A career as a development consultant allows you to be an agent of change. Whether you’re just starting out as a junior research assistant contracted to a short-term project, or a senior consultant at the top, influencing the policy decisions of governments; you will get to influence people’s lives.

We can look at development consultants through broad categories; those with specialized skills (e.g., medical doctors, statisticians, engineers) who lend their expertise to specific projects, and development professionals whose careers are more focused on the strategies and mechanics of development itself. Understanding this distinction helps in planning a career path and role of a development consultant.

It’s important to note that this categorization serves as a helpful guide rather than a strict rule, as many consultants blend technical expertise with strategic roles over time, adapting to project needs.

So what are some roles you can take on at different stages of your career as a consultant?

The career of a development consultant generally begins with education and early field experience. For both specialists and development generalists, gaining relevant academic qualifications is key. Specialists, such as doctors or engineers, often pursue degrees in their respective fields, while development professionals typically study economics, law, social work, and other social sciences.

In the early stages, both groups gain practical experience through internships or entry-level roles in NGOs, international organizations, or local government agencies, which helps them understand the realities of development work and begin building expertise and networks in the field.

As consultants advance into mid-level positions, they typically choose a specialization, whether it’s a technical area like health or infrastructure for specialists or strategic management and program development for development professionals. Specialists apply their technical expertise to specific projects, overseeing the design and implementation of sector-focused interventions. Development professionals, on the other hand, manage broader development programs, focusing on project management, and coordination across various stakeholders. At this stage, both groups start to take on leadership roles, such as leading project teams or overseeing monitoring and evaluation processes.

In the advanced stages of their careers, development consultants often transition to high-level consulting or leadership positions. Specialists continue applying their technical knowledge, often serving as thought leaders in their fields, influencing sectoral policies, and advising on major local and international initiatives.

Development professionals may move into roles where they shape large-scale development strategies, working with governments, international organizations, or private consulting firms. At this stage, both specialists and generalist consultants take on responsibilities for capacity building and sustainability, making sure that the local actors they work with are equipped to maintain and further the projects independently.

Understand that there isn’t always a clear-cut distinction between the roles of specialists and development professionals’, as their paths often overlap and blend depending on a project’s needs. Specialists, such as engineers or doctors, may find themselves taking on broader responsibilities that involve project management or stakeholder engagement, areas traditionally handled by development professionals. Likewise, development professionals, who typically focus on strategy and coordination, often need to understand technical details to make sure that interventions are feasible and effective.

Many consultants combine both skill sets over time, becoming hybrid professionals who can offer technical expertise while also handling the strategic and operational aspects of development projects. This fluidity allows consultants to adapt and take on roles that bridge both requirements.