Social services (e.g. poverty alleviation, women’s empowerment)
Education and training
Healthcare
Environmental sustainability
Youth development and community engagement
The government is encouraging civil society growth as part of Vision 2030.
There’s increasing emphasis on regulatory reform, accountability, and capacity-building for NGOs.
Funding opportunities (government grants and private philanthropy) are growing.
This means there are more opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
Humanitarian and social development
Cultural preservation and arts
Environmental and wildlife conservation
Human rights and advocacy
Health and education
This diversity allows you to find a role that aligns with your personal passion and expertise.
Developing project management and fundraising skills.
Working closely with community members and stakeholders.
Learning how to navigate cross-sector partnerships.
Strengthening skills in advocacy and public relations.
These skills are highly transferable to other sectors and roles.
Unlike some roles in large corporations or government bureaucracies, NGO work often has a direct, visible impact on people’s lives. Whether it’s helping disadvantaged communities, advancing women’s rights, or promoting environmental sustainability, you can see and measure the difference your work makes.
Many people are drawn to nonprofit work because it aligns with their values and desire for meaningful work. For those motivated by community service, faith-based principles, or social justice, this sector offers a way to live out those commitments professionally.
Limited funding can constrain resources and salaries.
Bureaucratic or regulatory hurdles may slow progress.
Measuring impact and demonstrating accountability can be complex.
Founded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, it focuses on empowering youth in education, entrepreneurship, and creative industries.
Known for hosting creative workshops, conferences, and fellowships.
Supports visual arts and organizes events like 21,39 Jeddah Arts.
Works closely with local and international artists.
Though technically part of Aramco’s social initiatives, it’s heavily involved in creative projects, cultural programming, and arts education.
Focuses on preserving Saudi Arabia’s tangible and intangible heritage.
Offers training, educational programs, and collaborations with UNESCO.
An NGO focusing on sustainable design and environmental innovation in urban spaces.
Engages international consultants and architects on green infrastructure.
Works on global humanitarian projects, education, and cross-cultural dialogue.
Offers fellowships, partnerships, and international volunteering.
Focuses on humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and development work regionally and globally.
Engages international aid workers, consultants, and project managers.
Encourages corporate social responsibility projects across various sectors.
Collaborates with international NGOs and experts on social development.
Supports environmental protection and sustainability initiatives.
Partners with international organizations on conservation projects.
Focuses on women’s empowerment, education, and entrepreneurship.
Welcomes international partnerships in research, training, and advocacy.
Roles include Project Manager, Program Officer, and Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist.
Focus on planning, implementing, and assessing projects in areas like health, education, and humanitarian aid.
Positions such as Development Officer, Grant Writer, and Donor Relations Manager.
Responsible for securing funding through proposals, grants, and donor engagement.
Roles include Community Liaison, Outreach Coordinator, and Volunteer Coordinator.
Work involves building relationships with local communities, running awareness campaigns, and coordinating volunteers.
Positions such as Research Associate, Policy Analyst, and Data Specialist.
Conduct research, write reports, and provide policy recommendations to inform advocacy and project design.
Roles like Communications Officer, Social Media Manager, and Content Writer.
Manage public outreach, social media, marketing, and organizational branding.
Positions such as Trainer, Education Specialist, and Curriculum Developer.
Focus on developing and delivering workshops, educational materials, and capacity-building sessions.
Roles like Finance Officer, Administrative Coordinator, and HR Manager.
Provide operational support including budgeting, human resources, and office management.
Includes roles like Environmental Specialist, Health Advisor, and Gender Specialist.
Provide expertise on specific issues and help design programs in their area of specialization.
Positions such as Emergency Response Coordinator, Shelter Manager, and Logistics Officer.
Oversee relief efforts, distribute aid, and coordinate with international partners during emergencies.
Roles include Advocacy Officer, Legal Advisor, and Human Rights Coordinator.
Work on promoting rights-based approaches and influencing policies.
