1. Purpose-Driven Work
Working in the nonprofit and NGO sector in South Korea allows individuals to contribute to meaningful causes such as social justice, environmental sustainability, human rights, education, and more. Many professionals choose this field to align their careers with their values and to create a lasting positive impact on society.
2. Growing Sector with Diverse Opportunities
South Korea’s nonprofit and NGO sector has been steadily growing, supported by increased public awareness and government collaboration. There are opportunities in international development, policy research, youth programs, healthcare, environmental advocacy, and beyond, offering varied roles for professionals with different skills.
3. Cross-Cultural and International Engagement
Many NGOs in South Korea work on global issues and collaborate with international partners. This creates an environment rich in cultural exchange and networking, particularly for those interested in global affairs, diplomacy, or international development.
4. Skill Development and Career Growth
The nonprofit sector in South Korea often requires employees to take on multiple roles, fostering versatile skill development. From project management and fundraising to public relations and policy analysis, professionals gain hands-on experience that can be valuable in any career path.
1. Korea Social Enterprise Promotion Agency (KoSEA)
KoSEA supports social enterprises focused on solving community problems through innovative business models. International candidates interested in social innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development will find opportunities for collaboration and impact here.
2. DAIL Community
Known for its grassroots initiatives, DAIL Community provides services like food distribution, medical support, and education to underserved populations. It welcomes global volunteers and professionals passionate about community-based humanitarian work.
3. Asia Pacific Women’s Information Network Center (APWINC)
Based at Sookmyung Women’s University, APWINC focuses on ICT and gender equality. It often collaborates on international projects and research, making it a great fit for candidates interested in tech-driven development and women’s empowerment.
4. Green Korea United
A leading environmental NGO, Green Korea United tackles issues like climate change, pollution, and nuclear disarmament. It offers international volunteers and professionals a chance to engage in environmental advocacy and policy work in a Korean context.
5. The Beautiful Foundation
This foundation promotes a culture of philanthropy in Korea through creative campaigns and social impact funding. International candidates can contribute to program development, donor engagement, and strategic communications.
6. Justice for North Korea (JFNK)
An NGO focused on raising awareness about human rights abuses in North Korea. JFNK often collaborates with international activists and organizations, offering roles in advocacy, research, and public education.
7. Seeds Korea
An educational NGO focused on peacebuilding and youth leadership, often working with North-South Korean dialogue and international peace education programs. Ideal for candidates with a background in education, conflict resolution, or international studies.
8. Korea Habitat for Humanity
Part of the global Habitat network, Korea Habitat welcomes international professionals and volunteers to help with housing development and community empowerment projects, combining practical service with advocacy and urban development.
1. Program Management
Program managers oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of NGO projects. These roles involve coordinating with local and international partners, monitoring progress, and ensuring that initiatives align with the organization’s mission.
2. Fundraising and Development
Professionals in this area focus on securing financial support through grants, donations, and sponsorships. They often write proposals, organize fundraising events, and build relationships with donors and corporate partners.
3. Research and Policy Analysis
NGOs engaged in advocacy or policy work hire researchers to analyze social, economic, and political issues. These roles often involve publishing reports, lobbying decision-makers, and contributing to legislative or institutional reform.
4. Communications and Public Relations
These positions involve managing social media, public campaigns, content creation, and media relations. Professionals work to raise awareness, engage the public, and promote the NGO’s message locally and internationally.
5. Volunteer Coordination
Volunteer coordinators recruit, train, and manage local and international volunteers. This role is key in NGOs that rely heavily on community involvement and service-based activities.
6. Education and Training
NGOs working in human rights, environmental education, or youth development often need educators and trainers. These professionals design and deliver workshops, seminars, and community education programs.
7. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
M&E specialists assess the effectiveness of NGO programs and help improve performance. They collect data, analyze outcomes, and provide feedback to enhance future initiatives.
8. Administrative and Operations Support
Support roles include finance, HR, logistics, and office management. These positions are essential for the day-to-day functioning of nonprofits and often require bilingual or organizational skills.
