Working in an international organization abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working at an international organization or an NGO abroad like?

• Do you dream of contributing to major social themes such as nature conservation, human rights, development cooperation or humanitarian aid? Then working abroad at an international organization can be a way to make an impact and gain international work experience.
• Working at an NGO or international organization is a collective term for many different positions. This may involve work at non-profit organizations, international institutions, research organizations or humanitarian aid organizations.
• The positions vary widely: from lawyer, project manager or accountant to social media campaign manager, researcher or biological field worker.
• Some people work at the headquarters of an international organization, while others work in the field on projects in developing countries or nature reserves.
• Depending on your education, expertise, sector and the country you want to go to, the options may differ.
• Activities:
• Activities at international organizations vary greatly by position, sector and project. Broadly speaking, it often involves a combination of project work, research, communication and collaboration with local partners.

Responsibilities when working in an international organization or NGO may include:

• developing and implementing projects in the field of development, nature, education or health
• collaborate with local organizations, governments or communities
• conducting research and collecting data
• writing reports, project proposals or policy documents
• organizing training courses, workshops or events
• communicate with partners, donors and international teams
• supporting fundraising or campaigns
• monitoring and evaluating projects

Working conditions in international organizations and NGOs are for example

• Salaries vary widely depending on experience, organization and position.
• Salaries at international organizations or UN-related institutions are often higher than at small NGOs.
• At smaller non-profit organizations, the salary is often lower, but the social impact can be greater.
• Contracts are sometimes temporary and linked to the duration of a project.
• International organizations sometimes offer expat contracts with additional facilities.
• Possible extras include housing, travel allowance or relocation support.
• Some organizations offer per diem or field allowances for work in remote areas.
• Working hours may vary depending on project pressure and deadlines.
• Fieldwork may mean traveling regularly or staying at project locations for extended periods of time.

What are the reasons for working at an NGO or an international organization abroad?

• To strengthen your empathy: working in another culture helps to better understand how people live, work and communicate.
• To increase your stress resistance: working in an international environment often requires adaptability, improvisation and working under pressure.
• To get to know your capacities better: outside your familiar environment, you discover more quickly what you are good at and what you find important in work.
• To contribute to social goals: many people choose to work for international organizations because they want to contribute to nature conservation, human rights or social development.
• To build international networks: working with colleagues and partners from different countries can be valuable for your further career.

What skills and motivations do you need to work at an international organization or NGO abroad?

• Felixibility: projects and working conditions can change quickly.
• Communication: you often work with international teams and local partners, so good communication is essential.
• Being independent: in international projects you often have to take initiative.
• Environmental awareness: insight into local culture, politics and social context is important.
• Collaboration: international projects often require teamwork and networking.
• Problem-solving skills: working in complex situations requires creativity and analytical thinking.

What are the best countries and locations to work at an international organization or NGO abroad?

• Countries with many international organizations and head offices: Belgium, Switzerland, France, United States, Netherlands, Austria.
• Countries where many international projects are carried out: Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nepal, Philippines, India, Madagascar.
• Countries where development and humanitarian projects take place: Haiti, El Salvador, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Jordan, Indonesia.
• Countries where nature and environmental projects are common: Brazil, Costa Rica, Indonesia, South Africa, Peru, Ecuador.

What are the risks of working at an international organization and an NGO abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

What are the risks of working at an international organization abroad, and what happens with some regularity:

• that you work in countries with increased security risks such as political unrest, violence or instability.
• that you run health risks due to tropical diseases, limited medical facilities or high healthcare costs.
• that you travel to remote or risky areas where the risk of accidents may be greater.
• that your income can be uncertain when projects stop or financing disappears.
• that local working conditions can be challenging due to infrastructure, climate or limited resources.
• that there is a lot of stress: due to responsibility, cultural and linguistic problems, no valid work permit.
• that the workload and emotional burden are high: due to long days, intense projects or intensive supervision.
• that accidents happen: with consequences such as bites, fractures, back problems or expensive rescue situations.
• When you work for an international organization or an NGO, you may run more financial or legal risks as soon as you start carrying out work under your own responsibility. It is advisable, as far as possible, to also inquire to what extent your local employer is sufficiently insured against accidents, technical errors or incorrect assessments. Obviously this is not the case everywhere, or cannot be found out in advance. Take this into account as much as possible when deciding whether to carry out certain risky work.

Are you insured while working at an international organization or NGO abroad?

• There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
• Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
• During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may lapse. See the pages on: insuring paid work, internships, or volunteering abroad.
• See also: insurance for working at an international organization for paid work, for internships and for volunteer work abroad.