Frequently Asked Questions

Creating an account is easy:

1. Click on the "Register" button in the top navigation bar.
2. Fill out the registration form with your personal information.
3. Check your email for a verification link.
4. Click the verification link to activate your account.
5. Once verified, log in and complete your profile with work experience and qualifications.

Having a complete profile increases your chances of being noticed by our recruitment team.

You can upload the following documents:

• Resume/CV: PDF, DOC, DOCX formats (max 5MB)
• Cover Letter: PDF, DOC, DOCX formats (max 2MB)
• Certificates: PDF, JPG, PNG formats (max 3MB per file)
• Portfolio: PDF or ZIP for creative positions (max 15MB)
• Profile Picture: JPG, PNG formats (max 1MB)

All files are scanned for viruses before storage. We do not accept executable files or scripts.

To apply for a job:

1. Log in to your account.
2. Browse jobs using the "Browse Jobs" link in the navigation bar.
3. Use search or filters to find suitable positions.
4. Click on a job title to view details and requirements.
5. Click the "Apply Now" button and complete the application form.
6. Attach any requested documents and submit your application.

You will receive a confirmation email once your application is successfully submitted.

Track your applications by:

1. Logging into your account.
2. Navigating to "My Dashboard" then "My Applications".

Statuses include: Submitted, Under Review, Shortlisted, Interview Scheduled, Offer Extended, Hired, and Rejected. You will also receive email notifications for status updates.

Reset your password by:

1. Clicking "Login" then "Forgot Password?" on the login page.
2. Entering the email address associated with your account.
3. Checking your email for a reset link.
4. Clicking the link and creating a new password.

Reset links expire after 24 hours. After 4 failed login attempts, your account will be temporarily locked — contact our support team to unlock it.

Yes, you can apply for multiple positions simultaneously with no limit. We recommend:

• Customising your application for each position.
• Tailoring your cover letter to address specific role requirements.
• Tracking all applications in your dashboard.
• Being prepared for potentially overlapping interview schedules.

Quality applications are generally more effective than quantity.

Our interview process typically consists of:

1. Application Screening: HR reviews all applications for basic requirements.
2. Phone/Virtual Screening: Brief interview to assess interest and qualifications.
3. Technical/Skills Assessment: Practical test or case study depending on the role.
4. Panel Interview: Meeting with team members to discuss experience and fit.
5. Final Interview: Top candidates meet with senior leadership.
6. Reference Checks: Professional references are contacted before any offer.

All interview invitations are sent through the portal and via email.

To update your profile:

1. Log in and click your name or profile picture in the top-right corner.
2. Select "My Profile" from the dropdown.
3. Click the "Edit" button in each section you wish to update.
4. Save your changes.

Sections you can update include: Personal Information, Education History, Work Experience, Skills, Uploaded Documents, and Profile Picture.

CIYOTA protects your information through:

• Secure Encryption: SSL/TLS protocols for all data transfers.
• Password Protection: Passwords are securely hashed and never stored in plain text.
• Session Security: Sessions expire after 20 minutes of inactivity.
• Data Access Controls: Only authorised personnel access applicant data on a need-to-know basis.
• File Security: All uploaded files are scanned for viruses before storage.
• Regular Security Audits: We conduct regular assessments to keep the platform secure.

To receive job notifications:

1. Log in and go to your profile settings.
2. Select "Notification Preferences" from the dropdown.
3. Enable job alerts for categories, locations, or job types you are interested in.

You will receive Email Alerts and In-App Notifications when new matching positions are posted. You can customise the frequency (immediate, daily, or weekly).

If you encounter technical issues:

1. Check Your Browser: Use a current version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Clear cache and cookies, then retry.
2. Try Another Device: Attempt access from a different device.
3. Contact Support: Use the Contact link in the navigation and include the page/feature, steps to reproduce, error messages, and your browser/device info.

Our support team responds within 24–48 business hours. For urgent issues related to scheduled interviews, please note the urgency. You can also email careers-support@ciyota.org directly.

CIYOTA offers diverse opportunities across:

• Education & Training: Teachers, curriculum developers, vocational training instructors
• Program Management: Project managers, M&E specialists
• Community Development: Outreach coordinators, social workers, youth mentors
• Administration & Operations: HR specialists, finance officers
• Communications & Advocacy: Communications officers, content creators
• Technology & Innovation: IT specialists, digital solutions developers

We have positions in both Uganda and DRC. We particularly value candidates with lived experience in refugee or IDP situations and actively seek to employ members of the communities we serve.

No, you do not need to be from a refugee background to work with CIYOTA. We value diversity and hire candidates from all backgrounds who share our commitment to empowering refugees, IDPs, and marginalised youth.

We consider candidates based on:

• Alignment with our mission, vision, and values
• Qualifications, skills, and relevant experience
• Understanding of and sensitivity to displaced communities
• Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural environments
• Commitment to community-driven development approaches

That said, we do prioritise hiring from within the communities we serve whenever possible.

Language requirements vary by position and location:

• English: Required for most positions, especially roles involving documentation and reporting.
• French: Required or preferred for DRC-based roles or work with Francophone communities.
• Swahili: Valuable for many field-based positions in Uganda and DRC.
• Local Languages: Languages such as Lingala, Kinyarwanda, or Luganda may be required for certain community-facing roles.

Each job posting will specify the required and preferred language skills. CIYOTA is a multilingual environment and we appreciate the diversity of languages among our staff.

Yes, CIYOTA offers volunteer and internship opportunities.

Internship Programme:

• Typically 3–6 months in duration
• Available in education, program management, communications, and administration
• May be paid or unpaid depending on funding and qualifications
• Academic credit can often be arranged for students

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Flexible time commitments from short-term to ongoing roles
• Remote and in-person options available
• Skills-based volunteering matched to organisational needs

Apply through the same system used for job applications. We review applications on a rolling basis.