Strategic Business Development Consultant
Full Time | Toronto, Canada
Position Details
How To Apply
About Youth Challenge International
Youth Challenge International (YCI) is accelerating youth innovation for good. Together with young leaders and innovators, we are creating a better future where people, planet and profit can thrive. We are going all in on the bold ideas, skills and ventures that will get us there. In over 30 countries, YCI has teamed up with young people and partner organizations to transform complex challenges into sustainable solutions; collectively, we learn fast, fail smart and turn insights into action. We believe that a better world can – and will – be built by the next generation.
YCI Growth in Canada
YCI envisions vibrant communities across Canada where young people actively shape brighter economic futures for themselves and future generations. We aim to build efficient, evidence-based, sustainable models that equip, resource and connect youth as key drivers toward a regenerative and resilient future of work.
With 40 years of global experience spanning over 30 countries, YCI has developed, tested, implemented and managed successful youth economic development programs that foster out-of-the-box thinking, enabling youth to navigate an evolving world through creativity, entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership.
Consultancy Overview
YCI is seeking to engage a Strategic Business Development Consultant to spearhead the strategic direction and design of a new, future-ready Canadian entity that aligns with YCI’s mission and evolving brand identity.
The Consultant will drive innovation, sustainability, and high-impact outcomes through the following objectives:
- Conduct Comprehensive Market Research to map opportunities, challenges, and emerging needs within Canada’s dynamic youth economic empowerment and entrepreneurship ecosystem;
- Design a Strategic Roadmap that outlines the steps required to establish a pioneering, youth-centered organization in Canada, addressing emerging needs and ensuring strong alignment with YCI’s long-term vision and regenerative approach to economic empowerment;
- Complete a Business Model Assessment to recommend the most effective and sustainable organizational model (e.g. social enterprise, non-profit, hybrid), ensuring the delivery of high-impact, scalable and sustainable solutions;
- Identify Business Development Opportunities, including diversified funding sources, strategic partnerships, and regenerative revenue models that will ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability and resilience;
- Integrate Youth-Centered Co-Design Processes to ensure young people’s perspectives, aspirations, and innovative ideas meaningfully shape the organization’s strategy, programs, and operations;
- Collaborate with YCI Leadership and Stakeholders to co-create an innovative and adaptable programmatic and operational strategy;
- Assess Opportunities for Digital Transformation by identifying platforms, technologies, and innovation tools that can enhance youth engagement, program delivery, and operational efficiency from inception;
- Develop a Brand Positioning and Visibility Strategy to strengthen the identity, credibility, and engagement of YCI’s new Canadian entity within the national youth innovation ecosystem;
- Develop a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Framework aligned with outcomes-based impact measurement to track success, inform adaptive strategies, and effectively communicate value.
Qualifications & Experience
The ideal candidate for this consultancy will demonstrate a dynamic blend of entrepreneurial drive, strategic foresight, and commitment to youth-led innovation. The candidate should possess the following qualifications and experience:
- Strategic Business Development Expertise: Proven track record of leading the development and growth of innovative organizations, particularly in the youth development, social innovation, or entrepreneurship sectors;
- Experience with Sustainable Business Models: Demonstrated experience in designing, evaluating, and implementing sustainable business models, including social enterprises, non-profits, and hybrid organizations, with a focus on financial resilience and impact scalability;
- Advanced Market Research and Ecosystem Analysis Skills: Ability to conduct comprehensive market research, competitive landscape analysis, and ecosystem mapping in Canada’s youth economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and workforce development sectors;
- Innovation and Human-Centered Design Competency: Strong understanding of human-centered design principles and innovation methodologies to inform strategic planning, program design, and operational modeling;
- Funding Strategy and Partnership Development: Experience identifying and securing diverse funding streams (grants, corporate partnerships, investment models, earned revenue) and building high-value strategic alliances across sectors.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Multi-Sector Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector leaders, philanthropic organizations, academic institutions, and youth networks;
- Strong Analytical, Strategic Thinking, and Communication Skills: Exceptional skills in synthesizing complex information into clear strategies, reports, and presentations tailored for both internal decision-makers and external partners;
- Knowledge of Canadian and Global Youth Ecosystems: Familiarity with the Canadian youth entrepreneurship, innovation, and workforce landscape, with insights into global best practices and emerging trends.
