Senior Manager, Grants Governance and Compliance

The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

Why we are recruiting

The World Economic Forum manages a portfolio of externally funded initiatives, collaborations and institutional grants that support its mission. As the Forum continues to strengthen its grants governance model, we are establishing a dedicated senior role within the Legal and Compliance function to provide oversight of governance frameworks, compliance standards, risk management and institutional controls across the grant portfolio.

The Head of Grants Governance and Compliance will lead the development and implementation of a consistent, organization-wide approach to grants governance, ensuring that grant-funded activities are managed in accordance with Forum policies, donor requirements and applicable legal and regulatory obligations.

Reporting lines and interactions

The Head of Grants Governance and Compliance will report to the Head of Legal and Compliance.

The role will work closely with colleagues across Finance, Grant Operations, Donor Strategy and Engagement, Centre/Initiative teams and other stakeholders involved in the development, management and reporting of grants.
The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor on grants governance, legal and compliance obligations, risk management and institutional controls, while coordinating governance processes across the organization.

Main responsibilities

Grants governance framework

• Develop, maintain and strengthen the Forum's governance framework, policies and standards for externally funded grants and related agreements.
• Define and maintain clear roles, responsibilities, decision rights, approval pathways and delegated authorities across legal aspects of the grant lifecycle.
• Establish consistent governance requirements and controls, ensuring alignment with Forum policies, donor requirements and applicable legal and regulatory obligations.
• Develop procedures, templates, guidance and governance tools to promote consistent implementation across the organization.

Governance, legal, compliance and risk oversight

• Oversee due diligence, compliance reviews and risk assessments for grants and elaborate appropriate contractual framework.
• Advise internal stakeholders on compliance obligations relating to donor restrictions, reporting requirements, use of funds, sanctions, anti-corruption, conflicts of interest, data protection and other requirements.
• Maintain risk-based review and escalation processes, ensuring material risks, exceptions and governance concerns are appropriately addressed.
• Monitor trends, findings and emerging risks and support the implementation of mitigation measures.

Approval processes and governance coordination

• Serve as a central point of coordination for grants governance matters across the organizations. Manage governance decision-making bodies, including documentation of decisions and follow-up actions.
• Ensure grant agreements are reviewed through appropriate governance channels and internal controls.
• Provide guidance to teams on governance requirements, approval pathways and risk mitigation measures.

Continuous improvement

• Identify opportunities to strengthen grants governance processes, systems, controls and reporting.
• Benchmark practices against relevant governance, compliance and risk management standards.
• Contribute to a culture of accountability, transparency and effective risk management for externally funded activities.

Preferred requirements and experience

• Advanced university degree in law, nonprofit management, compliance, governance or a related field.
• 12 years of relevant experience in grants governance, legal and regulatory compliance, risk management, audit, donor compliance, contracts or related disciplines.
• Experience operating within a complex international nonprofit, multilateral, public sector, academic, humanitarian or mission-driven organization.
• Strong understanding of grant agreements, donor requirements, governance frameworks, internal controls and audit readiness.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing governance, compliance or risk management frameworks
• Ability to assess legal, operational and reputational risks and provide solutions-oriented guidance.
• Excellent judgement, discretion and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluency in English with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Additional languages are an asset.

Desired mindset and capabilities

• High integrity and commitment to institutional accountability.
• Strong analytical judgement and a risk-based approach to decision-making.
• Ability to translate complex requirements into practical guidance.
• Attention to detail combined with a strategic, organization-wide perspective.
• Collaborative working style with the ability to build alignment across diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to the Forum's mission and values.

As part of the Legal and Compliance Department, the Head of Grants Governance and Compliance will play a key role in strengthening the Forum's governance, accountability and stewardship of externally funded activities. The role offers the opportunity to shape institution-wide standards and decision-making processes that support effective risk management and mission delivery.

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.