Innovation Ecosystem Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Economic Forum is an international organization dedicated to improving the state of the world through public-private cooperation. Established in 1971, the Forum engages leaders from various sectors including political, business, and civil society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas. It operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to fostering collaboration and innovation across different sectors.

Job Overview:
The Innovation Ecosystem Specialist will play a pivotal role in building an innovation ecosystem focused on the Longevity Economy. This position is part of UpLink, the World Economic Forum’s early-stage innovation engine, which aims to accelerate breakthrough solutions for markets and economies essential for a sustainable future. The specialist will work closely with the Centre for Financial and Monetary System (FMS) to engage with various stakeholders, including entrepreneurs and investors, to foster collaboration and support innovative solutions. The role requires a strong ability to connect different actors within the ecosystem and to facilitate the development of impactful partnerships and initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the Innovation Ecosystem Specialist include supporting and implementing strategies to connect UpLink Ventures with Forum initiatives and external partners. The specialist will engage in ecosystem mapping, pipeline building, and outreach to formalize collaborations with stakeholders in the longevity innovation space. They will facilitate connections between entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners, draft engagement plans, and produce thought leadership content. Additionally, the specialist will support the development of design call workshops, provide high-quality briefing content for evaluation panels, and act as a key contact for innovators selected through UpLink challenges. They will also document key processes to enhance efficiency and curate success stories for impact reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess strong collaboration skills to coordinate between Forum teams, UpLink teams, and external stakeholders. A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in program or project management, particularly in innovation, entrepreneurship, or partnerships, is required. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as international relations, finance, or healthcare is essential. The ideal candidate should be a passionate connector and networker, capable of cultivating communities and identifying common interests among members. A flexible and adaptable mindset is crucial for thriving in a fast-paced environment, along with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required for this position. Fields of study may include international relations, finance, healthcare, or other related disciplines that provide a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of innovation and ecosystem engagement.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of professional experience in program or project management. Experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, or partnerships is highly desirable, as the role involves engaging with various stakeholders and facilitating collaboration within the ecosystem.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the organization. Additional languages may be beneficial for engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a temporary role that will conclude on December 31, 2026. The position is not eligible for relocation or work authorization support, and it requires the ability to work on-site three days per week as per company policy. The annual salary range for this role is between $80,000 and $85,000.