Recruitment of professionals for NGOs and charities

Directors, managers and professionals for NGOs and charities

DUX mediates between executive professionals and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and charities. These are often organizations that operate globally in fields such as humanitarian aid, human rights, children’s rights and welfare, nature and the environment, and international partnerships. We search for candidates for a variety of positions, including programme managers and fundraisers as well as permanent and interim directors, managers and senior specialists.

Challenges facing NGOs and charities

Polarization. Distrust of institutions. And a shift towards building strong connections. General societal change is reflected in the world of NGOs and charities. The coronavirus, for instance, gave rise to new challenges: face-to-face recruitment was suspended for a long period whilst digital methods grew in popularity.

Other developments in the sector have made it increasingly difficult for organizations to secure the necessary funding, including cuts in government subsidies (for development cooperation, for example). This means that organizations need to collaborate together more effectively and create strong alliances. Competition in the sector has also intensified. Labour is in short supply, making it even more challenging to find qualified employees, and funds previously available to international partnerships are now becoming increasingly directed towards more local initiatives.

Changes in leadership styles

This calls for different styles of leadership from directors who will need to be more involved and hands-on. Hybrid working has rendered the conventional manager who oversees employees in an office setting a thing of the past. Today, it is more about being able to inspire, motivate and direct employees based on their social values. A modern leader will also need possess a proactive approach towards stakeholder engagement, a broad social perspective and excellent networking abilities.

Professional skills for specialists

We mediate on behalf of charities and NGOs for executive positions such as regulators, heads of supervisory boards, directors, heads of development/ fundraising, heads of finance, operational managers and programme managers.

As well as executive positions, we also search for specialists such as fundraisers and marketeers. Organizations and foundations frequently rely on different types of funding, donors and corporate partners. Naturally, this relies on a variety of diverse qualities on the part of professionals; from marketing skills to relationship management, legal expertise, excellent communication skills and effective lobbying abilities. Equally important is having a solid background in data and digital skills, a strong awareness of public opinion and having the confidence to lead by example.

Types of employment contracts

We can recruit for permanent as well as temporary positions on your behalf. An increasing number of organizations contact us regarding interim positions. Read more about the benefits of our guidance when it comes to filling interim vacancies.

Our consultants have years of experience in the sectors they recruit for. We have thorough knowledge of the profit and non-profit sectors. We are quick to grasp the issues regarding a particular vacancy, the type of person required and the qualifications and skills they must possess. We understand how to find the ideal candidates within the labour market and how to interest them in coming to work for you. Throughout the entire process, from search, evaluation and placement, we work alongside you and guide you in your deliberations in a committed, personal and straightforward way. We allocate you a dedicated contact person for the duration, on whom you can rely. Owing to our personal approach to our work we are able to achieve successful results for both candidates and clients.

Are you looking for specific, highly-qualified executives?

Such as management board members? Do you need an experienced partner and advisor who can outline your requirements and oversee the entire recruitment procedure on your behalf? Contact us to discuss your requirements without obligation.

Go to the contact page

Successful placement

Xanèl Rooderkerk, programme manager Dance

ELJA Foundation

Rooderkerk started as a programme manager at the ELJA Foundation. During the mediation process, she found DUX to be very committed and professional.

I particularly appreciated the fact that the approach of the consultants Victorine and Suzette was personal, while at the same time the procedure was professional and businesslike.

She emphasizes that the consultants were always available to answer questions and that they made every effort to give clear explanations and feedback.

As a result of this process, I now have the best job I could ever have imagined!