Address
Arusha Njiro
Work Hours
80 Hours A week
Tanzania’s non-governmental organization (NGO) sector continues to play a vital role in the country’s development landscape in 2025. With international donors and development partners maintaining substantial presence in Tanzania, NGOs and development agencies offer rewarding career opportunities across various sectors including health, education, agriculture, environmental conservation, and humanitarian assistance.
Current NGO Job Market Overview
The development sector in Tanzania employs approximately 10% of the formal workforce, with over 4,000 registered NGOs operating throughout the country. Recent data shows a 12% increase in job postings in this sector compared to the previous year, reflecting continued investment in development initiatives NGO Jobs in Africa.
Latest NGO Job Opportunities (April 2025)
1. National Project Coordinator at UNIDO
Location: Dar es Salaam Contract Duration: Initial one-year contract with possibility of extension Salary Range: USD 4,500-6,000 monthly (tax-exempt) Key Responsibilities:
- Overseeing implementation of industrial development projects
- Coordinating with government ministries and private sector partners
- Managing project budgets and reporting
- Leading a team of technical specialists
- Ensuring alignment with national development priorities
Qualifications Required:
- Master’s degree in Economics, International Development, or related field
- Minimum 8 years of experience in project management
- Demonstrated knowledge of industrial development frameworks
- Strong understanding of Tanzania’s industrial policy
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Fluency in English and Swahili
This position offers an opportunity to contribute to Tanzania’s industrialization strategy while working with a leading UN agency Mabumbe.
2. Regional Coordinator at UNODC
Location: Zanzibar Contract Duration: Two-year fixed-term appointment Salary Range: USD 4,000-5,500 monthly (tax-exempt) Key Responsibilities:
- Implementing anti-corruption and criminal justice reform programs
- Building partnerships with regional government entities
- Providing technical assistance on legislative and policy reforms
- Monitoring program implementation and impact
- Representing UNODC in regional forums
Qualifications Required:
- Advanced degree in Law, Criminal Justice, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in governance or criminal justice programs
- Knowledge of anti-corruption frameworks and practices
- Experience working with government institutions
- Strong coordination and diplomatic skills
- Proficiency in English and Swahili
This role is part of UNODC’s expanding program in Zanzibar focusing on strengthening governance and rule of law Mabumbe.
3. Zanzibar Joint Programme (ZJP) Coordinator
Location: Zanzibar Contract Duration: 18 months with possibility of extension Salary Range: USD 4,200-5,800 monthly Key Responsibilities:
- Coordinating implementation of multi-agency UN programs in Zanzibar
- Facilitating collaboration among UN agencies
- Engaging with government counterparts and development partners
- Monitoring and reporting on program results
- Identifying synergies and integration opportunities
Qualifications Required:
- Master’s degree in Development Studies, Public Administration, or related field
- Minimum 7 years of experience in development program coordination
- Prior experience with UN agencies or international organizations
- Strong understanding of Zanzibar’s development context
- Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills
- Fluency in English and Swahili
This position plays a crucial role in harmonizing UN development efforts in Zanzibar and ensuring alignment with local priorities Mabumbe.
4. Program Manager – Healthcare Systems at Save the Children
Location: Dodoma Contract Duration: Two-year fixed-term contract Salary Range: TZS 8-10 million monthly Key Responsibilities:
- Leading healthcare system strengthening programs
- Managing relationships with Ministry of Health and local partners
- Overseeing program implementation across multiple regions
- Ensuring compliance with donor requirements
- Developing strategies for program sustainability
Qualifications Required:
- Master’s degree in Public Health, Healthcare Management, or related field
- 7+ years of experience in healthcare program management
- Demonstrated success in leading complex health interventions
- Experience working with government health systems
- Strong team leadership and management skills
- Excellent proposal writing and reporting abilities
Save the Children is expanding its healthcare systems strengthening work in central Tanzania, focusing on maternal and child health interventions ReliefWeb.
