How to Find Remote Jobs in International NGOs

Introduction

Looking to make a global impact from the comfort of your home? You’re not alone. As international NGOs become more digital, remote job opportunities in humanitarian aid, development, and advocacy are growing fast. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just entering the sector, this guide will help you find and land a remote position in an NGO.

1. Understand What “Remote” Means in the NGO Sector

Not all remote roles are created equal. In NGOs, remote jobs typically fall into categories like:

• Fully remote: Work from anywhere in the world

• Remote within a region: You must reside in a specific country or time zone

• Hybrid: Partially remote, often requiring some travel

Pro tip: Always check location requirements in the job description—even “remote” roles may have regional restrictions.

2. Know the Roles NGOs Commonly Offer Remotely

While not every role can be done remotely (e.g., field-based medical work), many positions are ideal for remote setups:

• Grant writing and fundraising

• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

• Communications and digital marketing

• Program coordination

• HR and talent acquisition

• Finance and administration

• Research and policy analysis

3. Use the Right Job Boards

Here are some reliable platforms to search for remote NGO opportunities:

• RemoteNGOJobs.com – remote-only NGO jobs

• ReliefWeb – filter by “Remote”

• Impactpool.org

• UN Job List – use “Home-based” filter

Also check organization-specific pages:

• World Vision Careers

• UNDP Jobs

• Red Cross

4. Customize Your Application for Remote Work

NGOs want to know you can work independently, communicate well across time zones, and manage your own productivity. Highlight:

• Prior remote work experience

• Digital tools you’ve used (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Trello)

• Your time zone and flexibility

• Strong writing and reporting skills

Don’t just list job duties—show results you achieved remotely.

5. Network with NGO Professionals Online

Join LinkedIn groups, Slack communities, and forums focused on NGOs and development work:

• Devex Career Forum

• Humanitarian Jobs Slack groups

• #globaldev on Twitter/X

You can also follow NGO recruiters and comment on their posts to get noticed.

6. Consider Remote Internships or Volunteer Roles First

If you’re new to the sector, remote internships or volunteer experiences can give you:

• Hands-on experience with NGO systems

• Valuable references

• Entry points to paid opportunities

Try platforms like:

• UNV Online Volunteering

• Idealist.org

• Catchafire.org

Conclusion

The future of humanitarian work is hybrid and digital. With the right strategy, you can start or grow your NGO career remotely, contribute to causes you care about, and enjoy the flexibility of location-independent work. Use trusted platforms, focus on relevant skills, and don’t underestimate the power of networking.