Research And Design Entrepreneurs

Job Description: Entrepreneur in Residence Climate Enterprises

Organisation: Going to School
Location: Kishanganj, Bihar
Work mode: Offline, field-based

Salary: 30,000 to 80,000 / month

About the role

Going to School is seeking Entrepreneurs in Residence to research and develop practical enterprises that address climate change. Each entrepreneur will investigate an enterprise idea in and around Kishanganj, test its local potential through original field research, and build a business case grounded in interviews, observations, photographs and financial analysis.

This role requires time in the field: visiting potential suppliers and customers, studying materials and processes, and understanding what it would take to start and sustain an enterprise locally.

Enterprise areas

Applicants may research one of the following ideas or propose another climate enterprise relevant to Kishanganj:

• Vegan leather made from pineapple waste
• Banana leaf packaging and products made from banana stem or fibre
• Eco bricks made from plastic waste, crop waste or other locally available materials
• Solar grids, solar repair and solar panel upcycling
• Biogas plant repair and community models, including cooking gas cylinders and community kitchens
• Mushroom packaging made from crop waste
• Composting or other products made from agricultural waste
• Repair, refurbishment and reuse of electrical or electronic equipment
• Low-cost water conservation or rainwater harvesting products

These are areas for investigation; the field research will determine which ideas are viable.

Roles and responsibilities

• Conduct original, offline research into the materials, processes and local conditions needed to establish an enterprise.
• Interview entrepreneurs, suppliers, customers and other relevant people to understand demand, pricing, competition and practical challenges.
• Assess seasonality, availability of raw materials, start-up costs, machinery, workspace, electricity and staffing requirements.
• Design a practical approach to production, sourcing, sales and distribution.
• Estimate revenue, operating costs, cash flow and the likely time to profitability.
• Assess each enterprise’s impact on people, planet and profit, including its potential to create livelihoods and reduce environmental harm.
• Take original photographs in the field of tools, workspaces, products, materials and processes, with appropriate permission.
• Present findings clearly and revise the enterprise concept based on field evidence.

Deliverables

For each enterprise studied, the Entrepreneur in Residence will produce:

1. A one-slide enterprise overview.
2. A ten-slide pitch deck with original field photography and a business case.
3. A complete business plan.
4. A cash-flow model showing assumptions, costs, revenue and the path to profitability.

All research, interviews, writing and photographs must be original. Artificial intelligence tools must not be used at any stage of the research, writing or photography.

Qualifications and experience

• An MBA or equivalent qualification in business, finance or a related field.
• Experience in research and development, business planning or business modelling.
• Experience in sustainability, climate change or environmental impact work.
• Working knowledge of cash-flow modelling and financial planning.
• Experience designing products, supply chains or enterprises.
• Strong interviewing, observation, documentation and presentation skills.
• A demonstrated commitment to original, field-based work without AI tools.

Engineering experience relevant to solar or biogas systems is an advantage.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a short note explaining why you are suited to this role. Include:

• How long it would take you to travel to Kishanganj, Bihar
• Your current salary and notice period
• Any work, ideas or insights you would like to share about design, enterprise or climate change

Send your application to [email removed].