Setting Your Consulting Rate: Key Strategies for Humanitarian & Development Consultants

Setting your consulting rate is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make as a freelance consultant. Charge too high, and you may struggle to secure contracts; charge too low, and you risk undervaluing your expertise. Understanding consulting rates for humanitarian and development consultants is essential to finding the right balance between competitiveness and fair compensation12.

So, how do you determine the right consulting fee? Let’s explore the key factors to consider when pricing your services and how to negotiate effectively to ensure you’re paid what you’re worth.

1. Understanding the Value of Your Expertise

Before you decide on your rate, take a step back and evaluate the unique value you bring to the table—this is a crucial step in setting consulting rates for humanitarian and development consultants.

• What are your key skills and specializations?

• Do you have niche expertise in areas like program evaluation, market research, gender and social inclusion, or proposal writing for major donors like USAID, the EU, or the UN?

• What measurable results have you achieved in past projects that demonstrate your impact?

Pro Tip: The more you can showcase your expertise, experience, and results, the easier it will be to justify higher rates when negotiating with clients3.

2. Researching the Market to Set Competitive Consulting Rates for Humanitarian and Development Consultants

To ensure your consulting rate aligns with industry standards, conduct thorough market research.

• How to benchmark your consulting rates?

• Research what other consultants with similar profiles are charging.

• Analyze past calls for proposals and check rates used by NGOs, UN agencies, and consulting firms.

• Explore job boards and consultancy platforms like ReliefWeb, UN Jobs, Devex, and Coordination Sud.

• Ask fellow consultants! Networking is a valuable way to gauge market rates—don’t hesitate to discuss pricing with peers43.

Local vs. International Consultant Rates

One of the biggest disparities in consulting rates for humanitarian and development consultants is between local and international consultants. In some cases, the rate gap can be as high as 200% for similar expertise12.

While efforts toward localization are bridging this gap, many organizations still pay significantly more for international consultants. As a local consultant, do not undervalue your skills! Your in-depth knowledge of the local context, networks, and language proficiency are major assets that deserve fair compensation.

3. Choosing the Right Pricing Structure for Your Consulting Work

Now that you have a clear understanding of your value and market rates, it’s time to define your pricing model. Consultants typically charge based on:

• Hourly Rate – Best for short-term tasks like article writing, translation, or report editing.

• Daily Rate – Most common in humanitarian consulting, especially for project-based or long-term assignments.

• Project-Based Fee – Ideal for assignments like program evaluations, impact assessments, or curriculum development that require deeper engagement12.

What to Include in Your Consulting Rate Calculation

Don’t forget to factor in all hidden costs when setting your rate:

• Desired salary and income goals

• Operational expenses (software, workspace, communication costs)

• Insurance (health, professional liability, etc.)

• Unpaid time between contracts (job hunting, proposal writing, and networking)

Pro Tip: Avoid setting your rate too low just to attract clients. It’s much harder to raise rates later, and undervaluing your work can impact the entire consulting industry35.

4. Mastering Negotiation – Get Paid What You Deserve!

Negotiating your consulting rate is a standard part of the process. Be prepared to:

• Confidently present your rate and justify it based on your expertise and market benchmarks.

• Stay flexible – clients often have budget constraints, but you can negotiate by:

  • Adjusting the scope of work

  • Offering discounted rates for recurring projects

  • Structuring payments in milestones rather than a lump sum

Warning: Once you lower your consulting fee for a client, it’s difficult to increase it later. Set a minimum acceptable rate in advance and be firm about it35.

5. Real Consulting Rates – What Do Consultants Charge?

While consulting rates for humanitarian and development consultants vary widely depending on location, expertise, and client type, here are some average daily rates based on industry standards:

• Local Junior Consultant: €80-200/day

• Local Experienced Consultant: €150-400/day

• International Junior Consultant: €300-500/day

• International Experienced Consultant: €600-1000/day

Note: These rates are indicative only. They may vary based on project scope, location, and funding availability.

Take Action – Set Your Consulting Rate with Confidence!

Defining your consulting rates for humanitarian and development consultants is a key step in building a successful career. Take the time to research, strategize, and confidently negotiate your value.

Want to boost your consulting career? Join The Good Feat community and submit your resume to accelerate your path as a humanitarian consultant!