Country Manager

• Lead implementation and periodic review of ACF's South Africa Strategy
• Translate strategy into actionable, budgeted implementation plans with measurable outcomes
• Coordinate with thematic leads to ensure coherence, integration, and cross-programme learning
• Ensure effective use of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning frameworks across the country programme, grants, and projects
• Build and manage strategic relationships with government institutions, civil society, community organisations, research institutions, labour unions, and the private sector
• Represent ACF on high-level platforms, policy forums, and multi-stakeholder dialogues in South Africa and globally
• Support South Africa's engagement in international climate diplomacy, multilateral forums, and bilateral partnerships
• Foster knowledge-sharing, South-South partnerships, and exchanges with Global South counterparts
• Set grant-making priorities and guide grant design, review, and implementation
• Work with the Grants team on quality control and compliance across the grant portfolio
• Support fiscally hosted entities and incubated initiatives in South Africa
• Support fundraising, identify funding opportunities, contribute to donor proposals, and engage donors
• Ensure timely, high-quality reporting to donors and internal governance bodies
• Supervise and provide strategic guidance to the South Africa Programme team
• Mentor team members and contribute to professional development
• Coordinate across Programme, MEL, Grants, Finance, and Communications teams
• Foster a high-performance, collaborative, inclusive, and equitable team culture
• Oversee research and analysis on climate and development in South Africa
• Position ACF as a trusted thought leader through advocacy and communications
• Advise the Senior Management Team on in-country developments, risks, and opportunities
• Undertake other relevant responsibilities as required by the Head of Programmes or Senior Management Team

• Master’s degree in Economics, Environmental Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, or related field
• 10 years’ experience across several of: climate change, just energy transition, project finance, project preparation, green industrialisation, climate adaptation and resilience, or energy transition policy
• 5 years’ experience in managerial or supervisory capacity, with demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplinary teams
• Deep familiarity with South Africa's just transition landscape, key government institutions, civil society actors, and the philanthropic funding environment
• Demonstrated experience working on or supporting government institutions, donors, or private sector actors in policy or programme development in the South African context
• Experience with fiscal hosting, institutional capacity building, or supporting government-linked entities is a strong advantage
• Proven track record of strategy design, grant management, partnership development, and stakeholder engagement at senior levels
• Familiarity with 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 skills, with the ability to navigate complex political and institutional landscapes
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (verbal and written)
• Fluency in English; additional South African official languages are an advantage
• High levels of professionalism, integrity, and diplomatic acumen
• Ability to work independently while managing cross-functional teams and senior stakeholder relationships
• Genuine commitment to ACF's mission and Africa's climate and development transition
• Legal right to work in the country where based

• Remote working will be considered for candidates based in South Africa
• 12-month contract, renewable based on mutual agreement