Senior Associate, Knowledge Communities

About the role

The World Economic Forum's Knowledge Communities team builds and manages relationships with leading experts and knowledge institutions worldwide. It is seeking a Senior Associate to manage a portfolio of more than 30 institutions, mainly scientific organizations and research laboratories, alongside universities, academies, think tanks and other bodies. The role leads defined thematic and geographical workstreams set by the Director and reports to the Director of Knowledge Communities.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of more than 30 research institutions, building trusted relationships and understanding each institution's priorities and expertise.
• Develop and deliver tailored engagement plans that connect institutions to Forum programmes, communities, meetings and initiatives.
• Monitor scientific and research ecosystems and turn this knowledge into practical insights and recommendations for Forum colleagues.
• Connect institutions, researchers and experts with Forum activities and support a diverse expert community.
• Lead thematic or geographical workstreams, planning and delivering them while managing timelines, risks and dependencies.
• Work with Forum Centres, regional teams, initiatives and events to coordinate contributions and plan visits, consultations, workshops and other engagements.
• Maintain accurate institutional relationship information and engagement plans in Forum systems and improve portfolio management and team ways of working.

Required profile

• University degree; a master's in a scientific or research-related discipline, or qualifications in public policy, international relations, economics or the social sciences, is an asset.
• 4-6 years of relevant experience in the global scientific, research, higher education or knowledge ecosystem.
• Experience working with a research institution, university, think tank or similar body, or with an organization that partners closely with them.
• Experience independently managing external stakeholder relationships with senior institutional leaders.
• Willingness and ability to undertake periodic international travel.

Required skills

• Analytical, research and synthesis skills, able to turn complex information into practical recommendations.
• Ability to lead projects and workstreams from planning to delivery, managing multiple stakeholders and timelines.
• Sound judgement, discretion and the ability to work with limited supervision.
• Excellent written and oral English, including materials for senior audiences.
• Organizational and project-management skills in an international, matrixed environment.