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International Development Consultant

An International Development Consultant is a professional who works with governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations to improve the lives of people in developing and emerging countries.

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An International Development Consultant is a professional who works with governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations to improve the lives of people in developing and emerging countries.

How to Become an International Development Consultant

There is no one-size-fits-all path to becoming an International Development Consultant, but there are a few essential steps.

First, you will need to earn a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as economics, political science, or public administration. You will also need to gain experience working in developing and emerging countries.

Once you have the necessary education and experience, you can start applying for jobs as an International Development Consultant. You can find job openings on websites like Indeed.com, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter.

Skills and Knowledge for International Development Consultants

International Development Consultants need a variety of skills and knowledge to be successful in their work.

These include:

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Knowledge of international development principles and best practices
  • Experience working in developing and emerging countries
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Cultural sensitivity

Day-to-Day Work of an International Development Consultant

The day-to-day work of an International Development Consultant can vary depending on the specific project they are working on.

However, some common tasks include:

  • Meeting with government officials, business leaders, and community members
  • Conducting research and analysis
  • Developing and implementing development programs
  • Monitoring and evaluating the progress of development programs

Challenges of Being an International Development Consultant

There are a number of challenges that International Development Consultants face in their work.

These include:

  • Working in difficult and often dangerous environments
  • Dealing with cultural differences
  • Managing expectations of donors and beneficiaries
  • Balancing the need for development with the need for environmental sustainability

Projects of an International Development Consultant

The types of projects that an International Development Consultant may work on vary widely.

Some common projects include:

  • Economic development
  • Health and education
  • Governance and human rights
  • Environmental sustainability
  • Disaster relief

Personal Growth Opportunities for International Development Consultants

Being an International Development Consultant can provide opportunities for personal growth and development.

These include:

  • Developing a deep understanding of international development issues
  • Gaining experience working in different cultures
  • Learning from and working with a variety of people
  • Making a positive impact on the lives of others

Personality Traits and Personal Interests for International Development Consultants

The most successful International Development Consultants tend to have certain personality traits and personal interests.

These include:

  • Passion for international development: International Development Consultants are passionate about making a difference in the world.
  • Cultural sensitivity: International Development Consultants are able to understand and appreciate different cultures.
  • Adaptability: International Development Consultants are able to adapt to new and challenging environments.
  • Patience: International Development Consultants are patient and understanding in their work.
  • Persistence: International Development Consultants are persistent in their efforts to make a difference.

Self-Guided Projects for Preparing for an International Development Consultant Career

There are a number of self-guided projects that you can complete to better prepare yourself for a career as an International Development Consultant.

These include:

  • Volunteer in a developing country. This is a great way to gain experience working in a different culture and to learn about international development issues first-hand.
  • Take online courses in international development. There are a number of great online courses that can teach you the basics of international development.
  • Read books and articles about international development. There are a number of great books and articles that can help you learn about international development.

Online Courses for International Development Consultants

There are a number of great online courses that can help you prepare for a career as an International Development Consultant.

These courses can teach you the basics of international development, as well as the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this field.

Some of the best online courses for International Development Consultants include:

  • Work and Employment for a Sustainable Future
  • Migrations internationales : un enjeu mondial
  • Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030
  • The Science and Practice of Sustainable Development
  • Decent work and economic growth: Achieving SDG 8
  • Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas
  • International Law in Action: A Guide to the International Courts and Tribunals in The Hague
  • Global Health Diplomacy
  • African development – from the past to the present
  • The Korean Story: Secrets of an Economic Miracle
  • ODS en la Agenda 2030 de las Naciones Unidas: Retos de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible
  • Governance in the European Union

Are Online Courses Enough to Prepare for a Career in International Development?

Online courses can be a great way to learn about international development and to gain some of the skills you need to be successful in this field.

However, online courses alone are not enough to prepare you for a career in International Development Consulting.

You will also need to gain experience working in developing and emerging countries, and you will need to develop a strong understanding of international development principles and best practices.

You can gain this experience and knowledge by volunteering in a developing country, by taking internships with international development organizations, or by pursuing a graduate degree in international development.

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Salaries for International Development Consultant

City
Median
New York
$185,000
San Francisco
$184,000
Seattle
$144,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$185,000
San Francisco
$184,000
Seattle
$144,000
Austin
$99,000
Toronto
$100,000
London
£88,000
Paris
€120,000
Berlin
€93,000
Tel Aviv
₪25,000
Singapore
S$17,000
Beijing
¥657,000
Shanghai
¥465,000
Shenzhen
¥505,000
Bengalaru
₹588,000
Delhi
₹453,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to International Development Consultant

Take the first step.
We've curated 12 courses to help you on your path to International Development Consultant. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
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Provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in global development, with a focus on poverty reduction. Sachs, a renowned economist, offers practical solutions and insights based on his extensive research and experience in international development.
Provides a comprehensive overview of global health ethics. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the ethical challenges of global health and how to address them.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the state of global health governance. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities of global health governance in French.
Explores the role of diplomacy in global health, focusing on how international cooperation can be used to strengthen health systems and improve health outcomes. It valuable resource for policymakers, practitioners, and anyone interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities of global health diplomacy.
Examines the relationship between inequality and social problems, arguing that greater equality leads to improved health, education, and social cohesion. Wilkinson and Pickett present a compelling case for reducing inequality as a key factor in promoting global development.
Provides an official overview of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a set of 17 goals adopted by all UN member states in 2015. It outlines the targets and indicators for each goal, and discusses the challenges and opportunities in achieving sustainable development.
Provides a comparative analysis of global health security systems. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the different approaches to global health security and how they can be strengthened.
Explores the concept of sustainable development and its implications for global development. Sachs and his co-authors discuss the environmental, social, and economic challenges that need to be addressed in order to achieve a more sustainable and equitable future.
Examines the impact of globalization on global development, focusing on the challenges and opportunities it presents. Stiglitz, a Nobel laureate in economics, argues that globalization can benefit developing countries, but only if it is managed in a way that promotes equity and social justice.
Focuses on the challenges faced by the poorest countries in the world, known as the 'bottom billion'. Collier, an economist, argues that these countries are trapped in a cycle of poverty due to a combination of factors, including weak governance, conflict, and lack of access to markets.
Critically examines the history of foreign aid and argues that it has often been ineffective or even harmful. Easterly, an economist, challenges traditional approaches to development and offers alternative solutions.
Presents a philosophical perspective on development, arguing that it should be seen as a process of expanding human freedoms. Sen, a Nobel laureate in economics, discusses the capabilities approach to development, which focuses on the importance of enhancing people's capabilities to live a good life.
Critiques the role of experts in development and argues that they have often failed to understand the needs and priorities of the poor. Easterly, an economist, calls for a more participatory and bottom-up approach to development.
Examines the factors that have led to economic growth and poverty reduction in developing countries. Lal, an economist, argues that the spread of innovations and technological progress are key factors in driving development.
Challenges the effectiveness of foreign aid and argues that it can create dependency and undermine local economies. Moyo, an economist, calls for a shift away from aid towards trade and investment as a means to promote sustainable development.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of global health, covering a wide range of topics, including disease burden, health systems, and policy issues. It valuable resource for students and practitioners in the field of global health.
This report from UNESCO provides a comprehensive overview of the state of education around the world, with a focus on the progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) of 'ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all'.
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