9. International Relations and Partnership Development
For NGOs working globally or regionally, roles in partnership development involve building relationships with foreign agencies, embassies, and global organizations. These positions are well-suited for international candidates with cross-cultural experience.
10. Fieldwork and Community Outreach
Field officers engage directly with communities to implement programs, gather feedback, and assess needs. This hands-on work is critical in areas like disaster relief, poverty alleviation, and public health.
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (USD/month) |
Avg. Salary (INR/month) |
Avg. Salary (KRW/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Program Manager |
$2,800 |
₹2,33,000 |
₩3,800,000 |
|
Fundraising Manager |
$2,600 |
₹2,16,000 |
₩3,500,000 |
|
Communications Officer |
$2,200 |
₹1,83,000 |
₩3,000,000 |
|
Policy Analyst |
$2,400 |
₹2,00,000 |
₩3,300,000 |
|
Research Associate |
$2,000 |
₹1,66,000 |
₩2,700,000 |
|
Grant Writer |
$2,100 |
₹1,75,000 |
₩2,800,000 |
|
Monitoring & Evaluation Officer |
$2,500 |
₹2,08,000 |
₩3,400,000 |
|
Volunteer Coordinator |
$1,900 |
₹1,58,000 |
₩2,600,000 |
|
Education Program Specialist |
$2,000 |
₹1,66,000 |
₩2,700,000 |
|
International Relations Officer |
$2,700 |
₹2,25,000 |
₩3,700,000 |
|
Human Rights Advocate |
$2,100 |
₹1,75,000 |
₩2,800,000 |
|
Environmental Project Coordinator |
$2,300 |
₹1,91,000 |
₩3,200,000 |
|
NGO Operations Manager |
$2,600 |
₹2,16,000 |
₩3,500,000 |
|
Finance & Accounting Officer |
$2,400 |
₹2,00,000 |
₩3,300,000 |
|
Admin & HR Officer |
$2,000 |
₹1,66,000 |
₩2,700,000 |
|
Youth Program Coordinator |
$1,800 |
₹1,50,000 |
₩2,500,000 |
|
Gender Equality Program Officer |
$2,200 |
₹1,83,000 |
₩3,000,000 |
|
Disaster Relief Field Officer |
$2,100 |
₹1,75,000 |
₩2,800,000 |
|
Community Outreach Officer |
$1,900 |
₹1,58,000 |
₩2,600,000 |
|
Social Media & Campaign Specialist |
$2,000 |
₹1,66,000 |
₩2,700,000 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details for International Job Applicants |
|---|---|
|
Work Visa Requirement |
Must obtain a valid visa (commonly E-7 (Specialist) or D-10 (Job Seeker)). NGO sponsorship is often required. |
|
Educational Qualification |
A bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant fields such as International Relations, Social Work, Development Studies, Environmental Science, etc. |
|
Work Experience |
1–3 years of relevant experience is often preferred; 5+ years may be required for senior roles. |
|
Language Proficiency (Korean) |
Basic to intermediate Korean is highly preferred; some roles at international NGOs may only require English. |
|
Language Proficiency (English) |
Fluency in English is essential, especially for communication, reporting, and coordination roles. |
|
Cultural Adaptability |
Ability to work in a Korean organizational culture and collaborate cross-culturally is important. |
|
Job-Specific Skills |
Project management, grant writing, data analysis, policy research, fundraising, or fieldwork experience. |
|
Background Check |
Clean criminal and background checks may be required, especially for roles involving vulnerable populations. |
|
Professional Certifications |
Not always required, but certifications in project management (e.g., PMP), TESOL, or M&Eare advantageous. |
|
NGO Sponsorship |
Must be employed or offered a job by a registered NGO or nonprofit willing to support visa processing. |
Job Profile |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Program Manager |
Plan, implement, and oversee projects; monitor progress; manage budgets; report to stakeholders. |
|
Fundraising Manager |
Develop fundraising strategies; write grant proposals; manage donor relations; organize campaigns. |
|
Communications Officer |
Handle PR, media outreach, content creation, newsletters, and online presence for awareness and branding. |
|
Policy Analyst |
Conduct policy research; evaluate legislation; draft policy briefs; support advocacy efforts. |
|
Research Associate |
Collect and analyze data; produce reports; support monitoring and evaluation; assist in publications. |
|
Grant Writer |