Job Title |
SAR (Yearly) |
USD (Yearly) |
INR (Yearly) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Executive Director |
360,000–480,000 |
96,000–128,000 |
80–105 lakhs |
|
Program Manager |
240,000–300,000 |
64,000–80,000 |
55–70 lakhs |
|
Project Coordinator |
180,000–240,000 |
48,000–64,000 |
40–55 lakhs |
|
Fundraising Manager |
240,000–300,000 |
64,000–80,000 |
55–70 lakhs |
|
Communications Officer |
180,000–240,000 |
48,000–64,000 |
40–55 lakhs |
|
Monitoring & Evaluation Officer |
200,000–240,000 |
53,000–64,000 |
45–55 lakhs |
|
HR Manager |
240,000–300,000 |
64,000–80,000 |
55–70 lakhs |
|
Finance Manager |
240,000–300,000 |
64,000–80,000 |
55–70 lakhs |
|
Volunteer Coordinator |
150,000–200,000 |
40,000–53,000 |
35–45 lakhs |
|
Education Specialist |
200,000–250,000 |
53,000–66,000 |
45–58 lakhs |
|
Advocacy Officer |
180,000–240,000 |
48,000–64,000 |
40–55 lakhs |
|
Researcher/Policy Analyst |
200,000–250,000 |
53,000–66,000 |
45–58 lakhs |
|
Environmental Specialist |
220,000–280,000 |
58,000–75,000 |
50–65 lakhs |
|
Gender Specialist |
220,000–280,000 |
58,000–75,000 |
50–65 lakhs |
|
Health Advisor |
220,000–280,000 |
58,000–75,000 |
50–65 lakhs |
|
Logistics Officer |
200,000–250,000 |
53,000–66,000 |
45–58 lakhs |
|
Admin Coordinator |
150,000–200,000 |
40,000–53,000 |
35–45 lakhs |
|
Social Media Manager |
180,000–220,000 |
48,000–58,000 |
40–50 lakhs |
|
Training Specialist |
200,000–250,000 |
53,000–66,000 |
45–58 lakhs |
|
Legal Advisor |
240,000–300,000 |
64,000–80,000 |
55–70 lakhs |
International candidates must have a valid employment visa sponsored by the hiring NGO or nonprofit.
Typically, the organization initiates this process after offering a contract.
Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, with preference for degrees relevant to the sector (e.g., social work, development studies, public health, education, or management).
Senior or specialized roles may require a master’s degree or equivalent.
Experience in nonprofit work, development projects, humanitarian assistance, or relevant technical fields is highly valued.
International experience or prior work in multicultural settings is often preferred.
English proficiency is generally required, as many NGOs operate in English.
Arabic skills are highly advantageous, especially for community engagement roles, but not always mandatory.
NGOs in Saudi Arabia seek candidates who can respect local customs and adapt to the cultural context.
Understanding Saudi workplace etiquette and gender norms is essential.
Background checks are typically conducted, requiring a clear record from your home country and/or prior workplaces.
A medical fitness test is required as part of the visa process.
Candidates must pass health checks including screenings for communicable diseases.
Certain roles (e.g., health advisors, educators) may require specific licenses recognized in Saudi Arabia.
A formal employment contract specifying salary, benefits, and working conditions is required for visa processing.
NGOs must comply with Saudi labor laws, including contract registration and insurance.
