Global development organizations are frequently looking for consultants to provide technical expertise and support on projects. Many of these positions are not advertised externally, making it difficult for professionals looking to get started as consultants or secure their next project.
Career advice for consultants and career transitioners
► Advice for consultants: Building and maintaining an online presence
►Advice for career transitioners: How to network effectively
► Webinar: Your guide to becoming a global development consultant
Most of the time, the hiring manager doesn’t need to advertise a consulting job because they will tap into their network of contacts, explained Roberto Amorosino, senior HR specialist at the World Bank Group. Consulting opportunities that are less than one year long are not normally advertised on the bank’s career page but may be shared through social media or professional associations instead.
Professionals looking to land consulting work should therefore connect and engage with the departments they are interested in and increase their visibility this way, Amorosino advised.
Hillary Jenkins, leadership recruiter at World Vision, agreed that it is helpful to connect with people in the sector and, through informational interviews, find out where there could be opportunities.
It is also important to know what’s happening in the sector — what the trends are and where organizations are getting grants from, she said.
Watch the video to hear more advice on how to find consulting opportunities.
About the author
Emma Smith@emmasmith_bcn
For four years, Emma Smith covered careers and recruitment, among other topics, for Devex. She now freelances for Devex and has a special interest in mental health, immigration, and sexual and reproductive health. She holds a degree in journalism from Glasgow Caledonian University and a master’s in media and international conflict.
