Associate, ASB (Istanbul, TR) @ EBRD

Requisition ID 37203 Office Country Türkiye Office City Istanbul Division Banking Countries of Operations Contract Type Fixed Term Contract Length 2 years Posting End Date 10/11/2026 Purpose of Job Under the guidance of the Principal Manager, the Associate will lead and contribute to the implementation and growth of Star Venture in Türkiye. This includes sourcing and selecting startups, delivering tailored advisory and ecosystem-building activities, and building links with investors, accelerators and other ecosystem stakeholders. The Associate will also contribute to wider Advice for Small Businesses activities as needed, including the initiation, structuring, execution, monitoring and completion of advisory projects and non-project activities.

EBRD Star Venture is the Bank’s flagship venture-building programme, designed to support and scale high-potential startups in emerging markets. Operating in over 30 countries, Star Venture provides tailored, hands-on support to early-stage companies through a combination of advisory services, international mentorship, corporate partnerships, blended finance instruments, and market access initiatives. In parallel, the programme works closely with local accelerators, investors, corporates, and other stakeholders to strengthen startup ecosystems and improve access to finance and growth opportunities for innovative firms. To date, Star Venture has directly supported more than 400 startups that have collectively raised over EUR 800 million in commercial investment.

The Associate will proactively build a high-quality pipeline of startups and advisory projects, undertake due diligence including alignment with Star Venture and SME F&D strategic priorities, and coordinate stakeholder outreach and other non-financial services. They will work directly with founders of high-growth-potential startups to identify their business, advisory and financing needs and support their investment readiness , fundraising and growth . The Associate will coordinate closely with banking, policy and sector teams in EBRD Resident Offices and HQ and , where relevant and under the supervision of the Principal Manager, liaise with external partners, stakeholders and donors.

• Accountabilities & Responsibilities Under the Principal Manager’s supervision and, where applicable, supporting the Regional Associate Director, the Associate will deliver Star Venture in Türkiye and other delegated ASB activities, aligned with Bank and SME F&D priorities and coordinated with relevant Equity, Corporate, Financial Institutions and Policy teams . Structuring and Execution Ensure all P rogramme activities comply with Bank policies , procedures, donor requirements, internal controls and compliance standards, upholding integrity and ethical conduct and working with credible counterparts.
• Manage Star Venture programme’s day-to-day delivery and growth in Türkiye and the design , implementation , monitoring and evaluation of advisory activities against agreed objectives, operational plans, quality standards and donor commitments.
• Maintain sourcing and referral channels and screen start-ups for selection, eligibility and integrity . Work with banking colleagues to identify and structure suitable advisory support for high - growth SMEs and start-ups.
• Assess clients’ financials and growth prospects to tailor advisory support and prepare them for investment and financing.
• In close collaboration with the Principal Manager, lead business development to build a high - quality client and advisory pipeline in priority areas.
• Coordinate with the Principal Manager and external partners to identify SME and entrepreneurship needs and design initiatives.
• Partners include venture capital and angel networks, financial institutions, government bodies, business associations, accelerators, incubators, corporates, universities and other support organisations . Portfolio Monitoring, Value Creation and Reporting Strengthen links between advisory and banking activities , including Star Venture and other financial and non-financial initiatives.
• Monitor supported businesses’ performance, growth and investment readiness, identifying follow-on support and financing opportunities.
• Contribute to banking project approval documents and implementation as required.
• Track market, start-up ecosystem and venture capital trends in strategic priority areas to develop innovative financial and non-financial products for SMEs and start-ups.
• Prepare internal and donor reports with HQ on progress , KPIs and funding utilisation , and contribute to new donor proposals.
• Where relevant, deliver marketing and visibility activities promoting ASB and its donors in Türkiye , including start-up success stories.
• Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications Qualifications and Skills Bachelor’s degree (Business, Economics, Finance or equivalent work experience) ; master’s degree preferred (Economics, MBA, Finance, etc.) Good understanding of the startup growth curve, venture finance, startup metrics, business models, startup verticals, AI and innovation trends, and technology support tools for early-stage companies.
• Business/financial analytical skills, with the ability to interpret accounts, understand local accounting principles and conduct financial analysis and market research.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think creatively.

Effective communication, presentation and negotiation skills and ability to independently manage relations with SME clients and other stakeholders. Strong writing skills; experience in writing advisory project proposals, terms of references or reports desirable. Fluency in English both written and verbal. Fluency in language of country of operations is essential. Computer literate: excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office including Excel and Power Point, ability to learn new systems quickly.

Experience and Knowledge Minimum of five years relevant professional experience, preferably gained in management consulting, startup acceleration, financial institutions, venture capital, private equity, innovation advisory or related sectors. Experience working with SMEs and start-ups including assessing business models, growth potential, financing needs and organisational development requirements. Experience working in multi-stakeholder environments and engaging with senior partners including accelerators, incubators, venture capital funds, angel investors, corporate innovation programmes, business associations and public sector support organisations.

Good knowledge of and experience working in at least one of EBRD’s strategic SME priority areas (i.e. green economy, economic inclusion, sustainable supply chains, SME finance and digitalisation), as well as market trends in these areas Knowledge and understanding of business advisory services, SME development and entrepreneurship support programmes. Strong understanding of start-up ecosystems, venture financing, investment readiness and innovative support mechanisms for early-stage and high-growth businesses.

Knowledge of local business environment, consultancy market and entrepreneurship ecosystem is essential, an established network within Türkiye's start-up and investor community is a strong advantage Knowledge of relevant SME support organisations, financial sector participants, business associations and other ecosystem stakeholders. Knowledge of marketing and social media desirable. General Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the EBRD mandate. Ability to work in multi-cultural environment.

Ability to work independently and in diverse teams. Multi-tasking, self-initiative. Ability to meet deadlines. Ability and willingness to travel within the country and internationally. What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About EBRD Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in.

At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work. We bring these to life through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well and speaking up, collaborating smartly, acting decisively with full commitment, and simplifying to amplify our impact. These principles shape our culture and define our success. We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work, fostering a positive and high-performing environment.

The EBRD environment provides you with: Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in. A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity. Our workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation and enhancing our ability to serve our clients, shareholders, and counterparties effectively.

A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals; that is based on trust, flexibility and connectedness. An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do. A workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits. Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does. As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment.

The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background or disability. Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).