By design, the chief of staff role varies from one organization to another, but the best chiefs of staff will complement the skills of their leaders. UN. Successful chiefs of staff are positive, empathetic, flexible, and curious. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The Principle Responsibilities of an NGO Executive Director 3. Relationship-building can mean participating in events like conferences, maintaining a database of contacts, and checking in with colleagues around the world. The HR department of an NGO is a vital part of effectively managing these staff. Drafts contracts, budgets, and donor reports with direction from manager. By providing online resources on humanitarian aid work, Humanitarian Careers aims to assist those looking to expand their knowledge and understanding of the international aid sector. A chief of staff acts as a nonprofit leader's right hand, helping free up time so they can better focus on those things that will have the most impact. Manage other members of the "office of the CEO": Chiefs of staff may hire and directly manage others in CEO support roles, such as executive assistants, special projects managers, speech writers, etc. DUTIES Bonus: learn about the tools nonprofits can Primarily, chiefs of staff act as leaders' right hands and trusted advisers. ESG encompasses a broad set of issues, ranging from human capital and compensation issues, to climate change, deforestation, and water and waste management, to supply chain Depending on the NGOs purpose and specific managerial role, resource distribution could involve physical supplies like medical kits, food, and more. They also manage the HR team, often directly line-managing the HR Officers and having oversight of the HR Assistants and Recruiters. This official statement reflects the deep and persistent cri-i4 which African society is undergoing The crisis has placed most people in a position where their vita] needs are not met and they cannot adapt to the proposed pattern of development. As a native Californian, artist, journalist and published author, Laurie Brenner began writing professionally in 1975. A manager should be committed to learning about their field and what other organizations and their managers are doing. The push for financial, This article highlights the personal and professional problems of NGO fieldworkers in Bangladesh. Other senior managers who report to the president and chief executive officer (CEO) oversee the Boston program, the national network, development, and field building initiatives. 10 Online Courses on Fighting Inequality and Discrimination, Apply now: UN Executive Diploma on Law and Neuroscience. This article looks at the role in-depth, highlighting potential responsibilities of a chief of staff, the benefits or having one, and several attributes of chiefs of staff that lead to success. This team is managed by the Admin Coordinator. In fact, earnings are very similar across sectors and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that salaries of full-time employees at nonprofit organizations actually exceeded those working with for-profit companies. As Tyler Parris notes in his book, Chief of Staff: The Strategic Partner Who Will Revolutionize Your Organization: "To help [a leader] make and execute great decisions, the chief of staff serves as analyst and decision-framer on one hand and project manager, change agent, and coach on the other. The main reasons for this are organizational size and budget. Board of Trustees of Northern Illinois University. They need a saving grace," says Catherine Berardi, founder and CEO of Prime Chief of Staff, a firm exclusively focused on placing, onboarding, developing, and coaching chiefs of staff. She has written for newspapers, magazines, online publications and sites. Instead, their revenues help fund programs that continue the organization's purpose and goals. All rights reserved. Nonprofit Development Program (South Asia), Explore our extensive catalog of articles, reports, and videos, Key ideas we believe have high potential for impact, Learn about our free webinars and other events on a variety of nonprofit and philanthropic topics, Get our latest insights delivered to your inbox, Nonprofit Strategy and Management Resources, Toolkits, templates, and articles on key nonprofit management topics such as strategy and leadership development, In our Dreaming in Color podcast series, hear from champions in the charge for equity and justice, Video interviews with dozens of the world's most thoughtful donors. COO Roles and Structures: Stories from the Field, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. It is considered that the main focus of the sector at present is on welfare work (89% say that one of its current roles is assisting groups at risk and direct action, followed, at a distance, by 47% who refer to empowerment and training of groups). Many organizations prefer their managers to have masters degrees or at least significant grant-writing experience. bookkeeping, record-keeping or data entry into financial, personnel and legal databases and records maintenance and organisation of company records scheduling of meetings and appointments within the company and the arrangement of refreshments and other corporate catering management and supervision of other administrative personnel In most NGOs, the HR Coordinator will also indirectly report to the HR Advisors in HQ. Introduction - The role of NGOs - GCSE Learning for Life and Work The Bridgespan Group is a 501(c)(3) organization. Though there is overlap in the operational and strategic aspects of these roles, they are fundamentally different. She opens and sorts mail and delivers it to the appropriate personnel. Adapted from the Field Guide to This includes recruitment, staff management, development of guidelines and tools and coordination with other teams. They have ultimate responsibility for both areas. That means helping to resolve conflict, develop policies, and ensure the workforce is as productive and unified as possible. The specific tasks vary depending on the department youre working in (a day in the life of a project manager can look quite different compared to a finance managers work day), but every effective manager needs certain skills. Bridgespan and Leading for Impact are registered trademarks of the Bridgespan Group. Around the world, there are countless non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in areas like sustainable development, humanitarian relief, human rights advocacy, and more. Bridgespan and Leading for Impact are registered trademarks of the Bridgespan Group. 