Project Associate & Innovation Consultant, CIC Catalyst - Tokyo, JP

We are seeking a motivated Project Associate to join our consulting firm, which specializes in providing innovation services to technology companies and government agencies. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting Project Managers to manage projects with better quality that drive innovation, from strategy development to execution. This role requires a good understanding of technology trends, project management methodologies, and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders. ABOUT CIC & CIC TOKYO CIC builds and operates a global network of innovation campuses where startups, scale-ups, corporations and public entities connect, work, and grow. Founded in 1999, CIC manages more than 1.5M square meters of innovation-focused workspace, laboratories, and event space across North America, Europe and Asia. Additionally, CIC develops innovation-related programming, builds and enables industry clusters, and provides world-class innovation consulting. CIC Tokyo is our first site located in Asia. Opened in October 2020 in one of the business districts of Minato-ku, CIC Tokyo is a one-of-a-kind innovation-oriented center in Japan with a total area of ​​about 6,000 square meters on the 15th and 16th floors of the Toranomon Hills Business Tower. We provide a vast workspace with the capacity to house more than 250 companies. CIC Tokyo is centered on companies that aim to grow, and communities and services that are looking to accelerate their business growth and global expansion. Because of its influence in startup and innovation scenery, CIC Tokyo has frequent visits of VIPs such as Prime Minister Kishida, Governor Koike, and other business leaders in Japan. It is now recognized as a prestigious center of new businesses and startups by business leaders throughout the country. Learn more about us here. ABOUT CIC CATALYST CIC Catalyst, CIC’s consulting division, is leveraging CIC’s global reach and deep expertise, designing and delivering projects that strengthen startup ecosystems and accelerate innovation worldwide. Its activities include innovation programming, acceleration programs, startup market-access services, community building, and vertical clusters across industries and geographies. YOUR DAY-TO-DAY WORK The Project Associate at CIC Catalyst will focus on strategically expanding CIC Catalyst influence and business operations in Japan. As a Project Associate, you will work with all stakeholders involved and will need to coordinate and liaise with all internal and external stakeholders based throughout the CIC network. This includes, but not limited to, expanding our projects to private sectors, creating new innovation clusters for industries across CIC network, expanding CIC Catalyst’s market access services to new industries and the East Asian market, creating new innovation products and services that can scale throughout CIC network. Potential responsibilities will include: Project Support & Coordination - Assist in the development and management of project plans, timelines, and budgets to support successful project delivery. - Support the definition of project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders. - Help monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and assist in implementing strategies to keep projects on track. Client Support & Relationship Building - Assist in drafting plans for new projects and support proposals to potential clients. - Serve as a support point of contact for clients, ensuring clear communication and understanding of project objectives. - Help build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in technology companies and government agencies. - Participate in regular meetings with clients to review project status and assist in addressing concerns. Team Collaboration & Learning - Collaborate with project teams, including internal consultants and external partners, to support project objectives. - Contribute to a collaborative work env