Managing programmes and institutions as a career

You may manage part of an existing programme, or set up a new one. Either way, you need broad knowledge and many skills: you are a planner, manager, evaluator, and perhaps an entrepreneur, with deep knowledge of the group you serve.

People skills:

• involve the community from the start; participatory planning makes people feel the programme is theirs;
• work with the private sector, which may give support as social responsibility;
• deal with government officials, for funding and legal requirements;
• keep harmony among the staff and the people served.

Administrative skills: handling finances, recruiting staff, renting space, buying equipment, and keeping records and stocks.

Someone who founds an organisation must also choose the location, the target group and the services, raise money, register the organisation, run it, and evaluate it. Above all, they need a vision and passion for the cause.

Preparation: a degree in Home Science (Family and Community Sciences), Social Work or another social science; or IGNOU's Certificate in NGO Management or Diploma in Youth Development Work. Careers: found your own institution, manage one, work at any level, or research and evaluate programmes. Plan with people, manage well, keep the vision.