With a career that has unfolded over two decades, I have been privileged to work at the confluence of government, international bodies, and the consulting industry. My journey has been one of continuous learning, with a commitment to sustainable development and institutional enhancement. Embracing the advancements in project management, I have diligently studied and applied principles of PM digitalization, which have been instrumental in refining the services I offer. This pursuit of knowledge has shaped my approach, allowing me to support my clients effectively in facing their multifaceted challenges. Supported by international donors like the EU, my efforts have contributed to meaningful advancements across various sectors. In my various leadership roles, I have valued the blend of academic knowledge with practical experience, striving always to bring about substantial and lasting positive change.
Senior Project Manager (2022–Present; Ankara-TR) - Supporting Skills and Gender Equality in the Turkish Health Care Sector Project: Managing an EBRD-funded technical assistance project and its staff, working closely with the Ministry of Health as the project's beneficiary/client.
Project Coordinator (2022–2023; Ankara-TR) - Peace Silk: The Silk that Keeps Butterflies Alive Project: Collaborated with Ekodoku Sustainable Living Cooperative in transforming conventional silk production into an eco-friendly endeavour under the Ankara Development Agency-funded project.
Senior Strategic Planning and Capacity Building Expert (2021-2023; Ankara-TR)- Strengthening Institutional Capacity of the Judiciary and Execution System for the Fight against Addiction Project: Authored a strategic action plan for the Ministry of Justice within the scope of the EU-funded project.
Consultant (2020–2022; Ankara – TR) - Technical Assistance to the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) for Project Preparation and Monitoring: Turkey Public Finance Facility Health COVID-19 Project: Assessed pandemic-related needs of the Ministry of Health, designed the COVID-19 Response Project, secured €200 million funding, monitored project implementation, and audited project expenditures.
Consultant (2021, Ankara-TR) - Council of Europe (CoE): Conducted a needs assessment study on behalf of the Council of Europe for a potential EU-CoE Joint Project and co-authored the Needs Assessment Report.
Team Leader (2017-2020; Ankara-TR) - Improving the Health Status of the Syrian Population under Temporary Protection and Related Services Provided by Turkish Authorities Project: Collaborated with the Ministry of Health to administer €300 million in EU funds to alleviate the significant strain on the Turkish Healthcare System following mass migration. Led the project implementation team, comprising 29 external experts and 10 support staff.
Consultant (2017; Ankara-TR) - Empowerment of the Role of Ombudsman in the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights Project: Collaborated with the Ombudsman Institution within the scope of the EU-funded technical assistance scheme, designing the project in line with EU standards.
Project Director (2015-2017; Ankara-TR) - Improvement of Enforcement Services Project: Directed the €1.9 million EU-funded project on behalf of the project's contractor consortium, managing the technical team of experts and backstopping staff. Collaborated with the Ministry of Justice as the project's beneficiary/client.
Research and Planning Expert (2016; Antakya-TR) - "Hand Made in Hatay" Project: Authored the Report on Potential Competitive Partnership Programs for the Furniture Manufacturing Sector in Antakya within the scope of the EU-funded project. Worked with the Antakya Chamber of Commerce and Trade as the project's beneficiary/client.
Project Director (2015-2016; Ankara-TR) - Support to Local Human Rights Boards and Women's Rights Awareness Project: Directed the €2.5 million EU-funded project, managing the team of experts and backstopping staff. Collaborated with the Human Rights and Equality Institution as the project's beneficiary/client.
Key Expert (2014-2015; Ankara-TR) - Mental Health Care and Drug Addiction Treatment Services in Prisons Project: Coordinated the €1.8 million EU-funded project, working with the Ministry of Justice as the project's beneficiary/client.
Project Manager (2009 – 2014; Ankara-TR & Strasbourg-FR) - Council of Europe: Managed two Joint Programmes of the CoE with the EU, the Human Rights Trust Fund, and the Norwegian Government. Managed a budget of approximately €5 million and the project teams comprising external experts and internal staff. Collaborated with the Ministry of Justice, High Courts, and NGOs as the projects' beneficiaries/clients.
