Manager, Transport

We Mean Business Coalition is a group of nonprofit organizations, working with the world’s most influential businesses to take action on climate change. Together, we catalyze business and policy action to halve emissions by 2030 and accelerate an inclusive transition to a net-zero economy. 

The Systems Transformation team develops and direct overall strategy, coordination and execution of the coalition's programs, system transformation activities and supply chain actions. We work across hard to abate sectors such as industry or heavy transport, but also at system level through sectors such as power and nature-based solutions. We also lead on the Fossil to Clean strategic priority that brings in not only our sector-specific work, but also that of the entire organization. 

A key component of attaining a global emissions pathway matching the ambition of the Paris Agreement is decarbonizing both passenger and freight movements. Transport is an exciting area to be working within as part of the We Mean Business Coalition as we build out our partnerships and portfolio to speed up the deployment of clean solutions and technologies that will allow us to phase out fossil fuels within transport. 

We Mean Business Coalition kicked off its Fossil to Clean campaign in 2023. The next two years are focused on driving policy change at an international and national level and business action to accelerate the shift from fossil to clean. As part of this work, the Transport Manager is responsible for ensuring the transport portfolio is aligned with Fossil to Clean and contributing to the outcomes of the campaign. The position will require technical expertise in transport, strong familiarity with the key policy drivers to decarbonize transport and deep understanding of the practical actions businesses can take in the next 2-5 years to start the transition away from fossil fuels in the transport sector. 

To this end, the Transport manager will coordinate with our key NGO partners, other stakeholders and coalitions such as Mission Possible Partnership and First Movers Coalition and companies to facilitate the journey to the deployment of solutions that put us on a 1.5 degrees trajectory and net zero emissions. You will also be expected to represent WMBC at external meetings/events and contribute to thought leadership across media channels. 

About our organization 

We Mean Business Coalition is a coalition of 7 non-profit organizations and 50+ partner organizations that unites the voice of thousands of businesses that are taking climate action. We provide a platform for businesses to demonstrate climate leadership through 4As: ambition, action, advocacy and accountability.  

We advocate for bold climate policy through international fora (G7, G20, COP and other) and G20 countries to unlock business action within 6 systems: Energy, Transport, Built Environment, Industry, Land and nature, and Finance. 

We have a dual role as re-grantor and as strategic partner to the organizations we work with. We work together with the International Policy Working Group (IPWG) with policy specialists, with sector specialists from Coalition partners in our strategic priority working groups, and with partners in several G20 countries. This is to ensure we can go deep into international fora, countries and sectors and bring together the critical mass of ambitious companies and partners for maximum impact. 

Hiring Statement  

All positions at We Mean Business Coalition are grant funded and are contingent upon continued funding.  
 

Diversity at WMBC 

We Mean Business Coalition is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. Our work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, colour, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working. 

Requirements

Responsibilities & Tasks 
The manager reports to the Director, Energy and will be responsible for ensuring delivery on transport related Fossil to Clean tasks and KPIs and OKRs. Working with and through the WMB coalition partners and other stakeholders, the manager will: 

• Maintain a mapping of relevant initiatives across WMB coalition partners and beyond, identifying opportunities to work together and develop strategic partnerships for WMB. 

• Ensure a shared understanding of the transport system among WMB coalition partners, the priority levers and ways in which WMBC can best add value across these systems. 

• Update the coalition’s system-level strategy and focus areas as needed to ensure alignment with Fossil to Clean.  

• Collaborate with WMB communications and policy teams to develop system-level narrative for net zero transport systems as well as policy priorities for key regions. 

• Support WMB coalition partners and secretariat in scanning the horizon for shifts in the business environment that impact strategy and funding choices. 

• Represent WMB in various coalitions and initiatives to support collective impact, promote alignment of activities and influence strategy. 

• Manage the granting process for projects across transport, reviewing proposals to ensure applications align with WMB strategy, tracking project progress, and ensuring mutual expectations are met in a timely and professional manner. 

Skills & Approach 

• Understanding of the risks and opportunities of climate action that companies face  

• Outstanding interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and resilience 

• Ability to work well within a team and a network of partners split across global locations 

• Ability to work independently and bring structure/organization to complex problems and deliver projects on time 

• Strong written and verbal communications skills 

• Flexibility and adaptability in any given situation 

• Positive mindset with a creative approach to problem-solving  

Experience & Education 

• An advanced degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience 

• >8 years experience in relevant environments such as business, consultancies, think tanks or government 

• A background in transport industry, policy or relevant collaborative business initiatives in the field of climate change 

• Direct experience transport electrification, optimization and alternative fuels work is a distinct advance 

• Strong track record in project management and delivery of business- and sustainability-related initiatives 

• Established network of contacts in the transport industry and environmental sustainability sectors

Benefits

Benefits and compensation vary per region and are competitive with local prevailing packages. Regardless of location, team members get equipment and home set-up stipends to ensure they are set up wherever they may be working from, as well as generous time off.