ASCEND is seeking a What Works Climate Solutions Summit 2027 Coordinator to support its involvement in the Summit, which will take place in Cape Town in April 2027.

The Summit will convene researchers, practitioners, funders, policymakers and development actors from around the world to advance evidence-informed climate solutions.

ASCEND will co-host the Summit and help ensure that Global South perspectives, priorities and experience are reflected in the Summit agenda, participant profile, communications and follow-on engagement.

The Coordinator will serve as the operational focal point for ASCEND’s involvement in the Summit, helping ensure its contributions are organised, timely, strategic and clearly communicated.

The role covers administrative coordination, stakeholder engagement, programme support, communications liaison and fundraising support.

Job Summary

Employer: ASCEND
Job Type: Full-time
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
Category: Project Management
Salary: R450,000 – R520,000 annual remuneration package, including benefits
Closing Date: 2026-10-09

Key Responsibilities

Act as the primary coordination point for ASCEND within the Summit organising team.
Respond to requests and enquiries from collaborating partners, including international Summit counterparts.
Coordinate ASCEND inputs into Summit planning processes, meetings and decision-making spaces.
Track actions arising from Summit steering, planning and leadership meetings and ensure timely follow-up.
Support venue-related and operational discussions where required.
Prepare and coordinate ASCEND inputs into Summit themes, agenda development, speaker identification and session planning.
Support co-creation of the Summit programme, including scheduling, thematic sessions, networking and social activities.
Help ensure that the Summit agenda elevates Global South perspectives on climate change and development.
Support priority themes including climate adaptation, loss and damage, and evidence-based climate solutions.
Coordinate consultations and inputs from ASCEND partners.
Supporting identification and engagement of participants, speakers and partners whose expertise aligns with Summit priorities.
Helping ensure participants reflect diverse Global South perspectives and experiences.
Facilitating engagement with researchers, practitioners, donors and policy stakeholders across international networks.
Coordinate communications between ASCEND, other Summit organising partners and communications teams.
Help coordinate and draft content for social media, websites, newsletters, media engagement, news articles and relevant journal or feature opportunities.
Support development and alignment of messages about ASCEND’s role in the Summit.
Ensure communications products and timelines are aligned across partners.
Support documentation of Summit outcomes, lessons and successes.
Supporting fundraising efforts associated with the Summit.
Helping identify and engage potential donors, strategic partners and collaborators.
Coordinating donor engagement opportunities.
Supporting post-Summit discussions with funders and partners.
Contributing to identification of future programme and funding opportunities arising from Summit relationships and outcomes.
Coordinate the capture and dissemination of Summit lessons, outputs and outcomes.
Support development of impact stories, case studies and knowledge products.
Facilitate sharing of Summit outcomes across relevant networks and platforms.
Contribute to post-event reporting and documentation.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in climate change, environmental studies, development studies, international relations, public policy or a related field.
Experience supporting workshops, conferences, multi-stakeholder events or international convenings.
A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in project coordination, programme management, event management, stakeholder engagement or a related administrative coordination role.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Strong organisational and project management skills, including action tracking, scheduling and follow-up.
Experience working across multiple organisations, partners and stakeholder groups.
Ability to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines simultaneously.

Salary

R450,000 – R520,000 annual remuneration package, including benefits

How to Apply

Apply by email: mira.blumberg@uct.ac.za

About the Company

ASCEND is an open source, mathematical modelling chemical process modelling system developed at Carnegie Mellon University since late 1978. ASCEND is an acronym which stands for Advanced System for Computations in Engineering Design. Its main uses have been in the field of chemical process modelling although its capabilities are general.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a Project Coordinator role at a summit like this in Zimbabwe?

Most employers expect a Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Environmental Science, or a related field. Certifications like PRINCE2, PMP, or local equivalents from institutions such as IPMZ or ZIMCHE-accredited universities strengthen your application. Practical experience in event coordination or climate-related projects is often valued equally.

What would my day-to-day responsibilities look like as a Summit Coordinator?

You would manage vendor relationships, coordinate with local and international stakeholders, oversee logistics at venues like Harare International Conference Centre, and track project timelines using tools like MS Project or Trello. Daily tasks include budget monitoring, team briefings, and resolving operational challenges. Reporting to senior management on progress and risks is also standard.

How does workplace culture in Zimbabwe typically affect project management roles?

Zimbabwean workplaces value respect for hierarchy, so clear communication with senior leadership is essential. Relationship-building is critical—personal connections often facilitate smoother vendor and government negotiations. Punctuality is expected, though flexibility around infrastructure challenges like power outages requires adaptability.

What career progression paths are realistic for Project Coordinators in Zimbabwe's development sector?

With strong performance, you can advance to Senior Project Manager, Programme Director, or specialise in climate finance consulting. Many professionals transition into regional roles with organisations like UNDP, GIZ, or African Development Bank. Building expertise in carbon markets or green bonds opens additional opportunities.

What benefits are typically included in full-time project management roles with organisations like ASCEND in Zimbabwe?

Standard packages usually include medical aid through providers like CIMAS or PSMAS, pension contributions to NSSA or private schemes, and annual leave of 21-30 days. Some employers offer funeral insurance, performance bonuses, or professional development allowances. Always confirm specifics during negotiation as practices vary.

How should I apply and what do Zimbabwean employers in this sector prioritise in applications?

Submit a concise CV highlighting measurable achievements and a tailored cover letter demonstrating knowledge of climate action in Southern Africa. Employers prioritise proven stakeholder management experience, familiarity with donor compliance requirements, and references from previous project roles. Networking through platforms like Zimbabwe Project Management Institute events can significantly improve your visibility.