7 Reasons to Consider a Fixed-Term Contract Role

If you’ve browsed charity roles, you may have noticed that fixed-term contracts are more common than 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 can have advantages for a career in the charity sector.

Why are fixed-term contracts offered?

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

• Cover for parental leave or a sabbatical.
• Needing extra help over a busy period. They may be launching a new website or service, for example.
• Time-bound funding. This could be from an external provider for a specific project.
• Trialling a brand new role. They may need a new role on the team but can’t yet justify a permanent spend.

Fixed-term contracts come with less job security than permanent roles, so they won’t be a great fit for everyone. So why consider them? Here are seven reasons.

1. It can be a good way in

People often find their dream roles at 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 jobs (such as 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.

2. It can help you climb the career ladder more quickly

Doing a fixed-term contract can mean you get lots of experience in a relatively short period of time, which can help you get promoted more quickly. You only have a fixed amount of time to achieve a particular outcome or complete a project, so you’re often thrown into the deep end to learn fast. It can also be less competitive to get a fixed-term role, as the temporary nature may put some candidates off.

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. Or the funding for the role may come from a different budget than for permanent charity staff. Or an allowance is being made for the lack of job security.

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. There’ll be less of the stuff you’re not so good at or don’t like doing. Even in maternity or sabbatical covers, you’re often given specific objectives to achieve within that time period. So you get the satisfaction of ‘finishing’ the job in a way you never really do in a permanent role. This also gives you tangible outcomes you can put on your CV.

5. You can try out different roles and organisations

Want to work in the charity sector but not sure on the exact role? Or perhaps you don’t know which organisation type is the best match for you? Then a fixed-term contract is a great way to try things out, gaining experience of the sector in the process. And when you find something you love, you’re in the best position to get a permanent role at that charity!

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. But 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. In almost all cases, you’ll 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 a notice period.

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

Often newly-created roles in the charity sector start out as fixed-term for budgetary reasons. An organisation might have to ‘try out’ a new position and evidence its impact before they can make it permanent. Or if the role is covering for someone, that person may choose not to come back. There’s never a guarantee, of course, but depending on the role there’s often a fair chance.

Fixed-term contracts won’t be for everyone. But in the right circumstances, they can be an excellent way to forge ahead in your career.

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This post was originally published in 2022. We’ve updated it to ensure relevance and to reflect the current job seeker experience.