1. To be a project manager, you will need at least a bachelors degree in whatever area your NGO focuses on, as well as experience in that field. That means seeing the big picture and putting the pieces together to form that picture. In most cases, this is not true. Knowledge Management is a young and the emerging discipline under the greater parameter of the management discipline. NGO Leadership Development Vacancies, underdeveloped talent, conflicting viewpoints, or work that doesn't fall cleanly to a C-suite leader impacts the performance of the leadership team. Youll need to demonstrate project management experience, as well as experience managing teams, working with stakeholders, and developing budgets. In larger NGOs, the Admin Officer may work alongside the HR Officer. Networking and relationship-building present more opportunities for shared strategies, project partnerships, and even funding. In larger NGOs, the role of the Admin Assistant covers both administration and human resources. Knowledge transfer is a crucial. Accept the guidance and decisions of the volunteer coordinator. Duties and responsibilities For example, an accountant or information technology specialist position does not vary much depending on the sector. Check your emails to confirm your subscription. Organizes meetings and events. Duncan is the founder of Humanitarian Careers. We are clear about 'why', but what about 'how'? Strategically manage leaders' time: Working with executive assistants, chiefs of staff look at leaders' external opportunities, including long-term travel and meeting plans, and assess their fit against priorities. They prepare budgets, distribute resources, communicate with stakeholders, monitor progress, and make sure the project aligns with the organizations visions and goals. Center for Nonprofit and NGO StudiesZulauf Hall 114815-753-4410nonprofitNGOcenter@niu.edu, How to Apply. Chief of Staff: The Strategic Partner Who Will Revolutionize Your Organization, Six Key Functions of an Effective Chief of Staff, How to Write a Chief of Staff Job Description, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Prime Chief of Staff Resource Hub The Nonprofit Chief Operating Officer | Bridgespan While NGOs have no fixed or formal definition, they are generally defined as nonprofit entities independent of governmental influence (although they may receive government funding). For instance, a large international nonprofit such as the American Red Cross would have a wider variety of positions and more specialized jobs available than a small local nonprofit focused on after school programs for children. A typical job description may require the following: Curious about working at an NGO? When office equipment fails, she calls repair technicians. UN. WebBITESIZE Home Learn Support Careers GCSE The role of NGOs Non-governmental organisations (NGOs for short) are not for profit charities that deal with many different NGO What process of transformation must be implemented by the sector as a whole, as well as by each individual organisation, in order that it may adapt, continue to provide a response and have an impact in our societies? The HR Manager has oversight of all HR processes within an NGOs mission. Help determine key performance indicators and update dashboards as needed. NGOs look for people with an effective track record of hiring staff when the are employing a Recruiter. If are looking to work in a HR role with an NGO, we highly recommend the online short course Recruiting, Hiring, and Onboarding Employees offered by the University of Minnesota. Six Key Functions of an Effective Chief of Staff, Hiring a chief of staff: Technological change & digital transformation, a survey was conducted about the role of NGOs, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license, Welfare versus advocacy and social innovation, Collaboration and generation of alliances as a requirement for social transformation. Many NGOs have finance managers, but all managers within an NGO need to have some budget management and resource distribution skills. The COO oversees all internal functions. NGOs look for people with an effective track record of hiring staff when the are employing a Recruiter. Basic Overview of Role of Chief Executive.. The job of the HR Manager in an NGO is to ensure effective implementation of HR processes. Dive in to this topic with Candid courses: Candid's Online Librarian service will answer your questions within two business days. Some NGOs have the dedicated role of Recruiter. Managers need to fulfill whats known as a duty of care. This refers to an NGOs responsibility to protect the safety and health of its employees. As we learned in this article, NGO managers have a lot of responsibilities. Project managers need good leadership, communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills. This Praxis Paper examines the role of leaders and leadership in NGOs. Nonprofit agencies have a tax-exempt status with the government because they do not gain profits from efforts. Visualization skills, analytical skills, and leadership are all essential skills. COO roles, and the organizational structures in which COOs operate, are highly varied across organizations and even within a single organization over time. Previous experience in HR roles would definitely be an asset. Assists assigned managers and team members by maintaining calendars, receiving and composing communications as correspondence, and replies to