Senior Manager, Transport Finance

C40 Cities; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 1 068 000; Full time

Job summary

An international organization in South Africa is seeking a Senior Manager for Transportation Finance to lead efforts in developing business models for zero-emission transportation solutions. The role requires substantial experience in finance and sustainable transport projects. Key responsibilities include managing partnerships and budgets while providing strategic directions to enhance city engagement in climate mitigation. The position comprises a fixed term contract until December 2027, with competitive gross salary options.

Qualifications

• Substantial work experience related to finance and transportation sector.
• Experience developing business models and financing options.
• Demonstrable project management experience with oversight of multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead major areas of the Clean Transportation Finance global portfolio.
• Manage partnerships to increase finance supply for cities.
• Independently manage budgets and key deliverables.

Skills

Experience with municipalities on sustainable transport projects

Project management experience

Strong strategic thinking

Ability to communicate complex content

Fluent in English

Education

Diploma in Finance or related fields

Job description

Position Description

The Senior Manager for Transportation Finance will hold primary responsibility for the transport finance portfolio, supporting C40 and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) cities in developing business models and financing options for zero‑emission transportation solutions. The role focuses on clean bus and freight technologies, with potential expansion to clean air, walking & cycling, public transport improvement, vehicle charging infrastructure, transport resilience and other strategic areas. With an expanding team, the position offers the opportunity to continue the development of a strong global workstream and provide strategic input into maximising city engagement and outcomes in a key sector for climate mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Lead major areas of the Clean Transportation Finance global portfolio to support implementation of the zero‑emission urban transport agenda.
• Lead a range of capacity building and city‑to‑city peer support activities to strengthen city capacity to attract and utilise funding/finance for transportation.
• Develop and manage partnerships aimed at increasing the supply of finance available to cities, including through development of financial innovations.
• Develop and implement existing and new strategic projects, including developing project/fundraising proposals and implementation strategies.
• Work with C40’s Transportation Team, Regional Teams and relevant GCoM teams, as well as directly with cities and transport authorities to identify and address challenges.
• Independently manage budgets and key deliverables, including data and content for written reports, defining technical assistance support, and overseeing consultants.

Person Specification

• Substantial work experience related to finance and the transportation sector, with an emphasis on city finance desirable.
• Experience working with municipalities on sustainable transport projects.
• Diploma in Finance, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Engineering, Climate Policy, International Relations, Economy, or related fields.
• Demonstrable project management experience, including oversight of multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong strategic thinking capabilities coupled with an outcome‑orientated approach.
• Strong abilities to work with others, both as a facilitator and an agenda driver with a highly collaborative approach to problem solving.
• Experience with business case development, financial modelling and/or quantitative analysis of transportation issues desirable.
• Ability to communicate complex content in a compelling manner, coupled with excellent convening and facilitation skills.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written); proficiency in other languages desirable.
• Staff management experience is desirable.

Other Requirements

Applicants must already have the right to work in the location they are applying for. Travel may be required as part of the role.

Reporting To

Director, City Finance Programme

Term

Fixed Term Contract – until 31st December 2027 (subject to final approval of funding).

Location

Brazil & South Africa – please confirm your right to work in one of the listed locations before applying.

Salary

(Grade 3) Brazil (IC) USD 78,740 & South Africa ZAR 1,067,386 gross per annum. C40 operates on a spot salary model, paying the same salary according to grade and location.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and cover letter. The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday, 7th January 2026 at 5pm GMT. C40 reserves the right to close this job opening before the closing date for applications, so please submit applications early.

Diversity Statement

C40 is committed to supporting and promoting equity and diversity and creating an inclusive working environment for everyone. We believe that when people with different life experiences are involved in decision‑making, we deliver better outcomes. We welcome applicants that are diverse in terms of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity and perspective. If you identify as a person with a disability, we work to provide reasonable appropriate measures and any additional support needed to provide an equitable working experience.

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