Senior Manager, Communications, Brazil

Background

Over the next two years, C40 Cities and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), along with key partners in Brazil, will be working in strategic partnership to deliver a program of work, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, to accelerate the implementation of climate action across Brazilian cities. The program aims to unlock delivery at scale by identifying and preparing high-impact, finance-ready urban climate projects while strengthening the multilevel partnerships and  institutional frameworks that support long-term transformation. It combines on-the-ground implementation with targeted support to multilevel governance, leveraging Brazil's growing climate ambition and the opportunity presented by COP30 in Belém.

This initiative will engage many cities across Brazil, supporting them to move from planning to action through data-driven project identification, readiness assessments, and capacity-building. At least 20 priority actions—particularly in sustainable transport and waste—will be prepared for implementation, with a strong focus on financial viability, social inclusion, and emissions impact. These efforts will be complemented by cross-cutting strategies on climate budgeting, just transition, and strengthened data ecosystems. Working in close coordination with federal actors and national city networks, the program will create the enabling conditions for long-term, replicable investment in urban climate solutions across Brazil.

Alongside implementation, the program will leverage Brazil's leadership in global climate diplomacy to elevate city voices, strengthen and establish a model of multilevel coordination for other countries, and integrate local action into the international climate agendas. With COP30 in Belém, the initiative brings visibility to the urban Amazon, supporting practical solutions in cities facing deep socio-economic and environmental challenges. It will also showcase CHAMP in action, using Brazil's COP30 Presidency and co-chair role in the NDC Partnership to promote the inclusion of subnational contributions in NDCs. By advancing Climate Federalism and amplifying mayoral leadership—especially from the Amazon—the program aims to inspire globally just, inclusive, and locally driven climate action.

The Project

The Brazil Program is a strategic partnership between C40 Cities and the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM), funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, to accelerate the implementation of climate action across Brazilian cities. The program aims to unlock delivery at scale by identifying and preparing high-impact, finance-ready urban climate projects while strengthening the institutional frameworks that support long-term transformation. It combines on-the-ground implementation with targeted support to federal and multilevel governance, leveraging Brazil’s growing climate ambition and the opportunity presented by COP30 in Belém.

Over the next two years, the program will engage at least 50 cities, supporting them to move from planning to action through data-driven project identification, readiness assessments, and capacity-building. At least 20 priority actions—particularly in sustainable transport and waste—will be prepared for implementation, with a strong focus on financial viability, social inclusion, and emissions impact. These efforts will be complemented by cross-cutting strategies on climate budgeting, just transition, and strengthened data ecosystems. Working in close coordination with federal actors and national city networks, the program will create the enabling conditions for long-term, replicable investment in urban climate solutions across Brazil.

Alongside implementation, the program will leverage Brazil’s leadership in global climate diplomacy to elevate city voices, strengthen and establish a model of multilevel coordination for other countries, and integrate local action into the international climate agendas. With COP30 in Belém, the initiative brings visibility to the urban Amazon, supporting practical solutions in cities facing deep socio-economic and environmental challenges. It will also showcase CHAMP in action, using Brazil’s COP30 Presidency and co-chair role in the NDC Partnership to promote the inclusion of subnational contributions in NDCs. By advancing Climate Federalism and amplifying mayoral leadership—especially from the Amazon—the program aims to inspire globally just, inclusive, and locally driven climate action.

Position Description:

The Senior Manager, Communications will be a key member of the Communications team and a strategic lead for all communications related to this new Brazil-based initiative. This role will focus on promoting the program’s impact and shaping public, political, and partner narratives that elevate subnational climate leadership in Brazil.

You will work closely with the C40 and GCoM communications teams, program staff, funders, and local partners to build visibility for the initiative, secure strategic media opportunities, and support stakeholder engagement across local, national, and international platforms.

Responsibilities and Deliverables:

• Design, manage, and deliver the communications strategy for the Brazil Programme in line with agreed timelines, budgets, and C40/GCoM global messaging and values, ensuring measurable increases in visibility, reach, and engagement.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute communications campaigns for key programme milestones, diplomatic engagements, and implementation results, ensuring timely delivery of all agreed outputs.
• Produce and manage a continuous pipeline of storytelling content and an editorial calendar, in collaboration with C40 and GCoM communications teams, ensuring regular, high-quality outputs across multiple platforms.
• Build and maintain relationships with Brazilian journalists and media outlets; proactively pitch stories, manage media requests, and secure national and regional coverage to expand the programme’s influence.
• Identify, negotiate, and manage partnerships with local and international media, content creators, and institutions to deliver joint campaigns and media products that amplify the programme’s voice.
• Serve as the primary communications liaison, coordinating outputs with municipal partners, stakeholders, and programme teams across multiple cities and governance levels.
• Draft, edit, and deliver professional-standard communications materials in English and Portuguese (press releases, op-eds, speeches, briefings, social media content) ensuring message and brand consistency.
• Advise programme and partner teams on communications opportunities, ensuring outputs are evidence-based, strategically aligned, and resonate with priority audiences.
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver communications for events, including promotion, media engagement, and on-site support, to ensure strong visibility and coverage.
• Integrate insights from audience and perception research into messaging and content, delivering targeted outputs that effectively shape narratives.
• Track, document, and report communications deliverables, media coverage, and campaign performance to the Head of Communications and funders.
• Collaborate with C40 and GCoM on joint global communications priorities, delivering coordinated outputs where objectives align.
• Undertake other agreed communications deliverables to meet programme goals.

