Global Designing Cities Initiative Announces New Remote Africa, Asia, and Europe Career Opportunities in Urban Design and Road Safety – Apply by 15 July 2026

The Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI) has opened applications for multiple international positions across Africa, Asia, and Europe. The recruitment drive focuses on strengthening urban design capacity, improving road safety systems, and expanding technical assistance under the Bloomberg Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS).

GDCI, a fiscally sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, works globally to support cities in developing safer, more inclusive, and more efficient street environments through evidence-based urban design interventions.

The organisation is currently seeking professionals to join its multidisciplinary team in program delivery, design leadership, and capacity-building roles.

Available Positions Across Global Regions

The current recruitment cycle includes four key roles, each with distinct responsibilities in urban design, programme implementation, and knowledge development.

Program Associate (Africa)

The Program Associate role supports BIGRS projects across the African region. The position focuses on technical documentation, visual communication, and project coordination.

Key responsibilities include:

• Producing and reviewing technical written and visual content related to street design
• Supporting development of urban design publications and reports
• Assisting with capacity-building sessions and workshops
• Representing GDCI in external meetings and project engagements
• Contributing to city-level road safety interventions

The role is central to ensuring accurate translation of urban design strategies into implementable materials for partner cities.

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Program Manager (Africa)

The Program Manager role involves leading technical assistance initiatives in up to three African cities under BIGRS.

Core responsibilities include:

• Managing city-level urban design and road safety projects
• Building strong working relationships with municipal stakeholders
• Ensuring technical accuracy of street design recommendations
• Coordinating training programmes and capacity-building initiatives
• Representing GDCI in regional and international forums

This role requires advanced expertise in urban design, transport planning, or related disciplines, alongside strong stakeholder engagement skills.

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Associate Director – Programs and Designs (Asia, Africa, or Europe)

The Associate Director position serves as a senior leadership role within GDCI’s global operations.

The selected candidate will:

• Oversee a portfolio of urban transformation programmes across more than 30 cities
• Provide strategic leadership linking design vision and implementation
• Co-lead multidisciplinary teams across regions
• Support organisational decision-making and programme direction
• Ensure consistency and quality across funded projects

This position plays a key role in shaping global urban design strategies and scaling road safety interventions across diverse contexts.

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Capacity Building Associate

The Capacity Building Associate supports GDCI’s learning and training systems by translating technical urban design knowledge into accessible formats.

Responsibilities include:

• Designing and delivering capacity-building content for global audiences
• Coordinating training strategies and educational programmes
• Supporting visual and communication materials for learning initiatives
• Enhancing accessibility of technical urban design concepts
• Contributing to cross-cutting knowledge-sharing platforms

This role emphasizes communication skills and the ability to simplify complex technical material for diverse stakeholders.

Application Deadlines and Recruitment Timeline

All positions follow a structured application timeline:

• Capacity Building Associate deadline: 30 June
• All other positions deadline: 15 July

Candidates are encouraged to submit applications early due to the competitive nature of global urban development roles.

Organisational Values and Workplace Culture

GDCI emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in its recruitment process. The organisation maintains a commitment to equitable hiring practices across all regions and roles.

Key workplace principles include:

• Commitment to diversity across race, gender identity, nationality, and background
• Equal opportunity employment practices
• Inclusive and collaborative working environment
• Competitive nonprofit salary structures aligned with experience
• Strong emphasis on professional development and global impact

The organisation operates as part of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors and aligns its mission with global sustainability, safety, and urban equity goals.

Global Urban Design and Road Safety Mission

GDCI’s broader mission focuses on transforming urban streets into safer, more accessible, and more efficient public spaces. Through partnerships with cities worldwide, the initiative supports:

• Evidence-based street design improvements
• Road safety interventions in high-risk urban areas
• Capacity building for municipal professionals
• Development of inclusive mobility systems
• Knowledge sharing across global city networks

The organisation plays a significant role in advancing the Bloomberg Initiative for Global Road Safety, which targets reductions in traffic-related injuries and fatalities through improved infrastructure design and policy implementation.

Application Information and Contact Details

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the organisation for additional information regarding roles, requirements, and application procedures.

Contact email:
[email protected]

Applicants can also subscribe to organisational updates through the official newsletter to receive information on future opportunities and programme developments.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.