Senior Manager, Regional Engagement -GCOM Cities

Background
Over the next two years C40 Cities and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) along with key partners in Brazil will be working in strategic partnership to deliver a program of work funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies to accelerate the implementation of climate action across Brazilian cities. The program aims to unlock delivery at scale by identifying and preparing high-impact finance-ready urban climate projects while strengthening the multilevel partnerships and institutional frameworks that support long-term transformation. It combines on-the-ground implementation with targeted support to multilevel governance leveraging Brazils growing climate ambition and the opportunity presented by COP30 in Belm.

This initiative will engage many cities across Brazil supporting them to move from planning to action through data-driven project identification readiness assessments and capacity-building. At least 20 priority actionsparticularly in sustainable transport and wastewill be prepared for implementation with a strong focus on financial viability social inclusion and emissions impact. These efforts will be complemented by cross-cutting strategies on climate budgeting just transition and strengthened data ecosystems. Working in close coordination with federal actors and national city networks the program will create the enabling conditions for long-term replicable investment in urban climate solutions across Brazil.

Alongside implementation the program will leverage Brazils leadership in global climate diplomacy to elevate city voices strengthen and establish a model of multilevel coordination for other countries and integrate local action into the international climate agendas. With COP30 in Belm the initiative brings visibility to the urban Amazon supporting practical solutions in cities facing deep socio-economic and environmental challenges. It will also showcase CHAMP in action using Brazils COP30 Presidency and co-chair role in the NDC Partnership to promote the inclusion of subnational contributions in NDCs. By advancing Climate Federalism and amplifying mayoral leadershipespecially from the Amazonthe program aims to inspire globally just inclusive and locally driven climate action.

The Brazil Program is a strategic partnership between C40 Cities and the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM) funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies to accelerate the implementation of climate action across Brazilian cities. The program aims to unlock delivery at scale by identifying and preparing high-impact finance-ready urban climate projects while strengthening the institutional frameworks that support long-term transformation. It combines on-the-ground implementation with targeted support to federal and multilevel governance leveraging Brazils growing climate ambition and the opportunity presented by COP30 in Belm.

Over the next two years the program will engage at least 50 cities supporting them to move from planning to action through data-driven project identification readiness assessments and capacity-building. At least 20 priority actionsparticularly in sustainable transport and wastewill be prepared for implementation with a strong focus on financial viability social inclusion and emissions impact. These efforts will be complemented by cross-cutting strategies on climate budgeting just transition and strengthened data ecosystems. Working in close coordination with federal actors and national city networks the program will create the enabling conditions for long-term replicable investment in urban climate solutions across Brazil.

Alongside implementation the program will leverage Brazils leadership in global climate diplomacy to elevate city voices strengthen and establish a model of multilevel coordination for other countries and integrate local action into the international climate agendas. With COP30 in Belm the initiative brings visibility to the urban Amazon supporting practical solutions in cities facing deep socio-economic and environmental challenges. It will also showcase CHAMP in action using Brazils COP30 Presidency and co-chair role in the NDC Partnership to promote the inclusion of subnational contributions in NDCs. By advancing Climate Federalism and amplifying mayoral leadershipespecially from the Amazonthe program aims to inspire globally just inclusive and locally driven climate action.

Position Description

The Senior Manager Regional Engagement - GCoM will be a key member of the GCoM Secretariat and will contribute to the Latin America Regional Team. The role will focus on providing support to the Head of Engagement in ensuring the delivery of the Brazil Program (hereafter referred to as the Program) is aligned with the 2026-2028 GCoM Strategic Plan - helping deliver GCoMs strategic and programmatic priorities across the region and particularly with the GCoM amazon cities in Brazil while also making sure to align engagement efforts with C40 cities.

This role will be based in Brazil but it will be crucial in coordinating and strengthening city relationships across the region managing regional communications and ensuring alignment between GCoMs global initiatives and city needs under the guidance of the Head of Engagement.

The Senior Manager will work closely with amazon cities in Brazilto advance inclusive impactful and multi-level climate action. This role requires strong project management stakeholder engagement and strategic coordination skills. It will involve close collaboration with municipal leaders institutional partners technical consultants and internal C40/GCoM teams.

Key Responsibilities

National and City Engagement:

• Support the Head of Engagement in steering and overseeing programmatic engagement activities institutionalizing and employing a coordinated approach to engage both GCoM and C40 cities across Brazil including in the Amazon region.
• Support the process to enable additional city commitments to the GCoM alliance and disseminate guidance and information on the opportunities available to GCoM signatories in conjunction with existing Regional Covenant staff.
• Support the Head of Engagement in maintaining regular engagement with federal and subnational authorities and fostering the participation of cities in federal climate programs to strengthen subnational climate leadership and collaboration.
• Support steering partners (e.g. FNP ABM ICLEI SAMS etc.) engagement with cities in the Green and Resilient Model Cities Project.
• Support disseminating climate action best practices to Program cities.

Project Implementation & City Support:

• Oversee implementation of the Green and Resilient Model Cities Project in 13 Amazonian cities in coordination with existing teams and partner engagements building on progress-to-date.
• Support the usage impact and feedback on the AI-powered climate action planning platform.
• Coordinate a pilot program inclusive and evidence-driven climate governance - led by the Head of Engagement - in five amazon cities to improve planning and implementation.
• Manage technical assistance contracts related to climate action plan development and/or structuring of projects on Transport and Waste.

