Job Description

Government Engagement Lead – Japan (Japanese Speaking)

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. In Japan, the Forum convenes senior representatives from government, business, civil society and academia into its global activities, initiatives and communities.

The Forum is strengthening its presence in Japan to amplify its impact by deepening community engagement, relationship management, knowledge networks, and delivering strategic projects and initiatives.

As part of the Centre for Regions, Trade and Geopolitics (CRTG), the Government Engagement Lead will drive engagement efforts with Japan’s national and sub-national governments, including at the prefectural and municipal level. The role will also support with the design and delivery of public-private collaborations involving the public sector in Japan. Reporting directly to the Chief Representative Officer of the World Economic Forum in Japan, this position is based in the Forum’s Tokyo office, alongside the majority of the Japan team.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment; develop the team’s ability to excel and rapidly adapt to changing realities
• Develop, maintain and deepen relationships with the public sector in Japan, engaging relevant government constituents in Forum initiatives, projects and events to ensure the greatest impact for public sector stakeholders
• Collaborate with relevant Forum colleagues and teams to co-develop and manage public-private partnerships with national, prefectural and municipal governments in Japan
• Develop and deliver national and sub-national gatherings including programme development, participation of relevant leaders, coordination with the government and budget management that effectively engage constituents on the most relevant regional issues.

Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced degree, Master’s degree (or equivalent), in political science, economics, international relations or other relevant fields
• At least 15 years of professional experience working in or in close collaboration with Japan’s public sector, including demonstrated experience engaging with national, prefectural and municipal governments
• Demonstrated leadership experience and a strong track record across public policy, geopolitics, combined with a clear and sustained interest in global affairs.
• Experience building and cultivating public-private partnerships
• Comfort driving entrepreneurial projects, navigating ambiguity, and being a self-starter
• Outstanding verbal and written language skills in Japanese (native level) and English; verbal proficiency in other languages would be an asset
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with strong interpersonal and network-building capabilities, and a proven ability to thrive in a multicultural, highly collaborative work environment

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!