Deputy Regional Director, Africa

C40 Cities; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global city network is seeking a Deputy Regional Director for Africa to support cities in achieving their Climate Action plans. This role requires substantive experience in city governance and climate change sectors. The ideal candidate will provide strategic support for member cities, ensure compliance with leadership standards, and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders. Fluency in English is required, and fluency in French is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Substantive experience in city or government administrations.
• Familiarity with senior contacts within cities and NGOs.
• Proven ability to engage with decision makers and stakeholders.
• Extensive management experience with dispersed teams.
• Fluency in English; fluency in French is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Support member city relationships and ensure satisfaction.
• Work with C40 teams for city engagement.
• Assist with compliance to Leadership Standards.
• Support implementation of climate action strategies.
• Facilitate collaboration between cities and partners.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership experience

Climate change knowledge

Experience in government administration

Education

Relevant academic degree (ideally Masters)

Job description

Overview

Job title : Deputy Regional Director, Africa

Job Location : Gauteng, Johannesburg

Deadline : September 17, 2025

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Position Description

The Deputy Regional Director will support the C40 Regional Director and the Steering Committee cities to ensure C40 is responsive and provides effective assistance to its member cities in Africa.

The Deputy Regional Director will work to advance cities’ participation in C40 activities and support the Regional Director in the delivery of specific function of particular importance to the C40 cities in Africa to ensure that they fully comply with the C40 Participation and Leadership Standards and are actively engaged in delivering the C40 Business Plan.

Responsibilities

The C40 Deputy Director for Africa will have the following focus points in close liaison with the Regional Director :

• Support the Regional Director in the work to build and maintain member city relationships and ensure that cities are satisfied with and benefit from their partnership with C40.
• Work with the relevant C40 teams especially the Research, Science and Innovation, City Intelligence, Business, Innovation & Economy teams to leverage a high level of engagement from cities in the region and ensure that they meet the mandatory C40 participation Standards and achieve year-on-year progress.
• Assist the Regional Director with member city compliance to C40 Leadership Standards, in line with the Business Plan and reporting compliance.
• Assist the Regional Director and the C40 Managing Director of Regions in implementing C40’s strategy for Africa including its target to support the region’s cities in developing and implementing robust and ambitious Climate Action plans.
• Support the Regional Director in identifying and facilitating opportunities for cities to collaborate with each other and with partner organisations within the region and globally.
• Support the Regional Director and C40 Communications and Events Teams to engage mayors and city staff and ensure global promotion of C40 cities in Africa.
• Support C40 City Advisers stationed in the member cities in the delivery of their project outcomes in the respective cities.
• And any other duties appropriate to the grade.

Person Specification

• Substantive experience of working in city and / or central government administrations or city and climate change relevant NGO or business sectors.
• Familiarity with a network of senior contacts within cities, current / potential partner organisations, and the Africa national governments.
• Proven ability to engage with decision makers, potential funders and important stakeholders, at a political or executive decision-making level within cities and / or potential organisations in Africa.
• Extensive management / leadership experience, proven skills to support the operation of the team. And ability to create a team environment with a geographically dispersed team.
• Ability to work in an international organization and across regional and cultural boundaries.
• Strong inter-personal skills to manage external and internal stakeholders and relationships.
• Strong technical or policy background in climate change and climate science
• Significant experience in a relevant field connected to climate change and / or sustainable urban development.
• Relevant academic degree ideally at Masters level.
• Fluency in English is a requirement and fluency in French will be a strong advantage.
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