Intern - Department of the Africa Region

Duration: 6 months
Starting date: 7 July 2025 
Location: Songdo, Incheon City, Republic of Korea 
Remuneration: US$ 1,300/month 

Introduction
The Green Climate Fund is the world’s largest dedicated multilateral climate fund and invests in impactful, innovative, catalytic programs and projects in developing countries across the globe. The GCF has a portfolio of 286 projects across 133 countries, with a total commitment of USD 15.9 billion to date.

In 2023, an additional USD 12.8 billion was pledged, to support our new strategic and programming cycle from 2024-2027; our ambition is to grow to become at least a USD 50 billion fund by 2030. Rooted in the core objectives of impact and efficiency, access and a focus on the most vulnerable, and mobilizing a much higher scale of public and private sector financial flows for climate action we have an unparalleled scale of resources, which, together with our risk appetite and flexibility allows us to bring together different partners and stakeholders in innovative partnerships for profound impact. 

GCF is seeking a top-tier individual with a demonstrable track record of harnessing experience, energy and networks to tackle complex global climate change challenges. You will be committed to making a positive, measurable difference through a mission-driven role, and thrive in a fast-paced, diverse environment.  

You will be able to quickly scan and analyze complex, competing issues and lead significant sized teams to find solutions in evolving contexts, across multiple geographic locations. 

You will be a nurturer of people: recognizing and growing the talent around you, exemplifying values of transparency, respect and innovation.

You will be committed to learning, knowledge-sharing, convening and communicating with partners to work together to ideate, develop and implement climate action initiatives that make a profound difference to people and planet.

You will join a team of talented, committed individuals representing almost 80 nationalities contributing skills and experience from academic, scientific, private, government and nonprofit backgrounds.  Together, we work with governments, communities and civil society, technical agencies, and the private sector across the world.

Interested in more information? 
Learn about working for GCF: https://www.greenclimate.fund/about/careers 
View current vacancies: https://jobs.greenclimate.fund/

About the Green Climate Fund (GCF)
Set up in 2010 by the 194 countries who are Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), GCF takes its responsibility as the world’s largest dedicated multilateral climate fund to heart.  GCF funds transformative climate projects across the developing world, supporting countries in their responses and actions to tackle climate change while fostering sustainable development within their communities. 

Our country-driven approach ensures that our actions are tailored to the unique circumstances and national aspirations of each nation we support. Besides channeling public and private sector investment through a broad range of financing instruments, GCF builds the capacity of developing countries to take climate action through an extensive Readiness Programme ensuring countries are increasingly well-equipped and financed to manage their climate futures.

Headquartered in the Republic of Korea, GCF operates with a diverse and talented workforce of over 300 people. 
 

Background 

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the world’s largest climate fund, mandated to support developing countries raise and realize their climate ambition agendas towards low-emissions, climate-resilient pathways. GCF delivers climate action and results in several ways: i) Country centred Approaches; ii) Transformational Planning and Programming, iii) Catalysing Climate Innovation; iv) De-risking investments v) Mainstreaming climate risks & offering flexible financing instruments. Our efforts are supporting developing countries deliver on their climate goals while building resilience against climate change impacts.  

The Green Climate Fund in September 2024 launched a significant reorganization structure to better achieve its goals.  This transition is part of the Fund’ 50 by 30 vision and reform agenda which aims to efficiently and impactfully manage USD 50 billion in investments by 2030. As part of this reorganization, an Africa Department was established, so as to better serve the continent and build on the Fund’ already existing impactful portfolio across Africa. In line with GCF internship program, the Africa Department intends to nurture and promote talent in various aspects of climate change by providing opportunities for mentorship and coaching that would strengthen skill sets needed across Africa.  

Internship Assignment  

Join our dynamic team and be at the forefront of Climate Finance operations in the Africa Department! As an intern, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of climate initiatives by conducting comprehensive research, performing in-depth analysis, and crafting insightful reports that support our department's diverse portfolio, programs, and projects. 

This is your chance to dive into key technical analyses and investment strategies, while also promoting climate finance transparency. You'll engage with essential programmatic elements such as Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRVs), sustainable finance taxonomy, and the collaborative efforts of public and private institutions in driving transformational climate projects. 

Expand your horizons and gain invaluable experience by working closely with countries, including GCF National Designated Authorities, as well as a broad spectrum of public, private, and civil society stakeholders. As a valued team member, you'll have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with specialists across the Fund, enriching your professional journey and contributing to impactful climate solutions. Embrace the excitement of making a difference—join us and help lead the charge towards a sustainable future! 

​Embark on an exciting journey with the Africa Department as an Intern, where you'll work under the expert guidance of our primary and alternate supervisors. Your mission will be to delve into the fascinating world of climate finance and make a meaningful impact across the continent. 

What You'll Do: 

• Explore and Discover: Conduct in-depth desktop research, literature reviews, and case studies on diverse climate finance issues spanning various sectors and geographies throughout Africa. Uncover the intricate linkages between climate finance readiness, capacity needs, financial flows, public policy goals, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate-related impacts. 
• Data-Driven Insights: Support the collection, organization, and analysis of vital data across the Fund, enhancing communication and performance within our Department's investment portfolio. Your analytical skills will help us drive forward impactful climate initiatives. 
• Craft Compelling Narratives: Contribute to drafting insightful reports, briefs, and analytical outputs. Use your creativity to prepare engaging visuals and graphs that effectively present your findings and tell the story of our climate finance efforts. 
• Engage and Collaborate: Assist in organizing key consultations, client interactions, and external meetings or workshops. Be at the heart of dynamic discussions that shape the future of climate finance in Africa.

This internship is not just an opportunity to learn—it's a chance to be part of a team that's making a real difference. Dive into this role, bring your passion for climate action, and help us pave the way for a sustainable future in Africa!   

Requirements and qualifications 

• Currently studying or completed a Master’s or PhD in ​business, finance, climate change, sustainability​ or related fields;  
• Knowledge and experience with ​investments, financial institutions and/or climate change issues.​ 
• Good understanding and experience in operations of international organization is an added advantage; 
• Experience in conducting research, proficiency in data visualisation tools and utilization of  standard software programs: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access; 
• Excellent writing and presentation skills; 
• Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of another United Nations language, in particular French, and/or Portuguese is an advantage. 

Eligibility

• Applicants must be either nationals of an African country or have work experience in, or a strong familiarity with, at least one African country.

The closing date for application is 12 January 2025. Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered.

 
*The person assessed by the Selection Panel as most suitable for the position will be proposed for appointment. Selection among short-listed candidates will also take into account performance at interview, appropriate testing, and references. 
 

Applications from women and nationals of developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply.