Initiative Specialist

Please Note: This role requires the ability to work on site 3 days per week per company policy.

The annual salary range for this role is $80,000-$85,000 in New York.

This role is not eligible for US work authorization support.

About Us

(position based in Geneva or New York, start date asap through to 15 January 2028)

About Us

The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. It brings together the foremost political, business, and other leaders of society to address pressing global challenges and drive collective action.
In 2021, the Forum’s Centre for Urban Transformation was established to accelerate global progress and create a more prosperous, sustainable future through collective action in cities and local communities.

Why We Are Recruiting

Travel and Tourism is a key global sector, contributing over 10% of GDP worldwide. By 2034, it is expected to grow 1.5 times faster than the global economy. To ensure its sustainable and inclusive future, the Forum has launched a new initiative to redefine Travel & Tourism as a force for good, fostering economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability.

The Initiative Coordinator will play a vital role in supporting the initiative team to drive impactful research, community engagement, and stakeholder collaboration.

Reporting Lines & Interactions

The Initiative Specialist, Travel and Tourism reports to the Initiative Lead and works closely with the rest of the initiative team, i.e Insights Lead, Community Lead, and the Insights Specialist. He/she also works with the broader Centre for Urban Transformation team, and external partners to ensure smooth operations and efficient execution of initiative activities.

Key Responsibilities

Operational & Project Support
•    Assist in the development and execution of the initiative plans, timelines, and deliverables for research and community engagement activities.
•    Support the coordination between the content, community, and broader initiative teams.
•    Track progress, follow up on action items, and ensure alignment with the initiative’s strategic objectives.
•    Provide general administrative support to the team, as needed, including supporting the planning of meetings and ensuring follow up with appropriate parties.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement
•    Provide logistical and administrative support for community meetings, roundtables, and stakeholder events.
•    Assist the Community Lead in maintaining up-to-date records of community members and key stakeholders.
•    Facilitate communication and coordination with external partners, ensuring timely responses and engagement.

Event & Communications Coordination
•    Support planning and execution of events, including agenda preparation, participant coordination, and on-site support.
•    Assist in drafting event summaries, key takeaways, and post-event follow-up materials.
•    Help coordinate communication efforts, including newsletters, briefing notes, and social media content.

Administrative & Logistical Support
•    Maintain accurate documentation and filing systems for initiative-related activities.
•    Assist in managing calendars, scheduling meetings, and preparing materials for internal and external engagements.
•    Support budget tracking and expense reporting for initiative activities.

Preferred Requirements and Experience

•    Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in public policy, tourism, business administration, international relations, or a related field.
•    3+ years of professional experience in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, or event management, preferably within an international organisation or the Travel & Tourism sector.
•    Strong organisational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with high-level stakeholders across sectors.
•    Experience in research and content development, with strong analytical and writing abilities.
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with collaboration tools and digital marketing materials.
•    Fluency in English (written and verbal); proficiency in additional languages is highly desirable.
 

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!