We’ve established at the start that development consulting is not a single job position, but a category of roles united by purpose. This means that although you’ll need to have different competencies that are discipline specific; you’ll also need cross-cutting skills that will help you cross the line from sector expert to development consultant.

Education is also important, as most consulting roles will require you to have advanced in your education up to at least a bachelor’s degree level and in most cases a master’s Degree level, and have had work experience in the field you are applying to consult in.

But beyond those qualifications, we’ll look at some of the skills you’ll require as a consultant.

Critical thinking and research skills: As a development consultant you are often presented with complex, multi-layered challenges. Hence, you will need strong problem-solving skills to break down issues, assess different perspectives, and come up with creative, practical solutions.

 In addition, you need to be able to gather, understand, and interpret both qualitative and quantitative data. Whether conducting field research or analyzing large datasets, the ability to draw insights from complex information is important when designing interventions or providing strategic advice.

Ability to simplify and disseminate knowledge: as a consultant you will be required to translate technical knowledge into accessible insights. This means you’ll need to be good at structuring information in ways that non-experts can easily understand. This often includes using tools to create compelling presentations, reports, or dashboards that effectively communicate complex ideas to different stakeholders.

Turning knowledge into actionable proposals: as a consultant you won’t stop at generating and simplifying knowledge, but you’ll also need to turn your insights into practical, actionable solutions. This involves developing concrete proposals that can be realistically implemented, and that advice moves beyond theory into practice, with clear steps and outcomes.

Building convincing arguments: once you’ve come up with the actionable proposals, you will need to present it in a way that is persuasive. Whether advocating for a new project design or presenting a strategic recommendation, as a consultant you must be able to build logical, evidence-based arguments that convince stakeholders, funders, or clients of the validity and value of the proposed approach.

Relationship building and management: development projects often involve a diverse range of stakeholders with varying interests and unique individual personalities. This is when emotional intelligence comes in handy. You will need to navigate institutional dynamics, manage egos, and create productive relationships across organizations and cultures. For this to happen, understanding and managing your emotions, as well as recognizing and influencing the emotions of others, is important. This enables you as a consultant to handle stress, communicate clearly and effectively, and navigate interpersonal dynamics with empathy, particularly in high-pressure or sensitive environments.

Adaptability and staying current: The world, as well as the development sector are constantly evolving, with new socio-economic trends, technologies, and methodologies. To be successful in this field, you must stay up to date with the latest developments in your field, continuously learning and adapting to changes to meet changing demands. This agility ensures that you stay relevant and competent enough to offer new solutions.

And there you have it, the ins and outs of being a development consultant! Whether you’re just starting out or have already spent years navigating complex projects, you, as a consultant will play a pivotal role in shaping development outcomes around world, including right here in Ethiopia.

With the country facing unique challenges and opportunities, the expertise you build is important for influencing impactful projects across different sectors.