Top 10 Highest Paying NGO Jobs in Nigeria 2024

Joe McGoldrick
December 3, 2024 · 13 min read

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In this article, we will discuss the Top 10 Highest Paying NGO Jobs in Nigeria 2024

High Paying Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Nigeria - Top 10

1. FHI 360 Job Recruitment

The FHI 360 community of professionals operate across over 60 countries around the world. They take on it's most challenging human development tasks and develop smart solutions to improve the lives of those desperately requiring them. FHI 360 is currently recruiting to fill various job positions at different locations depending on the need at the time.

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2. Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger is the world’s leading hunger specialist who’s whole reason for existence is to end fatal hunger for good within our lifetimes. This NGO has been in existence for over 40 years, and in that time they have operated on the front lines treating and preventing hunger across around 50 countries.

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3. Society for Family Health

Society for Family Health (SFH) is a leading NGO that collaborates with communities, government, donors and the private sector for universal health coverage and social justice of all Nigerians. SFH connects all Nigerians in an innovative social business model to expand access to essential health commodities while boosting overall national health financing.

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4. International Organization for Migration

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. It is part of the United Nations system, as a related organization.

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5. Jhpiego

Jhpiego is a leading international NGO that offers a competitive package to include health and dental plans, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, flexible spending programs, and tuition support for employees and their dependents.

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6. Northeast Regional Initiative

The North East Regional Initiative (NERI) Nigeria is an international development organization who strive to address the obstacles facing woman and girls, as well as improve their abilities to organize, advocate and become active members of and leaders in their communities.

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7. Palladium Group

Palladium Group has nearly 60 years of experience creating strategies, building partnerships, mobilising capital, and implementing programs that transform societies, economies, and lives. It works with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. 

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8. United Nations Development Program

The United Nations Development Programme is a United Nations agency tasked with helping countries eliminate poverty and achieve sustainable economic growth and human development. The UNDP emphasizes developing local capacity towards long-term self-sufficiency and prosperity

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9. High Commission of Pakistan

The High Commission of Pakistani in Abuja runs an inclusive range of consular services to local, Pakistani, and international citizens in Nigeria. It supports Nigerian citizens through its consular services, if they need general or specific info regarding the Pakistani economy, culture, sports, education, need information regarding requirements and process of getting Pakistani Citizenship, require specific contacts and information in Pakistan, or want to apply and obtain a Pakistani Visa.

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10. Development Alternatives Incorporated

Development Alternatives Incorporated helps tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. They work with a wide range of clients, including national and local governments, bilateral and multilateral donors, private corporations, and philanthropies.

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Top 10 Highest Paying NGO Jobs in Nigeria

1. Country Director 

A Country Director is the most senior position within an NGOs country office. The position of country director was created as part of a Bank-wide reorganization implemented on Oct. 1, 1972. Their role is to oversee all aspects of the NGOs programmes in country and coordinate with HQ. They are responsible for ensuring continued funding of the NGOs in the country they oversee.

The Country Director for an NGO will line- manage the senior leadership team and also sets direction, leads, maintains team morale, safety and welfare, while managing resources, delegating specific duties as necessary, and maintaining oversight and accountability. Most companies require a country director to have a bachelor's degree degree in a related field, such as business or political science. Common job titles before becoming a country director include consultant, director, and program manager.

To apply for the position of Country Director in an NGO you will need up to ten years’ experience in the NGO sector. Previous work in field-base roles will be key. You will also need a strong understanding of NGO operations. A master’s degree in NGO management would benefit your application.

The average salary for a Non Governmental Organization Country Director in Nigeria is ₦16,000,000.

2. Chief Executive Officer

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of an NGO is the position that has overall management responsibly for the organisation. It is one of the highest paid jobs in the NGO sector. The CEO of an NGO reports to the Board of Directors. They usually manage the director-level staff and in large NGOs may have a team of assistants. CEOs in the NGO sector can expect to earn high wages.

Although NGO CEOs will earn less than CEOs in the private sector, they will still receive substantial compensation for their work. In large NGOs, the CEO can earn hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Even in smaller NGOs, the CEO is always the best paid position. You'll often need a degree, postgraduate or professional qualification related to the organisation's work.

To become the CEO of an NGO you will need significant experience in senior level positions. Previous work within the NGO sector will be sought by many organisations but private or public sector experience in director-level jobs may also be considered. You'll often also need a degree, postgraduate or professional qualification related to the organisation's work.

