Finding a good job in Maiduguri is not easy. The competition is tough, salaries are uncertain, and many qualified people spend months sending out applications with little to show for it. If you have a degree, a diploma, or even some field experience, you deserve a clear path to a meaningful career, not endless frustration.
The good news is that Maiduguri sits at the heart of one of the most active humanitarian response zones in West Africa. Dozens of international and local NGOs are hiring right now, and many of these roles come with structured pay, benefits, and real career growth. This guide breaks down exactly where the jobs are, who is hiring, what they pay, and how to land one.
List of NGO Jobs in Maiduguri
1. Food Security Nutrition & Livelihood Sector Manager at CARE International
CARE is an international NGO with local staff and community partners in 100 countries. We create local solutions to poverty and inequality and we seek dignity for everyone every day and during times of crisis. These solutions have a broad range, from disaster response to food and nutrition to education and work for women and girls to healthy mothers and children.
Job details
- Job Title: Food Security Nutrition & Livelihood Sector Manager
- Location: Maiduguri, Borno
- Employee Duration: Short Term Contract
- Type of Post: Accompanied – Family
- Funding: Approved
- Expected Travel: Up to 40%
Job overview
Food, Livelihood Security & Nutrition Sector Manager CARE Nigeria | Maiduguri | 6-Month Contract
About the Role
CARE Nigeria is looking for an experienced Sector Manager to lead its Food, Livelihood Security, and Nutrition (FLS&N) programming. Reporting to the programme director, you’ll drive technical strategy, shape gender-sensitive and accountable interventions, and build the capacity of staff and partners — while linking emergency response to long-term resilience.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and lead sector strategies, technical guidelines, and response frameworks
- Design and oversee quality food security, livelihoods, and nutrition programs
- Conduct assessments and analysis and provide ongoing technical guidance
- Monitor, evaluate, and report on program impact
- Build staff and partner capacity through training and support
- Represent CARE in coordination forums and advocate for policy change
What You Bring
- Advanced degree in Agriculture or a related field
- 3–5 years of international experience in food security, agriculture, and livelihoods, including emergency response
- Proven technical expertise leading FLS&N programs
- Experience with major donors — USAID, ECHO, DFID, WFP, NHF, FAO
- Strong budget and project management skills with donor compliance experience
- Experience partnering with local organizations
- Excellent written and verbal communication in English (local language a plus)
- Strong analytical, monitoring, and proposal writing skills
- Culturally sensitive communicator with solid computer skills
Location: Maiduguri, Nigeria Duration: 6 Months Closing Date: Open until filled
2. Chief of Operations at Sahei Gender Development Initiative (SGDI)
Sahei Gender Development Initiative was formerly known and called the Sanitation and Hygiene Education Initiative (SGDI). The organization is a Nigerian non-governmental and not-for-profit making organization incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in November 2014. It is an organization that facilitates, advocates, and raises awareness for access to improved services among vulnerable individuals. The organization focuses on the areas of WASH, Protection/GBV, Empowerment/Livelihood, Waste Management, Health/Nutrition, Climate Change and Peace Building. The organization has experienced staff that are equipped with knowledge and skills to respond when the need arises.
Job details
Job Title: Chief of Operations
Location: Northeast, Maiduguri – Borno
Duration: 6 months (July-December) with possible extension
Job description
Chief Operations Officer (COO)
We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Chief Operations Officer (COO) to oversee organizational operations and support the successful achievement of strategic goals. This role provides an opportunity to drive impactful community-focused programs within a growing organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the organization’s daily operations and ensure smooth coordination across departments.
- Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures.
- Lead the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs in line with organizational objectives.
- Strengthen community engagement and collaboration with stakeholders at the grassroots level.
- Support fundraising activities and maintain strong donor relationships.
- Oversee financial and administrative operations to ensure efficient use of resources.
- Maintain accurate organizational records, databases, and reports for internal and external use.
- Assist leadership in strategic planning, organizational growth, and risk management.
- Coordinate staff and stakeholder capacity-building initiatives.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Administration, Human Relations, Public Health, or a related field required. Postgraduate qualifications are an added advantage.
- Minimum of 8 years’ experience in nonprofit management, program coordination, or related fields.
- Proven experience in project implementation, reporting, monitoring, and team management.
- Interest or experience in WASH, nutrition, special education, or disability inclusion is highly desirable.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong project management and multitasking abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and at least one local language.
- Good knowledge of budgeting, financial management, and compliance procedures.
- Experience in grant writing and donor relations.
- Understanding of WASH frameworks and impact assessment methods.
- Strong leadership, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Familiarity with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and development programming.
- Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
- Well-organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of working independently.
Application Process
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online and submit:
- CV
- Cover Letter
Additional Information
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- The organization reserves the right to close the vacancy before the deadline if a suitable candidate is identified.
- Female candidates, persons with disabilities, and individuals from minority or indigenous groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
- The successful candidate must comply with and promote the organization’s PSEA Policy.
