Specialist, Quantum Technology

The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation, engaging the foremost leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. 

 

The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) helps leaders anticipate exponential technologies and drive responsible sectoral and industry transformation. It creates and scales initiatives in a global network of government- and not-for-profit hosted centres which give national trailblazers access to a trusted platform of sharing, learning, and problem-solving. 

 

Why we are recruiting

 

Quantum computing, sensing, and communication (quantum technologies) are in their early stages. However, the field is rapidly maturing due to public and venture capital funding, along with significant investments and new service offerings from leading companies. These advancements promise profound impacts on industries, economies, and societies. To harness the vast potential of quantum technologies while addressing complex issues around safety, security, and equitable benefit-sharing, trusted insights and collaboration among businesses, governments, and academia are essential. The Quantum Economy Network, part of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) is a global platform for governments, businesses and academia to understand the potential of quantum technologies, shape their development and prepare for their introduction into the economy.

To support the strategic expansion of its quantum economy initiatives, the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution is seeking a Specialist, Quantum Technology. This newly created role involves leading, supporting, and coordinating activities within the Forum’s Quantum Economy Network community, including projects and initiatives in partnership with Independent Centres in the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network. The Specialist will also work closely with other World Economic Forum centres, such as the Centre for Cybersecurity, to advance related initiatives, publications, and events.

 

Reporting lines & interactions 

 

The Specialist, Quantum Technology reports to the Forum’s Thematic Lead, Quantum Technology and operates across multiple teams and geographies in an entrepreneurial and fast-paced environment. The Specialist will also actively engage in building and maintaining productive relationships with business and government partners and Independent Centres. Establishing collaborative relationships externally and across the institution will be of utmost importance for succeeding in this role. 

 

Breakdown of main responsibilities

•  Scan the global horizon for highly relevant actors, quantum technology related initiatives that can be leveraged and amplified through the Forum’s network.  

• Support Thematic Lead in managing and mobilizing high-level communities of experts and decision makers from across the Forum’s stakeholder ecosystem (industry, government, academia, etc.) to champion and lead ambitious, system-level initiatives. 

• Integrate activities of the quantum economy community with the Forum’s industry teams, innovator team and independent Centres for the Fourth industrial Revolution.

• Support and coordinate quantum related activities and communications surrounding major events such as the Forum’s Global Technology Summit or the Annual Meeting.

• Capture key insights and strategic outcomes from senior level stakeholder meetings and workshops and synthesize into summary reports articulating clearly actionable next steps.

• Keep initiatives on target, timeline and budget through the effective management and engagement of teams, internal and external stakeholders, budgets and processes, as well as through effective communication and reporting.

 

Preferred requirements and experience 

• Minimum bachelor’s degree with specializations in engineering, computer science, physics, economics, public policy, business management; or similar fields.

• 3+ years of experience in private or public sector; working in functions related to frontier technologies, technology policy, international development is an asset.

• Written and verbal communication skills to thrive in the relevant stakeholder ecosystem, including experts and decision makers in business, government, and civil society.

• Understanding of how public policy is shaped (such as regulations, standards, guidelines, or other policy tools), inside or with businesses, governments, or international organizations. 

• Record of written work, including published articles, presentations in international forums, and conference participations is an asset

• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills  

• Excellent verbal and written language skills in English; proficiency in other languages is an asset  

• Proficient with recent advancement of frontier technologies 

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!