Independent Assessor (2010 – 2013; Various provinces-TR) - Regional Development Agencies: Reviewed, scored, and drafted assessment reports on project proposals submitted for funding under financial assistance programs run by Regional Development Agencies.
Partnership Development Trainer and Advisor (2006; Ankara-TR) - Improving Cooperation between NGOs and Public Sector Project: Acted as an advisor and facilitator to enhance public sector-NGO cooperation. Delivered workshops and co-authored training materials, working with the Secretariat General for EU Affairs as the project's beneficiary/client.
EU Expert (2002-2009; Ankara-TR) - Ministry of Health EU Affairs Coordination Department: Attended EU accession negotiations in Brussels, participated in legislation harmonization committees, designed projects for EU funding, and delivered project cycle management training sessions to build capacity within the Ministry of Health.
Mini MBA on Energy Efficiency (2023) Istanbul Chamber of Industry, İstanbul – Türkiye.
Intellectual Property Rights (2018), CMI Consulting, Ankara – Türkiye.
Certificate: Conciliator (2017) Ankara University Faculty of Law, Ankara – Türkiye.
Certificate: Applied Public Health (2008) Netherlands School of Public and Occupational Health (NSPOH), The Hague – The Netherlands.
Certificate: Regional Trainer and Consultant on Public Administration for the Mediterranean Partners (2008) European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA), Barcelona – Spain.
Certificate: Trainer on Public Sector – NGO Partnership Development (2006) British Council, Ankara – Türkiye.
Diploma: EU Law (2005) Ankara University Faculty of Law, Ankara – Türkiye.
Certificate: Trainer of Trainers on EU Funds Management (2004) Secretariat General for the EU Affairs and East-West Consulting, Ankara – Türkiye.
Certificate: EU Funds Management (2004) Secretariat General for the EU Affairs and East-West Consulting, Ankara – Türkiye.
Master’s Degree in Southeast European Studies (2001-2002) University of Athens Faculty of Law Economics and Political Science Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Athens – Greece.
Certificate: American Studies (2002) US Embassy, Pantheon University and the American College of Greece, Athens – Greece.
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (1997-2001) Ankara University Faculty of Political Science Department of International Relations, Ankara – Türkiye
Yüncüler, B., Ögel, K., Allen, C. R. M., et.al., (2023). Strategic Action Plan Report on Addressing Addiction and Drug Law Offenders within the Turkish Criminal Justice System.
Yüncüler, B., Ögel, K., Renda, Y., et.al., (2022). Current Status Analysis Report on Addressing Addiction and Drug Law Offenders within the Turkish Criminal Justice System.
Kerševan Smokvina, T., Yüncüler, B., & Noorlander, P. (2021). Needs Assessment Report: Enhancing and Promoting Freedom of Expression and Media Freedom in Line with European Standards – Turkey.
Yüncüler, B. (2021). Brief Analysis Report on Türkiye’s Approach to Addressing Drug Law Offenses and Offenders.
Yüncüler, B. (2021). Brief Analysis Report on EU Member States’ Approach to Addressing Drug Law Offenses and Offenders.
Yüncüler, B. (2016). Report on Potential Competitive Partnership Programs.
Yüncüler, B. & Powell, N. J. (2014). Change Management through International Assistance Projects in Türkiye. In R. Canton & M. A. McFarlane (Eds.), Policy Transfer in Criminal Justice: Crossing Cultures. Palgrave Publications.
Yüncüler, B. (2006). Codes of Conduct: Scope, Principles, Constituents.
Yüncüler, B (2004). EU Membership Negotiations of 10 Candidate Countries in the field of Heath Care.
Yüncüler B. (2002). The Effects of the EU Courses of Greece and Turkey on their Bilateral Relations