Please note: this role requires the ability to work on site 3 days per week per company policy.
Partner Lead (Account Manager / Executive) – Middle East & North Africa
Responsible for managing and growing strategic relationships with some of the region’s largest and most influential companies. Acts as primary relationship owner for a portfolio of partners, working directly with C‑suite and senior executives to align their strategic priorities with World Economic Forum initiatives.
Reporting Lines and Interactions
Reports to the Head for the Middle East & North Africa. Works with internal teams across Government, Centre, Industry and Servicing groups and externally with business executives and experts.
Main responsibilities
* Partner (account) Management:
o Manage trusted, long‑term relationships with key partners from the region at executive level.
o Collaborate with internal teams to design comprehensive, impact‑driven partnership engagements.
o Regularly assess the health, impact and effectiveness of partner relationships, using qualitative and quantitative indicators; contribute to strategic discussions with partner senior executives; track performance against defined objectives and success metrics; Partner Success team support for high‑quality partner experience and renewal outcomes.
o Identify, assess and proactively manage partnership and market‑related risks (reputational, geopolitical, regulatory, delivery); work with stakeholders to implement mitigation strategies.
* Research & Analysis:
o Research and develop a strong understanding of partner organisations' strategic priorities and broader business dynamics in key and emerging markets in the Middle East and North Africa; stay abreast of industry/technological trends and political/social changes.
o Contribute insights and recommendations to the Forum’s regional strategy based on partner interactions, market intelligence and regional developments.
* Country/industry strategy building:
o Support development of country and industry strategies by conducting market and sector research that identifies priority markets, high‑potential organisations and growth opportunities, strengthening the partnership pipeline.
Assessment Criteria
* Demonstrated ability to build and sustain trusted relationships with C‑suite and senior executives; identify gaps and deepen relationships over time.
* Ability to collaborate internally, engaging and retaining partners; indicators include quality of engagement plans, renewal and retention rates, and colleague/partner feedback.
* Strong monitoring and evaluation of industry and regional developments, media reports, policy changes that impact partners.
* Contribution to a high‑performing team environment; sharing insights, collaborating across portfolios and regions, demonstrating reliability, professionalism and sound judgment.
Preferred Requirements and Experience
* Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field of study.
* Strong understanding of current regional economic landscape in emerging markets, with proficiency in analysing complex industry issues and synthesising recommendations.
* At least 7 years of relevant professional experience, ideally involving senior‑level exposure to the Middle East & North Africa, with strong background in portfolio/account management, strategic or market research, communications, management consulting, corporate strategy or related client‑facing roles.
* Excellent communication skills with command of English and Arabic.
* Mastery of Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word); experience with Salesforce is a plus.
* Motivated self‑starter and team player who enjoys working in a highly collaborative and dynamic environment.
* Capable of responding appropriately to high‑level demands under pressure.
* Committed to the Forum’s mission to improve the state of the world.
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