- Group short contracts together: Don't fill your CV with dozens of small contract entries. Put them under one 'Independent Consultant' heading.
- Show board and advisory roles: Board seats, expert panels and guest lectures show that people trust your thinking.
- Explain gaps honestly: Include any consulting and advisory projects to explain the time between fixed-term contracts.
A UN career can leave you with a dozen short contracts and a CV that looks like a pile of puzzle pieces. Here's how to group consultancies, advisory boards, pro bono work and independent projects into one clear story.
Group Short Consultancies
If you worked on a series of Individual Contractor (IC), SSA or other short consultancy contracts for different agencies or clients, don't list each one as a separate job. Your CV will look broken into pieces. Group them under one heading instead:
Independent International Consultant | Evaluation & Strategy (2022 to Present). Selected Clients: UNDP, World Bank, International Rescue Committee. Designed mid-term evaluations authored 6 country program reviews and facilitated strategic planning workshops across 4 countries.
Board Seats and Volunteering
Nonprofit board seats, volunteer advisory roles, community leadership and pro bono mentoring show your values and your governance experience. Give them their own section near the end of your CV, called 'Advisory and Governance Roles' or 'Volunteering.'
Articles and Talks
Journal articles, op-eds, policy papers and guest lectures show that you know your field and that others listen to you. Add a short 'Publications and Keynotes' section with your 3 or 4 best pieces.
If possible, combine any scattered short UN consulting contracts into one simple entry on your resume today.