Senior Program Associate

Job Title:       Senior Program Associate              

Reports to:    Head, South Africa Office,

Location:      Cape Town, South Africa  

Contract:      Full Time, Hybrid (office / home based) 

Updated:      June 2025

About CPI

CPI is an analysis and advisory organization with deep expertise in finance and policy. Our mission is to help governments, businesses, and financial institutions drive economic growth while addressing climate change. CPI has six offices around the world in Brazil, India, Indonesia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. CPI is known as a leader in tracking sustainable investment trends, identifying innovative business models, and supporting the solutions that can drive the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient, inclusive economy. We are unique in our focus on finance, our ability to get the right people to the table, and our analytical rigor.

Position Summary

Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) offers a dynamic and challenging environment that values independent thinking, collaboration, and pragmatic problem-solving. We are seeking a Senior Program Associate to contribute to the delivery of high-impact work focused on advancing strategic reforms, innovative financial instruments, and new business models related to the international financial architecture (IFA). The goal is to more effectively channel both existing and new climate finance to emerging markets, with a primary focus on Southern Africa, and broader engagement across other African countries and regions.

Under the supervision of the Head of CPI’s South Africa Office, the Senior Program Associate will conduct rigorous, multidisciplinary analysis—drawing from macroeconomics, public policy, finance, and international development. Their work will inform and support CPI’s initiatives and publications that aim to drive meaningful reform and the deployment of breakthrough financial solutions.

The role involves close collaboration with a range of domestic and international stakeholders, including policymakers, financial institutions, and corporate partners, as well as CPI teams across global offices.

For more information on CPI recent work on IFA, please see this link.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Includes the following and others as assigned:

• Identify opportunities to develop and consolidate work streams and lead development of funding proposals under guidance of senior management
• Lead the writing and editing of high-quality CPI products, including full reports, proposals, executive summaries, blogs, and presentations. Produce high-quality materials that are fit for purpose, on time, and within budget
  
• Perform rigorous quantitative and qualitative evaluation of national and international climate finance flows, needs, mechanisms, and policies
  
• Have primary responsibility for projects as designated by, and under the direction of senior management and ad-hoc advisory committees, develop, manage, and implement complex research assignments and analytical projects
  
• Train, manage and provide guidance to junior staff on professional work practices and lead by example
  
• Engage clients, advise policymakers and investors on the implications of research findings
  
• Communicate and collaborate with CPI staff working around the globe
  

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• A commitment to CPI’s mission and values
  
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, or another related degrees.  Post-graduate degree desirable.
  
• At least four years of professional experience in financial services, management consulting, analytical non-profits, government, a multilateral institution and/or economic-focused organisation.
  
• Understanding of climate finance and the financial sector actors and actions that are crucial to driving a low carbon, climate-resilient economy
  
• Understanding of international financial reforms including the role of multilateral and national development banks, and macroeconomic principles as they relate to climate finance.
• Demonstrated strong writing skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and persuasively, coupled with advanced skills in Excel, including data analysis, visualization, and the use of formulas and functions for efficient data management.
• Ability to manage and engage stakeholders from all parts of the financial sector
  
• Excellent project management skills including time management, task delegation and prioritization, and communication skills
  
• An ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Proficiency in English , with strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with stakeholders and manage documentation in those languages

Beneficial:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field in Finance and or related field. 
  
• Experience in climate finance
• Experience with financial databases
  
• Understanding of various financial mechanisms, including guarantees, debt instruments, blended finance, and de-risking mechanisms, and their application in mobilizing climate finance 
  
• Previous background and experience in climate policy sectors
  

 Competencies & Personal Attributes 

• Independent, analytical mind with a track record of applying sound financial, political and strategic judgment to complex issues
  
• Flexibility, professionalism, enthusiasm for working as part of a team, and an ability to interact with a diverse array of people
  
• Strong attention to detail, organization, time management, and prioritization skills, and an ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines

Position details

CPI is recruiting for one full-time position in our South Africa office. 

Candidates must have the existing right to live and work in South Africa. CPI is currently unable to offer work permits / visas for this key role. 

CPI has adopted a flexible working policy whereby staff are able to mix working remotely with days in the office (particularly helpful for interacting with the wider CPI team, specific team meetings and collaboration).

To apply

Please attach your CV/resume (no longer than 2 pages) plus a compelling covering letter outlining why you want to work at CPI and how your skills and experience align to the position.  Application deadline is 9am (GMT), Monday 14th July 2025. 

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Please add [email protected] to your contact list to ensure delivery of all correspondence from us.

Climate Policy Initiative is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we are working to embed DEI across every facet of our organization. We seek to establish a working environment where all board members, staff, volunteers, and contractors feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability, education, or any other bias. We want to create an inclusive culture where all forms of diversity are openly valued as critical to the success of our organization and the achievement of our mission and vision.

If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. We will then work with you to identify the best way to assist you through the recruitment process.