Research funding opportunities; write and submit grant proposals; track deadlines and reporting. |
|
Monitoring & Evaluation Officer |
Design M&E frameworks; gather program data; assess impact; produce evaluation reports. |
|
Volunteer Coordinator |
Recruit, train, and manage volunteers; plan volunteer events; maintain volunteer engagement. |
|
Education Program Specialist |
Develop educational materials; conduct workshops and training; assess learning outcomes. |
|
International Relations Officer |
Coordinate with global partners; handle cross-border programs; manage international communications. |
|
Human Rights Advocate |
Monitor human rights issues; engage in fieldwork; create reports; advocate with stakeholders. |
|
Environmental Project Coordinator |
Plan and run eco-initiatives; engage with communities; liaise with government and academic institutions. |
|
NGO Operations Manager |
Oversee daily operations; manage logistics, HR, and finance; enforce organizational policies. |
|
Finance & Accounting Officer |
Prepare budgets; track spending; maintain financial records; ensure donor compliance. |
|
Admin & HR Officer |
Manage hiring, contracts, payroll, and office logistics; support team well-being and compliance. |
|
Youth Program Coordinator |
Design and lead youth-focused programs; collaborate with schools; engage young people in leadership. |
|
Gender Equality Program Officer |
Promote gender-sensitive programs; conduct training; work on advocacy and community outreach. |
|
Disaster Relief Field Officer |
Coordinate emergency responses; assess needs; deliver aid; report on field conditions. |
|
Community Outreach Officer |
Build relationships with local communities; promote participation; gather feedback on needs. |
|
Social Media & Campaign Specialist |
Create and schedule posts; run digital campaigns; track engagement metrics; support advocacy online. |
Job Profile |
Educational Qualification |
Experience Required |
Korean Language Proficiency |
Other Key Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Program Manager |
Bachelor's/Master’s in Development or related field |
3–5 years |
Intermediate (preferred) |
Project management skills, budgeting experience |
|
Fundraising Manager |
Bachelor’s in Business, Communications, or related |
2–4 years |
Basic–Intermediate |
Proven record in grant writing or donor management |
|
Communications Officer |
Bachelor’s in PR, Media, or Journalism |
2+ years |
Intermediate |
Strong English writing and media handling skills |
|
Policy Analyst |
Master’s in Public Policy or related field |
2–3 years |
Intermediate |
Research and analytical skills, policy knowledge |
|
Research Associate |
Bachelor’s or higher in Social Sciences |
1–2 years |
Basic |
Data analysis, report writing |
|
Grant Writer |
Bachelor’s in English, Communications, or similar |
2–3 years |
Basic |
Excellent written English; proposal writing experience |
|
Monitoring & Evaluation Officer |
Bachelor’s in M&E, Statistics, or related |
2–4 years |
Basic–Intermediate |
Experience with M&E tools and impact assessment |
|
Volunteer Coordinator |
Bachelor’s in Social Work, HR, or related |
1–3 years |
Intermediate |
Interpersonal and organizational skills |
|
Education Program Specialist |
Bachelor’s in Education or related field |
2–4 years |
Basic–Intermediate |
Curriculum design, teaching/training experience |
|
International Relations Officer |
Master’s in International Relations or similar |
3+ years |
Basic |
Cross-cultural experience, diplomatic communication |
|
Human Rights Advocate |
Bachelor’s in Law, Sociology, or related |
2+ years |
Intermediate |
Advocacy experience, understanding of human rights law |
|
Environmental Project Coordinator |
Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies or similar |
2–3 years |
Intermediate |
Project planning, community engagement |
|
NGO Operations Manager |
Bachelor’s in Business Admin, Nonprofit Management |
4–6 years |
Intermediate |
Staff supervision, budget handling |
|
Finance & Accounting Officer |
Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business |
2–3 years |
Basic |
Financial reporting, NGO accounting standards |
|
Admin & HR Officer |
Bachelor’s in HR or Business |
1–3 years |
