Senior Associate, Global Research Partnerships

World Economic Forum; Genf; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

World Economic Forum in Geneva seeks a Senior Associate, Research Institutions, to manage a defined portfolio of more than 30 institutions and to strengthen relationships with leading scientific organizations, universities and think tanks. You will identify opportunities for engagement and align institutional expertise with Forum priorities.

You will lead thematic or geographical workstreams, coordinate with Centres and regional teams, and deliver high-quality briefings and materials for senior

Qualifications

• University degree required; a master's degree, particularly in a scientific or research-related discipline, is an asset.
• Relevant qualifications in public policy, international relations, economics or the social sciences will also be considered.
• 4-6 years relevant professional experience within or working closely with the global scientific, research, higher education or knowledge ecosystem.
• Experience working with a scientific organization, research institution, laboratory, university, academy, think tank or similar body, or within an organization that partners closely with such institutions.
• Experience independently managing external stakeholder relationships, including engagement with senior institutional or subject-matter leaders.

Responsibilities

• Manage a defined portfolio of more than 30 research institutions and scientific organizations, building and maintaining trusted relationships and developing a strong understanding of each institution's priorities, expertise and potential contribution to the Forum.
• Develop and deliver tailored engagement plans within agreed team priorities, ensuring institutions are actively connected to relevant Forum programmes, communities, meetings, initiatives and other opportunities.
• Build a strong understanding of relevant scientific and research ecosystems, monitoring institutional priorities, emerging areas of research and developments in the broader intellectual landscape, and translate this knowledge into practical insights and recommendations for Forum colleagues.
• Identify and connect relevant institutions, researchers and experts with Forum activities, supporting the continued development of a diverse and high-quality expert community across disciplines, geographies, institutions and perspectives.
• Lead defined thematic or geographical workstreams within the Knowledge Communities portfolio, taking responsibility for planning and delivery, managing timelines, risks and dependencies, anticipating stakeholder needs and escalating matters with broader strategic or reputational implications.
• Work closely with Centres, regional teams, initiatives, events and other Forum functions to understand knowledge and expertise needs, coordinate contributions and support an integrated approach to institutional and expert engagement.
• Plan and deliver, or contribute to, institutional visits, expert consultations, workshops and other engagements, preparing high-quality agendas, briefings, correspondence, meeting materials and recommendations for Forum colleagues, leadership and external stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate institutional relationship information, engagement plans and relevant intelligence in Forum systems, and identify practical improvements to portfolio management, knowledge curation, expert engagement and team ways of working.
• Success in the role will be reflected in strong institutional relationships, effective delivery of agreed engagement plans and workstreams, useful research and ecosystem insights, meaningful expert engagement, effective cross-Forum collaboration and consistently high-quality delivery.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

English communication

Stakeholder management

Travel willingness

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's degree in science/research

Bachelor's degree

Job description

World Economic Forum in Geneva seeks a Senior Associate, Research Institutions, to manage a defined portfolio of more than 30 institutions and to strengthen relationships with leading scientific organizations, universities and think tanks. You will identify opportunities for engagement and align institutional expertise with Forum priorities.

You will lead thematic or geographical workstreams, coordinate with Centres and regional teams, and deliver high-quality briefings and materials for senior