The average salary for a Non Governmental Organization Chief Executive Officer in Nigeria is ₦20,000,000

CEO

3. Finance Director

The NGO Finance Director is responsible for all aspects of the organisation’s financial management. They have oversight of financial systems, payments, income, and the financial viability of the NGO. As the most senior position within an NGOs finance team, the Finance Director is one of the best paying NGO jobs in Nigeria.

The role requires considerable expertise and previous experience. It is also technically demanding requiring the post holder to have extensive knowledge of financial management. Most NGO jobs require a master's degree in a relevant subject.The job of Regional Director reports to the NGOs HQ. They in-turn manage the Country Directors within each country of their region.

The job entails significant responsibility, often overseeing millions of dollars of funding and with final oversight for hundreds of staff across the region. As a result, it is a one of the highest paying NGO jobs job often earning up to hundreds of thousands of dollars a year.

The average salary for a Non Governmental Organization Finance Director in Nigeria is ₦12,000,000

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4. Regional Director

Large NGOs will have regional offices that coordinate their country programmes with a region. The head of the regional office is the Regional Director is one of the highest paying jobs in the NGO sector. They are responsible for designing and implementing the NGOs regional strategy. You will need extensive experience in management level jobs within the NGO sector if you want to become a Regional Director. Previous experience as a Country Director is often required. 

The average salary for a Non Governmental Organization Regional Director in Nigeria is ₦8,040,000

5. Head of Fundraising

Fundraising is a major department in many NGOs. As a result, the Head of Fundraising is one of the highest paying NGO jobs in Nigeria. They have overall responsibility for all aspects of the NGOs income generation. This covers both raising money from donors and through public campaigns and advertisements.

Ultimately, the financial viability of an NGO rests with the Head of Fundraising. The level of responsibility, combined with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the role, is why the Head of Fundraising is a high paying NGO job in Nigeria. You will need a bachelor's degree in a field such as marketing, communications, advertising, public relations, English, or business administration to become a Head of Fundraising at an NGO.

The average salary for a Non Governmental Organization Head of Fundraising in Nigeria is ₦6,263,400

Head Of Fundraising

6. Chief Operating Officer

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of an NGO has oversight of the day-to-day running of the organization. They are ultimately responsible for ensuring the NGOs operations run smoothly.

It is an extensive role covering many functions within the organisation and as a result is one of the highest paying NGO job in Nigeria. The Chief Operating Officer usually reports to the NGOs CEO. You will need to have a relevant area of specialism and also need to show previous experience working with NGOs to become a Chief Operating Officer at an NGO. 

The average salary for a Non Governmental Organization Chief Operating Officer in Nigeria is ₦5,959,759

7. Consultant

A well known highly paid position in the NGO sector is that of consultants. The NGOs are increasingly relying heavily on private sector consultants for parts of their operations.

Consultants can work on proposals, develop strategies, monitor, and evaluate projects or establish systems and processes. Consultants can earn huge wages in the NGO sector – often several hundred dollars a day. You will need a Batchelor's Degree or gain work experience to become a Consultant at an NGO.

The average salary for a Non Governmental Organization Consultant in Nigeria is ₦4,550,004.

8. Head of Programmes

The Head of Programmes for an NGO has oversight of the NGOs projects. It is the most senior position in the programmes department and therefore is often a best paying NGO job in Nigeria.

The Head of Programmes manages the programmes team and reports to the Country Director or Chief Operations Officer. The role has extensive responsibility which is another reason why it is well paid. In an NGO the Head of Programmes is responsible for both programme implementation and feeding into donor funding proposals. They also work closely with donors on ongoing projects and must ensure the NGOs programmes remain compliant with donor regulations.

The average salary for a Non Governmental Organization Head of Programmes in Nigeria is ₦2,358,324.

9. Technical Advisor

Technical Advisors in the NGO sector work across many areas. They usually provide inputs to functions related to the UN cluster system – such as healthcare, nutrition, shelter, or livelihoods. As Technical Advisors need to have a wealth of expertise in their area, they are one of the highest paid NGOs in Nigeria.

In many NGOs, the Technical Advisors work at HQ and provide inputs to the country programmes. Larger NGOs will have Technical Advisors within a country office providing guidance to programmes teams. Always, the Technical Advisor is a senior-level role. As a result, they are one of the highest paying NGO jobs in Nigeria.

