All Things Urban

C40 connects more than 90 of the world’s greatest cities. It is focused on tackling climate change and driving urban action that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks, while increasing the health, wellbeing and economic opportunities of urban citizens.

C40 is establishing a Clean Construction Programme to address the emissions from this important sector, which contributes 23% of the total CO2 emissions produced by global economic activities. Recent C40 research shows that construction materials and supply chains used in buildings and infrastructure in cities is also the single largest source of consumption-based emissions (i.e. embodied carbon). The construction and design of new buildings, as well as transport and other infrastructure, has a huge effect on both embodied and in-use carbon. Construction sites themselves are a source of air pollutants and CO2 emissions from machinery and equipment. There is significant opportunity for cities to influence these emissions through strategies including public procurement, planning and building controls.

The successful candidate will be a quick learner who thrives in dynamic environments, skilled at managing a diverse portfolio and drawing out the links between different areas. They will be adept at connecting people and organisations around a shared purpose, with an ability to persuasively combine political and technical arguments. They will be methodical in driving timely delivery, coupled with strong strategic thinking.

The programme manager will be responsible for shaping and delivering the overarching aims of the programme: establishing evidence and accelerating the impact of city leadership on clean construction; engaging industry leaders; and helping shift the market for low/zero emission construction equipment and materials. The longer term aim is to develop detailed roadmaps in leading cities for integration in Climate Action Plans that can serve as models for others to learn from. C40 will then look to share and scale the lessons learned within C40 cities and beyond.

This is a cross-sectoral programme. The programme manager will manage multiple work streams, which will be directed by more than one manager. Although they will be hosted and line-managed in C40’s Energy and Buildings team, they will need to work effectively across the organisation with the Air Quality, Transportation and Urban Planning, and Waste thematic programmes. They will also work closely with C40’s Measurement & Planning, Consumption, and Business and Innovation programmes.

• Conduct a mapping exercise to establish efforts of leading cities to address clean construction to date, reviewing current and forthcoming research, documenting the environmental and business case for action, and identifying where further research is needed.
• Support C40 engagement in strategic partner initiatives related to clean construction, working especially closely with WorldGBC’s Advancing Net Zero initiative.
• Establish the C40 Clean Construction Forum, a working group of interested C40 cities to support city peer-to-peer learning and test approaches to move towards zero emission construction sites, buildings and infrastructure, as well as generate political buy-in and demonstrate leadership.
• Organise webinars and other virtual interactions for city peer-to-peer best practice exchange on clean construction.
• Convene in-person meetings of the C40 Clean Construction Forum with industry leaders and suppliers to help advance city efforts and explore partnerships.
• Manage knowledge produced by this program, including capturing information to share with cities which particularly focuses on engaging senior decision makers in cities around the clean construction opportunity.
• Work with cities to identify the best way to use their collective power and political clout to demonstrate and aggregate demand to help shift the market.
• Manage a programme officer and team budget.
• Work with the fundraising team to secure long-term funding for this program.

• Experience developing and implementing programmes or strategy required, preferably through working in or with city governments; an understanding of political priorities for city decision-makers also required.
• Working knowledge of at least one of the topics within clean construction described above, and a demonstrated aptitude for quick learning to manage a programme spanning diverse topics.
• Proven track record of working collaboratively and effectively with major global partners, such as NGOs, the corporate sector and funders.
• Strong problem-solving, interpersonal and strategic thinking capabilities coupled with an outcome, delivery-oriented approach required.
• International experience required, particularly working across different cultures, languages and time zones.
• Fluency in English essential; fluency in another language spoken in a C40 city preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills essential, including proven ability to facilitate in- person workshops as well as virtual meetings or webinars.
• Experience in developing, delivering and reporting on funding agreements, including contract and budget management.

Applicants must already have the right to work in the United Kingdom. Some planned travel will be required as part of the role. Three essential events are anticipated over the year, with other ad hoc opportunities to be considered at the discretion of the successful candidate.

Fixed Term Contract– 15 months (with possibility of extension, if further funding is secured)

£ 48,844

We’re not fully sure whether this role is open to international candidates. If you would need visa sponsorship or work authorisation, we recommend checking directly with the employer before applying.