Monitoring Learning & Adaptation:

• Capture lessons learned and city feedback to inform platform improvements and future deployments.
• Promote internal learning and cross-team knowledge sharing within C40 and GCoM.

Stakeholder & Partner Engagement:

• Lead Amazon-focused outreach and engagement with municipal stakeholders and institutional partners (e.g. DUSA Coalition ICLEI SAMS).
• Maintain strong coordination with EU and Bloomberg Global Secretariats teams to ensure strategic alignment and visibility.
• Build partnerships with local universities and innovation hubs.

Operational & Logistical Support:

• Support the Head of Engagement with operational needs across Brazils CHAMP strategy.
• Prepare briefings presentations and communication materials.
• Assist with planning and execution of meetings site visits and event logistics related to the Amazon agenda.

Person Specification

Essential:

• At least 5 years of experience in Amazon-related knowledge and action areas (e.g. climate biodiversity forest protection urban development governance or stakeholder engagement).

• Strong knowledge of urban climate action policy and governance in Brazil.
• University degree in Public Policy Urban Planning Climate Policy Environmental Engineering International Relations Economics or a related field.
• Proven experience working with Amazonian stakeholders (e.g. local governments NGOs civil society).
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with funders and partners including NGOs philanthropic institutions and international organizations.
• Strong strategic thinking problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and spoken communication in both Portuguese and English.
• Comfortable working in a matrixed and remote environment.
• Committed to equity diversity and inclusive climate action.
• Based in or willing to work from the Amazon region.
  

Desirable:

• Proven experience working directly with Amazonian municipalities or states.
• Experience implementing projects in the Amazon with NGOs government or private sector.
• Familiarity with Brazils national climate programs such as PAC PCVR PLANARO and CHAMP pathways.

• Experience in managing events and communication requests.

Other Requirements:

Applicants must already have the right to work in the listed locations. Moderate travel will be required as part of the role.

Reporting To: Head of Engagement Brazil

Term: Fixed term contract until 31 May 2027 (The appointment and the duration of the role are subject to the final approval of funding)

Location: Brazil - 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 3) (IC) USD $76745 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.

Please note that this is a consultancy opportunity therefore the successful individual will be liable to pay their own taxes in accordance with relevant legislation in Brazil.

Application Process:

To apply please submit a curriculum vitae and cover letter.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 1st September at 5.00pm BST. C40 reserves the right to close this job opening before the closing date for applications so please do submit applications early.

To learn more about the work of C40 and our cities please visit follow us on Twitter @c40cities and like us on Facebook at any queries about the role please contact. Kindly note that this email address is for recruitment related queries only. We are unable to accept CVs and cover letters sent to this inbox. We can only accept and process applications that are submitted via our website.

C40 is an equal opportunities employer.

About The Global Covenant of Mayors For Climate & Energy

The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM or Global Covenant) is a global coalition of cities and local governments with a shared long-term vision of promoting and supporting voluntary action to combat climate change and move to a low-carbon resilient society. The alliance unites and inspires its stakeholders to strengthen global climate coherence accelerate the energy transition and generate locally-tailored solutions for a common purpose: creating an inclusive just low-emission and climate-resilient future for all.

Co-chaired by former New York City Mayor and UN Secretary-Generals Special Envoy for Climate Ambition and Solutions Michael R. Bloomberg and European Commission Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal Frans Timmermans and with the support of global and regional city networks the Global Covenant of Mayors represents the strongest and clearest signal to national governments that cities are not only acting to stop the effects of climate change they are leading and leading together. Mayors from across all global regions serve on the Board and represent city networks Regional Covenants and bring locally specific perspectives ensuring that the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy is truly led by mayors.

C40 Cities is the fiscal sponsor of the Bloomberg Philanthropies funded parts of the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM). As the host organization C40 provides financial administrative and operational services to GCoM. C40 and GCoM are working closely together on aligned programmes and areas of activity.

About C40 Cities

C40 is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the worlds 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 ascience-based and people-focused approachto help the world limit global heating to 1.5C 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.

C40s 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. C40s three core strategic funders are Bloomberg Philanthropies the Childrens 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.

Diversity Statement

C40 is committed to supporting and promoting equity and diversity and creating an inclusive working environment for everyone. We believe that when people with different life experiences are involved in decision-making we deliver better.

We believe having a diverse workforce ensures we connect better with all the different communities and people affected by the climate crisis. This enables us to make better decisions which lead to better outcomes in the work we do through increased creativity productivity greater global impact alongside a broader perspective and approach to our work.

We welcome applicants who are diverse in terms of age gender identity sexual orientation physical or mental ability ethnicity and perspective. Our goal is for C40 to be an environment where everyone from any background can flourish and can be themselves whilst contributing to our mission. If you identify as a person with a disability we work to provide reasonable appropriate measures and any additional support needed to provide an equitable working you are living with a disability chronic illness or neurodiversity please inform us to provide you with the proper assistance in the application process.

C40 promotes a work culture where staff can input to improve equity diversity and inclusion through staff-led groups and formal forums. We know that creating our ideal working environment is a learning process and we are committed to the ongoing effort.