Project Preparation Lead at Allied Talent Partners

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

21 Feb, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

23 Nov, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Project Design, Financial Structuring, Institutional Readiness Assessment, Stakeholder Engagement, Advisory Skills, Governance Assessment, Organizational Discipline, Analytical Skills, Training Facilitation, Proposal Preparation, Pitching Skills, Technical Assistance, Climate Finance, Energy Transition, Sustainable Development, Emerging Markets

Industry

Professional Services

Description

Project Preparation Lead Department: Renewable Energy Project Development Employment Type: Contract / Temp Location: South Africa Description Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact. High-Level Overview Client is an organization supporting national efforts to enable an inclusive and sustainable transition to a low-carbon economy; whose implementing partner has identified a need for targeted project preparation support to strengthen governance, financial readiness, and alignment of community and sectoral projects with funder requirements. This assignment focuses on improving the structure, quality, and fundability of projects in an existing portfolio, thereby enhancing their ability to attract both domestic and international financing. The consultant will provide tailored technical assistance and advisory services to project developers, with the support of subject matter experts as needed, assisting them in refining proposals, improving institutional systems, and engaging effectively with prospective funders. The ideal consultant will bring demonstrated experience in supporting early-stage or pre-investment initiatives within the fields of sustainable development, climate finance, or energy transition. They should possess strong capabilities in project design, financial structuring, and institutional readiness assessment, coupled with excellent stakeholder engagement and advisory skills. Familiarity with emerging-market contexts, particularly within Southern Africa, will be a strong advantage. Role and Responsibilities Role: Project Preparation Lead Direct Report: Implementing partner Representative Candidates Required: 1 Key Deliverables: Inception report outlining the overall implementation strategy, including the methodological approach, project selection process, technical assistance framework, and coordination plan. Assessment and prioritization of selected projects to determine their readiness and identify specific technical support needs, with findings informing the type and depth of assistance to be provided. Delivery of tailored advisory inputs and technical support to prioritised projects (across project concept and design feasibility; financial structuring and investor readiness; institutional capacity and governance; and positioning to secure funding – in collaboration with experts) offered through written feedback as well as structured meetings and working sessions. Planning and facilitation of pitch events that allow projects to present their proposals to prospective funding partners. Delivery of virtual training sessions designed to strengthen proposal preparation and presentation skills. Requirements Experience Required: 15+ years experience in relevant sectors, with demonstrable track record supporting project preparation for energy transition, climate, development, or blended-finance-linked projects Proven track record in providing technical assistance for early-stage or pre-investment initiatives Evidence of successfully facilitating project–funder matchmaking processes Experience working in or with the South African development or climate ecosystem (highly advantageous) Technical Requirements: Expertise in project design, feasibility assessment, financial structuring, and investment-readiness Strong capabilities in governance assessment and institutional strengthening Familiarity with technical standards and funding criteria relevant to climate and just transition projects Ability to lead, manage documentation, reporting, and performance tracking across multiple workstreams Other Skills: Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities Strong analytical and advisory skills Ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent assignments High level of organisational discipline and attention to detail Ability to lead workshops, facilitate training, and prepare clients for pitching Working Arrangement Location: South Africa (Hybrid/Remote) Language: Occasional in-country travel for pitch events or stakeholder meetings. Terms of agreement: Start Date: January 2026 Contracting Period: 6 Months

Responsibilities

The Project Preparation Lead will provide tailored technical assistance and advisory services to project developers, enhancing the structure and fundability of projects. Key deliverables include an inception report, project assessments, advisory inputs, pitch event facilitation, and training sessions.