Intermediate |
Payroll, recruitment, office admin |
|
Youth Program Coordinator |
Bachelor’s in Education, Psychology, or related |
1–2 years |
Intermediate |
Experience with children/youth, program design |
|
Gender Equality Program Officer |
Bachelor’s in Gender Studies, Sociology |
2+ years |
Intermediate |
Experience in gender mainstreaming, training |
|
Disaster Relief Field Officer |
Bachelor’s in Humanitarian Studies or related |
2–3 years |
Intermediate |
Field experience in disaster-prone areas, emergency response training |
|
Community Outreach Officer |
Bachelor’s in Social Work or related |
1–2 years |
Intermediate |
Community engagement, public speaking |
|
Social Media & Campaign Specialist |
Bachelor’s in Communications or Marketing |
1–2 years |
Basic |
Content creation, digital marketing, analytics |
Job Profile |
Minimum Experience Required |
Preferred Experience |
Relevant Experience Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Program Manager |
3 years |
5+ years |
Project planning, NGO operations, team leadership |
|
Fundraising Manager |
2 years |
3–5 years |
Donor relations, proposal writing, campaign strategy |
|
Communications Officer |
1–2 years |
3 years |
Media, public relations, social media |
|
Policy Analyst |
2 years |
3–4 years |
Policy research, advocacy, legislative work |
|
Research Associate |
1 year |
2–3 years |
Social research, data collection, academic or field research |
|
Grant Writer |
2 years |
3 years |
Grant applications, nonprofit writing, proposal development |
|
Monitoring & Evaluation Officer |
2 years |
3–4 years |
Impact assessment, data analysis, reporting |
|
Volunteer Coordinator |
1 year |
2–3 years |
Volunteer management, event planning |
|
Education Program Specialist |
1–2 years |
3–4 years |
Curriculum development, teaching, training |
|
International Relations Officer |
2–3 years |
4+ years |
International cooperation, partnerships, diplomacy |
|
Human Rights Advocate |
2 years |
3–5 years |
Legal aid, field advocacy, policy lobbying |
|
Environmental Project Coordinator |
2 years |
3+ years |
Environmental campaigns, sustainability programs |
|
NGO Operations Manager |
4 years |
5–7 years |
Office management, budgeting, HR |
|
Finance & Accounting Officer |
2 years |
3 years |
NGO finance, bookkeeping, reporting |
|
Admin & HR Officer |
1 year |
2–3 years |
Recruitment, HR systems, office support |
|
Youth Program Coordinator |
1 year |
2+ years |
Youth engagement, mentoring, activity planning |
|
Gender Equality Program Officer |
2 years |
3–4 years |
Gender policy, training, gender mainstreaming |
|
Disaster Relief Field Officer |
2 years |
3+ years |
Emergency response, humanitarian relief |
|
Community Outreach Officer |
1 year |
2–3 years |
Community organizing, stakeholder engagement |
|
Social Media & Campaign Specialist |
1 year |
2–3 years |
Content creation, digital campaigns, online engagement |
Organization / NGO Name |
Focus Area |
International Hiring |
Typical Roles for International Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
|
UNHCR Korea |
Refugee support, human rights |
Yes |
Policy analysts, communication officers, field coordinators |
|
Save the Children Korea |
Child protection, education, advocacy |
Yes |
Program officers, grant writers, education specialists |
|
Habitat for Humanity Korea |
Housing, community development |
Yes |
Project managers, volunteer coordinators, construction liaisons |
|
Greenpeace East Asia – Seoul Office |
Environmental protection, climate action |
Yes |
Campaigners, media officers, policy researchers |
|
Justice for North Korea (JFNK) |
Human rights, North Korean defectors |
Yes |
Advocacy workers, researchers, outreach coordinators |
|
The Beautiful Foundation |
Philanthropy, civic engagement |
Occasionally |
Donor relations, campaign managers, strategic planners |
|
World Vision Korea |
Humanitarian aid, education, child welfare |
Yes (limited) |
International development specialists, education officers |
|
Plan International Korea |
Children’s rights, education, gender equity |
Yes |
Program development, monitoring and evaluation, fundraising |
|
Amnesty International Korea |
Human rights, legal reform, advocacy |
