Business Development Expert – Retainer

Job Highlight

Leads the development of a comprehensive, market-driven business model for a small sewing business under the QUDSI-R4R project.

Ensures alignment between market demand, operational capacity, and financial sustainability.

Works closely with project teams, beneficiaries, and relevant stakeholders.

Support Duration of Assignment & Level of Effort:

The duration of the consultancy assignment will be (10 months max.).

The consultancy assignment will be implemented based on the operational needs of this assignment.

About the Region

The UNOPS Middle East Region (MR) provides strategic leadership, performance oversight, and support to UNOPS operations across Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and the State of Palestine. MR is responsible for positioning UNOPS as a key development partner in the region through high-level engagement with regional bodies, UN coordination mechanisms, development banks, donors, and intergovernmental organisations. By fostering strategic partnerships and promoting operational excellence, the region supports country teams in delivering sustainable solutions to complex development, peace, and humanitarian challenges

About the Project Office

UNOPS supports both humanitarian response and early recovery in Gaza. Currently, UNOPS support in Gaza focuses on key humanitarian enablers, including on access, via the Security Council-mandated UN 2720 Mechanism and the Access Support Unit (ASU), humanitarian fuel and energy, and mine action. Operations are envisaged to continue in the coming period with a focus in line with the UNOPS mandate: (i) infrastructure construction and rehabilitation, (ii) procurement and (iii) project management.

Job Specific Context

As part of the Business Development and Economic Empowerment Track under the QUDSI-R4R project, UN-Habitat aims to strengthen the economic resilience, income-generating capacity, and sustainability of project-supported beneficiaries and affiliated initiatives in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Within this framework, the project seeks to support the development and operationalization of a small sewing business initiative as a viable and sustainable income-generating model. The intervention is intended to enhance local production capacity, respond to identified market needs, and create employment and livelihood opportunities for the targeted beneficiaries.

To ensure the successful establishment of this initiative, a comprehensive and structured business development process is required. This process will cover the full lifecycle of business development, including business model design, market validation, operational planning, commercialization strategy, and feasibility assessment, culminating in a fully actionable business plan.

The assignment will adopt an iterative and evidence-based approach, whereby initial business assumptions are tested and refined through market analysis and demand validation, and subsequently translated into operational, financial, and implementation frameworks.

To support this effort, UN-Habitat seeks to recruit a Business Development Expert (Individual Consultant) responsible for leading the end-to-end development of the sewing business model and ensuring that it is market-driven, operationally feasible, and financially viable.

The consultant will work closely with the project team and relevant stakeholders to ensure that all components of the business are well-designed, integrated, and aligned with local market conditions and project objectives.

Role Purpose

The Business Development Consultant will be responsible for leading the end-to-end business development process for the sewing business initiative. This includes developing an initial business model, validating it through market and demand analysis, designing operational and production systems, developing a marketing/commercialization strategy, and conducting a comprehensive technical, operational, and financial feasibility assessment.

The consultant will consolidate all outputs into a complete, implementation-ready business plan, including a clear roadmap and performance monitoring framework. The role aims to ensure that the sewing business is strategically sound, practically implementable, and financially sustainable, thereby contributing to the broader economic empowerment objectives of the QUDSI-R4R project.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Initial Business Model & Product Definition (Hypothesis Stage):

The consultant shall develop an initial, hypothesis-driven business model that defines how the sewing business intends to create and deliver value. This includes identifying target customer segments, clarifying the value proposition, and establishing a preliminary product and service offering. Particular emphasis shall be placed on defining the product concept (types of garments, use cases, and positioning), ensuring it is sufficiently concrete to enable testing and validation in subsequent phases. This stage remains conceptual and does not require establishing the cost structure.

Expected Outputs:

• Initial business model framework (value proposition, target customers, revenue streams, channels, customer relationships, key activities, key resources, and partnerships).
• Preliminary product and service portfolio (e.g., uniforms, fashion items, embroidery, custom tailoring, etc…).
• Product line structure and indicative categories, including SKUs and collections, quality standards and specifications, and Prototype concept development/recommendations.
• Defined target customer segments with initial assumptions.
• Initial assumptions on sales channels and customer engagement.
• Initial identification of key resources, activities, and potential partners.
• Summary of key assumptions to be validated in subsequent phases.

2. Market & Competitive Analysis + Demand Validation:

The consultant shall conduct a market assessment to validate and refine the initial business model. This includes analyzing competitor dynamics, as well as validating demand for the proposed products and services. The consultant shall use appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, pilot testing) to test assumptions and ensure alignment with actual market conditions.

Expected Outputs:

• Competitor mapping and benchmarking (pricing, quality, positioning, product offering)
• Identification of market gaps and entry opportunities.
• Demand validation methodology and tools used (e.g., surveys, interviews).
• Summary of demand validation findings (customer preferences, price sensitivity, buying behavior).
• Estimated demand volumes and target market segments.
• Refined customer segmentation and profiles.
• Adjusted and validated business model assumptions.

1. Operational & Production Plan:

The consultant shall design a detailed operational and production framework aligned with the validated product offering and demand. This includes defining production processes, required resources, staffing, and supply chain arrangements. The plan shall ensure efficiency, scalability, and consistent product quality.

