Associate, Star Venture

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an international financial institution founded in 1991 to support the development of market economies and promote private and entrepreneurial initiatives in countries transitioning to market economies. EBRD operates in over 30 countries, focusing on fostering sustainable growth and development in the private sector. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to inclusivity and innovation in its operations, aiming to improve the lives of people in the regions it invests in.

Job Overview:
The Associate will play a crucial role in the implementation and growth of the Star Venture program in Türkiye, which is designed to support and scale high-potential startups in emerging markets. This position involves sourcing and selecting startups, delivering tailored advisory services, and building connections with investors and other ecosystem stakeholders. The Associate will also contribute to broader Advice for Small Businesses activities, which include initiating, structuring, executing, monitoring, and completing advisory projects. The role requires proactive engagement with founders of startups to identify their business needs and support their investment readiness and growth. The Associate will work closely with various teams within EBRD and external partners to ensure the successful delivery of the program and to strengthen the startup ecosystem in Türkiye.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate will be responsible for leading the delivery of the Star Venture program in Türkiye, ensuring compliance with Bank policies and donor requirements. Key responsibilities include managing day-to-day operations of the program, conducting due diligence on startups, coordinating stakeholder outreach, and providing advisory support tailored to the needs of high-growth SMEs. The Associate will also monitor the performance of supported businesses, track market trends, and prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, the role involves business development to build a high-quality pipeline of clients and advisory projects, collaborating with various partners to design initiatives that meet the needs of the startup ecosystem.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Finance, or a related field, with a Master’s degree preferred. A strong understanding of startup dynamics, venture finance, and business models is essential. Candidates should have excellent analytical skills, project management capabilities, and effective communication skills. Experience in writing project proposals and reports is desirable. Fluency in English and the local language is mandatory, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Business, Economics, or Finance is required, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s degree in Economics, MBA, or Finance. This educational background should provide a solid foundation in analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis, market research, and understanding of startup ecosystems.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience is required, ideally in management consulting, startup acceleration, or financial institutions. Candidates should have experience working with SMEs and startups, assessing their business models and financing needs, and engaging with senior stakeholders in multi-stakeholder environments. Familiarity with EBRD’s strategic SME priority areas is advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and verbal. Proficiency in the local language of Türkiye is also essential for effective communication with stakeholders and clients.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of two years. The role is full-time and may require travel within Türkiye and internationally. The EBRD promotes a hybrid workplace model that emphasizes flexibility and employee well-being, offering a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background.