NGO Project Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of philanthropy and social responsibility, the role of the NGO Project Coordinator is more critical than ever.

As the world strives to better itself, the demand for leaders who can plan, execute, and monitor crucial projects in non-profit organizations continues to grow.

But what does it really mean to be an NGO Project Coordinator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the dynamic world of non-profit project coordination,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable NGO Project Coordinator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

NGO Project Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

NGO Project Coordinators are primarily responsible for planning, overseeing, and leading projects from ideation through to completion within a non-governmental organization.

This role involves a significant amount of time on project management tasks, communication with team members and stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with the NGO’s objectives.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Coordinate with various teams to establish project objectives, strategies, and implementation plans
• Develop and control the project budget, ensuring that funds are used efficiently and transparently
• Track project performance, specifically to analyze the successful completion of short and long-term goals
• Identify potential project risks and devise contingency plans
• Develop comprehensive project plans to be shared with team members and stakeholders
• Facilitate communication between team members and stakeholders, and mediate any conflicts that arise
• Prepare progress reports and present them to higher management and other stakeholders
• Maintain compliance with all regulations and laws related to project implementation
• Ensure projects are completed on time and within budget
• Manage and maintain partnerships with other organizations and stakeholders

 

NGO Project Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a dedicated and experienced NGO Project Coordinator to oversee the planning, organizing, and implementation of our various projects.

The Project Coordinator’s responsibilities include planning and coordination of projects, liaising with project stakeholders, and ensuring project completion within time and budget constraints.

Our ideal candidate is an effective leader, with excellent communication and problem-solving abilities, and has a keen understanding of project management principles.

 

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage the planning, implementation, and monitoring of projects.
• Prepare detailed project plans, timelines, and reports.
• Ensure all projects are delivered on-time, within scope and within budget.
• Communicate with stakeholders to clarify the desired project results.
• Identify and manage project risks and issues.
• Conduct project review and create detailed reports for executive staff.
• Maintain project documentation and course folders.
• Organize and lead project status and working meetings.
• Coordinate with internal resources and third parties/vendors for the flawless execution of projects.
• Ensure adherence to all project standards and reviewing project deliverables.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Project Coordinator or similar role in an NGO.
• Experience in project management, from conception to delivery.
• Solid organizational skills, including multitasking and time-management.
• Strong client-facing and teamwork skills.
• Familiarity with risk management and quality assurance control.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Project and Microsoft Planner.
• Hands-on experience with project management tools.
• BSc in Business Administration or related field.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Flexible work schedule
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: NGO Project Coordinator
• Work Environment: Office setting with potential for some remote work. Travel may be required depending on project needs.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Project Director or Program Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an NGO Project Coordinator Do?

An NGO Project Coordinator works in a non-governmental organization and is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing operations related to ongoing projects in the NGO.

Their work involves defining project objectives, creating comprehensive project plans, and setting performance requirements.

They are in charge of coordinating project activities to ensure that all tasks are executed correctly and on time.

An NGO Project Coordinator oversees the project team, giving direction, and providing motivation to achieve the desired goals.

They work closely with the team members to solve problems, manage conflicts, and ensure collaboration.

The Project Coordinator is also responsible for budgeting and financial management.

They monitor the project expenditure and make adjustments as necessary to keep the project within budget.

They report progress to senior managers and stakeholders, providing them with regular updates on the project’s status, including any challenges or changes in the project plan.

Moreover, NGO Project Coordinators often work with communities and beneficiaries, ensuring their needs are met through the project activities.

They also engage with donors and partners, building and maintaining relationships that are crucial for the success and sustainability of the projects.

An NGO Project Coordinator might also be involved in evaluating the project’s impact and effectiveness, gathering data, and producing reports for future planning and decision-making.

Their role is vital to ensure that the projects run smoothly, stay within budget, and achieve their objectives, ultimately contributing to the mission of the NGO.

 

NGO Project Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

An NGO Project Coordinator should possess a blend of skills and qualifications that can help them manage, monitor and evaluate a variety of projects.

These include:

• Excellent organizational skills for managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed within the set deadlines and budget.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills to liaise with stakeholders, project team members, and beneficiaries, fostering good relationships and collaboration.
• Proven ability to design, implement, and monitor project plans using project management tools and methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify potential issues, devise effective solutions and mitigate project risks.
• Financial management skills for budgeting, controlling costs, and ensuring financial accountability in projects.
• Leadership and team management skills to lead a diverse project team and ensure that everyone is working towards the project goals.
• Knowledge of the NGO sector and understanding of social, economic and environmental issues.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and show respect and sensitivity to diversity.
• Fluency in the working language of the NGO and possibly knowledge of additional languages, depending on the geographical scope of the NGO.

