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NGO Development

“Before starting, I had to stop myself from day dreaming about the impact I might have. A member of a youth group I’d been working aspired to spread HIV education in the community. With my help, members have received basic HIV training with peer education and organized mobile voluntary counseling and testing units. They have written proposals and spoken with organizations and leaders on the community’s behalf. I am now sitting in back of the class as they take the center stage.”

Victoria ShepardVolunteer in Kenya

Overview

As an NGO Development Volunteer, your role will be to facilitate the development of strong and effective organizations that work with youth, social services, health services, HIV/AIDS prevention, small business development, or the environment.

Depending on your specific assignment, you might:

  • Increase an NGO’s organizational capacity and sustainability
  • Create strategic and funding plans
  • Raise public awareness of an NGO’s mission and conduct community outreach
  • Recruit, train, and motivate NGO volunteers
  • Develop mission statements, bylaws, and other documentation
  • Develop fundraising projects and provide assistance with grant writing and accountability
  • Work with boards of directors and mentor and build skills of staff
  • Increase the quality and effectiveness of an NGO’s services

How do I qualify?

Education

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline and two years of full-time experience in management of a nonprofit;
OR a master’s degree with a concentration in nonprofit management, public administration, or organizational development;
OR five years of management experience in a nonprofit organization.

Experience

Most applicants have at least two years of management or organizational development experience with nonprofit organizations as staff members or volunteers. Recent college graduates may have experience as founders or leaders of a community- or school-based organization. Other relevant experience includes a demonstrated commitment to a project’s issues, working with a community service organization, and supervision of community or student volunteers. Networking skills, a law degree with NGO or board of directors experience, information technology experience, and strategic planning abilities are also useful.

How will this advance my career?

Through serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, you can gain fluency in a foreign language, international experience, and cross-cultural understanding, attributes that are highly sought-after assets in today's global economy. Experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer working in business or small enterprise development is valued by numerous organizations, including the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of State, and many private companies, NGOs, and public organizations seeking individuals with unique skills. Find out how returned Peace Corps Volunteers receive advantages in federal employment.

Also See: Volunteer Benefits

Last updated Aug 12 2010