Jobs in Kenya
1. How can I get an NGO job in Kenya?
You can apply through NGO career websites, volunteer for experience, and network with professionals to access more NGO jobs in Kenya.
2. How much do UN jobs pay in Kenya?
Entry-level UN jobs pay between Ksh 120,000 – Ksh 250,000 monthly, while senior positions can reach over Ksh 1,000,000.
3. Which NGO jobs are the highest paid in Kenya?
The highest-paying NGO jobs in Kenya include medical specialists, project managers, humanitarian coordinators, and finance directors.
4. Do NGOs in Kenya hire diploma holders?
Yes. Many NGOs recruit diploma holders for support, logistics, and administrative roles, although higher roles may require a degree.
5. What are the biggest NGOs in Kenya?
The big NGOs in Kenya include UN agencies, MSF, World Vision, Oxfam, Amref, and the Kenya Red Cross.
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