3. Medical Doctor at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)
Médecins Sans Frontières is a private, not-for-profit international humanitarian organization dedicated to providing medical assistance to populations in distress, without discrimination and regardless of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.
Job details
- Job Title: Medical Doctor
- Location: Maiduguri, Borno
- Contract: 208 working hours per month
Main Purpose
- Provide outpatient and/or inpatient medical care to patients/beneficiaries according to adapted and updated medical knowledge, MSF protocols, values and universal hygiene standards.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- Provide outpatient and inpatient medical consultations, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe treatment in line with MSF medical protocols.
- Educate patients and their families about diagnoses, treatment plans, and follow-up care, ensuring they fully understand the information provided.
- Monitor hospitalized patients through regular ward rounds, consultations, and examinations, while deciding on discharge or referrals in collaboration with other doctors.
- Ensure the rational use and proper management of medicines, medical supplies, and equipment under your responsibility.
- Maintain hygiene, sterilization, and infection prevention standards in accordance with MSF protocols.
- Participate in the collection and analysis of epidemiological data and report any complications, medical errors, or operational concerns to supervisors.
- Support continuous training and mentoring of medical and paramedical staff to improve quality of care.
- Ensure compliance with MSF medical guidelines, universal precautions, infection prevention control (IPC), and professional confidentiality standards.
- Supervise team members under direct responsibility, including scheduling shifts, monitoring performance, and participating in emergency calls when required.
- Treat patients and caregivers with dignity and respect while creating a safe environment for them to express concerns about their health and wellbeing.
- Participate actively in weekly medical presentations, continuous medical education, and morbidity and mortality review sessions.
- Stay updated on MSF policies, guidelines, and clinical protocols, ensuring all activities align with organizational standards.
- Follow MSF admission, referral, and patient transfer procedures according to established SOPs and referral guidelines.
- Attend morning medical meetings and ensure proper patient handovers before leaving duty.
- Ensure punctuality during shifts and maintain continuity of care through proper documentation and communication during handovers.
- Conduct and participate in medical rounds regularly to promote patient safety and quality care.
- Contribute to improving work strategies and team performance within the project.
- Prevent and report all forms of abuse, misconduct, or unethical behavior within the facility.
- Report all medical errors to supervisors promptly.
- Remain flexible and perform additional duties assigned by supervisors when necessary.
Requirements
Education
- Medical Doctor qualification with MBBS or MBChB.
Experience
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in clinical practice or as a Medical Doctor, including experience gained during medical training.
- Experience in tropical medicine, public health, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, emergency care, infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, STDs, TB, general medicine, or minor surgery is an advantage.
Languages
- Proficiency in English and the mission language required.
- Knowledge of local languages is desirable.
Technical Skills
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
Core Competencies
- People Management
- Commitment and Professionalism
- Flexibility and Adaptability
- Results-Oriented Approach
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Remuneration
- Salary based on MSF salary scale plus a 13th-month allowance equivalent to one month’s gross salary.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online.
Additional Information
- Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of recruitment.
- Applicants must disclose if they have family members currently employed by MSF-France.
- MSF maintains a zero-tolerance policy for bribery, favoritism, or unethical conduct during recruitment.
- MSF is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified Nigerian citizens regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
- Dual employment is considered misconduct and is not permitted.
- MSF reserves the right to cancel or modify the recruitment process at any stage.
- MSF-France appreciates all applicants for their interest in the organization.
List of International NGOs Currently Operating in Maiduguri
Knowing which organizations have a physical presence in Maiduguri helps you target your applications. Here are some of the most active ones:
- UNICEF runs nutrition, education, and child protection programs across Borno State.
- UNHCR manages refugee registration and protection response with local staff positions.
- FHI 360 regularly hires for health, logistics, monitoring and evaluation, and finance roles.
- Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) focuses on education infrastructure, shelter, and legal identity assistance.
- Action Against Hunger (ACF) recruits for nutrition, WASH, and stabilization center roles.
- INTERSOS Nigeria covers medical, nutrition, and protection activities in Maiduguri and surrounding LGAs.
- International Rescue Committee (IRC) hires for governance, WASH, and protection programs.
- Danish Refugee Council (DRC) operates protection, economic recovery, and psychosocial programs.
- Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) conducts emergency medical activities and mental health programs.
- Solidarites International (SI) focuses on WASH and food security responses.
This is not the complete list. Local NGOs like Light Foundation Center for Peaceful Coexistence and Development (LiFon), Big Smile Foundation, and GOALPrime Organization Nigeria (GPON) also maintain active recruitment in the area.
Types of NGO Jobs Available in Maiduguri Right Now
The range of roles being advertised covers many professional backgrounds. You do not need to be a doctor or an engineer to work in the humanitarian sector.
Entry-Level and Diploma Roles
Many NGOs actively recruit candidates with OND, diploma certificates, or just a secondary school certificate combined with field experience. Roles like Community Mobilizer, Nutrition Assistant, Driver, Feeding Assistant, and Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW) are regularly posted. INTERSOS, for example, consistently recruits CHEW holders with at least two years of experience for positions across Maiduguri, Monguno, and Magumeri.