Yes |
Legal analysts, campaign strategists, public relations officers |
|
Asia Pacific Women’s Information Network Center (APWINC) |
Gender equality, ICT access |
Yes |
Researchers, program officers, policy coordinators |
|
Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) |
International development, aid programs |
Occasionally |
Consultants, program evaluators, project developers |
|
Dail Community |
Poverty relief, food aid, medical services |
Yes |
Field volunteers, healthcare program staff, community liaisons |
|
Peace Winds Korea |
Disaster response, emergency aid |
Yes |
Field officers, logistics coordinators, relief specialists |
|
Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association |
Emergency relief, reconstruction |
Occasionally |
Disaster response specialists, logistics staff |
|
Migrant Center Korea |
Migrant rights, legal aid, labor support |
Yes |
Legal advisors, translators, policy researchers |
|
Korea Federation for Environmental Movements (KFEM) |
Environmental advocacy, public policy |
Occasionally |
Environmental researchers, campaign staff |
|
World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders Associations (OKTA) |
Economic empowerment, global trade |
Occasionally |
Program officers, partnership coordinators |
|
Korean Women’s Associations United (KWAU) |
Gender justice, women’s rights |
Yes |
Program managers, outreach coordinators, trainers |
|
Korea Volunteer Center (KVC) |
Volunteering, civic engagement |
Occasionally |
International volunteer program officers, exchange program staff |
|
Seeds Korea |
Peace education, inter-Korean dialogue |
Yes |
Peace educators, facilitators, curriculum developers |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (USD/month) |
Job Requirements |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
Top Hiring Companies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Program Manager |
$2,800 |
Bachelor’s/Master’s in Development or Social Sciences, 3–5 years experience, Korean (intermediate preferred) |
Manage project planning, budgeting, reporting, and team coordination |
Save the Children, World Vision, KOICA |
|
Fundraising Manager |
$2,600 |
Degree in Business/Marketing, 2–4 years experience, grant writing skills |
Design fundraising campaigns, write grant proposals, maintain donor relations |
The Beautiful Foundation, Habitat for Humanity Korea |
|
Communications Officer |
$2,200 |
Degree in Communications/Journalism, 2–3 years experience, strong English & basic Korean |
Create newsletters, manage media relations, handle digital content |
Greenpeace, Amnesty International Korea |
|
Policy Analyst |
$2,400 |
Master’s in Public Policy or Law, 2–4 years experience, policy research skills, Korean preferred |
Analyze policy issues, write policy briefs, support advocacy campaigns |
UNHCR Korea, KWAU |
|
Research Associate |
$2,000 |
Degree in Social Sciences or Research, 1–2 years experience |
Collect and analyze data, support M&E, produce research publications |
APWINC, Green Korea United |
|
Grant Writer |
$2,100 |
Bachelor’s in English or Communications, 2–3 years NGO writing experience |
Write and submit grant proposals, identify funding opportunities |
Save the Children, Plan International Korea |
|
Monitoring & Evaluation Officer |
$2,500 |
Degree in Statistics/Development Studies, 2–4 years experience, M&E tools proficiency |
Design M&E frameworks, evaluate program impact, data collection |
KOICA, World Vision |
|
Volunteer Coordinator |
$1,900 |
Degree in HR/Social Work, 1–3 years experience |
Recruit and train volunteers, coordinate schedules, maintain volunteer engagement |
Dail Community, Korea Volunteer Center |
|
Education Program Specialist |
$2,000 |
Degree in Education, 2–3 years teaching/training experience |
Develop curriculum, deliver training, evaluate education programs |
Seeds Korea, Plan International |
|
International Relations Officer |
$2,700 |
Master’s in International Relations, 3+ years experience, strong English |
Manage international partnerships, cross-cultural communication, global program coordination |
UNHCR Korea, KOICA |
|
Human Rights Advocate |
$2,100 |
