British High Commission Head of International Climate Finance and UK PACT - Jobs in South Africa

British High Commission Head of International Climate Finance and UK PACT - Jobs in South Africa

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Main purpose of job:
Climate change is one of the most serious threats facing our world. The UK has responded with some of the world’s most ambitious legislation and domestic targets, embedding the green economy in all our industrial, research and growth strategies. Internationally, the UK is one of the most significant contributors to international climate finance and active in pressing for global ambition in line with the 2015 Paris agreement to limit global temperature rise to below 2 degrees.

South Africa is a key strategic partner. 1) The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) between South Africa and the UK, US, France, Germany and the EU (announced at COP26 in Glasgow, November 2021) is all about supporting South Africa in meeting its ambitious NDC commitments, doing so in a just way. 2) As a developing country under UNFCCC, South Africa is dealing with the twin challenges of adapting to, and building resilience against climate impact that is already occurring and increasing; 3) As an influential member of the Africa Group, the G77 +China, G20, BASICS, South Africa is a key player in securing real progress within the UNFCCC negotiation process.

South Africa is both climate vulnerable as an emerging economy, and a significant contributor to global greenhouse emissions. As part of the British Government’s global response to the climate challenge and its commitment to help deliver the aims of the Paris Agreement (UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in 2015), the UK has committed to doubling its ICF offer to £11.6 billion over the next 5 years.

Over £200 million of UK ICF has flowed into South Africa from central funds through International and Development Finance Institutions.UK Partnering for Accelerated Coal Transitions (UK PACT) is a technical assistance programme that supports ODA-eligible countries to reduce their emissions, increase their climate ambition, and accelerate just transitions to clean growth. It is jointly funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and managed by the FCDO.



Roles and responsibilities:

Climate Change Policy, UK PACT Strategy and Stakeholder Management (40%)

Policy and programme lead for the UK PACT programme from design, delivery and oversight.

Shape current and future programmes through a clear understanding of the climate change landscape in South Africa including the political economy, opportunities for advancement of low carbon transition and the country’s demands.

Proactively develop, manage and strengthen the network of UK – South Africa climate contacts, including with the Climate and Energy.

Development community and maintain gap analysis to identify opportunities for unique UK programme support with impact and for collaboration.

Support the Head of Climate Change to develop deeper climate collaboration with South Africa Government at national, provincial and local level. Lead on technical discussions around potential programme support, including on co-design work with Government of future projects.

Identify, analyse and flag policy, technological and commercial developments and risks that could influence the delivery of UK-South Africa climate collaboration.



International Climate Finance (30%)

Lead point of contact for all International Climate Finance programmes leads in London, representing over £200m of UK support. Represent High Commission at board level discussions between London and HQs of third party implementers (IFIs/DFIs), ensuring local political assessment influences the direction of support.

Lead on future programme opportunities: manage strategic stakeholder engagement to deliver real buy-in; and influence the design for maximum impact (both political and practical outcomes).


Corporate (10%)

Line management of ICF Programme Officer.

Lead on coordination of high-level Climate missions to South Africa, identifying opportunities for relevant dialogues to support the development of programmes, as well as supporting the planning and delivery of potential skill-sharing missions between the UK and South Africa

Play an active part in the corporate life of the High Commission (including if necessary as a member of any High Commission Committees) to maximise the overall well-being of staff.


Resources managed:

UK PACT annual budget of circa £5million and

oversight of £200M through ICF.

1 x Executive Officer.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience


We are looking for a proactive self-starter, able to work well and have a flexible approach to work whilst under pressure and excellent interpersonal and communications skills to build strong relations within the High Commission and with a wide range of stakeholders in South Africa, with the following:

University degree, preferably in Environmental Science, Climate, Public Policy or related course

Minimum 5 years of work experience, ideally with climate and/or energy policy insight

Proven track record in complex programme management, preferably with international stakeholders

The ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication and relationship skills

Be a flexible and creative problem-solver, able to come up with innovative solutions to complex problems, and coordinate coherent and compelling programmes and projects

Fluency in written and spoken English

Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to adjust to different audiences

Excellent presentation skills

Team player, driven by values


Language requirements:

Language: English
Level of language required: Fluent


Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Relevant post-graduate course

Solid knowledge of South Africa’s climate change policy, its international commitments and institutional framework

Sound network of contacts in political arena, government, private sector and civil societies

Candidates with prior work experience in International or multilateral programmes will be considered as a plus

Knowledge of low carbon/green sector and awareness of the challenges and opportunities of South Africa’s just transition

Knowledge of financial sector

Knowledge of green hydrogen sector

Knowledge of Electric Vehicle sector

Knowledge of UK climate and energy policy, technology and commercial capabilities, and its global leadership in the subject matter



Other benefits and conditions of employment
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

The High Commission offers a comprehensive induction programme, including but not limited to on the job training, online support, mentoring and coaching and formal classroom based learning.


Additional information

Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.

Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.

The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.

The current legacy DFID Terms and Conditions of Employment will apply to all internal locally employed staff on promotion and new entrants subject to local employment labour law.

All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.

The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to 1. Obtain the relevant permit, 2. Pay fees for the permit, 3.

Make arrangements to relocate & 4. Meet the costs to relocation

The British High Commission does not sponsor visas/work permits except where it may be local practice to do so.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.

Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles

Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.

Current employees (CBS) transferring between departments need to obtain a new police clearance/certificate of good conduct to be successful appointed to the position.

Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application.


How to apply
For more information and job application details, see; British High Commission Head of International Climate Finance and UK PACT Jobs in South Africa

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