Change the world: NGOs have experienced exponential growth in the last two decades

Managing and leading a non-governmental organisation (NGO) is becoming increasingly complex and sophisticated. More NGOs are coming to realise that a widening range of knowledge, skills and strategies are necessary to achieve results, to enhance their impact and to remain effective in the work they do. NGO management programmes provide training for professional and effective management of NGOs, which have become a major instrument of planning and implementation in socio-economic development projects.

The focus of NGO management courses is on gaining a thorough understanding of key concepts of the subject, sharpening practical skills and developing strategies that you can use. The courses address real-life problems in a participatory and interactive learning environment to help you enhance your management capacity. Managers and leaders are trained to achieve objectives and to contribute actively in developing new approaches for the communities they serve.

What do i have to do?

NGO management programmes cover major management functions and systems in NGOs, and explore important issues in organisational design, governance and systems management. Students learn the administrative skills of planning, organising, staffing, coordinating, controlling as well as managing human resources.

A large number of fields — humanitarian assistance, human rights, development, education, health, environment protection, to name just a few — require people who have studied NGO management. The common management challenges faced by NGOs are: how to ensure the best impact for beneficiaries; how to obtain funding; how to lobby in governments for social change; how to coordinate, cooperate and network with other NGOs; how to plan, implement, monitor, evaluate and learn; how to govern and structure; how to work according to values and principles and how to recruit and motivate volunteers.

What should i study?

NGO management courses are open to graduates in any discipline. The training consists of structured learning exercises, case-studies and games. These courses explain the key processes that encompass the management of NGOs, and cover issues such as strategic management and decision-making, structures and systems (including monitoring and financial management), the generation of financial resources, and the improvement of overall organisational performance.

What next?

NGOs have experienced exponential growth in the last two decades and are engaged in both operational and advocacy activities. You can work with international and/or community-based non-profit organisations and NGOs, including environmental organisations, youth groups, and small business development agencies. It is possible to become a consultant, team leader, project and programme manager, executive director or a board member of NGOs. You can specialise in advocacy, business development, community fundraising, corporate communications, information systems, international fundraising, leadership and training, publishing, media, public relations, and technology (in health care, nutrition, sanitation, water, etc.).

Competition among NGOs in the delivery of services and in the acquisition of donor funding is rising. They have to continually improve and professionalise their work. This increases the demands on their management and leadership.

Some well-known international NGOs are the World Bank, the International Red Cross, the Asian Development Bank, Amnesty International, Action Aid, Care, Oxfam, the World Health Organisation, and the United Nations Development Programme.

NGO employees get to work with diverse colleagues, partner organisations, volunteers, supporters, and participating poor communities, who may be from very different cultural and language backgrounds. You will find it a satisfying experience to make a difference to the world’s pressing problems.

where to study

• Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi.
• Bharathidasan University Tiruchirappalli.
• Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai.
• North Eastern Hill University, Shillong.
• Institute of Business Management and Technology, Bangalore.