Investor Community Lead, UpLink

This is a 12 month contract with the possibility of an extension.

*Please note that Switzerland-based candidates will be prioritized for this role.

The World Economic Forum (the 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.

UpLink is a digital/virtual first initiative hosted by the Forum that enables the next generation of environmentally, socially, and ethically minded entrepreneurs, impact-driven start-ups and funds from around the world to solve most pressing challenges facing the people and planet as set out in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UpLink is seeking an Investor Community Lead to curate, recruit and manage our community of Top Investors, who have a mandate to invest in people and planet-focused entrepreneurs, that strengthen innovation ecosystems and strive to advance the SDGs. These investors have clearly defined strategies to finance and scale SDG-focused and early-stage ventures and hold a values-based approach to their operations, investment thesis, due diligence and terms.

Why we are recruiting

Less than 5% of impact investment currently goes to early-stage companies, and only 2% supports ventures focused on nature and biodiversity. UpLink is now sourcing innovative investment, philanthropic and corporate venture funds to reverse this trend and support our thriving community of entrepreneurs.

Reporting Lines & Interactions

This role reports to the Growth Lead at UpLink with a dotted line to the Head of Growth, Partnerships and Innovation Ecosystems at UpLink who are both based in Geneva.

Main Responsibilities

• Investor Strategy Development: Develop and execute the investor value proposition, engagement and community management strategy for Uplink, aligning it with the platform’s broader goals and objectives.
• Investor ecosystem engagement: Identify and engage with the broader investor landscape such as fund of funds and institutional investors
• Investor Community Management: Curate and manage Uplink’s investor community, including both existing and potential investors, ensuring alignment with Uplink’s mission and values.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with Uplink’s investor base, understanding their individual interests and objectives, and effectively communicating Uplink’s initiatives and opportunities.
• Investor Due Diligence: Conduct thorough due diligence of new investors seeking to join the Uplink community. Ensure that potential investors are aligned with Uplink’s values, objectives, and sustainable development goals.
• Data Analysis: Utilize data and analytics to measure and report on the impact of Uplink’s investor community, demonstrating alignment with global sustainability goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed about relevant international regulations and policies related to sustainability and global development, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.
• Innovative Communication: Develop and execute effective communication strategies in collaboration with UpLink’s digital communications and marketing team to convey Uplink’s investor initiatives to a global audience.

Preferred Requirements and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; a master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., Impact Investing, ESG Investing, CFA) is a plus.
• 5-7 years of experience in investingideally with a focus on sustainability, global development, or impact investing initiatives.
• Strong understanding of global economic, political, and social trends, particularly in the context of sustainability and innovation.
• Excellent relationship-building and networking skills, with a proven track record of managing diverse investor communities.
• Knowledge of investor business models, financial mechanisms, and financial impact measurement related to sustainability.
• Experience in conducting due diligence for investors and an understanding of international regulatory requirements.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messages to various stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data analysis and technology tools for investor relations and impact measurement.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability to work with a diverse range of global stakeholders.