Lead Specialist, Sustainable Infrastructures/Cities

Lead Specialist, Sustainable Infrastructures/Cities Join to apply for the Lead Specialist, Sustainable Infrastructures/Cities role at South Pole South Pole is an energetic, global company offering comprehensive sustainability solutions and services. With offices spanning all continents, we strive to create a sustainable society and economy that positively impacts our climate, ecosystems and communities. With our solutions, we inspire and enable our customers to create value from sustainability-related activities. Job summary South Pole is one of the partners in a consortium of European organizations tasked with working with European cities to develop, implement, action, and finance their Net Zero Investment Plans (NZC). This mandate, launched as part of the European Green Deal, is directly linked to the European Commission’s Mission for 100 Climate‑neutral and Smart Cities by 2030. South Pole’s core role in the NZC project is to provide technical assistance to 100+ selected European cities, helping them advance projects in the development process and facilitate access to finance from public and private investors. We support cities in project preparation for individual urban infrastructure projects, sector‑based bundled projects, and overall city investment plans. Main tasks & responsibilities Provide technical assistance and consultancy to municipal sustainable infrastructure projects to support them in project preparation toward access to finance. Coordinate small teams of internal and external experts to prepare deliverables throughout the sustainable infrastructure project preparation process, from scoping and pre‑feasibility studies to business model definition, transaction readiness, financial structuring, investor engagement, and transaction support. Take responsibility for specific workstreams such as financial modelling, capacity‑building sessions for cities, investor roundtables, impact framework development, and risk mapping exercises. Participate in planning and coordination calls with South Pole’s partner organisations within the NZC program and, as appropriate, take on coordination responsibilities in close alignment with the NZC team lead. Contribute to deliverables, reports, and publications. Help elaborate additional funding proposals and business development efforts for new mandates in the sustainable infrastructure sector. Support capacity building within the NZC team at South Pole and across the consortium through sector‑specific expertise in infrastructure project preparation and investor engagement. Requirements Essential University degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, business/industrial engineering, urban planning, sustainable finance, business, economics, or a related field. 3–5 years of hands‑on experience in sustainable infrastructure project planning and/or financing, with a strong focus on urban climate adaptation and/or nature‑based solutions. Experience in energy efficiency, built‑environment, district heating & cooling, or renewable energy (preferably in a European context) is also desirable. Prior exposure to multi‑stakeholder public projects requiring continuous alignment and coordination. Hands‑on experience structuring and setting up business and financing models across one or more infrastructure sectors. Several years of consultancy or technical assistance experience, ideally for public sector mandates. Strong project management and communication skills. Pro‑active, independent, solution‑oriented, and customer‑focused working style. A strong interest in on‑the‑job learning and resilience in a challenging environment. Working proficiency in English. Desirable Comprehensive understanding of financial markets, structuring, and investment instruments for sustainable infrastructure projects. Comprehensive knowledge of the EU public and private financing landscape, including public procurement processes and guidelines. Proven experience engaging with public and private sector financing institutions. Experience working with cities or municipal utilities on infrastructure projects. Strategic thinking, problem‑solving, and ability to drive results in a transactional environment. Working proficiency in additional European languages. What we offer At South Pole, we care about our employees as much as we care about the planet. We offer a career that gives you strong purpose and deep meaning, allowing you to make a real difference for our clients and for the planet. You will work alongside a passionate, dynamic, international team, develop your knowledge and skills, and grow in a fast‑growing organisation. We’re an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status or disability. Our recruitment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need. Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Information Technology #J-18808-Ljbffr