Climate and Logistics - Project Manager

Job Purpose

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 Center

The 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.

What You Will Do
• Drive the creation of work plans, monitoring frameworks, and operational strategies for KCC’s projects on sustainable freight transport in Eastern Africa
• Advise public and private stakeholders on policies and measures for environmentally sustainable freight transport
• Ensure projects meet objectives, timelines, and budgets while aligning with KCC’s strategic and operational frameworks
• Manage relationships with and coordinate collaboration among private sector
• leaders, associations, governments, corridor authorities, development partners and
• related initiatives
• Organize and lead workshops, conferences, and learning events to foster knowledge
• sharing and collective action
• Document 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 solutions.

You‘re good at
• Managing complex, multi-stakeholder development projects
• Coordinating technical advisory processes with diverse institutions
• Monitoring, evaluation, and results-based management
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership management
• Producing high-quality technical reports
• Facilitating workshops, consultations, and learning events
• Communicating effectively with diverse audiences
• Applying systems thinking to climate, transport, and development challenges
• Working independently while collaborating effectively in small, multidisciplinary teams
• Navigating ambiguity in dynamic, project-based environments
• Demonstrating cultural sensitivity and professionalism

You bring
• A 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 cooperation
• Strong experience working with international development agencies, private and public sector counterparts, and donor-funded programmes
• Demonstrated experience in project management, MEL, and reporting
• Solid understanding of climate change policy, mitigation, and adaptation in the transport and freight sector
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to work effectively across cultures and with regional and international teams
• Willingness to travel regionally as required
• Demonstrated experience working with organisations similar to KCC (foundations, international cooperation agencies, applied research institutions, or mission-driven climate and logistics organisations)

You will work with
• KCC Program Leaders and regional project teams
• National and regional government institutions
• Universities and academic institutions supporting research, policy development, capacity building, and knowledge generation in sustainable transport and green freight
• Development partners and international cooperation agencies
• Private sector and civil society stakeholders in the transport and logistics ecosystem

What You Can Expect
• Work in an enthusiastic and highly motivated international team committed to making a positive impact on climate
• A high degree of creative freedom
• High agility and speed of implementation
• A stimulating and diverse range of work within a strong Foundation network
• Strong Opportunity for professional growth within a foundation-backed organization.

Additional Information

The KCC is a subsidiary of the Kuehne Foundation in Schindellegi, Switzerland. Established in 1976 by the Kühne family and 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.

Contact

If you are interested in applying, please submit your application via e-mail to kuehne-foundation-jobs@m.personio.de or via the "Apply" Button. In case you have any questions about the specifics of the role, please reach out to Olivia Lamenya via kuehne-foundation-jobs@m.personio.de. Find out more about our current projects and activities by accessing our Kuehne Climate Center LinkedIn page.

About Us

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.