What sort of NGOs can you work for as a politics student?

University courses Politics
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Politics students have a range of transferable skills—such as critical thinking, research, communication, and policy analysis—that make them well-suited for roles in many types of non-profits and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Here are some types of non-profits and NGOs where politics students can work:

Human Rights Organizations

  • Focus: Advocating for civil liberties, combating discrimination, or protecting vulnerable populations.
  • Examples: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Freedom House.

Environmental and Climate Advocacy

  • Focus: Promoting sustainable development, climate change action, or conservation.
  • Examples: Greenpeace, WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), Friends of the Earth.

International Development NGOs

  • Focus: Addressing poverty, education, healthcare, and infrastructure in developing countries.
  • Examples: Oxfam, Save the Children, CARE International.

Policy and Advocacy Think Tanks

  • Focus: Researching and influencing public policy in areas like economics, security, or health.
  • Examples: Chatham House, Brookings Institution, Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).

Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution

  • Focus: Mediating conflicts, supporting post-conflict recovery, and promoting peace.
  • Examples: International Crisis Group, Conciliation Resources.

Refugee and Migration Assistance

  • Focus: Supporting displaced populations with legal aid, housing, and resettlement services.
  • Examples: Refugee Action, International Rescue Committee, UNHCR.

Democracy and Governance NGOs

  • Focus: Strengthening democratic institutions, monitoring elections, and fostering good governance.
  • Examples: International IDEA, National Democratic Institute, Electoral Reform Society.

Public Health and Global Health Initiatives

  • Focus: Fighting diseases, improving healthcare systems, or addressing health inequities.
  • Examples: Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), PATH, Gavi.

Women’s Rights and Gender Advocacy Groups

  • Focus: Promoting gender equality, combating gender-based violence, and empowering women.
  • Examples: UN Women, Global Fund for Women, Equality Now.

Anti-Corruption Organizations

  • Focus: Promoting transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption efforts.
  • Examples: Transparency International, Global Witness.

Youth and Education Non-Profits

  • Focus: Enhancing access to education, youth empowerment, and leadership development.
  • Examples: Teach For All, Restless Development, UNICEF.

Cultural and Heritage Organizations

  • Focus: Preserving cultural heritage or promoting intercultural understanding.
  • Examples: UNESCO, Global Heritage Fund.

Roles Politics Students Can Take On:

  • Policy Analyst
  • Advocacy and Campaign Coordinator
  • Communications Specialist
  • Research Assistant
  • Program or Project Manager
  • Fundraising and Development Officer
  • Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
4 Likes
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This is such a good guide and I know I’ll be looking into these! Are a lot of the positions they offer often international roles that may require you to relocate?

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Thank you all these resources! It is very useful for students with an education degree as well!

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Yes many of these positions will require you to relocate as International organisations tend to be located in Geneva, New York or Brussels.

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