Events Specialist, Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

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.

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.

The C4IR is organized in (1) thematic teams and sub-teams leading communities and initiatives in areas ranging from “AI and Machine Learning” to “Bioeconomy” to “Space Technology”, and (2) “Network and Partnerships Team” (NPT) which is responsible for engaging stakeholders across all thematics. Concretely, the objective of this team is (a) to engage stakeholders in mission-driven, multi-year, system-level initiatives, and (b) to enable national/thematic C4IR centres leverage such initiatives as well as the Forum’s communities, convening power, digital infrastructure, visibility and brand.

Events are an important vehicle for C4IR thematic teams, national C4IR Centres and communities to advance shared impact agendas. In addition to community events related to thematic initiatives, C4IR curates program and communities at Forum Summits such as the Annual Meeting and Annual Meeting of the New Champions and organises its own annual global event, the Global Technology Retreat. This position will support C4IR teams and the C4IR network to deliver high quality event experiences to their partners and communities, while adhering to institutional quality and governance guidelines.

The Events Specialist, C4IR reports to the Head of Strategic Impact, C4IR and will work across multiple teams and geographies in an entrepreneurial and fast-paced environment. They will facilitate timely communications and transparency and decisions on the Centre’s participation at key Forum Summits. They will support 4IR thematic teams to deliver high quality and impactful community engagement at Forum Summits and thematic community events. In close collaboration with relationship managers of the 4IR Centres in countries, the Specialist will ensure visibility and quality compliance of events organised by 4IR Centres. Establishing productive relationships across the institution will be of utmost importance for succeeding in this role.

Breakdown of main responsibilities:

Forum Events

• Liaise with the Forum’s Global Programming Group and C4IR thematic teams to ensure adherence to institutional processes, guidelines, deadlines 

• Coordinate with C4IR Leadership and thematic teams to ensure effective design, development and delivery of programs at each event, supported by shared dashboards, email updates and briefings

• Keep internal and external stakeholders updated on C4IR plans (e.g. C4IR WeLink pages, Leadership Updates, Open Houses, Partner briefings) 

C4IR Events

• Support C4IR initiative teams through guidance, trainings and/or tools to deliver successful virtual or in-person community events

• For in person and flagship events, support the event responsible and team in planning and delivery (event team coordination, project management, participant support, event logistics, internal and external communications)

C4IR Network Events

• Collaborate with relationship managers of 4IR Centres to define and maintain updated guidance on running 4IR/Forum branded events in collaterals such as 4IR Centre onboarding/incubation materials 

• Collaborate with relationship managers of 4IR Centres to ensure visibility and quality compliance of events organised by 4IR Centres.

General

• Collaborate with C4IR teams to maintain updated calendar of all virtual and in-person events, including in C4IR marketing deck and Forum Salesforce

• Collaborate with Digital Success Team to strengthen digital event infrastructure and services, including digital tools, dashboards, and other systems to improve event delivery and team effectiveness

Preferred requirements and experience

• Broad intellectual background, with a university degree (Bachelor or higher), preferably in business administration, international relations, public policy, public administration, technology or similar fields  

• At least 2-3 years of experience in coordination, administration, event management in a relevant business or not-for-profit organization, with experience in technology domains being an asset 

• Strong aptitude and demonstrated success in projects, events or operations management

• Exceptional organizational skills, time management skills, and high attention to detail

• Highly collaborative team player with excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Words, PowerPoint, Excel); familiarity with Salesforce is an advantage  

• Demonstrated abilities to thrive in a demanding environment, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and deliver under pressure  

• Responsible, independent and self-driven  

• Proficiency in English.

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!