Degree in Law or Sociology, 2–3 years advocacy/field experience |
Monitor and report on rights issues, engage in lobbying, support victims |
Amnesty International, JFNK |
|
Environmental Project Coordinator |
$2,300 |
Degree in Environmental Science, 2–3 years project experience |
Run eco-campaigns, coordinate sustainability projects, report outcomes |
Greenpeace, KFEM |
|
Operations Manager |
$2,600 |
Degree in Management/Nonprofit Admin, 4–6 years experience |
Oversee daily NGO operations, HR, logistics, compliance |
The Beautiful Foundation, APWINC |
|
Finance & Accounting Officer |
$2,400 |
Degree in Finance/Accounting, 2–3 years experience, NGO financial knowledge |
Prepare budgets, track expenses, manage audits and financial reports |
World Vision, KOICA |
|
Admin & HR Officer |
$2,000 |
Degree in HR/Admin, 1–2 years experience |
Recruitment, payroll, office support, documentation |
Korea Volunteer Center, APWINC |
|
Youth Program Coordinator |
$1,800 |
Degree in Psychology or Education, 1–2 years experience |
Design youth programs, run activities, monitor youth participation |
Seeds Korea, Save the Children |
|
Gender Equality Officer |
$2,200 |
Degree in Gender Studies/Sociology, 2+ years experience |
Implement gender programs, conduct training, support community outreach |
KWAU, APWINC |
|
Disaster Relief Field Officer |
$2,100 |
Degree in Humanitarian Studies or similar, 2–3 years field experience |
Emergency response, aid distribution, field coordination |
Peace Winds Korea, Hope Bridge |
|
Community Outreach Officer |
$1,900 |
Degree in Social Work/Community Dev., 1–2 years community experience |
Engage with local communities, promote participation, report feedback |
Dail Community, JFNK |
|
Social Media & Campaign Specialist |
$2,000 |
Degree in Marketing/Media, 1–2 years digital experience |
Create and manage social campaigns, engage online communities, run advocacy content |
Amnesty International Korea, The Beautiful Foundation |
Visa Type |
Purpose |
Eligibility |
Applicable Job Profiles |
Notes / Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
E-7 (Foreign National of Special Ability) |
Employment in specialized fields (incl. NGO roles) |
Bachelor’s degree + relevant experience; job offer from sponsoring NGO/employer |
Program Manager, Analyst, Coordinator, Officer roles |
Most common work visa for NGO professionals; employer must be a registered legal entity in South Korea |
|
D-10 (Job Seeker Visa) |
Seeking employment or preparing to start work |
Recent graduates or professionals with expiring E-7; must meet financial criteria |
Entry-level roles, internships, contract jobs |
Allows job search for up to 6 months; can be converted to E-7 upon employment |
|
D-8 (Business Investment Visa) |
For founding or managing NGOs/businesses |
Investor or director of nonprofit organization |
NGO Director, Operations Manager |
Requires proof of investment and business registration; rare but possible for nonprofit founders |
|
F-2 (Resident Visa) |
Long-term residency with work rights |
Based on points (age, income, education) or family relationship |
Any job role (depending on conditions) |
More flexible for long-term residents or skilled foreigners; allows work across sectors |
|
F-4 (Overseas Korean Visa) |
Work visa for ethnic Koreans abroad |
Must have Korean ancestry and foreign nationality |
Any NGO job role |
No employer sponsorship needed; popular for overseas Korean professionals |
|
F-6 (Spouse of Korean National) |
Work and residency for foreign spouses |
Marriage to Korean citizen |
Any position (with legal work permission) |
Provides full work rights; may require work registration based on job type |
|
H-1 (Working Holiday Visa) |
Short-term work and travel (18–30 years old) |
Citizens of specific countries; limited to 1 year |
Volunteer roles, internships, temporary staff positions |
Cannot take full-time permanent jobs; suitable for internships or volunteering |
|
D-6 (Religious Work / NGO Volunteer Visa) |
Religious or registered NGO voluntary work |
Sponsored by religious or nonprofit group; limited pay |
Volunteer Coordinator, Field Worker |
Not valid for paid professional jobs; often used for missionary or long-term volunteer work |