Project Manager – Climate & Logistics, Green Freight Systems

ABOUT THE COMPANY

The non-profit Kühne Foundation was established by the Kühne family in Switzerland in 1976 and is one of the largest foundations in the German-speaking world. The foundation focuses on education and training as well as research and science in logistics and the transportation industry, it maintains a medical campus with two large research programs in allergology and cardiology, and it supports festivals, opera houses and concert halls in Europe. In the area of climate, the foundation develops and implements innovative ideas on how the transport and logistics sector can support more climate-friendly and sustainable development. You can find out more about our climate projects and activities on our LinkedIn profile.

JOB SUMMARY

As Project Manager – Green Freight Systems, Eastern Africa, you will shape the future of logistics across the Eastern Africa region. By working closely with program leadership, government counterparts, development partners, and private sector actors, you will advance systemic shifts toward green freight solutions.The role combines technical advisory, project management, stakeholder coordination, and monitoring & evaluation functions to ensure high-quality delivery, adaptive learning, and lasting impact across green freight interventions.The role requires experience in foundation- or donor-funded organisations operating at the intersection of climate action, logistics systems, research, and policy implementation with a focus on driving sustainable systems change.About Kuehne Climate CenterThe Kuehne Climate Center (KCC) is a new subsidiary of the Kühne Foundation. Our mission is to accelerate climate-compatible development within logistics (Climate Action in Logistics) and through logistics systems (Logistics for Climate Action). We do this through applied research & thought leadership, project & advisory work, and training & capacity building, with a focus on countries of the Global South.This role is based in Nairobi, Kenya, where you’ll be at the heart of KCC’s dynamic regional operations. While our headquarters in Hamburg provides global oversight and support, your work in Nairobi will drive on-the-ground impact—collaborating closely with local teams, partners, and institutions to advance our projects in Eastern Africa.

RESPONSIBILITIES

What You Will DoDrive the creation of work plans, monitoring frameworks, and operational strategies for KCC’s projects on sustainable freight transport in Eastern AfricaAdvise public and private stakeholders on policies and measures for environmentally sustainable freight transportEnsure projects meet objectives, timelines, and budgets while aligning with KCC’s strategic and operational frameworksManage relationships with and coordinate collaboration among private sector leaders, associations, governments, corridor authorities, development partners and related initiativesOrganize and lead workshops, conferences, and learning events to foster knowledge sharing and collective actionDocument best practices, success stories, and evidence of impact to inspire future projects and to showcase KCC’s work (knowledge management and communication)Contribute to new project proposals and initiatives, expanding the reach and influence of green freight solutionsYou’re Good AtManaging complex, multi-stakeholder development projectsCoordinating technical advisory processes with diverse institutionsMonitoring, evaluation, and results-based managementStakeholder engagement and partnership managementProducing high-quality technical reportsFacilitating workshops, consultations, and learning eventsCommunicating effectively with diverse audiencesApplying systems thinking to climate, transport, and development challengesWorking independently while collaborating effectively in small, multidisciplinary teamsNavigating ambiguity in dynamic, project-based environmentsDemonstrating cultural sensitivity and professionalismYou BringA Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Monitoring and evaluation, transport, environment or development)8+ years of progressive experience in climate, transport, sustainable mobility, or development cooperationStrong experience working with international development agencies, private and public sector counterparts, and donor-funded programmesDemonstrated experience in project management, MEL, and reportingSolid understanding of climate change policy, mitigation, and adaptation in the transport and freight sectorStrong written and verbal communication skills in EnglishAbility to work effectively across cultures and with regional and international teamsWillingness to travel regionally as requiredDemonstrated experience working with organisations similar to KCC (foundations, international cooperation agencies, applied research institutions, or mission-driven climate and logistics organisations)You Will Work WithKCC Program Leaders and regional project teamsNational and regional government institutionsUniversities and academic institutions supporting research, policy development, capacity building, and knowledge generation in sustainable transport and green freightDevelopment partners and international cooperation agenciesPrivate sector and civil society stakeholders in the transport and logistics ecosystemWhat You Can ExpectWork in an enthusiastic and highly motivated international team committed to making a positive impact on climateA high degree of creative freedomHigh agility and speed of implementationA stimulating and diverse range of work within a strong Foundation networkStrong opportunity for professional growth within a foundation-backed organizationAdditional InformationThe KCC is a subsidiary of the Kuehne Foundation in Schindellegi, Switzerland. Established in 1976 by the Kühne family, it is one of the largest foundations in the German-speaking world. As an operational foundation it is involved in the areas of logistics, medicine, culture, and, since the beginning of 2023, climate action. The Foundation is independent, operational, and international.How to ApplySubmit your application via e-mail to kuehne-foundation-jobs@m.personio.de or via the “Apply” Button.For questions regarding the role, please reach out to Olivia Lamenya via kuehne-foundation-jobs@m.personio.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Project implementation, Team leadership, Ability to coordinate, Programme management, Leadership skills, Project monitoring and evaluation (M&E), Project preparation and planning, Project management, Stakeholder communication, Reporting

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Post-graduate education