Lead the Global Voice of Sporting Goods

Are you ready to take the global stage? WFSGI is looking for a strategic, experienced, and motivated individual to build and lead our global public affairs and advocacy efforts from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to join WFSGI and shape how the global sporting goods industry is seen, heard, and understood by policymakers, institutions, and the public.

You’ll have the platform, the mandate, and the network. Now we’re looking for someone with the vision, skills, and drive to turn potential into impact.

Location: Ittigen/Bern or Remote

Job Type: Full-Time

Start Date: Immediate

Salary: Competitive

About WFSGI 

The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) is the only global, not-for-profit body representing the entire sporting goods industry. Our purpose is simple yet ambitious: unite and support the sector to build a more active, healthy, and sustainable world.

With over 300 members — including leading global brands like NIKE, adidas, ASICS, PUMA, Specialized, Shimano, and Decathlon — we represent around 70% of the industry’s total turnover.  We’re also officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the global industry voice.

Our key focus areas include:

• Fair and open trade
• Public health and physical activity
• Elite sport regulation
• Sustainability and climate impact
• Legal, product compliance, digital, and AI governance

About the Role

This is a new and senior-level role. You’ll report directly to the CEO and collaborate closely with WFSGI leadership and our member companies to:

• Develop and lead our global public affairs and advocacy strategy
• Represent WFSGI and its members on critical issues — from trade to sustainability to innovation
• Position the industry as a key partner and force for good in global health, economic development, and responsible business

This role is ideal for someone who wants to help build a legacy at WFSGI — not just maintain a function.  You’ll be central to shaping how our industry engages with global institutions, anticipates regulatory shifts, and champions shared priorities across borders.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Design and lead WFSGI’s global advocacy strategy and framework
• Build positive engagement strategies with policy makers, key institutions (WTO, WHO, BIAC, OECD, UN, G20, etc.) civil society and industry stakeholders
• Advise the CEO on public affairs and institutional priorities
• Coordinate global outreach to ministries and regulators
• Manage and maintain relationships with senior representatives from WFSGI members and key stakeholders, including government officials, industry associations, and advocacy groups

2. Advocacy Planning & Execution

• Analyse and interpret relevant global policy developments across WFSGI’s key priorities 
• Develop tailored advocacy strategies aligned to WFSGI’s key priorities for different issues and platforms, globally and in markets where there is no national sectoral-level representation. 
• Lead high-level engagement at summits, consultations, and forums
• Ensure consistent, evidence-based messaging aligned with industry priorities
• Use publicly available data, economic evidence, and consumer insights to develop persuasive arguments and influence policy debates 
• Leverage intelligence and stakeholders’ insights to inform member understanding and advocacy

3. Policy Monitoring & Member Alignment

• Track policy, trade, and regulatory trends across value chains
• Keep members informed and prepared for emerging risks and opportunities via simplified and actionable summaries of key trends 
• Support WFSGI member teams with strategic insights and recommendations
• Lead and coordinate internal workstreams on public affairs and advocacy, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and timely delivery of outcomes

4. Relationship & Reputation Management

• Build strong relationships with senior officials in WFSGI members, key stakeholders, and institutional partners
• Represent WFSGI at external events and working groups
• Act as a credible, authoritative spokesperson for the industry

5. Coalition Building & External Partnerships

• Work with NGOs, think tanks, academics, and industry groups to amplify WFSGI’s voice
• Lead cross-sector initiatives that promote shared goals
• Ensure industry coordination via strong global, regional, and national trade association cooperation and maintain industry credibility in public-facing initiatives. 
• Drive unified industry messaging on global platforms

6. Insight & Foresight

• Monitor global policy trends in trade, supply chains, sustainability, AI, and more
• Anticipate key policy cycles and proactively position WFSGI
• Produce briefings, toolkits, and positioning papers for members

7. Internal Leadership & Communications

• Align advocacy with WFSGI’s strategic priority leads and communications team
• Create high-impact public affairs and advocacy content for newsletters, media, and member engagement
• Report regularly to WFSGI’s Board and Executive Committee and its General Assembly

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, politics, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in global advocacy, public affairs, or government relations
• Experience working with global institutions (WTO, OECD, WHO, UN, G20)
• Proven success in shaping and delivering global and national advocacy strategies
• Experience working within global trade associations 
• Strong leadership, communication, consensus-building, presentation, and negotiation skills
• Proficiency in using data and analytics to support advocacy work.
• Native-level English (spoken and written)
• Strategic thinker, proactive executor, and excellent collaborator
• Willingness to work flexibly in a dynamic, fast-paced international and multicultural environment
• A passion for sport and physical activity

Desirable

• Established senior network within relevant global institutions (WTO, OECD, WHO, UN, G20)
• Proficiency in other languages
• Understanding of supply chain, sustainability, and regulatory issues in sporting goods
• Available to start immediately

Why Join WFSGI?

Build something new — this is your opportunity to shape WFSGI’s global advocacy from the ground up

Work on global impact — engage with issues that are in the headlines and at the heart of global policy

Collaborate with top brands — from NIKE to adidas, ASICS, New Balance, and Decathlon, our members are world leaders

Thrive in a global, flexible environment — remote work, international exposure, and space to lead

Be part of a purpose-driven team — small enough to be nimble, big enough to make a difference

How to Apply

Please send your one-page cover letter and two-page CV by 1 August 2025 to:

Emma Zwiebler, CEO  Email: emason@wfsgi.org