Job Profile |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Executive Director |
Oversees overall operations, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. Reports to the board and manages senior staff. |
|
Program Manager |
Designs, implements, and evaluates programs. Manages budgets and supervises project teams. |
|
Project Coordinator |
Supports program delivery by coordinating tasks, timelines, and resources. Handles reporting and documentation. |
|
Fundraising Manager |
Develops and executes fundraising strategies. Builds relationships with donors and oversees grant writing. |
|
Communications Officer |
Manages public relations, social media, and internal communications. Prepares reports, newsletters, and press releases. |
|
Monitoring & Evaluation Officer |
Tracks project performance, develops indicators, collects data, and compiles evaluation reports. |
|
HR Manager |
Manages recruitment, onboarding, performance reviews, and staff welfare. Ensures compliance with labor laws. |
|
Finance Manager |
Oversees budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, and audits. Manages donor funds and expenditure tracking. |
|
Volunteer Coordinator |
Recruits, trains, and manages volunteers. Plans volunteer activities and engagement strategies. |
|
Education Specialist |
Designs and implements educational programs. Develops curricula, trains educators, and assesses outcomes. |
|
Advocacy Officer |
Develops advocacy campaigns. Engages stakeholders, policymakers, and the media to influence policy. |
|
Researcher/Policy Analyst |
Conducts research, analyzes data, and prepares reports to inform projects and advocacy efforts. |
|
Environmental Specialist |
Designs and manages projects focused on sustainability, conservation, and environmental education. |
|
Gender Specialist |
Integrates gender perspectives into programs. Conducts gender analysis and promotes gender equity. |
|
Health Advisor |
Provides technical expertise in health projects. Develops training materials and supports health program implementation. |
|
Logistics Officer |
Manages procurement, supply chains, and distribution of materials. Ensures compliance with logistics protocols. |
|
Admin Coordinator |
Provides administrative support, manages office supplies, organizes meetings, and ensures record-keeping. |
|
Social Media Manager |
Creates and manages content for social media platforms. Engages audiences and analyzes engagement metrics. |
|
Training Specialist |
Develops and delivers workshops. Assesses training needs and evaluates training outcomes. |
|
Legal Advisor |
Provides legal counsel, drafts contracts, ensures compliance with local laws, and handles legal risks. |
Job Profile |
General Job Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
|
Executive Director |
Master’s degree in relevant field; 10+ years senior leadership experience; strategic management expertise; excellent communication skills. |
|
Program Manager |
Bachelor’s or master’s degree; 5–8 years experience managing projects or programs; budgeting skills; strong organizational abilities. |
|
Project Coordinator |
Bachelor’s degree; 2–4 years experience coordinating projects; ability to handle documentation and reporting; teamwork skills. |
|
Fundraising Manager |
Bachelor’s degree; 5+ years in fundraising, grant writing, or donor relations; strong communication and networking skills. |
|
Communications Officer |
Bachelor’s degree in communications, PR, or related field; 2–4 years experience; excellent writing and digital media skills. |
|
Monitoring & Evaluation Officer |
Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, statistics, or related field; 3+ years experience in M&E; data analysis and reporting skills. |
|
HR Manager |
Bachelor’s degree in HR or business administration; 5+ years HR experience; knowledge of labor laws; strong interpersonal skills. |
|
Finance Manager |
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance; CPA or equivalent preferred; 5+ years finance management experience; proficiency in financial software. |
|
Volunteer Coordinator |
Bachelor’s degree; 2–4 years experience managing volunteers; strong interpersonal and organizational skills. |
|
Education Specialist |
Bachelor’s or master’s in education or relevant field; 3+ years experience in program design; curriculum development skills. |
|
Advocacy Officer |
Bachelor’s degree; 3–5 years advocacy or policy experience; knowledge of policy frameworks; strong written and verbal communication skills. |
|
Researcher/Policy Analyst |
Bachelor’s or master’s in social sciences or related field; 3–5 years research experience; strong analytical and writing skills. |
|
Environmental Specialist |
Bachelor’s or master’s in environmental studies, sustainability, or related field; 3+ years relevant experience; project management skills. |
|
Gender Specialist |
Bachelor’s or master’s in gender studies, sociology, or relevant field; 3–5 years experience in gender programming; analytical skills. |
|
Health Advisor |
Bachelor’s or master’s in public health, medicine, or nursing; 5+ years experience in health programs; training skills. |
|
Logistics Officer |
Bachelor’s degree; 3+ years logistics or supply chain experience; knowledge of procurement; organizational skills. |
|
Admin Coordinator |
Bachelor’s degree; 2+ years administrative experience; proficiency in office software; organizational and multitasking abilities. |
|
Social Media Manager |
Bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications; 2–3 years managing social media platforms; content creation skills. |
|
Training Specialist |
Bachelor’s degree; 3+ years experience delivering training; knowledge of adult learning principles; facilitation skills. |
|
Legal Advisor |
Law degree; 5+ years legal practice; knowledge of Saudi labor laws and contract law; strong analytical and negotiation skills. |
Roles: Administrative Assistant, Project Assistant, Volunteer Coordinator (junior), Social Media Assistant
Requirements: Some internship or volunteer experience in NGOs or community projects is highly valued; relevant degree or diploma; strong interest in humanitarian or development work.
