Palladium recruits a Business Plan Specialist, Market Development Facility (MDF), Fiji

Company overview

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with foundations, investors, governments, corporations, communities and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental and financial benefits.

For the past 50 years, we have been making Positive Impact possible. With a team of more than 2,500 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of more than 35,000 technical experts, Palladium has improved – and is committed to continuing to improve – economies, societies and most importantly, people’s lives.

Palladium is a child-safe organisation, and screens applicants for suitability to work with children. We also provide equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status.

About MDF

Market Development Facility is an Australian Government funded multi-country initiative which promotes sustainable economic development, through higher incomes for women and men, in our partner countries.

We connect individuals, businesses, governments and NGOs with each other, and with markets at home and abroad. This enhances investment and coordination and allows partnerships to flourish, strengthening inclusive economic growth.

MDF is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT). It is implemented by Palladium in partnership with Swisscontact.

In Fiji, MDF focuses on developing a growing, diversified and inclusive tourism industry, while also improving the competitiveness of Fiji’s high value agriculture and urban industries.

The role

MDF has partnered with The GreenHouse Studio (GHS) to establish a coworking space for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the creative industries to help address some of the key common challenges they face – such as the lack of affordable working spaces (including, but not limited to, office equipment, internet, courier services), opportunities for networking and knowledge-exchange, as well as access to additional business support services. As an integral first step, we would like to engage the services of a Business Plan Specialist.

The Business Plan Specialist will be recruited to develop a 3-year Business plan for the strategy, establishment and pathway to sustainability of the “GreenHouse Coworking” initiative that leverages The GreenHouse Studio core services and offers packages that include other value-added business development services for the MSMEs involved.

Responsibilities

In collaboration with GHS and MDF, the Consultant is expected develop a 3-year business plan for GreenHouse Coworking, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Establishing a clear understanding of the market demand for the coworking space. This will involve leading the design, coordination and analysis of appropriate surveys with GHS and MDF staff, including but not limited to consumer demand surveys and willingness to pay surveys.
  • Developing a competitive suite of product offerings for GreenHouse Coworking, with an associated cost-benefit analysis. Product offerings are required to include descriptions of (but not limited to): the target market segment, service package(s) and pricing models.
  • Developing a pathway to sustainability for GreenHouse Coworking through (but not limited to) the development of two distinct business models to be put forward for consideration. The business models are to include: sales revenue generation opportunities and operational costs, identification of available funding and/or finance, incorporating
    recommended networks that GHS could leverage during its establishment, marketing, and the growth of the coworking space;
  • Establishing the capacity requirements to effectively achieve the business plan and the scope of resources needed (infrastructure, finances and people); and
  • Outlining the key risks associated with the establishment and implementation of the coworking space and providing recommendations for how they may be mitigated.

Requirements

  • A graduate degree in business, commerce or related field. Holding a recognised qualification in strategic management and/or enterprise development will be considered an added advantage.
  • Prior relevant experience in preparing business cases, undertaking market studies and research for business plan development. Prior experience developing a business plan for a new product / service will also be considered an added advantage.
  • Excellent skills in preparing professional, well written and well analysed plans in a form that can easily be used by the business.
  • A thorough understanding and technical knowledge of the innovation hub, incubator, accelerator, coworking spaces and MSME business development services market in Fiji and abroad will be considered an added advantage.
  • A demonstrated strong track record of working in MSME business development services.

Applications

Interested Consultants are required to submit their CV and the Cover Letter / Short Technical Proposal (circa 2-3 pages) addressing how the assignment will be undertaken and the associated fees, including but not limited to:

  • Description of the approach to be undertaken for market study and analysis;
  • Approach to be undertaken for product offering development; and
  • Approach to pathway to sustainability.

Apply here