Programme and Events Specialist, UpLink

This is a temporary grant-funded role ending August 2026

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 the open innovation platform of the World Economic Forum to crowdsource innovative solutions which can accelerate the delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).​ UpLink’s effort is to unearth and scale the best innovations by connecting entrepreneurs to the enablers that can help them scale their impact.

Since its launch, UpLink has made significant progress in addressing the world's biggest challenges in different thematic areas (e.g. Longevity, Urban Transformation, Food System, Sustainable Mining, Water, Circular Carbon Economy, etc.) alongside its esteemed partners by specifically delivering in enabling early-stage impact-driven start-ups to accelerate impact, building and strengthening innovation ecosystems and shifting perception around the value and significance of early-stage impact innovations. 

Why we are recruiting:

The UpLink team is dedicated to delivering exceptional events and programmes that engage, inspire and bring value to our stakeholders. We are therefore looking for a Programme and Events Specialist who will join in the UpLink Engagement Team, to play a crucial role in contributing to the delivery of a cohesive engagement offering for the UpLink Innovation Ecosystem.

The Programme and Events Specialist will manage all logistics and operations for in-person and virtual UpLink events and sessions. The role requires a proactive and creative individual who will work in close collaboration with the wider UpLink Team to ensure the successful execution of events and engagement projects, from design and planning, to delivery and post-event evaluation. We are therefore seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented individual, with a passion for creating memorable participant experiences.

Reporting Lines & Interactions

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

Main responsibilities

UpLink Programme Coordination

• Assist in developing and implementing UpLink programme objectives and strategies, including the calendar of engagement opportunities.
• Support the coordination of the planning, design and delivery of the UpLink Engagement Programme, including UpLink's programme and sessions at World Economic Forum events, and UpLink partner events, and sessions.
• Coordinate the design, planning and delivery of UpLink’s Knowledge and Capacity-Building Programme (virtual)
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment on programme goals and objectives.
• Utilize project management tools (e.g. Airtable and Confluence) for efficient event planning.
• Share insights and best practices to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Develop and manage programme schedules, including speaker coordination and session planning.
• Ensure all programme content is delivered on time and meets quality standards.
• Lead the post-event evaluation, including collecting and analyzing feedback from participants.
• Support the preparation of post-event reports and provide recommendations for future improvements.
• Manage event-related data and maintain accurate records.

Event Management - Operations and Logistics

• Develop and manage event timelines, budgets, and logistics plans.
• Coordinate with internal teams, partners, and external stakeholders to ensure 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, vendor management, equipment set-ups, catering and transportation.
• Manage participant invitation process and registrations.
• Plan and execute virtual sessions and events, using CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and platforms (e.g., Zoom).
• Ensure all technical aspects of virtual events are set up and handled smoothly.
• Maintain accurate records and databases related to events and programmes.

The successful candidate will be assessed on:

• Programme execution: The ability to efficiently coordinate and execute events and programmes, ensuring they are delivered according to schedule and meet quality standards, as evidenced by participant feedback, stakeholder satisfaction levels, attendance metrics, and other relevant key 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 delivery: Successful delivery of UpLink's Knowledge and Capacity Building Programme.
• Continuous improvement: To take the initiative to proactively identify opportunities for improvement in processes, procedures, and practices related to event and programme management, contributing to the overall enhancement of organizational effectiveness and efficiency.

Preferred requirements and experience:

• 3+ years experience in event programme design, event planning or related field
• Broad intellectual background with an undergraduate degree in event management, hospitality, or related fields.  
• Previous experience in event programme design, event planning or related field.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, and a self-starter, with strong attention to detail.
• Collaborative attitude, able to work independently or in teams as needed.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint);
• Previous experience with CRM systems (eg. Salesforce) and data collection tools (eg. Airtable, Tableau and Qualtrics) would be a significant plus,
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and fluency in spoken and written English. Additional languages would be an asset.

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!