Country Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in South Africa.

📋 Description

• Lead the execution and regular evaluation of ACF's South Africa Strategy.

• Convert strategy into actionable, budgeted plans with measurable results.

• Collaborate with thematic leaders to ensure coherence, integration, and cross-programme learning.

• Guarantee effective utilization of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning frameworks throughout the country programme, grants, and projects.

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with government entities, civil society, community organizations, research institutions, labor unions, and the private sector.

• Represent ACF at high-level platforms, policy forums, and multi-stakeholder dialogues both in South Africa and internationally.

• Assist South Africa's participation in international climate diplomacy, multilateral forums, and bilateral partnerships.

• Promote knowledge-sharing, South-South partnerships, and exchanges with counterparts from the Global South.

• Establish grant-making priorities and oversee grant design, review, and execution.

• Collaborate with the Grants team to ensure quality control and compliance across the grant portfolio.

• Provide support to fiscally hosted entities and incubated initiatives in South Africa.

• Aid in fundraising efforts, identify funding opportunities, contribute to donor proposals, and engage with donors.

• Ensure timely and high-quality reporting to donors and internal governance bodies.

• Supervise and offer strategic direction to the South Africa Programme team.

• Mentor team members and assist in their professional growth.

• Coordinate efforts across Programme, MEL, Grants, Finance, and Communications teams.

• Cultivate a high-performance, collaborative, inclusive, and equitable team culture.

• Oversee research and analysis concerning climate and development in South Africa.

• Position ACF as a credible thought leader through advocacy and communication efforts.

• Advise the Senior Management Team on in-country developments, risks, and opportunities.

• Carry out other relevant responsibilities as assigned by the Head of Programmes or Senior Management Team.

⛳️ Requirements

• Master’s degree in Economics, Environmental Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, or a related field.

• 10 years of experience in areas such as climate change, just energy transition, project finance, project preparation, green industrialization, climate adaptation and resilience, or energy transition policy.

• 5 years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role, demonstrating experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams.

• In-depth knowledge of South Africa's just transition landscape, key government institutions, civil society stakeholders, and the philanthropic funding environment.

• Proven experience working with or supporting government institutions, donors, or private sector entities in policy or programme development within the South African context.

• Experience with fiscal hosting, institutional capacity building, or assistance to government-linked entities is a significant advantage.

• Established track record in strategy design, grant management, partnership development, and engagement with stakeholders at senior levels.

• Understanding of climate finance mechanisms, multilateral development banks, development finance institutions, and innovative finance instruments relevant to the energy transition.

• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to navigate complex political and institutional environments.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (both verbal and written).

• Proficiency in English; knowledge of additional South African official languages is a plus.

• High standards of professionalism, integrity, and diplomatic skills.

• Capability to work independently while managing cross-functional teams and relationships with senior stakeholders.

• Genuine commitment to ACF's mission and Africa's climate and development transition.

• Legal authorization to work in the country of residence.

🏝️ Benefits

• Remote working options will be available for candidates located in South Africa.

• 12-month contract, renewable based on mutual agreement.