Lead, Circular Economy Initiatives

This is a fixed-term role through 31 March 2026.

Location: Geneva or New York

For New York-based candidates only: The annual salary range for this role is $120,000–$140,000.

The World Economic Forum is committed to improving the state of the world through public-private cooperation. It engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

Why we are recruiting:

The Resource Systems team within the World Economic Forum’s Centre for Nature and Climate (CNC) is recruiting a Lead, Circular Economy Initiatives, to lead two of the  Forum’s initiatives advancing the Circular Economy 1) Global Materials Collaboration (GMC) 2) The Circular Transformation of Industries (CTI). GMC will investigate scenarios for international collaboration on materials and circularity as a tool to deliver economic prosperity and climate and nature goals. The CTI initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of circularity in manufacturing-intensive sectors through knowledge creation and knowledge sharing.

Reporting lines and interactions

The role will report into the Circular Economy Innovation and Business Engagement Lead of the Centre for Nature and Climate. It will involve close collaboration with the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains as well as the Centre for Energy and Materials.

Breakdown of main responsibilities

• GMC: Ownership of the end-to-end planning and delivery of Global Materials Collaboration (GMC) which aims to elevate the importance of materials and circular economy on the international agenda as a tool to deliver nature and climate targets through research and by holding dialogues at international events.

• GMC: Refine the workplan for the year and adjust key questions to address regarding the role of trade, governance and international processes for materials efficiency.

• GMC: Deliver a high-quality white paper that lays out scenarios for better international collaboration on materials

• GMC: Prepare and enable the delivery of sessions at international events with excellence to share the learnings gathered through the year.

• CTI: Ownership of the end-to-end planning and delivery of the CTI initiative including the below:

• CTI - Knowledge creation: lead the creation of a whitepaper on circular logistics. Ensure the highest research standards are met through desk research, industry consultations, and by engaging with our advisory panel composed of 50 circularity experts from business, academia and civil society.

• CTI - Knowledge sharing: Design the knowledge exchange sessions that the Forum hosts on circular economy. Ensure a relevant and cohesive learning journey for our partners, secure high-level speakers and grow the community that participates in knowledge exchange.

• CTI – Plan for 2026: Design the objectives and calendar of activities for the initiative in 2026 and align it with internal stakeholders and the Steering Committee.

The successful candidate will be assessed on 

• Effective collaboration with the Resource Systems team and other centres to ensure effective delivery;  

• Delivery of Global Material Collaboration assets with excellence 

• Delivery of CTI initiative assets and sessions with excellence. 

• Capability to inform the Forum’s overarching materials and circular economy strategies

• Proactive attitude and cooperation with the broader team to create opportunities and to establish and improve stakeholder engagement. 

Education and professional background 

• Master’s degree in resource economics, circular economy, economics, or equivalent, with broad intellectual background

• Experience in the environment and natural resources, technology and innovation. Specific experience in circular economy and international collaboration issues would be an important asset.

• A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in the public, private or civil society sectors, working with different industries to lead projects and initiatives.

• Ability to work with C-suite business leaders and leading issue experts in academia, international organizations, governments and NGOs, as well as with representatives from grassroots organizations.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with an understanding of stakeholder needs. A committed, collaborative, positive and solution-oriented team player.

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills in English. Proficiency in other languages desirable.

• Good analytical capabilities.

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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!