Roles: Project Coordinator, Communications Officer, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, Education Specialist
Requirements: 3–5 years relevant experience, preferably in the nonprofit or development sector; experience managing small teams or independent projects; exposure to working in multicultural environments; solid understanding of project lifecycles, budgeting, and reporting.
Roles: Program Manager, Fundraising Manager, HR Manager, Finance Manager, Gender Specialist, Health Advisor, Advocacy Officer
Requirements: At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience, with expertise in managing teams, developing strategies, and leading programs; demonstrated experience in managing donor relationships or complex budgets; leadership experience in international or cross-cultural contexts is highly desirable.
Roles: Environmental Specialist, Legal Advisor, Researcher/Policy Analyst, Logistics Officer
Requirements: 5–10 years of technical experience; deep subject-matter knowledge; prior experience in similar roles in the Middle East or in large NGOs is an advantage; relevant professional certifications are often preferred.
The largest humanitarian aid organization in Saudi Arabia.
Focuses on emergency response, health, education, and development projects worldwide.
Hires international staff in program management, health, logistics, and technical advisory roles.
Founded by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.
Focuses on global humanitarian aid, cultural understanding, women’s empowerment, and education.
Hires international experts in program management, partnerships, communications, and research.
Youth-focused foundation with initiatives in education, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange.
Hosts international fellowships and creative sector programs that involve global collaboration.
Occasionally hires international staff for program design, event management, and education/training roles.
Active in Saudi Arabia on issues like health, education, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development.
Regularly hire international consultants, project managers, and technical experts.
Supports the visual arts and creative industries.
Engages international curators, educators, and event managers on arts programming.
Works closely with UNESCO on heritage projects.
Hires international consultants and experts in heritage management, cultural preservation, and education.
Operates regionally with offices in Saudi Arabia, coordinating disaster response and humanitarian aid.
Employs international specialists in logistics, health, and program coordination.
Technically under Aramco but has a strong nonprofit arts, culture, and education portfolio.
Hires international experts in creative programming, museum curation, and education outreach.
Works with local partners on child protection, education, and health.
Often contracts international staff in project management and technical advisory roles.
Focuses on displacement and refugee support in the Middle East.
May deploy international staff from Saudi Arabia to regional operations.
Job Profile |
Average Salary (SAR/year) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Executive Director |
360,000–480,000 |
Master’s degree; 10+ years leadership experience; strategic management |
Misk Foundation, Alwaleed Philanthropies, KSRelief |
Oversee organizational operations, strategic planning, and high-level stakeholder management. |
|
Program Manager |
240,000–300,000 |
Bachelor’s/Master’s; 5–8 years in program management |
KSRelief, Save the Children, UNDP |
Design, implement, and evaluate programs; manage budgets and teams. |
|
Project Coordinator |
180,000–240,000 |
Bachelor’s; 2–4 years experience coordinating projects |
KSRelief, Saudi Heritage Preservation Society, Misk Foundation |
Coordinate project activities, manage schedules, assist in reporting and documentation. |
|
Fundraising Manager |
240,000–300,000 |
Bachelor’s; 5+ years in fundraising or grant writing |
Alwaleed Philanthropies, Misk Foundation, Save the Children |
Develop fundraising strategies; manage donor relations and grant proposals. |
|
Communications Officer |
180,000–240,000 |
Bachelor’s in communications; 2–4 years experience |
Misk Foundation, Saudi Art Council, UN Agencies |
Manage public relations, social media, newsletters, and branding. |
|
Monitoring & Evaluation Officer |
200,000–240,000 |
Bachelor’s; 3+ years in M&E or data analysis |
