Business Development Consultant

1. Context of the assignment

The specific context for this assignment is:

Prospero Limited is working toward becoming a financially independent company by 2026 through diversifying its client/donor base and its income streams. Currently, Prospero is primarily dependent on revenues from its primary client, though we have secured several additional small contracts.  

The company aims to develop a strong business development approach that will support to achieve this future commercial viability. Prospero has identified increasing demand for its services and is therefore looking for a consultant who will work with Prospero staff to further focus its target client segmentation, build staff capacity on business development and coordinate proposal development and submission.

2. Objective(s) of the assignment

The primary objectives of the assignment are:

• To support the diversification of Prospero’s portfolio development in Zambia and the region.
• To strengthen staff capacity and systems in business development.
• To coordinate the proposal development process.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

To achieve these objectives, the technical advisor will be responsible for:

• Conducting market opportunity and client mapping assessment that will explore the possible clients, undertake relevant analysis/segmentations and make recommendations which clients/opportunities to prioritise.
• Coordinating, managing and leading proposal development processes (both technical and financial) with Prospero teams.
• Monthly business development updates that will provide new market intelligence including on business opportunities and new trends
• Developing a business development management system to track business opportunities from opportunity identification, opportunity tracking, proposal development, submission, and evaluation.
• Developing and providing training for Prospero staff on business development including opportunity scoping and tracking, proposal development, client negotiations and management, etc.

4. Deliverables

The deliverables from this assignment and the due dates for submission are:

Deliverables	Due date
Client Market Assessment	July 27th 2022
Staff trained on business development	August 30th 2022
Business Development system operational	September 20th 2022
Developed and submitted a minimum of 5 proposals to new clients	March 20th 2023

 

5. PROFILE OF THE SERVICE PROVIDER

5.1         Required/desirable experience

To achieve these objectives, the business development consultant should have a combination of academic qualifications and technical expertise relevant to the role. We expect candidates to have:

• an advanced university degree and/or relevant industry experience that demonstrates technical expertise, understanding of business development and/or experience in food and agriculture, tourism and biotrade, manufacturing and mining services, investment and business services.
• Significant experience of working on Zambian or regional project proposals
• Strong relationships and network with potential clients including but not limited to FCDO, USAID, EU donors, and private foundations.   
• Experience in conducting market research and setting up new organisational systems. Experience in training and coaching professional staff.  

5.2         Required/desirable Attributes

To achieve these objectives, the technical advisor will have the following desirable attributes:

• Ability to develop detailed strategies/work plans to achieve initiative objectives.
• Innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Networking and interpersonal skills.
• Effective communication (written and spoken) skills.
• Attention to detail and focus on quality and timely delivery.

6. Reporting requirements

The reporting requirements associated with this assignment and the timing for submissions are:

Report	Due for submission
Client Market Assessment	July 27th 2022
Business development monthly updates	On the 30th of every month, from August to March 2023.

7. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Please submit the following via email to procurement@prospero.co.zm by July 14th 2022:

• Technical proposal
• Financial proposal

In the email subject line, please indicate:  Business Development Consultant.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.