The global development sector supports a thriving independent consulting industry. The project-based nature of development work combined with the need for specific technical and functional skills means organizations frequently seek outside short-term expertise.
For many professionals, the flexibility and diversity of a consultant's life is very appealing. But giving up a steady paycheck for the uncertainty that often accompanies this career path can be daunting.
In this webinar, we will talk with four experienced independent consultants in the development sector to get their insights on the pros and cons of consulting, what personality traits lend well to this work and tips for success.
This webinar will answer questions like:
- How do you go about finding your first clients?
- Should you operate as an individual or your own business?
- How do you determine what rates to charge?
- How do you grow your consulting practice?
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Jessica Broome, PhD
Jessica holds a PhD in Survey Methodology from the University of Michigan. She has an M.S. degree in Applied Social Research from Hunter College and graduated cum laude from Connecticut College, where she earned a B.A. degree in sociology and minored in German and Hispanic Studies. Over the past fifteen years, Jessica Broome has designed and applied qualitative and quantitative research programs for clients including top academic institutions, Fortune 500 companies, and grassroots community groups. Jessica has worked in research for leading public relations agencies including Ogilvy and Edelman, as well as several social service organizations. |
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Marjorie Macieira, M.A.
Principal, Macieira Consulting, LLC Marjorie's path led her from the tropics of Brazil to Washington DC, where over the last 25 years, she has been building global program capacity to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights’ outcomes for women and youth. Her work has ranged from providing technical assistance to programs in the US, Latin America, the Caribbean, and SE Africa to guiding NGOs, governments and foundations in developing more effective global health strategies. She has chaired global initiatives, trained hundreds of professionals, and published extensively on youth issues for clients such as WHO, USAID, Save the Children, Advocates for Youth, the MacArthur and Summit Foundations, among others. She obtained her M.A. in International Development with a focus on Public Health at the American University and B.A. with distinction at the University of Delaware. She currently resides in Arlington, VA with her family, and chairs a community of practice she founded, Independent Consultants for a Better World (ICBW).
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Dina Towbin
Dina Towbin is an experienced writer and editor with thirty years of experience in international development working on books, proposals, reports, and websites/blogs. She is skilled in rapidly assessing complex subjects and translating technical data into lay terms. She has worked on projects ranging from agriculture to health and microenterprise development in 13 countries, with clients such as the Inter-American Development Bank, U.S. Agency for International Development, and the World Bank, as well as with private sector clients. She speaks English, French and Spanish.
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Jill Gay
Jill Gay is chief technical officer of What Works Association, where she is responsible for the technical content of What Works for Women: Evidence for HIV/AIDS Interventions. What Works is a key resource for PEPFAR, Global Fund, and UNAIDS and the evidence from What Works has informed National Strategic Plans and Global Fund Concept Notes in over 15 countries. She has consulted for Open Society Foundations, Population Council, the MacArthur Foundation, World YWCA, ICRW and others on gender and health. Jill has also worked at the National Academy of Medicine and served on NIAID's IRB. She has worked as a consultant for over twenty years.
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Kate Warren - Moderator
Senior Director & Editor, Devex Recruitment and Careers Kate Warren is the senior director and editor of careers and recruiting content at Devex. With more than a decade of international development recruitment experience working with NGOs, consulting firms and donor agencies, she has a finger on the pulse of hiring trends across the industry and insider knowledge on what it takes to break in and keep advancing once you do.
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