Expected Outputs:

• End-to-end production workflow (cutting, stitching, finishing, packaging).
• Production capacity estimates (units per day/week/month).
• Machinery and equipment list with specifications.
• Facility requirements and layout considerations.
• Staffing plan (roles, responsibilities, required skills, number of personnel).
• Supplier sourcing strategy (fabrics, accessories, inputs).
• Inventory and stock management approach.
• Quality assurance and quality control procedures.
• Operational risks and mitigation measures.

1. Marketing Strategy (Commercialization):

The consultant shall develop a comprehensive commercialization strategy detailing how the business will enter the market, attract customers, and generate revenue. This includes defining sales channels, pricing strategy, branding, and marketing approaches tailored to the identified target segments.

Expected Outputs:

• Defined sales channels (e.g., retail, B2B, institutional, online, wholesale).
• Pricing strategy and rationale (cost-plus vs. market-based, etc.).
• Branding and positioning strategy (brand identity direction, value positioning).
• Promotion plan (digital, offline, print, partnerships, outreach).
• Customer acquisition strategy (lead generation, partnerships, contracts).
• Customer retention approach (repeat business, service quality, loyalty).
• Distribution and delivery model.
• Sales projections assumptions linked to go-to-market approach.

1. Financial Modeling & Feasibility Analysis:

The consultant shall conduct a comprehensive feasibility assessment of the proposed sewing business, evaluating its technical, operational, and financial viability. This includes testing whether the proposed production setup is technically sound, whether operations can be executed efficiently at the required scale, and whether the business is financially sustainable. The financial model shall be developed based on validated inputs from previous phases, while operational and technical assumptions shall be critically assessed to ensure realism and implementability. The analysis shall clearly identify key risks, constraints, and assumptions across all dimensions.

Expected Outputs:

1. Technical Feasibility

• Assessment of suitability of proposed machinery and equipment.
• Validation of production processes and workflow efficiency.
• Evaluation of production capacity versus projected demand.
• Assessment of product specifications and ability to meet quality standards.
• Identification of technical constraints and required adjustments.

1. Operational Feasibility

• Validation of staffing structure and required skill sets.
• Assessment of operational workflow efficiency and bottlenecks.
• Supplier availability and reliability assessment (fabrics, accessories, inputs).
• Evaluation of inventory and supply chain management approach.
• Assessment of scalability of operations.
• Identification of operational risks and mitigation measures.

1. Financial Feasibility & Modeling

• Capital investment requirements (CAPEX).
• Detailed operating cost structure (OPEX, fixed and variable costs).
• Unit cost calculations per product line.
• Pricing assumptions aligned with market strategy.
• Revenue projections (3-year forecast, with scenarios if applicable).
• Break-even analysis.
• Sensitivity analysis (e.g., demand, pricing, cost fluctuations).
• Profitability projections (gross and net margins).
• Cash flow projections (monthly and annual).
• Funding requirements and financing considerations.
• Fully functional, Excel-based financial model.

1. Integrated Feasibility Assessment

• Consolidated feasibility conclusion (go / no-go / conditional viability).
• Key assumptions across technical, operational, and financial dimensions.
• Identification of critical risks and constraints.
• Recommended adjustments to improve feasibility and sustainability.

1. Final Business Plan + Implementation Roadmap & KPIs:

The consultant shall consolidate all outputs into a comprehensive, structured, and implementation-ready business plan. This includes defining a clear roadmap for execution, assigning responsibilities, and establishing measurable performance indicators to guide and monitor the business.

Expected Outputs:

• Complete business plan document including:
  • Executive summary
  • Business model
  • Market analysis
  • Operational plan
  • Marketing strategy
  • Feasibility analysis
  • Risk analysis
• Implementation roadmap (phased timeline: setup, launch, growth) with key milestones.
• Roles and responsibilities for implementation
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for monitoring and evaluation, including:
  • Sales and revenue targets.
  • Production output and efficiency.
  • Cost and profitability metrics.
• Final, presentation-ready report suitable for stakeholders.

Deliverables:

The Business Development Expert is expected to contribute to the successful completion of the following deliverables:

• D1: Initial business model report.
• D2: Market & competitive analysis report.
• D3: Operational and production plan report.
• D4: Marketing strategy report.
• D5: Feasibility analysis report and Financial model (Excel-based).
• D6: Final business plan including implementation roadmap and KPIs

Skills

Business Analysis, Business Planning, Competitive Analysis, Feasibility Studies, Financial Analysis, International Business Development, Market Research, Microsoft Office, Report Writing

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

Desired

• A Master’s degree in the above mentioned areas or related field is desired.

Experience Requirements

Required

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in business development, feasibility studies, business planning, and SME Development with a bachelor’s degree, OR a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience required with a master’s degree.
• Experience in business model development, market research, competitive analysis, financial modeling, feasibility assessments, and business plan preparation is required.
• Experience working with small and medium enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurship programs, or income-generating projects is required.

Desired

• Experience in light manufacturing, textiles, garment production, or sewing-related businesses is highly desirable.
• Experience working with donor-funded projects, international organizations, NGOs, or development programs is desired.
• Experience working in East Jerusalem or similar socio-economic contexts is desired.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredArabicFluentRequired

Additional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.