Programme Director, Adaptation

C40 is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities, who are working to deliver the urgent action needed right now to confront the climate crisis, and create a future where everyone, everywhere can thrive. Mayors of C40 cities are committed to using a science-based and people-focused approach to help the world limit global heating to 1.5°C and build healthy, equitable and resilient communities. Through a Global Green New Deal, mayors are working alongside a broad coalition of representatives from labour, business, the youth climate movement and civil society to go further and faster than ever before.

C40’s team of 250+ staff is headquartered in New York, with offices in London, Joburg, Singapore, Delhi, Rio de Janeiro, Copenhagen, Beijing and Paris, and individual staff based across 25+ different locations, with the Office of the Chair based in Los Angeles.  

The strategic direction of the organisation is determined by an elected Steering Committee of C40 mayors which is chaired by the Mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti. Three-term Mayor of New York City Michael R. Bloomberg serves as President of the C40 Board of Directors, which is responsible for operational oversight. A nine-person management team, led by Executive Director, Mark Watts, leads the day-to-day management of C40. C40’s three core strategic funders are Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and Realdania.

Diversity Statement

At C40, we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment, where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity. We therefore encourage a diverse pool of applicants and welcome applications from all sections of the community and would like to request you to complete the additional questions when applying, to help us monitor our recruitment and selection procedures. Although optional, we encourage you to complete these questions.  For how C40 handles your personal information, please review our Privacy Notice – Recruitment.

C40's Climate Solutions and Networks

C40’s Climate Solutions team oversees five programme areas focused on priority climate action sectors and interventions: Energy and Buildings; Transportation and Planning; Waste, Water and Food; Air Quality; and Adaptation Implementation. Under these programmes, C40 operates more than 15 networks that facilitate city-to-city best practice sharing on a particular climate action area, such as Clean Energy or Zero Emission Vehicles, and support cities to deliver on the mayoral commitments made through C40’s Green & Healthy Streets, Net Zero Carbon Buildings, Advancing Towards Zero Waste, Good Food Cities and Clean Air Cities Declarations. A number of these Global Initiatives programmes and networks also provide technical assistance support to cities, often in conjunction with other C40 teams and programmes.

C40 sectoral/thematic networks help cities replicate, improve and accelerate climate action to meet Paris Agreement goals. These city-only working groups provide for honest knowledge and experience exchange, enabling cities to tap into the global expertise of their peers as well as connect with technical partners. Through networks, cities find opportunities to undertake joint projects in areas of mutual interest and benefit. C40 networks also amplify individual city solutions by providing a global platform for showcasing city successes. The result is that cities' climate actions to reduce GHGs, air pollutants and climate risks are bolder, fairer, more impactful, implemented faster and at a lower cost than if they were to go it alone. No other organization facilitates such deep connections amongst city staff across 50+ countries, 20 time zones and 26 languages to accelerate local action with major global impact.

Position Description

The Programme Director, Adaptation will develop, manage and drive forward C40’s climate adaptation agenda and be responsible for representing C40 externally on the topic. The Programme Director will lead the C40 team responsible for the network activities on Cooling, Heat, Flooding and Water Management, as well as oversee the further development and delivery of C40’s global adaptation strategy.

The candidate will be passionate about supporting mayors and city staff to raise awareness and drive forward key climate adaptation agendas, have strong knowledge on adaptation related matters, combined with a strong network within the global adaptation world.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement C40’s strategy for climate adaptation and water, and lead the delivery and reporting of the C40 Business Plan 2021-2024 on all adaptation & water related aims, objectives and KPIs.
• Manage the C40 Adaptation & Water team and oversee the development of comprehensive workplans to guide the work of the team and the different city networks it operates.
• In collaboration with C40’s regional directors, support C40’s mayors in setting a global climate adaptation leadership agenda and act as effective spokespersons on behalf of the C40 network of cities to promote city interests in the adaptation and water areas.
• Pro-actively collaborate with other C40 teams to more effectively support cities in achieving their goals.
• Serve as a global spokesperson for C40 cities’ on adaptation related matters.
• Develop and manage major partnerships and funders that will direct resources to C40 cities.

Person Specification:

• Substantial knowledge and network in the climate adaptation field.
• Experience working with city leadership and administrations and understanding the conditions for public policy development and implementation.
• Experience developing and implementing adaptation programmes and strategy.
• Strong problem-solving, interpersonal and strategic thinking capabilities coupled with an outcome, delivery-oriented approach.
• Proven track record in working collaboratively and effectively with major global partners, such as NGOs, the corporate sector, funders and multilateral development banks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, possessing a great degree of comfort and experience in public speaking.
• International experience, particularly working across different cultures, languages and time zones.
• Strong English language skills required, as well as fluency in another language, spoken in a C40 city, preferred.
• Advanced degree in relevant discipline (MBA, MPA, MPP) preferred.

Other Requirements:

Applicants must already have the right to work in the country where they apply.  Some travel will be required as part of the role.

Location: 

Johannesburg, Singapore or other C40 City in Asia, Africa or Latin America

Term: 

Indefinite

Salary: 

$81,762 RSA / SGD 104,493

Interested applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and a cover letter.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 2 July 2021. C40 reserves the right to close this job opening before the closing date for applications.