Consultancy contract – ASB Analyst, Projects

1. Background

The EBRD supports SMEs in growing their businesses by providing access to finance and know-how. The SME Finance and Development Group (SME F&D) leads and coordinates the Bank’s SME offer as part of the EBRD Client Services Group. The SME offer comprises an integrated toolbox of a wide range of instruments and innovative products available to SMEs across three main impact pillars: Pillar I: Wide outreach to SMEs via advisory services coupled with intermediated SME finance products; Pillar II: Nourishing champions via financial and non-financial engagement with high growth potential SMEs; and Pillar III: engaging in SME-conducive eco-system improvements via policy dialogue.

Advice for Small Businesses is delivered mainly through complementary advisory products: e.g. tailor made advisory support (i.e. local consultancy, and industry expertise provided by international advisers) as well as trainings/workshops and other knowledge products. Access to advice is provided directly to clients, via EBRD’s partner banks, as well as in cooperation with relevant partner organisations.

Each ASB activity is co-funded by donors through bilateral or multi-donor accounts, including around 20 countries, the European Union, and the EBRD itself. SME clients also make a contribution to the cost, ensuring their full commitment. EBRD rigorously monitors the overall project cycle from selection, conception, implementation, completion to evaluation of the projects.The EBRD is continuing Star Venture programme (SV) in the Turkiye in 2025-2026, involving promising start-ups, accelerators and consultants. Star Venture leverages a dedicated network of mentors and advisers to channel a whole range of bespoke advisory services and industry best practices to start-ups. Star Venture mobilises mentors to help build accelerators’ own capacity to train start-ups and support their growth journey. The programme lends accelerators the tools to enhance the business performance of their cohort of young companies, while benefitting the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem. In addition to this, the programme offers ecosystem support, such as training for local investors to develop their capacity, crowdfunding opportunities, and policy advisory for governments dedicated to supporting start-ups.

2. Objectives of the consulting services

The Analyst is primarily responsible, but not limited to, for a delivery of Star Venture in Turkiye. Within the scope of the this Programme, the Analyst shall create an action plan, schedule of activities and other working documents which lead to successful launch, delivery, completion, visibility and reporting. The Analyst is also responsible for the projects and events within the scope of the Programme. With regards to advisory projects the Analyst shall be responsible for a) identification of potential clients for  advisory assignments  b) assessment of the potential current and future funding needs of the clients and prospects, and c) identification of consultants to manage advisory assignments with the Bank’s clients and promoting best practice in the project cycle.

The Analyst will manage advisory projects through the stages of conception, implementation, completion and impact evaluation. The Analyst will proactively manage their portfolio of ongoing projects ensuring it contributes to raising the quality of ASB projects in the country as well as their impact. The Analyst will also provide support to other ASB team members and EBRD bankers when needed for need assessment (financing or business advice) as well as working alongside them in executing EBRD advisory and banking projects.

To support implementation of Star Venture the Analyst will also be responsible for Market Development Activities (MDAs) including events, trainings, conferences, presentations, etc. involving all stakeholders like start-ups, donors, accelerators, trainers, partners, etc.

The Analyst will support the Principal Manager in any other assignments related to the delivery of ASB and SV related activities.

3. Scope of services

Under the supervision of the Principal Manager (PM), the Analyst will deliver instruments, activities and any other delegated tasks under the Star Venture programme in line with strategic priorities of the Bank and the SME Finance and Development Business Group, and in coordination with relevant teams (e.g. Financial Institutions, Corporate sector, Policy and other relevant teams).

1.  Structuring and Execution

• • Perform all activities under the Star Venture Programme in full alignment with the Bank’s policies and procedures, donor requirements, internal control and compliance standards, as well as the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct working with credible and respectable counterparts.
  • Be responsible for origination and conception, implementation and monitoring, and evaluation of advisory activities.
  • Analyse clients’ financials and growth prospects, with a view to structure impactful advisory support and nourish them for financing.
  • Contribute to business development generating a pipeline of high quality clients and advisory activities in priority areas (e.g. digital, green, inclusion, innovation).

2. Portfolio Monitoring, Value Creation and Reporting

• • Ensure maximum synergy of advisory and banking, such as under EBRD intermediated SME finance programmes or other dedicated financial or non-financial initiatives.
  • Contribute to regular portfolio assessment to generate ideas for follow up support and new initiatives.
  • Monitoring portfolio companies’ performance, conducting evaluation of the completed projects, capturing lessons learned and nourishing them for financing.
  • Follow market trends in strategic priority areas to contribute to the development of innovative ideas for financial and non-financial products for SMEs.
  • Under the supervision of the PM, broaden the pool of local consultants and expertise.
  • Support the PM in the development of internal and donor reports in partnership with HQ, to inform donors on the progress of activities and utilisation of funding, as well as contribute to new donor proposals.
  • Under the guidance of the PM, be responsible for implementing or supporting the implementation of marketing and visibility activities to promote Advice for Small Businesses activities and donor/s in the country.

4. Implementation arrangements

The Analyst contract will last 12 months, and will be based in Istanbul and have a work space with office equipment and supplies, computer and software allocated by in the EBRD. The Analyst will report to Principal Manager and SME F&D Regional Head as matrix managers.

The Analyst shall provide security for documents and information, obtained and prepared in course of service rendering, and not to disclose this information without permission of the EBRD.

Should performance of the Analyst be unsatisfactory, the Analyst will have the contract suspended or terminated immediately.

5. Deliverables and reporting

The Analyst’s deliverables include documentation, produced according to the scope of services provided above, including TORs, Grant Agreements, reports, etc. The Analyst shall prepare monthly reports and submit to the Principal.