Consultant, Business Plan Development | Washington, DC, USA | 2024

Chemonics’ Climate Group (CG) uses a data-driven approach to better understand climate and related environmental risks and opportunities within its project portfolio and operations, establishing systems to identify and manage these risks, adjust processes, and continually improve its service. The Climate Group provides technical advisory services for new business and project management teams, and provides technical support on climate risk management and climate finance to Chemonics’ global portfolio of programs.

The deepening climate crisis has significantly increased interest in and demand among donors and corporates for climate services. The CG is interested in expanding our footprint in the climate services space with new clients. To drive the strategic path forward, we are recruiting a Business Plan Development consultant to complete a robust business plan to thoroughly understand the specific climate services demanded by different clients in different sectors and competitive approach that leverages existing experience.

Tasks

• Internal: Background research and analysis:
  • Review existing CG background documentation and meet with key stakeholders to understand individual perspectives on climate services offerings and approach.
  • Understand how major internal stakeholders are thinking about near-term growth through interviews with CG staff and with other key informants throughout Chemonics.
  • Develop an understanding of the CG’s existing business (including products/services, customers, competitors, the overall market, and trends) through careful research and analysis.
• External: Targeted market research and analysis:
  • Conduct targeted research on markets and clients to identify specific services demanded, competition, and competitive cost structures.
  • Conduct a total addressable market analysis for the CG’s core service offerings, assess major industry trends affecting the business, and describe what impact these trends may have on the business.
  • Conduct primary research on client demand for existing products and services.
  • Map out direct and indirect competitors, including potential future competitors, for existing and potential service offerings.
• Prepare business plan:
  • Using information from the research tasks, produce an annotated outline for CG team review and comment.
  • Based on feedback from the CG team, prepare a draft business plan. This will be an iterative process, with drafts and draft sections being reviewed on a rolling basis by the CG team; the CG team also will contribute directly to writing parts of the business plan, as necessary.
• Support financial model:
  • Work closely and iteratively with the Financial Modeler to produce a detailed financial model including assumptions, drivers, and proforma financial statements for the next 3 – 5 years, accounting for a conservative, base, and aggressive case.
  • Review compensation plans and organizational structure to align incentives and ensure the health of the business in the long run.

Deliverables

• Market research: A written report not to exceed 20 pages, organized by (a) market and (b) clients within each identified market, detailing (a) specific services, (b) competitive cost ranges per service and (c) profiles of competition for each service type.
• Business plan following agreed upon outline.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, or related analytical discipline.
• Financial management experience with planning, forecasting, and business analysis; prior experience as an advisor to or executive at an early-stage company a plus.
• Experience working within the Climate Services industry.
• Experience within international development consulting industry preferred.
• A natural curiosity and a “big picture” mentality.
• Experience conducting market research, including analyzing and synthesizing research reports and conducting primary research.
• An understanding of marketing channels and go-to-market strategies.
• Excellent spoken and written communication; comfort reaching out to and interviewing the company’s management, employees, and client base.

Duration of Assignment: Anticipated 280 hours or 35 days over the period of performance of June 15, 2024 to August 31, 2024.

Location of Assignment: Remote with possible in-person working session(s) in Washington, D.C., beginning with an activity kickoff working session in June.

Supervision of Consultant: Managing Director, CG

Equal Employment Opportunity: Chemonics is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics. Military veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.