Senior Just Transition Specialist

Palladium : Make It Possible; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consulting firm is seeking a Senior Just Transition Specialist in Johannesburg, South Africa. You will provide technical assistance for implementing the Climate Action Plan aligned with climate transition frameworks, ensuring policy alignment with GEDSI strategies. The role requires a postgraduate degree, experience in sustainability, and strong project management skills. The position is full-time from October 2025 to August 2026.

Qualifications

• Proactive, flexible self-starter with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Significant experience in sustainability or climate change within municipal contexts.
• Experience with climate change adaptation and mitigation plans.
• Strong project management and strategic thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the Climate Change and Air Quality Director in Johannesburg.
• Develop strategic approaches for CAP review and stakeholder engagement.
• Conduct CAP review and develop updated versions.
• Assist in developing communication strategies and materials.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Project management

Strategic thinking

Data management

Problem-solving

Team management

Flexibility

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Postgraduate degree in Environmental Science or related field

Tools

MS Excel

Job description

Job Title: Senior Just Transition Specialist

Location: Gauteng, Johannesburg | Deadline: August 30, 2025

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Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• The UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) programme aims to enhance the effectiveness of public, private, and civil society institutions in partner countries to achieve accelerated emission reductions. Since 2022, it has supported the City of Johannesburg in implementing its Climate Action Plan (CAP) aligned with the C40 Cities Climate Transition Framework. The current engagement involves reviewing and updating the CAP to ensure policy alignment with a just transition to a low-carbon economy.
• The selected expert will support the Climate Change and Air Quality Director of the City of Johannesburg’s Climate Change Unit, providing technical assistance for implementation.
• In accordance with UK PACT’s GEDSI (Gender, Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion) strategy, the Senior Just Transition Specialist is expected to complete GEDSI training and assist in developing a GEDSI Action Plan, ensuring alignment with CoJ, C40, and UK PACT guidelines.
• This full-time position is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, from approximately October 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026.

The main activities include:

• Developing the strategic approach for the CAP review process, engaging with provincial and national stakeholders, and establishing review structures.
• Conducting the CAP review and developing an updated version, integrating findings from GHG inventories and risk/vulnerability studies.
• Leveraging stakeholder networks and updating engagement plans, serving as the primary contact for stakeholder coordination and input synthesis.
• Assisting in developing communication strategies and materials, including event content for knowledge sharing.

Required Qualifications:

We seek a proactive, flexible self-starter with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, meeting the following criteria:

• A relevant postgraduate degree (e.g., Environmental Science, Political or Development Studies, Urban Planning, Economics).
• Significant experience in South Africa’s government, business, or NGO sectors related to sustainability or climate change, especially within municipal contexts.
• Experience with climate change adaptation and mitigation plans, strategies, or programs, with an emphasis on GEDSI considerations.
• Strong project management, strategic thinking, and data management skills, including proficiency in MS Excel.
• Proven problem-solving, budgeting, and team management skills, with experience managing third-party teams and multiple tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building, and communication skills in English.
• Stakeholder engagement experience and facilitation of webinars, seminars, and workshops.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and innovation in team leadership and collaboration.