| Position Title | ZSL India Enterprise Consultant |
|
Location |
Flexible within India, with travel to Palk Bay region |
| Contract Form | Fixed Value Consultancy (GBP 10,000 plus expenses) |
| Department | Sustainable Business & Finance |
| Directorate | Conservation & Policy |
| Responsible to | Conservation Enterprise Specialist & Project Manager |
| Approved by | Sustainable Finance Programme Manager |
About ZSL
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation. ZSL’s purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals from going extinct. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries across the globe and through education and awareness-raising at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.
About the Project
The Palk Bay region of Tamil Nadu is home to diverse coastal and marine ecosystems, including seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and endangered species such as the dugong. Local communities rely heavily on fishing and natural resources, making sustainable livelihoods a priority.
Through its Sustainable Business and Finance Programme, ZSL is exploring community enterprise models in the Palk Bay region that align with conservation and sustainable development goals. This consultancy will assess the feasibility of three local enterprise opportunities: ecotourism, solid waste management, and seaweed aquaculture, supporting pathways to investment and long-term benefit-sharing for coastal communities.
Purpose
The Local Enterprise Consultant will conduct a feasibility and business model study for three local enterprise types. The role will include market and stakeholder analysis, capital cost assessments, and identification of steps to investment. The consultant will liaise closely with ZSL experts and engage with key supply chain actors to gather critical input for designing viable, inclusive, and sustainable enterprises.
Key Responsibilities
- Enabling Environment Review
Identify the key regulations determining the operations of ecotourism, solid waste management, and seaweed aquaculture in the Palk Bay region.
- Market analysis
Conduct market demand and supply chain assessments for each enterprise, identifying trends, competitors, and buyer interest.
- Business model development
Develop tailored business models for each enterprise, including cost structures, income streams, and operational plans.
- Financial modelling and investment planning
Develop financial model for each enterprises from startup to maturity, including start-up costs, capital requirements, income and expenditure and profitability
- Benefit-sharing mechanism
Propose equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms aligned with conservation and community priorities.
- Investment roadmap
Identify capital requirements, potential financing sources or partners, define next steps towards attracting investment, including key enablers, risk mitigation, and governance structures.
- Presentation
Present the results of the research to ZSL and other key stakeholders in the region.
Deliverables
| Deliverable | Due Date |
|
Enabling environment review |
25 May |
|
DRAFT Market analysis and business model design |
20 June |
|
DRAFT Financial model, benefit sharing mechanism and investment roadmap |
20 June |
|
Final consolidated report and presentation |
30 June |
Travel Requirements
- Field travel to relevant locations in the Tamil Nadu region.
Budget and Payment Schedule
| Line Item | Amount Available |
| Technical inputs form consultant | GBP 10,000 |
| Transport, accommodation and subsistence | Up to GBP 2,000 |
| TOTAL | Up to GBP 12,000 |
Payment Schedule
- 33.3% on contract signature and deliverable one
- 33.3% on acceptance of deliverable two and three
- 33.3% on acceptance of deliverable four
All claims for expenses are dependent on submission of a valid invoice and receipts for reimbursement. Alcoholic drinks and personal services except drivers and laundry are not valid for reimbursement.
The consultant will be responsible for the payment of all taxes and charges associated with the works.
Selection Criteria
- A degree (or equivalent experience) in business, sustainable development, conservation, or related fields.
- Demonstrated experience in enterprise feasibility, livelihoods, or business model development within India.
- Understanding of coastal and marine contexts, especially in Tamil Nadu.
- Experience working with local communities and conducting stakeholder engagement.
- Strong research, analysis, and reporting skills.
- Fluency in English and Tamil.
- Willingness to travel to remote coastal locations in the Palk Bay region. Living in the region a plus.
Application Process
Submit a CV and cover letter addressing the selection criteria to sbf@zsl.org by 20 May 2025.