How to work in an NGO? Jobs, salaries, skills and opportunities in Belgium

Yes, it is possible to work in an NGO, even without a degree in international relations or experience abroad. Communications, finance, HR, IT, youth work, or project management: Belgian NGOs need a variety of profiles to advance their missions.

Want to pursue a career that is more socially or environmentally purposeful? Here is how to figure out if the sector is right for you, which positions to target, and how to land your first opportunity in Belgium.

Already looking for an opportunity? Discover job offers in associations and NGOs on Meet My Job.

What is an NGO?

An NGO, or non-governmental organization, is an independent organization operating outside government control that works for a cause of general interest. It can operate at the local, Belgian, European, or international level.

The term often brings to mind humanitarian aid or development cooperation. Yet NGOs and impact-driven associations cover a wide range of fields: the environment, healthcare access, human rights, the fight against poverty, education, housing, migration, or fair trade.

In Belgium, for example, you can work with Médecins du Monde, which supports vulnerable people in Belgium and internationally. You can also look into Oxfam Belgique, Natagora for biodiversity, or Enabel, the Belgian international cooperation agency.

NGO, ASBL, or Foundation: What is the Difference?

A Belgian NGO often takes the legal form of an ASBL (non-profit organization). But not all ASBLs are NGOs: some are sports, cultural, or professional bodies. When choosing an employer, do not limit your choice to its legal status alone.