Frequently Asked Questions about the Global Leadership Fellows Programme

How can I apply for the Global Leadership Fellows Programme?
Please apply online through the careers section of our website (www.weforum.org/careers). You can apply to any position marked “Global Leadership Fellows” under the title “job category”. In addition to filling in the online application form, you will be requested to submit a résumé, the contact details of three references and an 800-word personal essay on what you would like to achieve in your life and on your motivations for joining the GLFP.

When is the deadline?
There is no deadline for applications to the GLFP, as job openings are posted all year round. As a result, there are no pre-determined interview periods. Should you be selected for a GLF position, you will be able to start working immediately and will integrate the academic modules into your schedule. These begin in the autumn following your recruitment.

What academic qualifications do I need to become a Global Leadership Fellow?
You will possess a broad intellectual background with a Master's degree (or equivalent). More information can be found on the careers section of our website (www.weforum.org/careers), under the positions marked "Global Leadership Fellows".

Can I apply if I have not yet completed my Master’s degree?
Yes. However, the completion date of your studies should be in advance of the start of the academic modules of the GLFP. Given that these modules begin in November, you should have completed your studies before then. You may be asked to submit proof of graduation.

Is there a cap on the age of Global Leadership Fellows?
The majority of our Fellows fall within the ages of 28 and 38, with an average age of 33.

What are the language requirements for the job?
All candidates must be fluent in spoken and written English. Additional language requirements are specific to the position. It should be noted that the majority of our Fellows are fluent in at least one language other than English, even if their job does not explicitly request it.

Should I apply to a specific Global Leadership Fellows position or is it acceptable to submit an open application?
You are welcome to submit as many applications as you are qualified for. However, we encourage candidates to apply to specific GLF positions, as this allows them to tailor their résumé, covering letter and personal essay specifically to the given role.

Do I need recommendation letters?
No. All we require are names and contact details of three references. If you are shortlisted, we may ask you to have recommendation forms filled in by these three reference persons.

How are interviews conducted?
Candidates who pass our initial screening will be invited to Geneva for an interview day. Here, you will undergo several interviews with Human Resources, your potential line manager and the Dean of the GLFP. In addition you will be required to take an emotional intelligence test. There is also the opportunity to meet current Fellows.

When does the programme start?
The academic modules will start in the first November following your recruitment.

When was the Global Leadership Fellows Programme established?
The first cohort was recruited in 2005.

How many Global Leadership Fellows are currently working at the World Economic Forum?
There are currently around 70 Fellows enrolled in the programme. Since 2005, approximately 100 Fellows have graduated from the GLFP.

How many Global Leadership Fellows will be selected for the next cohort?
We will select between 15 and 30 Fellows to join the next cohort.

Where will I be based?
The Global Leadership Fellows Programme is based in Geneva, Switzerland. Your job assignment will generally be in Geneva or, exceptionally, in our New York or Beijing offices.

Who grants the Master’s in Global Leadership?
The World Economic Forum will grant the Master’s degree.

What is the balance between classroom and on-the-job training?
About 20% of your overall time will be dedicated to academic modules, workshops, retreats and self-study. The GLFP is an intensive programme which may require personal work on weekends as well.

Do you hire candidates who are not Swiss nationals or not holders of a valid Swiss work permit?
Yes. The Forum will file an application for a work permit. If you are accompanied by your husband/wife and/or children, we will also file a residency request for them. EU citizens (first 15 EU countries) will benefit from a permanent permit, renewable every year. Others will benefit from a three-year permit, non-renewable. If you hold an EU nationality (only first 15 EU countries), you will have the possibility of living in neighbouring France and holding a different Swiss work permit.

The first 15 EU countries are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

What type of Swiss work permit will I have?
You will have a B permit that allows you to work and live in Switzerland. EU citizens who choose to live in France will receive a G permit.

If I am not married, can I still relocate with my partner?
The Forum is not able to file a permit application for your partner, as Switzerland does not recognize partnerships as a legal status. If your partner is an EU citizen, he/she will need to find a job as only the employer can request a work permit for him/her. However, it is more difficult for non-EU citizens to find a job in Geneva, as they are subject to stricter permit restrictions.

Where will I live?
You will rent your own accommodation. However, upon your arrival, if necessary, the Forum will help you find temporary and then permanent accommodation in Geneva or in France, depending on your requirements and budget.

Will I receive a relocation allowance?
You will be granted an allowance to move your belongings to Switzerland, which is in line with the Forum’s general staff compensation policy.

How much do I pay for tuition and how much will I be paid?
There will be no tuition fees. The Fellows will receive a salary and benefits package commensurate with their responsibilities and in line with the World Economic Forum’s compensation policies. Think of this as an attractive stipend programme.

What kind of contract will I receive? Will I need to pay taxes?
You will receive a Swiss work contract, linked to the Forum Staff Handbook, which will be given to you at the time of the final offer. You will have a three-year contract. You will be subject to all Swiss social charges as well as Swiss taxes. Taxes will be withheld monthly in accordance with your family status and deducted directly from your salary (except for Swiss nationals or C permit holders).

Are there any travel opportunities?
Some business travel may be required, depending on the projects and the regions to which the Fellows are assigned.

I have submitted an application to the GLFP. When can I expect to be informed of the status of my application?
You will receive an e-mail from our Talent Acquisition Team confirming receipt of your application. After this, we will contact you either to invite you for an interview or to inform you that your application has been unsuccessful. The recruitment process differs for each position. Candidates will be contacted as soon as relevant information is available.

Do you have an e-mail address where I can submit additional questions?
You may address your queries to the following address: leadershipfellows@weforum.org