7 Reasons You Should Consider a Fixed-Term Contract Role

If you’ve browsed roles in the charity sector, you may have noticed that fixed-term contracts are more common than they are in other sectors. A fixed-term contract is a temporary role with a specific end date, usually somewhere between three months and three years. This may sound less attractive than a permanent role, but they actually have many hidden advantages that could help you break into the charity sector.

A  charity may offer a role on a fixed-term contract for a few reasons:

• Trialling a brand new role—expansion may mean they need a new role on the team but they can’t yet justify a permanent spend.
• Funding for a fixed project—this could be in the form of time-related funding from an external provider to achieve a specific project or run a certain campaign.
• Needing extra help over a busy period—such as a change in the law that affects their beneficiaries, or the launch of a new website or service.
• Cover for parental leave or a sabbatical.

Obviously, fixed-term contracts come with less job security than permanent roles, and for that reason they won’t be a great fit for everyone. But, if you’re trying to move into the sector, or you want to progress your career, then you could definitely benefit from the advantages they bring. Here are seven reasons why you should consider a fixed-term contract role.

1. It can be a good route in

Every day people find their dream roles in non-profit organisations. So much so that, sometimes they stay in them for years and years. This makes opportunities rarer in some highly sought-after roles (think front-line support worker, creative and leadership roles), so a fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave or a sabbatical could be a brilliant route in to gain more experience in your desired role. And if that person decides not to return, or the team expands in that time? You’re in with a good chance of being made permanent.

2. It can allow you to climb the career ladder more quickly

Doing a fixed-term contract can allow you to get lots of experience in a relatively short period of time, which can help you get promoted more quickly. As you (literally!) only have a fixed amount of time to achieve a particular outcome or complete a project, you are often thrown into the deep end to learn very quickly. It can also potentially be less competitive to get a fixed-term role, especially if you’re aiming for a promotion, as the temporary nature may put off some candidates.

3. You may be paid a bit more

Sometimes fixed term contracts can be paid at slightly higher rates than permanent roles. This can be because they require specialised skills, because the funding for the role may come from a different budget than permanent charity staff, or because an allowance is being made for the fact there is some level of job insecurity involved.

4. You can immerse yourself in a specific project

Love parts of your job but less keen on others? We hear you!  If you take a fixed term contract on a specific project then you’ll get to immerse yourself in something you love, with less of the stuff you’re not so good at or don’t like doing. Even in maternity or sabbatical covers, roles are often given very specific objectives to achieve within that time period. In this way, you get the satisfaction of ‘finishing’ the job, in a way you never really do in a  permanent role. This also gives you very tangible outcomes you can put on your CV to show the experience you’ve gained.

5. You can try out different types of roles and different organisations

Know you want to work in the sector and which area, but not sure on the exact role? Or perhaps you’re not sure which type of non-profit organisation is the best match for you? Then a fixed-term contract is a great way to try a few different ones out, while gaining experience of the sector in the process. And when you find the one you love, you’re in the best position to get a permanent role at that organisation!

6. You get the same rights as permanent workers

There are a few myths about fixed-term contracts, including that you won’t be treated the same as permanent employees. That simply isn’t true. You’re entitled to the same rights, benefits and opportunities as those on permanent contracts. The only difference is that your employment has an end date. This means that, in almost all cases, you will still be subject to a probationary period and you can still choose to leave the organisation before the end of the fixed term, subject to the usual notice periods (but don’t forget to check your contract).

7. There’s a chance it will become a permanent role

Often, new roles in the charity sector start out as fixed term because funding means they have to ‘try out’ whether they need the role, or evidence the impact the role has made, before it can be made permanent. Once they have someone good (you!) in the role, this can then be done. Or, if the role is covering for someone, they may choose not to come back. There is never a guarantee, of course, but depending on the role, there’s usually a fair chance.

So, while fixed-term contracts won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, for some they can be an excellent way to forge ahead in your career. Ready to see what’s out there? Browse current opportunities.