Initiative Lead, Health Equity and Access

Fixed term contract until 31 May 2026 (with possible renewal)

The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation, engaging the foremost leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas. Within the Forum, the Centre for Health and Healthcare works to identify and scale solutions for more resilient, efficient, and equitable healthcare systems to deliver the best possible care. The Centre aims to drive and champion issues that mobilize global action and resources to address major unmet needs.

Other Information on the Role

This role requires ability to travel.

This role requires working on site 3 days per week, in accordance with company policy.

The annual salary range for this role is $120,000–$140,000 in New York.

Why we are recruiting

All individuals deserve the opportunity to fulfill their human potential in health and well-being. Unfortunately, many around the world are denied this right. Social identities such as gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and economic status influence disparities in quality of life and mortality. They affect access to and quality of care, with significant economic costs for both public and private sectors. At the Forum, we believe every organization has a role to play in promoting equitable health and well-being.

We are recruiting an Initiative Lead for Health Equity & Access to lead and drive efforts to shape a healthier, more inclusive world by mobilizing leadership across sectors and geographies to prioritize health equity and access in organizational strategies and purpose.

Reporting lines and interactions

This position reports to the Head of Access & Outcomes, Centre for Health and Healthcare, and collaborates with stakeholders including private healthcare companies, governments, international organizations, civil society, academia, and expert communities.

Main responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction, framework, and scope for the Global Health Equity Network and its workstreams, including access to medical countermeasures.
• Develop and lead an integrated strategy on healthcare access barriers.
• Oversee 2-3 Project Fellows, ensuring target delivery within their workstreams.
• Serve as the Forum’s spokesperson and subject matter expert for the initiative, integrating outputs into broader platforms, events, and public engagement.
• Enhance the Forum’s physical and digital platforms to facilitate ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
• Design and lead community engagement efforts to maximize value and impact.
• Coordinate leadership opportunities for the initiative community.
• Support business development by identifying and pitching partnership opportunities within the health portfolio.
• Collaborate with teams across the Forum to engage partners and members effectively.

Preferred requirements and experience

• Advanced degree in public health, health economics, international development, public policy, business, or social sciences.
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant experience in global health, strategy, consulting, academia, or international organizations, with a focus on social determinants of health.
• Executive presence and excellent presentation skills for engaging with global leaders.
• Proven project management, coordination skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to think critically, synthesize viewpoints, and communicate effectively across diverse stakeholders.
• Flexible, agile, politically astute mindset for dynamic environments.
• Excellent command of English; additional languages are a plus.

Why work at the Forum:

The Forum believes progress is achieved by bringing together diverse individuals who can influence positive change. Join us to become a driver of collective action and societal improvement!