Cover Letter Writing Tips For Applying NGO Job Vacancies

Working for a non-governmental organization ranks high among career targets of many job seekers, regardless of the disciplines. NGOs for the most part offer some of the most unique opportunities and rewarding ones for that matter. And depending on their funding, the remuneration in most cases rates among the most competitive. But how do you craft that cover letter to get past the competition?
“For starters,” points out June Njoroge, career advisor with Corporate Staffing Services, “there’s usually no significant difference between a cover letter targeting a job in the NGO sector and other job sectors—unless there’s a template or structured questions that you need to key in your responses,” she says. “These applications actually won’t differ a lot with the standard cover letters,” concurs Samuel Njoroge, regional recruiter with Path International, “maybe when you have to fill in the job specifications for organizations like the United Nations.”
“You should instead focus on the basics like the title, the job position being applied for, the reference number as well as a brief introduction of yourself,” he says. “You should also shed some light into your background if you feel according to the job description; it will work to your advantage. Outline your educational background starting with the highest level and how that fits into the role advertised.”
“If it’s an accountancy position, it is definitely among the most competitive in the market so the best you can do is show how qualified you are. Begin with your academic qualifications, experience and of course remember to tailor these according to the post. For example, one for the position of account assistant, accountant or senior accountant will look slightly different,” Ms June Njoroge says.
“If you have done a B.com in accounts, and are a CPA (K) finalist, list that plus the institution you went to,” adds Path International’s Samuel Njoroge. “Talk about your work experience making sure you establish a relevant connection with the current job you are applying for; link up you competence and knowledge all the time making sure you write in a brief but content-rich cover letter,” he advises.
“Knowing what that NGO does will help you structure a cover letter that reflects what the employers want regardless of the job position applied for,” says Victor Lando, senior human rights commissioner with Kenya National Commission of Human Rights. “Some activities that NGOs carry  like research, fieldwork, and any other they list in the job description will come in handy,” says Mr. Lando who has previously worked in the NGO sector. “NGO work,” advices Mr. Lando, “is more than making money. It is more of working to assist communities to build their capacity and solve local problems. It is working towards making the lives of people better.”
However, Mr. Njoroge states there are some small pointers to be keen on regarding NGOs. “Sometimes they insist on working languages like French or an indigenous language of an area you will be operating in.” In that case, he advices, make sure you point out that knowledge in case you fit the criteria. He is also of the opinion of staying away from stating your age, sex or religious orientation, unless it is asked of you. “For example, it is unwise to state you are a staunch Saturday church goer when the job clearly states you will be required to work on Saturdays—that is self-elimination, leave that out,” he advices.
“The trick is if you have ever worked in the NGO or related setting, they will always prefer you,” says Mr. Lando. “Whether as a volunteer, an intern, dealing with donors, project management or proposal writing, NGOs always look for that.  Come out as a strong candidate in your cover letter, NGOs look for people with cultural sensitivity but make sure your letter looks nice and appealing, and use good language.”
And Mr. Njoroge sums it up: “A cover letter is your pitch for the job, it is an honour and you have to step up to and prove you are the right person for that position.”