Overview of jobs in NGO’s, UN and non-profit organisations in Myanmar

NGO jobs in Myanmar are very popular among both locals and expats alike. Broken down to its very simplest form, NGO’s, UN and non-profit organisations are organisations who act independently of the government and are active in various sectors in developing countries such as Myanmar. The main job of an NGO or non-profit organisation is to defend or promote a specific cause for the benefit of the country. Non-profit organisations are active in sectors such as human rights, education, healthcare, conservation, and public policy to name a few. Examples of jobs in NGO’s include field research, development manager, logistics officer, program coordinator, marketing manager, project manager, and fundraiser, and that is just to begin. NGO’s and non-profit organisations come in many different sizes and may function on a local, national or international level (INGO’s) and they also use various methods for raising funds. Jobs in NGO’s, the UN and non-profit organisations may be located on the field or in the office depending on the function. Someone working in the field may be research, implementing systems or providing education on a variety things (for example reproductive health). People who work in NGO’s in office jobs may be coordinating logistics, reporting to stakeholders, creating marketing campaigns to create attention to the cause and raise funds, or coordinating projects. It may be the case that people who work for NGO’s, the UN and non-profit do so on a volunteer basis (subject to agreed commitments). Some examples of this are doctors, nurses and teachers. Working in the field can be highly stressful, so many workers will go to a site for a limited period of time.

Career opportunities in NGO’s, UN and non profit organisations in Myanmar

Even though Myanmar is going through a time of economic growth, there are many sectors which need development. Human rights, education, healthcare, conservation, and public policy to name just a few. People who work in NGO’s, the UN and not-profit organisations usually do so because they care about the cause. NGO’s are normally a mix of local employees and volunteers as well as international workers. This is in order to combine both local knowledge and outside knowledge to come up with plans and solutions. To get a job at an NGO a degree is normally required in the relevant area. These fields are normally very specialised, or niche. Once a degree has been awarded, it is standard to undertake some practical experience. Many employees will often start out on a volunteer basis, and be stationed in different countries for a specified duration of time, normally ranging from 3 months to one year. For some roles, such as marketing in an NGO, a degree is required, but maybe not a relevant one. For administration roles a degree is not necessarily required, but computer skills and a command on the English language are. There are also creative roles available in NGO’s such as content writers and photographers who typically work in, or alongside the marketing departments of these organizations. Interpreters with the local language as well a very good command on English are always in high demand as they open the lines for communication typically in more rural areas. There are various career paths for NGO’s, UN and non profit organisation employees, and one may start out as a volunteer and work their way to project manager. They may stay in the field, or choose to take on more an office role. Either way, working in this field is typically highly rewarding as not only does it allow one to see the world and learn about different cultures, but it can be intrinsically motivational.