5. Climate Finance Expert (Swahili-speaking)
Location: Dar es Salaam with travel to project sites Contract Duration: One-year renewable contract Salary Range: USD 4,000-5,500 monthly Key Responsibilities:
- Designing climate finance mechanisms for community-based projects
- Supporting access to climate funds and carbon markets
- Building capacity of local organizations on climate finance
- Developing proposals for climate adaptation and mitigation
- Monitoring implementation of climate finance initiatives
Qualifications Required:
- Master’s degree in Environmental Economics, Climate Science, or related field
- Minimum 5 years of experience in climate finance
- In-depth knowledge of international climate funding mechanisms
- Experience with carbon market projects
- Strong analytical and financial modeling skills
- Fluency in Swahili and English
This position reflects the growing importance of climate finance in Tanzania’s development landscape, with several international organizations recruiting for similar roles LinkedIn.
6. Board Director at Habitat for Humanity Tanzania
Location: Dar es Salaam (board position – not full-time employment) Term Duration: Three-year term Compensation: Honorarium for board meetings and activities Key Responsibilities:
- Providing strategic guidance to the organization
- Ensuring governance and fiduciary oversight
- Representing the organization in high-level forums
- Supporting resource mobilization efforts
- Monitoring organizational performance
Qualifications Required:
- Advanced degree in a relevant field
- Significant senior leadership experience
- Understanding of affordable housing and development issues
- Strong networks in business, government, or civil society
- Previous board experience preferred
- Commitment to Habitat for Humanity’s mission
This board position offers an opportunity for senior professionals to contribute to addressing Tanzania’s housing challenges ReliefWeb.
In-Demand Skills in Tanzania’s NGO Sector
The NGO sector in Tanzania is increasingly seeking professionals with specialized skills that combine technical expertise with project management capabilities:
1. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialists
Professionals who can design MEL frameworks, implement data collection systems, and analyze program effectiveness are highly sought after as donors emphasize evidence-based approaches.
2. Climate Adaptation Experts
With Tanzania facing significant climate change impacts, specialists in climate adaptation, resilience building, and nature-based solutions are in high demand.
3. Digital Development Professionals
Experts who can leverage technology for development outcomes, particularly in areas like digital health, agricultural technology, and financial inclusion.
4. Grant Writers and Fundraising Specialists
As funding environments become more competitive, organizations value professionals who can develop compelling proposals and diversify funding streams.
5. Safeguarding and Protection Officers
Specialists who can implement robust safeguarding frameworks to protect vulnerable populations and ensure ethical program delivery.
Key Qualification Requirements
NGOs in Tanzania typically look for:
Educational Qualifications:
- Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields (Master’s often preferred)
- Specialized certifications in areas like project management, humanitarian response, or public health
- Continuous professional development in sector-specific areas
Experience Requirements:
- Entry-level positions: 1-3 years of relevant experience
- Mid-level positions: 3-7 years of progressively responsible experience
- Senior positions: 7+ years of leadership experience
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in English is essential for most international NGO positions
- Swahili proficiency is increasingly required, especially for positions involving community engagement
- Knowledge of local languages may be advantageous for positions in specific regions
Soft Skills:
- Cross-cultural communication and sensitivity
- Adaptability and problem-solving in resource-constrained environments
- Stakeholder engagement and coordination abilities
- Ethical decision-making and integrity
- Resilience and stress management
Career Development in the NGO Sector
The NGO sector in Tanzania offers diverse career pathways:
Vertical Progression: From Program Officer to Program Manager to Country Director Thematic Specialization: Developing expertise in specific sectors like health, education, or livelihoods Functional Specialization: Focusing on areas like monitoring and evaluation, fundraising, or advocacy Geographic Expansion: Gaining experience across multiple regions in Tanzania or expanding to regional roles
Many professionals use their Tanzanian experience as a stepping stone to roles with international organizations or positions in regional headquarters.
Application Processes and Resources
Most international NGOs and development agencies follow standardized recruitment processes:
- Online application through the organization’s portal or via dedicated platforms like ReliefWeb
- Initial screening followed by written assessments or technical tests
- Multiple interview rounds, often including panel interviews
- Reference checks and sometimes security clearances
- Final selection and contract negotiation
Key resources for NGO job seekers in Tanzania include:
Conclusion
Tanzania’s NGO and development sector continues to offer meaningful career opportunities for professionals committed to making a positive impact. With increasing focus on sustainable development, climate resilience, and localization of development efforts, organizations are seeking candidates who combine technical expertise with cultural sensitivity and adaptive management skills. By developing relevant qualifications and staying informed about current opportunities, professionals can build rewarding careers while contributing to Tanzania’s development journey.