Engagement Lead, Middle East and Africa, C4IR

The World Economic Forum is growing and deepening its engagement with public and private institutions that are actively promoting the anticipation and accelerated inclusive and responsible adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies in human-centred and society-serving ways.

Why we are recruiting

The twin-challenge of technological progress and socio-political distress calls for new forms of cooperation that respond to heightened demands for localization while recognizing the drivers of connectivity that shape our common destiny. The C4IR delivers on this imperative by advancing an open, decentralized and future-oriented approach to addressing national and global priorities.

The C4IR is the foremost platform for leaders to anticipate emerging technologies and promote responsible sectoral and industry transformation. It drives progress by linking national ownership and action with global network-based collaboration, learning and scaling via mainly government-hosted and -funded independent centres. Generating tangible value for and through these centres is vital for network growth and retention, as well as the network’s ability to effect change.

The Engagement Lead, Middle East and Africa is responsible for:

• Identifying, signing and onboarding new independent centres in the region

• Monitoring and analysing relevant trends, technologies and developments in the region

• Leading the engagement of centres in relevant communities, initiatives and events

• Enabling and enforcing adequate centre resourcing, leadership and governance

• Fostering community building and collaboration across the network

• Ensuring highest standards of constituent support and engagement

The position is of critical importance for expanding the network, engaging and connecting centres, and growing the network's value in the Middle East and Africa.

Reporting Lines & Interactions

The Engagement Lead, Middle East and Africa reports to the Head of Network and Government Affairs and will operate across multiple teams and geographies in an entrepreneurial and fast-paced organizational environment. They will collaborate with a global team across Forum offices in Geneva and San Francisco while building and maintaining productive relationships with independent centres and their stakeholders.

Breakdown of main responsibilities:

• Monitor and analyse the technology and technology policy landscape in the Middle East and Africa to identify risks and opportunities for centre acquisition, retention and engagement.

• Lead the strategic expansion of the C4IR Network in the Middle East and Africa by formulating and executing an effective acquisition and retention plan.

• Facilitate the engagement of Centres in the Middle East and Africa – from initiative incubation, acceleration, replication, to amplification – while responding proactively to partner and institutional needs.

• Monitor and support effective operation of centres, including legal and contracting aspects, financial planning and forecasting, as well as governance and risk management.

• Lead the identification, selection and productive onboarding of centre fellows from the Middle East and Africa

• Drive outreach efforts to relevant governments and institutions in close alignment with the Forum’s platform and engagement teams to nurture and expand the C4IR Network

Preferred requirements and experience

• Academic background: Master’s Degree in a relevant discipline (including public policy, business administration, management or similar fields)

• Relevant professional experience: At least 6 years’ experience in public administrations, government affairs or other relevant roles; demonstrated experience in establishing and leading operations in multiple jurisdictions and across multiple sectors welcome

• Effective communication: proficient communicator in a cross-sector and multi-cultural context; excellent verbal and written English proficiency; additional languages are an asset

• Strategic mindset: deep understanding of transformative technology and industry trends, as well as their underlying actors and ecosystems; proven interest in global affairs

• Results-orientation: superior ability to plan and execute complex business processes; fluent in agile methodologies; proven ability to use data in decision-making

• Stakeholder engagement: building and extending a high-performance, high-growth culture internally and externally; ease in engaging with senior leaders across the public and private sectors; ability to influence at senior business and government level; ability to forge innovative partnerships

• Subject-matter expertise: knowledge of the technology policy ecosystem, including key governing bodies, decision makers, and scholars; relevant networks with leading technology focused institutions (public or private) from around the world; experience crafting public policy on technology (such as regulations, standards, guidelines or other policy tools) is a plus, ideally as an advisor to government, industry association or technology company.

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!