Programme Officer – Electric Mobility (Africa)

Background

The African Climate Foundation (ACF) is the first and only African-led climate change strategic 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.

About the Drive Electric Campaign

The Drive Electric Campaign aims to accelerate the global transition to 100% clean electric transportation for people and goods (incl. cars, trucks, buses, and 2- and 3-wheelers), delivering massive benefits to the climate, health, and the economy. The Campaign advances smart government policies to drive electric vehicle and infrastructure supply and demand, engages business leaders to ensure adequate EV production and investment, and supports diverse people-powered coalitions working to advance a cleaner transportation future.

Electric mobility is a critical lever for reducing emissions and fostering sustainable development across Africa, aligning with ACF’s mission to drive long-term socio-economic transformation.

Purpose

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

Responsibilities include, but not limited to the following:

Strategy Implementation:

• Support the Senior Programme Officer and Programme Manager in the day-to-day implementation of the Drive Electric Africa 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 DEC 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.

Thought Leadership:

• Contribute to ACF’s research outputs, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and online content, ensuring high visibility of the Drive Electric Campaign.
• 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.

Requirements include but not limited to:  

• A Bachelor’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: ACF’s operational hub is in Cape Town, South Africa. Remote work will be considered for candidates based in Africa.

Contract duration: 12 months (renewable based on mutual agreement)

Closing date: 16 June 2025

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

Should you not hear back from us by 31 July 2025, 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.