Technical Lead, Ports & Shipping Finance

BackgroundC40 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 400+ staff is based in offices in London, in New York, Johannesburg, Singapore, Delhi, Rio de Janeiro, Copenhagen, Beijing and Paris, and individual staff based across 25+ different locations.The strategic direction of the organisation is determined by an elected Steering Committee of C40 mayors, which is chaired by Mayor Sadiq Khan of London and Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown. Three-term Mayor of New York City Michael R. Bloomberg serves as President of the C40 Board of Directors, responsible for operational oversight. A regionally diverse 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 and Realdania.Our international staff work with the C40 network under the leadership of city governments to deliver this mission. Using a data-driven approach, our team identifies and promotes the exchange of proven programmes and policies developed by cities; provides world-class research, technical expertise and access to key partners to deliver new programmes and policies with cities; and communicates cities’ individual achievements and collective leadership.Position Description:The Technical Lead for Ports & Shipping Finance will hold responsibility for developing, supporting, and implementing C40’s finance support related to decarbonising ports and shipping.The role will develop and manage relationships, knowledge products, events, and activities aimed at increasing the supply of finance available to support green ports. They will lead capacity building efforts, which will include managing a working group, identifying data and technical assistance needs, addressing information gaps related to finance among all stakeholders, defining innovative business models and opportunities, and ensuring timely and authoritative advisory support is available. The role will also have a connector function, ensuring relevant stakeholders from financial institutions, governments, port authorities, maritime industry actors, and others have support in problem-solving issues around port/shipping decarbonisation and implementing financial solutions.The postholder will be an exceptional and experienced project manager, with exemplary organisational skills and experience in project development, coordination, reporting, and partnership building and, preferably with experience working across multiple geographies in a matrix work structure on large programs.Responsibilities: Role responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:Workstream Development & Project ManagementLead the advancement and delivery of the port city finance workstream in line with the programme workplan and funder deliverablesEngage with relevant staff in the City Finance and Ports & Shipping Programme to set up work plans, set goals, identify procurement needs and establish project milestones.Regular coordination with other C40 teams, including Regional Teams, Air Quality, Climate Budgeting, Transportation, Resilience, and Air Quality.Together with consultants, deliver ongoing deliverables related to the Sustainability Linked Loans (SLL) framework for ports and cities.Engage with member cities and ports to integrate their priorities in the workManage the budget for the workstream, including tracking invoices and payments with consultants and contractorsWorkshop engagementParticipate in global shipping and finance events on behalf of the Ports & Shipping teamKnowledge Management & ReportingLead knowledge production for the workstream. This includes managing peer-to-peer activities such as the working group, and coordinating the creation of knowledge products (e.g., studies), to ensure program learnings are transferred across cities supported by the Ports & Shipping Programme and beyond.Prepare and share the regular updates of city delivery projects to highlight successes of the Programme to key internal and external stakeholders, including partners and funders.Lead strategic sessions with relevant staff to share lessons learned across projects, manage shared delivery risks and improve processes on a regular basis.Person Specification:Experience related to climate finance and the maritime sector including ports, shipping, and related industriesDemonstrable project management experience, including oversight of concurrent activities, invoicing and budgets, and consultantsExperience developing, managing, and implementing strategic projects required, preferably through working in or with financial institutions, city governments, port authorities, energy utilities, consultancies, or related entities.Strong abilities to work with others, both as a facilitator and an agenda driver with a highly collaborative approach to problem solvingExperience with business case development, financial modelling and/or quantitative analysis in relation to climate change is highly desirableAbility to work with a range of stakeholders, including banks, non-bank financial institutions, capital markets authorities, microfinance institutions, government officials, project investors, etc.Proactive, independent, structured, and strategic thinker with a collaborative mindset.Ability to work with a global and remote team, with experience leading a virtual team and projects preferred. Willingness to work across time zones with a flexible work arrangement.Familiarity with working in a matrix environment across internal teams is a strong asset.Superior organisational skills and acute attention to detail.Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential. English fluency required.Other Requirements:Applicants must already have the right to work in the country where they apply. Moderate travel will be required as part of the role.We seek to recruit individuals who not only have the appropriate skills and experience for the role, but are committed to carrying out their roles in line with our organisational values.Reporting To: Director, City FinanceTerm: Fixed Term until 31 December 2026Location: Denmark, South Africa, UK & US - Please note that if your right to work in one of the listed locations is not confirmed at the time of applying, C40 will be unable to proceed with your application. Salary: (Grade 2) Denmark DKK 806,914, South Africa ZAR 1,358,208, UK GBP £75,419 & US USD $125,419 gross per annum - Due to its commitment to maintain equity and fairness, C40 operates on a spot salary model. This means that our employees are paid the same salary according to their grade and location. Application Process:To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae and Cover letter. The closing date for applications is on Thursday, 6th November 2025 at 5pm GMT. C40 reserves the right to close this job opening before the closing date for applications, so please submit applications early.To learn more about the work of C40 and our cities, please visit www.c40.org, follow us on Twitter @c40cities, and like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/C40Cities.For any queries about the role, please contact careers@C40.orgC40 is an equal opportunity employer.