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Vacancy: Alumni &IT Startups Development Specialist


Title: Alumni & IT Startups Development Specialist

Contract Type: Consultancy

Reports to: Acceleration Coordinator

Duty station: Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Contract Duration: 5 months

Application Deadline: October 26, 2025


About Accelerate Prosperity:

Accelerate Prosperity (AP) is part of a global initiative of the Aga Khan Development Network

(AKDN) in Central and South Asia, providing a structured approach to catalysing enterprises in

regions where economic opportunities remain limited. AP’s mission is to inspire entrepreneurs

in emerging markets to develop new businesses, generate sustainable employment, and

foster economic growth. Through patient capital and tailored business advisory services, AP

supports startups and existing businesses by offering lean startup incubation, mentorship from

industry leaders, investment readiness support, and access to angel and venture financing.


Description:

Accelerate Prosperity is looking for a motivated and professional Alumni and IT Startups

Development Specialist to play a key role in supporting IT startups and strengthening the

alumni community. The Specialist will connect startups with funding opportunities, investors,

grants, and global markets, while providing hands-on support in developing business models,

financial projections, and go-to-market strategies. In addition, he/she will build and manage

active engagement with alumni, fostering professional growth, peer learning, and their

contribution to the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem.


Main Responsibilities:

IT Startups Support (50%)

  • Identify relevant regional and international acceleration, incubation, and mentorship programs
  • Map and assess the potential of IT startups, including market fit, scalability, and team capability
  • Connect startups to funding opportunities, investors, grants, and global markets
  • Coordinate with internal teams to integrate IT startups into the investment pipeline
  • Provide tailored support to IT startups in line with projects objectives
  • Support startups in developing business models, financial projections, and go-to- market strategies
  • Facilitate networking with industry experts, mentors, and potential corporate partners
  • Monitor startup progress and track key performance indicators (KPIs)
  • Assist startups in preparing pitch decks and presentations for investors
  • Organize workshops, bootcamps, and masterclasses specific to tech entrepreneurship
  • Support startups in identifying and applying to relevant innovation challenges, competitions, and grants
  • Maintain regular communication and follow-up to ensure startups are on track and leveraging available resources

Alumni Development (50%)

  • Build and manage a structured alumni community with active engagement channels (online platforms, social media, newsletters)
  • Organize networking events, peer-to-peer exchange opportunities, and cohort meetups
  • Facilitate ongoing mentorship and coaching between alumni and current participants
  • Track alumni progress and outcomes, including business growth, funding raised, job creation, and social impact (data collection, analysis, reporting)
  • Develop alumni success stories and case studies to showcase impact, attract partners, and support fundraising efforts
  • Connect alumni with investors, corporate partners, and relevant ecosystem programs
  • Support alumni in scaling their ventures, including strategic planning, market expansion, and fundraising guidance
  • Provide training sessions, workshops, and masterclasses tailored to alumni needs (e.g., business strategy, pitching, marketing, legal/compliance)
  • Identify opportunities for alumni to contribute back to programs as mentors, speakers, or advisors
  • Facilitate participation of alumni in regional and international startup events, competitions, and accelerators
  • Ensure regular communication with alumni through newsletters, social media updates, and webinars

Required Skills:

  • Technical Competencies
  • Experience in startup ecosystem development, preferably in the IT sector
  • Strong communication and networking skills
  • Data collection, analysis, and reporting experience
  • Event planning and stakeholder coordination
  • Understanding different types of startup investments (e.g., venture capital, angel investment, seed funding, grants)
  • Knowledge of startup valuation methods and metrics (e.g., pre-money/post-money valuation, traction-based valuation)
  • Familiarity with specialized programs and support mechanisms for tech startups (accelerators, incubators, venture studios, innovation hubs)
  • Ability to identify and connect startups with funding opportunities, investors, and relevant support organizations
  • Knowledge of global and regional trends in the tech startup ecosystem
  • Experience in building and managing startup or alumni communities
  • Soft Skills and Personal Qualities
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Proactive and self-motivated with the ability to work independently
  • Strategic and analytical thinking
  • High level of adaptability and problem-solving skills
  • Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
  • Strong presentation and public speaking skills
  • High ethical standards, accountability, and integrity
  • Passion for entrepreneurship and innovation

Application Process:

Applicants should submit a CV (max. 2 pages) and a short cover letter (max. 1

page–explaining why he/she is the best candidate) via email with a subject line “Alumni & IT Startups Development Specialist” to: hr@accelerateprosperity.org, with copy to

info@accelerateprosperity.org no later than October 26, 2025.