Accelerate Prosperity Invites Applications for Ecosystem Support Consultant to Strengthen Entrepreneurial Support in Pakistan

Accelerate Prosperity (AP), a flagship initiative of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), has announced an opening for the role of Ecosystem Support Consultant to enhance the performance and sustainability of Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) across Pakistan. The consultant will play a pivotal role in building a more inclusive and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem under the Startup Pakistan project, financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW).

The position is based in Islamabad or Lahore, with applications due by July 18, 2025.

AP’s Role in Pakistan’s Startup Ecosystem

Accelerate Prosperity operates in Central and South Asia under the guidance of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) Board and leverages expertise from the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development’s Industrial Promotion Services (IPS). It coordinates closely with AKDN’s financial institutions, the University of Central Asia, and other national partners.

By combining patient capital with tailored advisory services, AP provides a unique blend of financial and non-financial support to startups and small firms. Its mission is to address the limitations of traditional bank financing and standalone business services, especially in fragile and underserved markets where opportunities remain scarce.

The Startup Pakistan project aims to expand AP’s impact across new geographies and sectors, including education, health, tourism, and the green economy. With a strong focus on digitization and environmental sustainability, the project is expected to create long-term pathways for job creation and economic resilience.

Key Responsibilities of the Ecosystem Support Consultant

The selected consultant will serve as the primary liaison between AP and Entrepreneur Support Organizations, ensuring effective collaboration and alignment with program goals. Major responsibilities include:

Pipeline Management: Maintaining a regularly updated database of engaged ESOs and their startups, ensuring their access to AP’s investment and technical assistance services.

Program Implementation: Leading the ESO capacity building program, from design and selection to monitoring and reporting. This includes running pilot programs with select ESOs.

Ecosystem Engagement: Building connections with key stakeholders such as government agencies, donors, and entrepreneurs, while supporting outreach to bring new startups into AP’s pipeline.

The consultant will report directly to AP’s Technical Assistance Manager and provide monthly progress updates to track program implementation and impact.

Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, economics, development studies, or a related field, along with 5–7 years of relevant experience in working with ESOs or similar organizations.

Strong knowledge of Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is essential, alongside proven skills in stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and program management. Experience in monitoring and evaluation will be considered an added advantage.

Compensation and Contract Terms

The consultant will work under a monthly retainer contract, with payments contingent upon the satisfactory completion of deliverables. The initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and program needs.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit both a technical and financial proposal. The technical proposal should include a cover letter highlighting relevant experience and skills, while the financial proposal must follow the prescribed format and carry a valid signature and stamp.

Applications must be sent in a sealed envelope titled ‘AP-00006: Terms of Reference (TOR) ESO/ Ecosystem Support Consultant’ via courier or delivered in person no later than July 18, 2025, at 16:00 hours.

For queries, applicants may contact the Procurement Unit at Procurement_appk@akdn.org by July 12, 2025.

Through this role, Accelerate Prosperity seeks to strengthen the ecosystem that supports Pakistan’s startups, with a special emphasis on enterprises led by women and marginalized communities, aligning with its mission of inclusive and sustainable growth.