Programme Specialist, UpLink

This is a 2 year grant funded role with the possibility of extension.

The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the international organization for public-private cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. Solving complex problems affecting the planet and society requires new ways of working together, new mindsets and visionary and courageous leadership to start new ventures.

UpLink is a digital platform hosted by the World Economic Forum, to crowdsource innovations which can accelerate the delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The platform's core objective is to unearth and scale the best innovations by connecting entrepreneurs with networks of decision-makers who can implement the change needed for the next decade.

Through its activities, UpLink collaborates with the World Economic Forum's 10 Centres on projects associated with entrepreneurship, innovation and the SDGs, strongly emphasizing issues relating to Nature, Ocean, Circular Economy, Food, Water, Climate, and Urban Transformation.

Why we are recruiting:

As UpLink embarks on its fourth year, the UpLink team is looking for a programme specialist who will sit in the Uplink Engagement Team. The specialist will play a crucial role in contributing to delivering a cohesive engagement programme offered to the UpLink Innovation Ecosystem. The specialist will support the planning, coordination, and execution of various programmes and events within UpLink. The role will require working closely with the whole UpLink Team to ensure the successful delivery of events and engagement projects from conception to completion. This role requires a detail-oriented individual with strong organizational skills and a passion for creating memorable participant experiences.

Reporting Lines & Interactions

This role reports to the Programme and Impact Lead and collaborates closely with UpLink team members.

Main responsibilities

UpLink Programme Coordination

• Assist in developing and implementing Uplink programme objectives and strategies, including a calendar of engagement opportunities.
• Coordinate the planning, design, and delivery of the UpLink Engagement Programme, including UpLink's programme and sessions at World Economic Forum events and stand-alone UpLink meetings, workshops and cohort events and sessions.
• Lead the UpLink knowledge and capacity building virtual programme design, planning and delivery.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment with programme goals and objectives.
• Monitor programme progress and provide regular updates to stakeholders.
• Support the development of analytical tools and processes to track and report on the impact and achievements of community programming.
• Utilise project management skills and tools (Airtable) to deliver event planning effectively and efficiently.
• Share insights and best practices to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

UpLink Innovation Ecosystem Stakeholder Management

• Contribute to the data success strategy of UpLink
• Support the design and execution of onboarding journeys for key stakeholders across the UpLink Innovation Ecosystem.
• Ensure new tools and processes are developed and implemented to track ecosystem engagement and needs.

Event Management - operations and logistics

• Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders partners to ensure a smooth event and programme execution.
• Contribute to streamlining, digitizing, and improving ongoing event-related processes.
• Coordinate logistical aspects of events and programmes, including scheduling, participant logistics, equipment set-ups, catering and transportation.
• Manage participant invitation process and registrations.
• Maintain accurate records and databases related to programmes and events.

The successful candidate will be assessed on:

• Programme execution: The ability to efficiently coordinate and execute events and engagement programmes, ensuring they are offering value and delivered according to schedule and quality standards, as evidenced by participant feedback, stakeholder satisfaction levels, attendance metrics, and other relevant performance indicators.
• Event management: Proficiency in managing multiple events simultaneously and various aspects of events, such as logistics, participant management, and on-site coordination, resulting in successful and memorable experiences for participants.
• Stakeholder satisfaction: demonstrated capacity to effectively communicate with and manage the expectations of various stakeholders, programme participants, and other relevant parties, resulting in high satisfaction levels and positive feedback.
• Programme design and delivery: Successful design and delivery of UpLink's Knowledge and Capacity Building programme.
• Frameworks and tools: The contribution to the ongoing development and improvement to understand the UpLink Networks' engagement and needs.
• Continuous improvement: The initiative to proactively identify opportunities for improvement in processes, procedures, and practices related to program and event management, contributing to the overall enhancement of organizational effectiveness and efficiency.

Preferred requirements and experience:

• Broad intellectual background with an undergraduate degree (open to specializations) in event management, hospitality, communication, or related fields, with a strong interest in the field of Sustainable development Goals.
• Previous experience in event programme design, event planning or related field.
• Excellent organizational skills, self-starter, with strong attention to detail and willingness to take on the necessary administrative tasks;
• Collaborative attitude, able to work independently or in teams as needed;
• Team player who enjoys working in a highly dynamic setting with a matrix environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint);
• Previous experience with data collection and tools would be a significant plus, such as AirTable, Tableau and Qualtrics
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English; additional languages would be an asset.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to gain hands-on experience in programme and event management while contributing to the success of our organization's mission. If you are passionate about creating impactful experiences and are ready to take on a dynamic role in a collaborative team environment, we encourage you to apply.

Why work at the Forum:

The Forum believes that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to improve the state of the world by building awareness and cooperation, shaping mindsets and agendas, and driving collective action. Join us and become a driver for positive change!