Background
C40 is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s 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 a science-based and people-focused approach to help the world limit global heating to 1.5°C 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.
C40’s 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. C40’s three core strategic funders are Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Children’s 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.
Inclusive Climate Action Programme
There is no climate justice without social justice, and action at the city level is critical to achieve both. The C40 Inclusive Climate Action (ICA) Program support cities in developing and delivering local climate policies and initiatives that drive mitigation and adaptation, co-designed in an inclusive way, addressing structural inequalities and delivering equitable impacts that support climate justice while advocating for global and national change that allows cities to go further in achieving a just transition.
The ICA programme delivers a number of strategic services to cities:
● Direct assistance - Dedicated support, guidance and policy advice to support planning and implementation of climate action that is inclusive and fair, ensures a just transition and builds resilience for underserved communities.
● Peer to peer learning - Spurring innovation by connecting city officials through tailored learning spaces to share best practices and challenges in delivering multi-stakeholder, inclusive, climate solutions at local level.
● Global leadership - Supporting mayors and city decision makers with diplomacy and leadership guidance to increase city visibility, unlock support and inspire others to act on key climate justice issues through global and national forums.
● Thought Leadership - Developing global research and policy/data analysis to support policy-making in cities that address new and emerging challenges.
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 experience. If 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.
Position Description:
The successful intern will support the ICA team with the monitoring and evaluation of the ICA programme, as well as supporting the delivery of ICA knowledge production and dissemination, and ICA at the 2025 World Mayors Summit. This will involve supporting with keeping track of programme learnings, insights, outcomes and data and translating these into the supportive, communicable knowledge documents necessary to promote the programme internally and externally, as well as supporting the team to organize and deliver programme activities.
If selected, the intern will have the opportunity to develop skills and understanding in a range of subject areas, gaining valuable experience working with international colleagues in a fast-paced and exciting global organization.
Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the role will include:
● Supporting the team with coordination and event management of a number of important C40 milestone events, including the 2025 World Mayors Summit.
● Supporting with the monitoring and evaluation process for the ICA programme objectives (eg. supporting the team to meet reporting deadlines and keeping track of programme progress, risks, lessons and engagement.)
● Supporting with the knowledge management and dissemination of ICA team resources. Including but not limited to:
o Supporting the development and maintenance of ICA content on C40 communications platforms
o Conducting a stock-take and update of ICA resources already developed o Developing a checklist for developing ICA resources
o Developing a mix of case studies that showcase climate actions cities have taken, where ICA approaches and actions could be improved
o Supporting the team where needed on any knowledge product and policy brief development and dissemination that will support the positioning of mayors within targeted campaigns and communication instances; as well as demonstrating cities delivering a green new deal in action
● Supporting the ICA team to organize and deliver programme activities relating to inclusive climate action, climate and migration and good green jobs (e.g. developing presentations for internal or external use and other communications materials, supporting in the development, coordination and delivery of workshops and events)
● Assisting the ICA team in contracting and procurement where necessary. ● Support coordination and collaboration with all relevant C40 teams.
● Other duties as assigned.
Person Specification:
Essential:
● Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject.
● Passionate about driving ambitious climate action and working with cities. Background and understanding of Green New Deal and Just Transition concepts is an asset.
● Experience or knowledge of coordinating projects and delivering administrative and logistical support.
● Strong problem-solving and interpersonal capabilities coupled with an outcome, delivery-oriented approach required.
● Strong written and verbal communication skills, including knowledge and understanding of concise, effective communication and development of presentations, briefing documents, etc, with the ability to relay the ‘big picture’.
● Strong technical knowledge of online communications systems, and willingness to trial and learn new technologies/software.
● Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple projects with competing deadlines.
● Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
● Proactive self-starter with ability to work independently.
● Personal commitment to protecting the environment.
● Fluency in English is required; additional languages are a benefit.
Desirable:
● Master’s degree in a relevant subject.
● Experience supporting the organisation of international events.
● International experience, particularly working across different cultures, languages and time zones.
● Experience in compiling resources for cities.
Other Requirements:
Applicants must already have the right to work in the location they are applying in.
Reporting To: Project Officer, Inclusive Climate Action Programme
Term: Fixed Term till 31st Jan 2026
Location: London & Johannesburg - 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: Intern GBP £30,209 , ZAR 180,000 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.
Application Process:
To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae and cover letter.
The closing date for applications is on Tuesday 2nd September 2025 at 5pm BST. C40 reserves the right to close this job opening before the closing date for applications, so please submit applications early.
To learn more about the work of C40 and our cities, please visit www.c40.org, follow us on Twitter @c40cities, and like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/C40Cities.
For any queries about the role, please contact [email protected]
C40 is an equal opportunity employer.