Mid-Level Professional Roles
If you hold a BSc or HND, roles like Finance Assistant, Logistics Officer, Procurement Assistant, M&E Officer, WASH Officer, and Information Management Officer are well within reach. These positions typically require three to five years of relevant experience and carry solid pay packages aligned with donor-funded salary structures.
Senior and Management Roles
Senior positions such as Program Manager, Finance Coordinator, Country Health Manager, and Protection Sector Co-Lead are also active in Maiduguri. These roles usually require an advanced degree and at least five to eight years of NGO experience. The IRC, UNHCR, and Action Against Hunger have all posted senior-level roles in this region recently.
NGO Jobs in Maiduguri With Salary: What to Expect
Salary transparency in the NGO sector has improved significantly. Most international organizations align their pay with established national salary structures or donor benchmarks.
Entry-level NGO roles in Maiduguri typically start from around N125,000 per month and can go up to N250,000 depending on the organization and your qualifications. Mid-level officers in logistics, finance, and program roles often earn between N300,000 and N600,000 monthly. Senior positions tied to organizations like UNHCR or IRC can pay significantly more, especially when hazard pay and allowances for working in a conflict-affected zone are added.
Organizations funded by USAID, ECHO, UNICEF, and WFP tend to offer the most competitive packages, partly because their donor contracts require minimum compensation standards. Always read the full job description to check if the salary is in line with the organization’s national pay scale.
Latest NGO Volunteer Jobs in Maiduguri for Students
If you are a student or a fresh graduate with no prior NGO experience, volunteering is the smartest way to get your foot in the door. Several organizations in Maiduguri offer structured volunteer and internship programs.
The Norwegian Refugee Council has previously offered internships in communications and complaints and feedback mechanisms. LiFon (Light Foundation) has posted volunteer Logistics Assistant roles that include hands-on field experience. These unpaid or stipend-based positions often lead directly to paid contracts when funding becomes available.
As a student, the most important thing you can do is build a professional CV, get any relevant certification (first aid, PSEA awareness, data collection tools), and start applying through credible platforms. Check TheCareerBlogHub for the latest NGO internship and volunteer listings updated regularly.
NGO Jobs in Yobe: Expanding Your Search
If you are open to working in neighbouring states, NGO jobs in Yobe are another strong option worth exploring. Yobe State is part of the same humanitarian response corridor, and many of the same organisations operating in Maiduguri, including UNHCR, NRC, DRC, and INTERSOS, also have sub-offices in Damaturu and other Yobe locations.
Build a Career, Not Just a Job
Working for an NGO in Maiduguri is not just a pay cheque. It is a career pathway. Many of Nigeria’s top humanitarian professionals started out as field volunteers or community mobilisers in the northeast and went on to work for the UN system or lead national programmes.
The key is consistency. Keep learning, apply for certifications in humanitarian standards like Sphere, PSEA, and Core Humanitarian Standards, and stay connected to job platforms that update daily. TheCareerBlogHub is built specifically to help job seekers in Nigeria and across Africa find credible NGO and remote opportunities without the noise.
If you are looking for remote options alongside field roles, explore remote job opportunities on TheCareerBlogHub to find roles that let you earn from anywhere, including positions tied to international organisations that accept Nigeria-based applicants.
FAQs: NGO Jobs in Maiduguri
What qualifications do I need for NGO jobs in Maiduguri?
It depends on the role. Entry-level positions like community mobilizer or nutrition assistant often require a diploma or CHEW certificate with one to two years of experience. Mid-level roles typically need a BSc or HND and three to five years in a related field. Senior roles require advanced degrees and significant humanitarian experience.
Are there NGO jobs in Maiduguri for people with only a diploma?
Yes. Organizations like INTERSOS and Action Against Hunger regularly advertise diploma-level positions, particularly in nutrition, community health, and logistics. Check listings on HotNigerianJobs and MyJobMag weekly.
How do I find UNICEF jobs in Maiduguri?
UNICEF posts all its vacancies on its official careers portal at unicef.org/careers. You can filter by location (Nigeria, Maiduguri) to find active openings. Most roles require at least a bachelor’s degree and some NGO or UN experience, though junior and support positions are more accessible to newer candidates.
Can students apply for NGO volunteer roles in Maiduguri?
Absolutely. Many NGOs in Maiduguri accept student volunteers and interns, especially during project rollouts. The Norwegian Refugee Council and LiFon have posted student-friendly roles in the past. Start by following these organizations on LinkedIn and checking their career pages regularly.
Start Your Humanitarian Career Today
The NGO sector in Maiduguri is active, well-funded, and constantly looking for committed people. Whether you have a diploma or a master’s degree, whether you are a student or a seasoned professional, there is a role that matches where you are right now.
Do not wait for the perfect moment. Update your CV, set up your job alerts, and start applying this week. Visit TheCareerBlogHub for daily updates on NGO vacancies, remote work opportunities, and career tips that help you move faster in the humanitarian job market.