Preferred Qualifications
In addition to the required qualifications above, preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate:
- Experience with Regenerative Economies and Sustainable Development Models: Knowledge of regenerative economy principles, sustainable development goals (SDGs), and circular business models that prioritize environmental, social, and economic resilience;
- Background in Youth-Led Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programs: Proven experience working directly with youth-driven innovation initiatives, accelerators, incubators, or entrepreneurship programs designed to empower the next generation of changemakers;
- Experience with Indigenous and Equity-Seeking Communities in Canada: Understanding and experience engaging Indigenous, newcomer, racialized, and other equity-seeking youth communities within Canada, ensuring inclusive and culturally responsive programming;
- Expertise in Social Finance and Impact Investment: Familiarity with emerging financing mechanisms such as social impact bonds, blended finance, and other innovative funding models relevant to social enterprises and non-profits.
Reporting
The consultant will report to the CEO, with technical support from Strategy, Business Development and Program Teams.
Phases & Timeline
Phase: Inception & Initial Planning (Week 1)
• Orientation and detailed planning with YCI Leadership
• Stakeholder mapping and engagement plan
• Define consultant’s approach, methodology, and deliverables
Market Research & Ecosystem Mapping (Weeks 2-3)
• Conduct comprehensive market research
• Analyze emerging opportunities, challenges, and needs
• Conduct interviews and focus groups with stakeholders
Strategic Roadmap & Co-Design Integration (Weeks 4-5)
• Design the Strategic Roadmap
• Develop a co-design strategy with youth input
Business Model Assessment & Innovation (Week 5)
• Complete a Business Model Assessment
• Recommend the most effective and sustainable model
Program Strategy & Operational Collaboration (Week 6)
• Co-create an adaptable program strategy
• Integrate sustainability and human-centered design
Digital Transformation & Business Development (Week 7)
• Assess digital transformation opportunities
• Identify funding sources and strategic partnerships
Brand Positioning & Visibility Strategy (Week 7)
• Develop a Brand Positioning and Visibility Strategy
• Strengthen identity within the youth innovation ecosystem
MEL Framework Development & Finalization (Week 8)
• Develop a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Framework
• Finalize and deliver all project outputs and recommendations
Budget Note
The anticipated budget for this consultancy is approximately CAD $30,000 based on an estimated engagement of 40 consulting days over 12 weeks at a competitive daily rate reflective of the required senior-level expertise. The final consultancy value will be negotiated based on the consultant’s experience, proposed approach, and the financial proposal submitted as part of the Expression of Interest. Proposals demonstrating strong alignment with the consultancy objectives, innovation experience, and youth-centered design expertise will be prioritized.
Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission
Interested consultants are invited to submit an Expression of Interest including:
1. Technical Proposal (max 5 pages):
- Understanding of the assignment
- Approach and methodology
- Timeline for delivery
2. Financial Proposal:
- Daily or hourly rates and estimated total cost
3. Curriculum Vitae or Business Profile
4. Relevant experience and references
Suggested timeline: July 2025 - September 2025
Deadline for Submission: Friday, June 13, 2025, 5 pm EDT
Please submit your expression of interest as a single PDF document via the application form link, maximum 5 pages, saved in the following format: “<NAME> Strategic Business Development Consultant”. You can find the link to the application form below. To ensure any incoming emails do not end up in your spam folder, please add info@yci.org to your email contact list. Expressions of interest will be reviewed as they are received.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in partnering with YCI to empower young people and shape a regenerative future of work in Canada.
