Working in the Non-profit and NGO sector 2026
The non-profit and NGO sector is broad, with large organisations like the EU and UN, but it is mostly made up of smaller, lesser-known foundations. These organisations focus on causes such as human rights, environmental sustainability, and education. UvA alumni will share their experiences working in this sector and provide insights into the career opportunities, challenges, and rewards of making a difference in these organisations.
Are you interested in pursuing a career working in a non-profit or NGO company? Sign up for this session to meet with UvA alumni that have built a career in the Netherlands in these fields. Learn from their challenges, experiences and take good note of their tips and tricks.
Please note that the panel of alumni speakers for this session is still subject to changes
Name: Sherwan Qasem
Study programme: MA Holocaust and Genocide Studies
Current position: Relationship Management Specialist at Doctors Without Borders
Advice:
Name: Rai Cardelús Ylla-Catala
Study programme: MSc Economics (Global Challenges & Climate Change)
Current position: Policy, Science & Research Communities Coordinator at Greenpeace International + Junior Researcher at UvA
Advice: Stay curious and open to learning from different fields and experiences, this flexibility can open unexpected opportunities.
Name: Ágnes Néray
Study programme: Research Master Child Development & Education
Current position: Senior Advisor Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning at Plan International
Advice: If a social cause motivates you, but you are not sure exactly where to go or what to do, start volunteering a few hours a week. It helps you to get to know people over a shared activity and can help you figure out your true interests.
Name: Ishan Prabhakaran
Study programme: BSc Economics and Business (Finance & Organisation), MSc Finance (Corporate Finance)
Current position: Project Controller at Fair Wear Foundation
Advice: Find organisations you would like to work for and apply to any positions you qualify for. Moving within an organisation is usually possible and you can do many different things in this way.
Name: Vera Bakker
Study programme: BSc Political Science, International Relations (minor Philosophy and Gender Studies); MSc International Development Studies
Current position: Corporate Relationship Manager at Save the Children
Advice: Be curious. Ask people questions to connect and network. Show engagement and stand out by being you. Get to know yourself better and what you are passionate about.
Name: Ken Owino
Study programme: MA Journalism, Media and Globalisation (Erasmus Mundus Master's)
Current position: Communications & Partnerships Lead at AUXFIN foundation
Advice: Embrace opportunities to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, from grassroots organizations to policymakers and the private sector and don't forget to be your authentic self, and to be curious, culturally aware and adaptive