inquiries. The HR Manager will oversee the HR team, and often line-manage the Human Resource Officers and Recruiters. Webdesigned for NGO leaders must as a consequence incorporate best practice and current experience rather than rehashing tired, traditional approaches to leadership training. "Companies that structure the position as a rotational role lasting 18 to 36 months are always moving new people into the position and giving more people access to that growth opportunity," Parris writes. They can work to promote social or political change on a broad scale or very locally. It is concluded that development organisations should pre-empt such opposition by spelling out their objectives to potential critics, and formulating programmes that do not provide scope for opponents to undermine their development activities. This page contains affiliate links. The Admin Officer is line-managed by the Admin Coordinator. Research, perform benchmarking, analyze data, and make recommendations. You should complete a degree in human resource management if you want to enter the NGO sector as a HR Assistant. Work with leaders to set strategic priorities: Chiefs of staff help identify areas where leaders should direct their focus as well as metrics for success. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. ECA International Conference on Popular Participation in the Recovery However, the COO role means different things to different people and organizations. They create order out of chaos by identifying systems and processes in need of adjustment. Act as gatekeepers: Chiefs of staff ensure the CEOs' involvement in project or decision-making processes takes place at key times, where their input and authority are most needed. Let me share what we discussed for your input,' to a board member or funder. WebJOB DESCRIPTION: Provides administrative and logistical support for projects, initiatives, and programs within an NGO environment. A formal qualification, such as a bachelor or masters degree, in human resources would also be an asset. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregons natural beauty with her husband and dog. Chiefs of staff and CEOs should also map out objectives for the first 90 days of the role and determine how to divide priorities and allocate time on a daily and weekly basis. Madeleine Niebauer was a consultant in The Bridgespan Group's Boston office. Propose the creation of new systems and processes to streamline operations. This study investigates the impact of age on knowledge absorption among the NGO (Non-Governmental Organisational) female beneficiaries in Bangladesh. The Finance Manager is responsible for overseeing all financial procedures, including budget management, cash management, cash-flow and the implementation of financial guidelines. Theyre a vital part of the strategy and risk analysis, as well. Managing the turnover of this number of staff members requires a significant amounts of recruitments. The COO oversees all programs. Below, we explore the role more deeply to help you determine if adding a chief of staff makes sense for your leadership team. In most NGOs, the HR Coordinator is based in a country office and responsible for the human resource management across the mission. WebThe roles and responsibilities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and grass roots communities. Primary duties: Canvassers are organization representatives who share information, collect donations or engage individuals in the community. Performs other related duties as required. Chiefs of staff act like glue amongst leaders, rallying them around a common goal. While project managers have objectives limited to a specifics projects lifespan, program managers have broader responsibilities and goals. She operates as the organization's gatekeeper because most everything crosses her desk first. Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)3 status receive operational income through donations, fundraising, membership dues and program offerings. When an employee has a good relationship with their manager, theyll feel comfortable explaining what they need, how they evaluate their own work, and where they see their career going. We also provide information about online courses, jobs, paid internships, masters degrees, scholarships and other opportunities in the human rights sector and related areas. All NGOs need good money management. WebThe roles and responsibilities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and grass roots communities. Although ngos are often identified. Many of these duties may sound similar to those of a chief operating officer. The most important aspect of this partnership is the fit between the CEO and the chief of staff. Liaises and communicates with project consultants and field office staff, providing logistical and administrative support, as directed. Chiefs of staff help redirect leaders' focus to areas in which they'll have the greatest impact. Why have we not been viewed as a key player from the outset? When this same group of people from outside the sector were asked what the principal roles of the sector should be, they agree about the importance of two of these roles: they believe NGOs should do more systemic work and be agents of change (55%), but they also consider they must devote themselves to welfare tasks and direct action (54%). My goal is to see around corners so that our president and CEO can always say, 'Yes, I was just talking about that yesterday. WebNonprofit Careers. (1997-2008). If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. This empirical study investigates the duties and responsibilities of the NGOemployees in Bangladesh. These risks affect mental health. roles and responsibilities of non-governmental organizations Like any organization, an NGO needs qualified managers to lead teams and ensure the groups long-term success. This book contains an overview of BRAC programmes in credit, education, health, and agricultural, Drawing on research from Bangladesh, this article questions the