ABOUT FIVE ONE LABS:
Five One Labs is a start-up incubator that helps talented entrepreneurs from Iraq and Syria to launch and grow their businesses. We aim to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and livelihoods and contribute to the economic growth of their communities.
Based in Erbil and Sulaimani, Five One Labs creates flexible programs for entrepreneurs that are focused on human-centered design, the core building blocks of business fundamentals, and leadership development. Our trainers are steeped in lean startup and design thinking methodology, and thus our trainings are hands-on, active, and highly practical for early-stage entrepreneurs.
As part of our efforts to increase opportunities for investment in early-stage startups across Iraq, Five One Labs will undertake a series of investment-related activities in the coming months. These include conducting research into launching a fund; organizing investment readiness workshops to prepare startups to receive investment; and hosting a series of workshops and networking opportunities for potential investors. The consultant will specifically support Five One Labs’ investment readiness-reated activities.
For more information, please see https://fiveonelabs.org/.
HOW TO APPLY:
If you are interested in this position, please:
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Provide us with your CV or resume
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A cover letter explaining why you would be suitable for the position
ABOUT THE ROLE:
We are looking for an expert to support in the implementation of investment-related activities over the coming six months. The expert will take the lead on developing and running our investment readiness curriculum and trainings and will work on other strategic investment initiatives in partnership with the Five One Labs team. The expert will play a key role in ensuring that entrepreneurs are provided with tailored investment readiness support as they seek funding for their startups.
Note: This is a short-term project should be complete by the end of March. The first component of the two-part, in-person investment readiness workshops will take place in October, with the second portion taking place in early 2020.
The successful candidate will support Five One Labs to:
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Develop the curriculum for the investment readiness program, which will be to prepare entrepreneurs for a real due diligence process, including how to calculate valuation; prepare pitch decks and business plans; understand financials (appropriate business accounting); set a realisting ask based on valuation; set growth goals, etc.
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Provide the Five One Labs team with training on the investment readiness curriculum with the goal of co-leading the workshops with Five One Labs’ trainers
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Support in the program management and logistics of the investment readiness workshops, including selection of startups, planning of workshops, liaising with startups in advance of program, etc.
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Support in the cultivation of relationships with local business people with the goal of fostering a network of individuals interested in investing in local startups
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Support in the research necessary
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Other tasks as required for this program
The Investment Readiness Expert will work closely with the Five One Labs team in Sulaimani. The team will ensure that the selected candidate has access to all relevant materials and support to succeed in his or her role.
The Five One Labs team is seeking candidates with the following profile:
Skills and Knowledge
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An advanced degree or equivalent in finance, accounting, business, economics or relevant field
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Experience supporting startups in raising funds, including a strong ability to value companies, prepare detailed financials and develop thorough business plans in preparation for investment presentations
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Experience with accounting and development of appropriate financial reporting
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Past experience with investment, angel investing, private equity, etc
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Past professional experience in training or teaching; an ability to explain complicated concepts in easy to understand terms
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A deep understanding of the Iraqi startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem
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Prior professional experience in Iraq highly preferred
Personal Characteristics
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Passion and enthusiasm for entrepreneurship and investment
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Team-oriented and enthusiastic about working with and supporting others, especially early-stage entrepreneurs;
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Outgoing, positive, and interested in building a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem;
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Attention to detail, conscientious about accuracy and professional presentation at all times
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Self-starter personality – able to initiate and lead projects or tasks with minimal supervision;
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Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced work environment;
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Experience working and thriving in multicultural teams.
The workshops will be based in Sulaimani, Iraq but remote applicants will be considered if they are able to travel to Sulaimani for the in-person programming.
If you are interested in this position, please send the following to jobs@fiveonelsbs.org:
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A CV or resume
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A cover letter explaining why you would be suitable for the position
The application period will close at 11:59pm on October 9. Note: this is a rolling application process, so apply as soon as possible!
Five One Labs is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of diverse backgrounds, and of any gender, to apply for this position.
