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 Climate Solutions Summit Coordinator role in Zimbabwe?

Most employers expect a degree in Project Management, Environmental Science, or a related field from a recognized Zimbabwean university or institution. Professional certifications such as PRINCE2, PMP, or Agile Project Management are highly valued and can significantly improve your competitiveness. Practical experience in event coordination or climate-related projects is often equally important to formal qualifications.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Summit Coordinator in Zimbabwe?

Daily tasks include liaising with local and international stakeholders, managing vendor contracts for venues and services, coordinating logistics with Harare or Bulawayo-based suppliers, and tracking project timelines against tight deadlines. You will also handle budget monitoring, delegate registrations, and ensure compliance with local regulations and environmental standards. Regular reporting to senior management and problem-solving unexpected challenges are core aspects of the role.

How does local work culture in Zimbabwe affect expectations for this Project Management role?

Zimbabwean workplaces often emphasize respect for hierarchy, so clear communication with senior leadership and patience in decision-making processes are essential. Building strong personal relationships with partners and stakeholders is crucial, as business in Zimbabwe relies heavily on trust and networks. Flexibility is important due to occasional infrastructure challenges, and employers value resourcefulness and adaptability in overcoming logistical hurdles.

What realistic career progression paths exist for Project Managers in Zimbabwe's climate and development sector?

With proven success, you can advance to Senior Project Manager, Programme Director, or Country Lead positions within NGOs, international organizations, or government climate initiatives. Many professionals transition into consultancy roles or establish their own project management firms serving the growing renewable energy and sustainability sector. Further specialization in carbon markets, green finance, or climate policy can open doors to regional or global opportunities.

What typical benefits should I expect or negotiate for this type of coordinator position in Zimbabwe?

Standard benefits usually include medical aid coverage, often through providers like CIMAS, PSMAS, or private insurers, and participation in a pension scheme such as NSSA or an employer-specific fund. Annual leave typically ranges from 20-25 days, with some organizations offering additional sick leave and compassionate leave. For summit or project-based roles, performance bonuses, transport allowances, and professional development funding are increasingly common and worth negotiating.

How should I apply for this role, and what do Zimbabwean employers in this sector prioritize in applications?

Submit a tailored CV highlighting measurable project outcomes and stakeholder management experience, accompanied by a concise cover letter demonstrating knowledge of Zimbabwe's climate challenges and summit objectives. Employers prioritize candidates with demonstrable local networks, experience working with government ministries or international bodies, and evidence of successfully delivered large-scale events. Include verifiable references and be prepared for competency-based interviews focusing on crisis management and cross-cultural collaboration.