dominance of a narrow view of sustainability that rests predominantly on financial considerations. It draws on the analysis of recent research into the characteristics of NGO leaders, and explores Humanitarian Careers provides information on degrees, courses and jobs for those working in humanitarian aid, students studying international development and recent graduates looking to launch their career in aid. The HR Officer will line-manage the HR Assistants. In smaller nonprofit organizations without in-house accountants, the administrative assistant handles basic bookkeeping responsibilities. From fundraising donations to daily operations, find out which roles are behind running a nonprofit and their responsibilities. Given the critical nature of the role and the importance of a strong fit, it may be wise to engage an executive search firm experienced with this role. The responsibility of maintaining electronic and paper filing systems falls on her shoulders, reports Indeed.com. She answers calls, takes messages, schedules meetings and writes letters or prepares draft press releases. Access a comparison of pay by sector. To become an Admin Coordinator within an NGO you need a strong understanding of both finance and human resource management. A manager should be ready to return to the organizations vision as needed, especially during challenging times such as transitions of power. The role is a unique opportunity for a rising star to build a broad skillset and build relationships with key leaders across the organization. In a relatively short time, they are exposed to situations, nuances, operating tempo and the complexity of decision making that otherwise would take years to experience.". Any new strategic vision requires a focused leadership team and a supportive broader staff to be fully effective. They revisit those metrics regularly and evaluate progress against them. The short answer is, it depends. All rights reserved. 2023 The Bridgespan Group. The roles and responsibilities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and grass roots communities. A program is essentially a collection of projects. Conducts research and provides support to one or more staff members in regards to project and programmatic efforts. The, [This article examines the impact of different age groups on knowledge absorption among the NGO (Non-Governmental Organisational) male-beneficiaries in Bangladesh. In todays environment, with the increased complexity of the nonprofit executive directors job, the imperative is ever greater for nonprofits to hire and retain strong senior management to complement the chief executive. As in many other sectors, the initial response to the health crisis represented a considerable challenge: how could activities be readjusted in view of the existing limitations? The Admin Assistant may be line-managed by the Admin Officer or HR Officer. What Does a Bookkeeper Do on a Daily Basis? A service provided by the Economic Commission for Africa -. Nonprofit administrative assistants handle the day-to-day communications for the director or managerial employees in the organization. WebThese roles are as follows: Policy development Regulation Facilitation Internal sustainability management For example, as COO of Citizen Schools, Emily McCann oversees all the network services that support the program sites, including finance, office management, human resources, technology, curriculum and instruction, performance management, and research and evaluation. Once hired, the next step is to onboard the new chief of staff. However, the roles that respondents believe should be a priority in the future are working on joint initiatives with other players, thereby becoming agents of systemic change for social transformation (highlighted by 80%), followed by offering new disruptive solutions (49%). Interested in learning more about NGO management? She might prepare payroll, generate checks for vendor supplies and executive review and update financial records. However, given the typically limited resources of nonprofits, chiefs of staff may take on an even wider variety of activities than their corporate counterparts. WebResearch, Monitoring and Evaluation: Innovative activities need to be carefully documented and shared - effective participatory monitoring would permit the sharing of results with the How may global macro trends affect them? A condensed version of the full job description, this email job announcement includes such details as your nonprofit organizations name, its mission, the key In an NGO, the HR Officer is the main mid-level position within the human resources department. Without proper implementation, new strategic plans can quickly fall flat, but chiefs of staff can be key players in keeping employees aligned and involved throughout the process. The handbook states: "NGOs nongovernmental organizations are independent of both the government and the business sector. Fundraising specialist National average salary: $51,488 per year Primary duties: Fundraising specialists are professionals that oversee the activities related to As with other matters, the role of the board of directors regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues is that of oversight. Their tasks often include drawing-up paperwork, making travel arrangements, issuing contracts and providing assistants to the wider HR team. Chiefs of staff often have a bird's-eye view across teams and departments, allowing them to connect the dots in ways that others can't. 15 Essential Leadership Positions Every Nonprofit Should During an appraisal, which is typically held once a year, a manager should discuss an employees performance and areas where they want to improve. Managers lead teams of people. They are responsible for the day-to-day running of the NGOs human resources procedures. If you want to learn more about how to get a job with an NGO, including in a HR role, explore our list of the top NGO online courses here. In most NGOs, the HR Coordinator is the most senior job in the human resources team.
