Lead, Governance, Operations and Transformation, YGL Foundation

The Forum of Young Global Leaders works in alignment with the World Economic Forum’s overall goals of improving the state of the World. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the YGL Foundation whose mission is to promote responsible leadership. The YGL Foundation accelerates the impact of a diverse community of responsible leaders across borders and sectors to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.

This senior role will focus on driving transformation alongside the YGL Foundation Head, working closely with internal stakeholders at the World Economic Forum on matters related to Foundation governance, operations, legal issues, administrative processes, and finance.

This important internally-focused role will set up and lead new processes and systems contributing to the Foundation’s future transformation. This role is central to the successful impact of the YGL Foundation.

You will be responsible for day-to-day operations in a highly matrixed structure, ensuring that all activities are carried out in accordance with World Economic Forum and YGL Foundation guidelines and standards and meeting all legal requirements. Always representing the values of the YGL foundation in all engagements – generosity, authenticity, respect and impact.

This role will report directly to the Head of the Forum of Young Global Leaders.

Main responsibilities:  

Governance, operations and finance (60%)

• Contributes to the Foundation’s strategic priorities and organizational transformation.

• Ensures that the Foundation meets its objectives through efficient administrative processes, data-driven approaches, and diligent tracking of KPIs and OKRs.

• Coordinates and keeps track of the Foundation’s budget and leads budget cycles. Delivers and manages financial matters in a fashion that allows the YGL Foundation to budget, manage, and report on its finances internally and to all relevant parties.

• Serves as the administrative focal point for YGL Foundation Board and Advisory Group.

• Guides the Foundation’s operations, finance, compliance and legal matters.

• Serves as the focal point for internal stakeholders: finance, legal, and other teams at the World Economic Forum.

• Prepares progress updates for various stakeholders of the YGL Foundation.

• Leads initiatives that contributes to the Foundation’s continued goals of leveraging new technological tools to enhance performance.

• Leads new initiatives and introduces new processes to streamline the operations of the Foundation.

• Supports the YGL Head with recruitment processes.

• Manages administrative processes for Professional Services collaborations with the YGL Foundation.

Team-building and transformation (30%)

• Supports the Foundation head in supporting team members in their career development journey.

• Contributes to a good and productive environment for team members, taking the time for necessary coaching, sparring and feedback to team members.

• Set up structures to ensure information-flows across a highly matrixed team.

• Supports the head with coordination of team retreats, workshops, team meetings, check-ins and performance reviews.

Other duties as assigned (10%)

• Other duties as assigned by YGL Foundation Head.  

• Will represent the YGL Foundation Head on occasion.

Preferred Requirements and Experience:

• 7-10 years of professional experience.

• A private-sector background is preferred (a plus if you have worked for a Professional Services and consulting firm in the past).

• Proven experience with data-analytics, and strong qualitative and quantitative skills.

• A relevant degree, such as business administration or finance.

• Several years of experience with project management and coordination of initiatives involving many stakeholders, and a proven track-record of keeping deadlines.

• Ability to prioritize, focus and achieve results in a high-performing environment. Attention to detail and delivery of high-quality work products.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Ability to treat confidential information with discretion.

• Fluency in the use of internal and external digital platforms and tools for project management and tracking.

• Curiosity for the future; able to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to leadership.

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!