USAID Employee Reveals He Got The Job & How It’s Like Working For The TOP NGO

By Elizabeth Benu,

Many people dream of working in an NGO because of the job security and attractive salaries that come with it. Career Point Kenya spoke to a current employee who works as a Technician (Plumber) at USAID

1. How did you apply for the job?
Over lunch break as my former workmates and I were going through the papers in my previous workplace, we came across the advertisement in the dailies and I decided to try my luck. I sent a handwritten application letter and an attached CV. I got shortlisted for the vacancy.

2. How was the interview process?
The interview was tough because you had to prove your worth to a panel. I did not pass the first interview phase because I failed to express myself well when they asked what I could do for them as an organisation. I came in second but they retained me as a junior technician.

3. What kind of organisation is it?
USAID is a very welcoming organisation that offers a comfortable work environment. It is an environment that facilitates growth and utilisation of your capabilities as an employee. They also choose the work force devoid of tribe or race and the salary is very attractive; especially during the weekends and holidays.

4. What are  advantages and disadvantages of working there?
When you prove your worth and abilities you move up levels with no discrimination (be it tribal/racial or sex). When I first started out there was a technical problem in the organisation that no one else was able to handle, the water pressure in the pipes throughout the office building was very low.

I managed it and that saw me move up various levels from assistant technician to senior technician and into a supervisory role (managing 6 junior technicians) within an year. That was the greatest opportunity it opened for me.

The cons of working here is that it is an organisation that has tough clients. Clients want instant service delivery even if the problem is too complicated. If you have not finished your work the client cannot allow you to go home until you are done and they are satisfied.

5. Any recommendations or suggestions to people interested in working there?

Any person interested in working here must be willing to work for longer hours and if you show commitment to your work the organisation commits to you in terms of job security and it also boosts the confidence they have in you.

My advice to any person who desires to work at USAID is that they should sell themselves and know their job if they want to move up levels and maintain the job or earn more pay.

6. What is your advice to the senior management?
My major concern is the clients. It would be better if the organisation made clients understand that sometimes it is hard to come up with a solution instantly as this is a technical job that requires analysis for perfect results.

Due to privacy reasons, the name of the interviewee remains anonymous

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