Programme Officer – Transport (Africa)

Background
The African Climate Foundation (ACF) is the first and only African-led climate change re-granting organisation on the continent. Through a combination of grant making, fellowships, transformational research, technical assistance, coalition building and advocacy the ACF seeks to support interventions at the nexus of climate change, and development that have the greatest potential to deliver long-term socio-economic transformation and inclusive development. ACF also provides Fiscal Hosting (also called Fiscal Sponsorship) services to support emerging and mission aligned organisations and initiatives.

About the Transport Programme

The ACF Transport Programme supports an African-led transition to clean, safe, affordable and accessible transport. It works on the policy, finance and public support needed to move people and goods more sustainably, and treats electric mobility as one part of a wider shift that also covers public and popular transport such as buses and minibus taxis. Working with governments, financial institutions, civil society, research partners and the private sector, the programme combines grant-making, technical assistance, research, convening and advocacy. It also collaborates with partners and global initiatives, so that African priorities shape how transport systems are planned and financed.

Purpose

Reporting to the Transport Programme Manager, the Programme Officer will work closely with the Senior Programme Officer and Programme Manager to deliver the Africa Transport strategy. This role is suited to a dynamic, early-career professional with strong research, coordination, and communication skills, and a passion for mobility and sustainable transport.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Strategy and Implementation

• Support the Senior Programme Officer and Programme Manager in the day-to-day implementation of the Transport Strategy.
• Assist in coordinating country workplans, tracking deliverables, and ensuring alignment with broader strategic objectives.
• Monitor political and advocacy landscapes in priority countries, providing updates on developments that may impact the Campaign’s goals.

Grant-Making

• Processing grantee administration and assisting with contracting queries.
• Managing grantee processes, and scheduling calls and drafting reports for the team’s review.
• Undertake stakeholder mapping to identify needs and inform the ACF’s grantmaking strategy as required.
• Work closely with the ACF’s grant making team to develop and manage the grant making portfolio, including reviewing grant requests, drafting board recommendations, providing support on contracting and MEL, monitoring grantees progress, ensuring delivery against grant agreements and supporting grantees.

Team Administration and Ad Hoc Support

• Help coordinate meetings, events, and stakeholder workshops.
• Take meeting notes, track action items, and support follow-up.
• Assist in drafting social media posts, newsletters, and communications materials related to EV work.
• Provide scheduling and coordination support to the Programme Manager and Senior Programme Officer.
• Contribute to a collaborative, well-organised team culture and support cross-functional collaboration as needed.

Fundraising and reporting

• Support the team with fundraising initiatives, including writing funding proposals, and engaging donors.
• Under the guidance of the Programme Manager ensure timely reporting on ACF progress to donors as required.

Thought Leadership

• Contribute to ACF’s research outputs, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and online content, ensuring high visibility of the Transport initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Communications Team and the Programme Manager to organize events, such as convenings, webinars, and workshops.
• Conduct basic desk research and assist in compiling literature, policy documents, and EV-related news.
• Contribute to the preparation of presentations, briefing notes, talking points, and knowledge products.
• Maintain programme files, databases, and shared documentation systems.
  
• Stay abreast of current developments to inform development and implementation of the programme.
• Contribute to the ACF learning strategy through gathering evidence and lessons learned, and engaging with partners on partnership to gather knowledge.

Requirements include but are not limited to:

• Master’s degree in public policy, environmental studies, development, economics, engineering, political science, or related field.
• At least 1–3 years of relevant professional experience (internships and volunteer roles may count) within a non-profit, philanthropy, think tank, or development organisation.
• Basic knowledge of electric mobility, clean energy, or climate policy.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize information into clear, actionable insights.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Fluency in English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and online collaboration tools (e.g. Google Drive, Zoom, Notion).
• Passion for sustainable development and interest in clean transport and climate solutions.
• Self-starter with a proactive, flexible, and detail-oriented approach.
• Able to travel occasionally for meetings or events.
• Experience working in Africa or with African stakeholders on transport, energy, or climate initiatives.
• Familiarity with electric mobility, urban transport, energy policy, or environmental governance.
• Fluency in French, Portuguese, or other major African languages is a plus.

Start date: Position available immediately.

Location: South Africa. ACF’s operational hub is in Cape Town, South Africa. Remote working will be considered for candidates based on the African continent.

Contract duration: 12 months (renewable based on mutual agreement).
Closing date: 12 November 2026.

Application Details:

• Applicants must have the legal right to work in the country where they are based.

For further information about the ACF, visit www.africanclimatefoundation.org

Should you not hear back from us by 31 December 2026, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.

The ACF strives to be an equitable organisation with a team which reflects the diversity of Africa.

In compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), The ACF assures all applicants that any personal information provided during the recruitment process will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and used solely for recruitment purposes. Your privacy and data security are of paramount importance to us. By applying for this position, you consent to the collection, processing, and storage of your personal information for recruitment-related activities only. The ACF is committed to safeguarding your privacy and maintaining the trust you place in us.