C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group is seeking an experienced Transport Consultant based in South Africa to support the delivery of transport decarbonisation projects across Africa.

Job Title: Transport Consultant Africa
Job Location: South Africa (with travel across African cities)
Closing Date: 3rd July 2026
Contract Duration: 9 months (20 July 2026 – 31 March 2027)

The role involves stakeholder engagement, technical support for zero emission bus and freight initiatives, project management, and identifying funding opportunities to accelerate sustainable mobility in African cities.

The consultant will represent C40 in key meetings, facilitate collaborations, and provide strategic guidance to advance climate-friendly transport solutions aligned with the Paris Agreement.

Key Responsibilities

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

Represent C40 in meetings with city officials, stakeholders, funders, and at networking events.
Develop and manage local stakeholder working groups in key African cities.
Support external partner outreach and foster collaborations.

Project Delivery and Technical Support

Provide technical expertise on transport decarbonisation, focusing on electric buses, freight, and informal transport sectors.
Support delivery of electrification projects in South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and other African cities.
Assist in developing policies, strategies, and recommendations for urban freight and public transport electrification.

Strategic Development and Funding

Identify opportunities for transport decarbonisation across Africa, prioritising buses and freight.
Conduct research on policy landscapes and funding opportunities; identify top-tier funders.
Develop project pitches and proposals to secure funding, including a 2-3 page joint workstream proposal for zero emission freight and buses.

Coordination and Management

Lead and coordinate activities within the Zero Emission Bus and Freight work programmes.
Support the organisation of forums, webinars, and capacity-building activities.
Oversee project timelines, deliverables, and reporting.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Master’s degree in sustainable transport, infrastructure, climate change, or urban development.
Minimum of 5 years’ experience working with city governments, NGOs, financial institutions, and private sector on transport projects.

Proven knowledge of zero emission transport systems, especially electric buses and freight in Africa.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
International experience, with ability to work across cultures and time zones.

Excellent stakeholder relationship-building and communication skills.
Fluency in English.
Willingness to travel within African cities supported by C40 projects.

Desirable Attributes

Experience working in diverse and inclusive environments.
Knowledge of funding landscapes and ability to develop compelling project proposals.
Familiarity with C40’s strategic priorities and policies.

Application Process

Proposals should be submitted by 5 pm SAST on July 3rd, 2026, via email to Caroline Watson (cwatson@c40.org) and Tenele Ndlovu (tndlovu@c40.org).

The submission must include a clear methodology, work plan, budget, relevant experience, and a proposed timeline, not exceeding five pages.

The project is a professional services contract, and costs should be detailed, including travel and expenses (pre-approved by C40). Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or presentations.