KSRelief, Save the Children, UN Agencies |
Develop indicators, collect and analyze data, and write evaluation reports. |
|
HR Manager |
240,000–300,000 |
Bachelor’s in HR; 5+ years HR experience |
Misk Foundation, Alwaleed Philanthropies, KSRelief |
Manage recruitment, onboarding, compliance, and staff development. |
|
Finance Manager |
240,000–300,000 |
Bachelor’s in finance; 5+ years finance management experience |
KSRelief, Save the Children, Alwaleed Philanthropies |
Oversee financial planning, budgets, compliance, and audits. |
|
Volunteer Coordinator |
150,000–200,000 |
Bachelor’s; 2–4 years in volunteer management |
Misk Foundation, Saudi Heritage Preservation Society |
Recruit, train, and manage volunteers; coordinate community activities. |
|
Education Specialist |
200,000–250,000 |
Bachelor’s/Master’s in education; 3+ years experience |
Misk Foundation, Save the Children, UN Agencies |
Develop curricula, train educators, and monitor educational projects. |
|
Advocacy Officer |
180,000–240,000 |
Bachelor’s; 3–5 years advocacy experience |
UNDP, Save the Children, Alwaleed Philanthropies |
Develop and implement advocacy strategies; engage with policymakers. |
|
Researcher/Policy Analyst |
200,000–250,000 |
Bachelor’s/Master’s; 3–5 years research experience |
UNDP, Saudi Heritage Preservation Society, KSRelief |
Conduct research, analyze data, and prepare policy briefs. |
|
Environmental Specialist |
220,000–280,000 |
Bachelor’s/Master’s in environmental studies; 3+ years experience |
Saudi Environmental Society, UN Agencies, Norwegian Refugee Council |
Develop and implement environmental programs; conduct impact assessments. |
|
Gender Specialist |
220,000–280,000 |
Bachelor’s/Master’s in gender studies; 3–5 years experience |
UNDP, Save the Children, Alwaleed Philanthropies |
Integrate gender perspectives; provide training and analysis. |
|
Health Advisor |
220,000–280,000 |
Bachelor’s/Master’s in public health; 5+ years experience |
WHO, KSRelief, Save the Children |
Provide technical guidance on health projects and training for health staff. |
|
Logistics Officer |
200,000–250,000 |
Bachelor’s; 3+ years logistics/supply chain experience |
KSRelief, Save the Children, UN Agencies |
Manage procurement, distribution, and logistics systems. |
|
Admin Coordinator |
150,000–200,000 |
Bachelor’s; 2+ years administrative experience |
Misk Foundation, Saudi Art Council, UN Agencies |
Manage office support, scheduling, record-keeping, and documentation. |
|
Social Media Manager |
180,000–220,000 |
Bachelor’s in marketing; 2–3 years social media experience |
Misk Foundation, Saudi Art Council, Alwaleed Philanthropies |
Create content, manage social media accounts, and engage audiences. |
|
Training Specialist |
200,000–250,000 |
Bachelor’s; 3+ years training experience |
Misk Foundation, UN Agencies, Save the Children |
Develop and deliver training sessions; assess learning needs. |
|
Legal Advisor |
240,000–300,000 |
Law degree; 5+ years legal practice; knowledge of Saudi law |
UN Agencies, Alwaleed Philanthropies, KSRelief |
Provide legal counsel, draft contracts, ensure legal compliance. |
Most common option for NGO jobs.
Sponsored by the hiring NGO or nonprofit organization.
Requires a formal employment contract that details salary, role, and responsibilities.
Valid for one year (renewable) and includes a residence permit (Iqama).
Allows you to live and work legally in Saudi Arabia and can cover dependents (spouse and children).
Valid passport
Employment contract
Educational and professional qualifications
Medical fitness certificate
Police clearance certificate (in some cases)
Suitable for short-term assignments, training, workshops, or consultancies (usually 30–90 days).
Sponsored by the NGO or partner organization.
Does not allow full-time employment but can cover project-based consulting or technical assistance.
Invitation letter from the NGO
Proof of relevant expertise
Valid passport
Occasionally used for consultants or specialists on specific projects.
Usually valid for 3–6 months.
Requires a sponsoring organization and approval from relevant ministries.
Ideal for technical roles (e.g. health experts, M&E specialists).
Rare and mostly for specific volunteering initiatives (e.g. large-scale humanitarian events or festivals).
Typically issued for short periods.
Requires a sponsoring NGO with approval from Saudi authorities.
Note: Not widely used in the formal NGO sector.