The average salary for a Non Governmental Organization Technical Advisor in Nigeria is ₦7,200,000.

technical advisor

10. Head of Supply Chain

The job of Head of Supply Chain is the most senior role within an NGOs logistics team and is usually based at HQ. They are responsible for ensuring effective supply chains across all the NGOs country offices, and have overall responsibility for ensuring the correct supplies reach the intended locations on time. The demands of the role are another reason why the Head of Supply Chain is a best paying NGO job in Nigeria.   

The average salary for a Non Governmental Organization Head of Supply Chain in Nigeria is ₦7,104,000.


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Want to take your NGO career even further? Consider how an online BBA or MBA can help you develop these skills and increase your earning potential by showing you the skills to become an effective manager.


Conclusion

In conclusion, the non-governmental organization (NGO) sector in Nigeria offers a range of rewarding job opportunities that not only provide a chance to make a difference in people's lives but also offer competitive compensation packages.

This guide has highlighted the top 10 highest paying NGO jobs in Nigeria in 2024, which includes positions in an array of different high-paying NGO positions. While the salaries of these jobs may vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, and location, they all offer a chance to work towards positive change while earning a good income.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your career, these job opportunities present an exciting chance to contribute to meaningful work while also enjoying financial stability. With the right skills and dedication, you could find a fulfilling career in one of these high-paying NGO jobs in Nigeria.

FAQs 

What types of high-paying job roles are available in NGOs in Nigeria

Many people choose to work for non-governmental organizations (NGO) because they want to dedicate their career to helping others. A career in the NGO sector can be highly rewarding. It can give you meaningful work, the chance to travel the world and the opportunity to build a wide range of skills. The types of high paying jobs that are available in NGOs in Nigeria include; Country Director, Chief Executive Officer, Finance Director, Regional Director, Head of Fundraising, Chief Operating Officer, Consultant, Head of Programmes, Technical Advisor, Head of Supply Chain, Lawyer, and Chief of Staff.

How can I find high-paying NGO jobs in Nigeria

As per any other job in Nigeria in any sector, there are a great many online job boards that you can visit to see what the highest paying NGO jobs in Nigeria are. The main ones are; MyJobMag, Human Rights Careers, Laimoon, and Jobs In Nigeria.

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How can I increase my chances of landing a high-paying NGO career in Nigeria?

It sounds obvious but the first thing that you need to do before gaining relevant qualifications to work in the NGO industry is decide what job that you want and then work your way backwards from that. Degrees like and MBA or BBA are probably the best way of going about earning the relevant qualifications, but there are other options such as volunteering, on-the-job training, procuring hard and soft skills such as team work and people skills, speak another language, and build your business awareness.

What are the benefits of working for an NGO?

There are many benefits to working for an NGO and these include; they offer a variety of career paths, they allow you to develop a lot of skills, they can provide travel opportunities, they can help you build great networks, they look very good on your CV, they can offer very competitive salaries, they can help you get into post-graduate programs, and protect the rights of the most marginalized groups of people in society.

How can I prepare for an NGO job interview?

The most important thing to do to prepare for an NGO interview is to research the job you are interviewing for and the NGO it’s at. Linking your interview answers to both will definitely make you a strong candidate for the NGO. Other important ways to prepare is to be able to tell the interviewer why you want to work there, why you applied for the job, how you align with the NGOs values, how your professional experience links to the role, the time you worked well in a team, and how you overcame a specific problem.

Why you should make a career out of working for an NGO

Travel, great pay, the ability to build great networks, increasing your levels of employability, advancing your career, improving your leadership skills, and the one of the stand-out reasons to join an NGO is that it's the most satisfying job for anyone that wants to affect society and grow. 

Working for a non-profit organization is quite different from working for a profit organization. Many would say it's far more rewarding and can be lucrative if you get a degree such as a BBA or online MBA in Nigeria to improve your skills sets, stand out from other candidates, and climb the corporate ladder to get into a manager or director role. 


Looking to expand your skillset and get a high-paying career in a Nigerian NGO?

Discover how you can acquire the most in-demand skills with our free report, and open the doors to a successful career. Download the free report today!

Want to take your NGO career even further? Consider how an online BBA or MBA can help you develop these skills and increase your earning potential by showing you the skills to become an effective manager. Regardless of your physical location.

About the author
Joe McGoldrick
Joe McGoldrick

Known for strategy and attention to detail

Joe has more than 10 years of marketing experience, working within the public sector, client-side, and agency side.

He is passionate about using data and customer insights to improve marketing performance.

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