The posting
This is a 2-year temporary assignment with the possibility of extension
Senior Associate, Innovation Ecosystem – Mining & Metals
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.
The Securing Minerals for Energy and Technologies (SMET) Initiative works with leading companies, governments, international organizations and civil society to advance the resilience and sustainability of minerals value.
UpLink is the World Economic Forum's AI-powered innovation engine, designed to help Forum Initiatives embed early-stage innovation into their work. By combining strategic insights, AI-powered discovery, and a global network of innovators, investors and partners, UpLink helps identify where innovation can create the greatest impact, discover the world's most promising solutions and connect them with the people and opportunities that can accelerate adoption. Through its Scope, Source and Scale operating model, UpLink provides a repeatable, data-driven approach to bring the world’s most promising solutions to the forefront and drive deployment opportunities.
Why we are recruiting
The Securing Minerals for Energy and Technologies (SMET) Initiative and UpLink are working to strengthen and expand the innovation ecosystem across the mining, minerals and metals value chain and its associated industries. By working closely with business leaders and a diverse network of stakeholders, the initiative aims to accelerate the growth of impact-driven start-ups and foster the faster adoption and scaling of innovative technologies that support a more sustainable, resilient and competitive industrial ecosystem.
In particular, we seek to engage organizations that play a catalytic role in this innovation ecosystem, including investors and philanthropic organizations, mining and metals companies, technology providers, manufacturers, off-takers, research institutions, and subject matter experts. By connecting these stakeholders, the initiative helps bridge the gap between innovation, commercialization and industry adoption.
To lead this effort, we are recruiting a Senior Associate, Mining Innovation Ecosystem. The role will work closely with business leaders and ecosystem partners to identify collaboration opportunities, connect innovators with strategic stakeholders, and strengthen the network surrounding UpLink entrepreneurs and mining-focused innovation funds. The objective is to accelerate the deployment and adoption of breakthrough technologies across the mining, minerals and metals ecosystem and the industries that depend on it.
Reporting Lines & Interactions
This role reports to the Director, Critical Minerals in the Center for Energy and Materials with a dotted line to the Manager, Engagement in UpLink.
Main Responsibilities:
INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM BUILDING
- Serve as a subject-matter expert on innovation across the mining, minerals and metals value chain, providing technical guidance to internal teams and external stakeholders on emerging technologies, industry trends and innovation priorities.
- Develop and maintain a pipeline of ecosystem partners, innovators and mission-aligned organizations that can accelerate the growth, commercialization and adoption of breakthrough technologies.
- Support the development of a coherent strategy to accelerate the adoption and scaling of innovative technologies across the mining, minerals and metals ecosystem and adjacent industries.
- Identify, convene and engage leading experts, investors, entrepreneurs and industry partners to shape high-impact activities, including roundtables, innovation challenges, workshops and Forum events.
- Strengthen connections across the innovation ecosystem by identifying opportunities for collaboration between UpLink entrepreneurs, industry partners, investors and the Forum's broader communities and platforms.
ECOSYSTEM PARTNER ENGAGEMENT
- Lead the engagement strategy and value proposition for ecosystem partners, building a diverse network of organizations across industry, government, finance, academia, philanthropy and civil society to support innovation in the mining, minerals and metals ecosystem.
- Build and manage strategic relationships with ecosystem partners, identifying opportunities for collaboration, investment, piloting and technology deployment.
- Facilitate meaningful connections between UpLink entrepreneurs, early-stage investors, corporate partners and the Forum's global communities to accelerate commercialization and industry adoption of innovative solutions.
COLLABORATION, THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & IMPACT
- Collaborate closely with UpLink, the Centre for Energy and Materials, the Mining and Metals Industry community and other Forum teams to integrate innovation into industry initiatives, regional programmes and strategic projects.
- Work with communications, media and external affairs teams to showcase ecosystem success stories, thought leadership and innovation opportunities through Forum publications, digital content and flagship events.
- Define success metrics and monitor ecosystem outcomes, capturing impact, partnership value and lessons to continuously strengthen the innovation agenda.
Preferred Requirements and Experience
- 4-6 years of professional experience in the public, private or civil society sectors; international experience is an advantage.
- Demonstrated experience in the mining, minerals and metals sector, or in adjacent industries that support its innovation, sustainability and competitiveness (e.g. energy, manufacturing, technology, finance or infrastructure). Familiarity with the global mining and metals landscape is essential.
- Experience working with public-private partnerships, multi-stakeholder initiatives and innovation ecosystems, including accelerators, incubators, investors or start-ups.
- Strong understanding of the mining and metals stakeholder landscape, the broader enabling environment, and the key actors driving innovation and technology adoption across the value chain.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, high standards of professionalism and integrity, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Master's degree in engineering, environmental science, political science, public administration (MPA), business administration (MBA), or a related field preferred.
Why join us?
Join an independent and impartial organization with over 55 years of connecting leaders to make sense of global challenges and move the world forward together.