Required experience: 

Essential:

• Strong editorial and writing skills in both Portuguese and English, with the ability to make complex content engaging and accessible.
• Experience in climate change, urban issues, or public affairs, preferably in Brazil.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to craft communications plans that meet policy, advocacy, and public engagement objectives.
• Experience managing communications for partnership programs, multistakeholder initiatives, or international NGOs.
• Proven track record in media relations and press office management in Brazil, including successful placements in top-tier outlets and crisis communication skills.
• Solid network of trusted relationships with key Brazilian journalists, editors, and media influencers across sectors (politics, economy, and environment/climate), plus a strong understanding of the national and regional media landscape. 
• Familiarity with social media strategies and content design workflows.
• Excellent project management and interpersonal skills; adept at balancing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Comfortable working across time zones and cultures with diverse teams and partners.

Desirable:

• Experience working with city governments, networks, or environmental advocacy groups.
• Knowledge of multilevel governance and climate diplomacy dynamics in Brazil.
• Previous experience in communications roles related to philanthropy-funded programs or international organizations.

Please note that this is a consultancy opportunity, therefore the successful individual will be liable to pay their own taxes, in accordance with relevant legislation in Brazil.

Additional Requirements:

Applicants need a legal right to work in Brazil. Occasional international and domestic travel may be required.

Reporting To: Head of Communications C40 x GCoM Joint Program

Term: Fixed Term until 31st May 2027 (The appointment and the duration of the role are subject to the final approval of funding)

Location: Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo - Please note that if your right to work in the listed location is not confirmed at the time of applying, C40 will be unable to proceed with your application. 

Salary: (Grade 3) (IC) USD $76,745 gross per annum - Due to its commitment to maintain equity and fairness, C40 operates on a spot salary model. This means that our employees are paid the same salary according to their grade and location. 

Application Process:

To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae and cover letter. The closing date for applications is 29th August 2025 at 5pm BST. C40 reserves the right to close this job opening before the closing date for applications, so please submit applications early.

To learn more about the work of C40 and our cities, please visit www.c40.org, follow us on Twitter @c40cities, and like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/C40Cities.

For any queries about the role, please contact careers@C40.org

C40 is an equal opportunity employer.

About C40 Cities 

C40 is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities, who are working to deliver the urgent action needed right now to confront the climate crisis, and create a future where everyone, everywhere can thrive. Mayors of C40 cities are committed to using a science-based and people-focused approach to help the world limit global heating to 1.5°C and build healthy, equitable and resilient communities. Through a Global Green New Deal, mayors are working alongside a broad coalition of representatives from labour, business, the youth climate movement and civil society to go further and faster than ever before.

C40’s team of 400+ staff is based in offices in London, in New York, Johannesburg, Singapore, Delhi, Rio de Janeiro, Copenhagen, Beijing and Paris, and individual staff based across 25+ different locations.

The strategic direction of the organisation is determined by an elected Steering Committee of C40 mayors, which is chaired by Mayor Sadiq Khan of London and Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown. Three-term Mayor of New York City Michael R. Bloomberg serves as President of the C40 Board of Directors, responsible for operational oversight. A regionally diverse management team, led by Executive Director Mark Watts, leads the day-to-day management of C40. C40’s three core strategic funders are Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and Realdania.

Our international staff work with the C40 network under the leadership of city governments to deliver this mission. Using a data-driven approach, our team identifies and promotes the exchange of proven programmes and policies developed by cities; provides world-class research, technical expertise and access to key partners to deliver new programmes and policies with cities; and communicates cities’ individual achievements and collective leadership.

About The Global Covenant of Mayors For Climate & Energy

The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM or Global Covenant), is a global coalition of cities and local governments with a shared long-term vision of promoting and supporting voluntary action to combat climate change and move to a low-carbon, resilient society. The alliance unites and inspires its stakeholders to strengthen global climate coherence, accelerate the energy transition, and generate locally-tailored solutions for a common purpose: creating an inclusive, just, low-emission, and climate-resilient future for all.

Co-chaired by former New York City Mayor and UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Climate Ambition and Solutions, Michael R. Bloomberg, and European Commission Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans, and with the support of global and regional city networks, the Global Covenant of Mayors represents the strongest and clearest signal to national governments that cities are not only acting to stop the effects of climate change, they are leading and leading together. Mayors from across all global regions serve on the Board, and represent city networks, Regional Covenants and bring locally specific perspectives – ensuring that the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy is truly led by mayors.

C40 Cities is the fiscal sponsor of the Bloomberg Philanthropies funded parts of the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM). As the host organization, C40 provides financial, administrative, and operational services to GCoM. C40 and GCoM are working closely together on aligned programmes and areas of activity.

Diversity Statement

C40 is committed to supporting and promoting equity and diversity and creating an inclusive working environment for everyone. We believe that when people with different life experiences are involved in decision-making, we deliver better. 

We believe having a diverse workforce ensures we connect better with all the different communities and people affected by the climate crisis. This enables us to make better decisions which lead to better outcomes in the work we do through increased creativity, productivity, greater global impact alongside a broader perspective and approach to our work.

We welcome applicants who are diverse in terms of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity and perspective. Our goal is for C40 to be an environment where everyone, from any background, can flourish and can be themselves whilst contributing to our mission. If you identify as a person with a disability, we work to provide reasonable appropriate measures and any additional support needed to provide an equitable working experience. If you are living with a disability, chronic illness or neurodiversity please inform us, to provide you with the proper assistance in the application process.

C40 promotes a work culture where staff can input to improve equity, diversity and inclusion through staff-led groups and formal forums. We know that creating our ideal working environment is a learning process and we are committed to the ongoing effort.