 

NGO Project Coordinator Experience Requirements

Typically, an NGO Project Coordinator needs to have at least 2-3 years of experience in the non-profit sector or in project management.

This could be gained through full-time roles, internships, or volunteer work.

In the early stages of their career, they may have held positions such as Project Assistant, Program Assistant, or Administrative Assistant within an NGO.

This kind of experience allows them to understand how non-profit organizations operate and how projects are run from conception to completion.

Those with 3-5 years of experience often have a solid foundation in project management principles, have had experience with budgeting, and have been involved in staff supervision and volunteer management.

They may have held roles such as Project Manager or Program Manager, where they were responsible for coordinating and overseeing projects and programs.

Candidates with over 5 years of experience might have worked on a variety of projects and have a thorough understanding of project management methodologies, reporting, and evaluation.

They are likely to have substantial experience in team leadership and strategic planning, making them suitable for senior-level positions within an NGO.

In addition, many organizations appreciate experience in the specific area that the NGO works in, such as education, health, or environmental conservation.

This could be direct experience or through academic studies.

Advanced language skills, especially in languages relevant to the NGO’s area of operation, can also be a significant asset.

 

NGO Project Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

NGO Project Coordinators usually hold a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, project management, non-profit management, or a related field.

They need to have a strong understanding of project management principles and methodologies, as well as excellent organizational and communication skills.

Knowledge in areas such as budgeting, report writing, stakeholder relations, and resource management is also beneficial.

It is common for coordinators to gain experience through internships or volunteer work in non-profit organizations before stepping into a full-time position.

Some positions might require NGO Project Coordinators to have a master’s degree in a relevant field or a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Further professional development can be achieved through courses in leadership, strategic planning, fundraising and grant writing.

Cultural sensitivity and language skills can be an asset in NGOs that operate internationally.

Having a master’s degree, certification, or experience working in the field indicates a candidate’s commitment to the role and potential for leadership.

 

NGO Project Coordinator Salary Expectations

The average salary for an NGO Project Coordinator is $51,529 (USD) per year.

However, actual earnings may vary based on factors such as experience, specific skills, the size and budget of the NGO, and the location in which the NGO operates.

 

NGO Project Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What skills does an NGO Project Coordinator need?

An NGO Project Coordinator needs to have excellent project management skills, including task delegation, timeline management, and budget control.

They should be able to communicate effectively with different stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries.

Problem-solving skills, adaptability, and resilience are also important due to the often unpredictable nature of work in an NGO environment.

 

Do NGO Project Coordinators need a degree?

While a degree is not always required, most NGO Project Coordinators have at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as International Relations, Social Work, or Management.

Some NGOs might prefer candidates with a Master’s degree or relevant certifications in project management.

Prior experience working in NGOs or in project management roles is typically a key requirement.

 

What should you look for in an NGO Project Coordinator resume?

Look for experience in project management within a non-profit or NGO setting.

The candidate should have a track record of successfully implementing and managing projects, ideally related to your NGO’s area of focus.

Also, look for skills such as budgeting, grant writing, and stakeholder management.

Evidence of problem-solving, resilience in challenging situations, and ability to work in diverse teams are also positive indicators.

 

What qualities make a good NGO Project Coordinator?

A good NGO Project Coordinator is empathetic, understanding the needs of different stakeholders, and working to create solutions that benefit all involved.

They are resourceful, often working with limited resources and under challenging circumstances.

They are also proactive, identifying potential issues before they arise, and managing them effectively.

A high level of cultural sensitivity, integrity, and commitment to the NGO’s cause is also essential.

 

Is it difficult to hire an NGO Project Coordinator?

Hiring an NGO Project Coordinator can be challenging, as it requires finding a candidate with a unique blend of project management skills, understanding of the non-profit sector, and commitment to the cause.

It’s crucial to offer competitive compensation, a positive work environment, and opportunities for professional development to attract and retain the right candidate.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the dynamic role of an NGO Project Coordinator.

And guess what?

It’s not just about project planning.

It’s about shaping our world, one project at a time.

With our go-to NGO Project Coordinator job description template and real-world examples, you’re well on your way.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted listings or finessing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every project is a stepping stone to a better world.

Let’s make a difference. Together.

How to Become an NGO Project Coordinator (Complete Guide)

Escape the Ordinary: Remote Jobs with Extraordinary Pay!

Satisfying Success: Careers That Feel Good Every Day

Strange Success: The Weirdest Jobs That Actually Exist

The Hiring Boom: Jobs That Companies are Desperate to Fill