Intern - Department of Strategy, Policy and Innovation

Duration: 6 months 
Deadline: 03 January 2026
Starting date: July 2026 
Location: Songdo, Incheon City, Republic of Korea 
Remuneration: US$ 1,600/month

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.

Internship Assignment  

The Intern will provide analytical and administrative support to the ​Department of Strategy Policy and Innovation (DSPI),​ to enhance GCF’s impact and effectiveness in climate finance. S/he will have the opportunity to learn and expand her/his experience by contributing to ​the analysis of emerging strategic issues related to GCF’s mission, and the development of innovative responses at the organizational and operational levels. ​

Under the guidance of DSPI’s designated supervisors, the intern will contribute to a wide range of activities, including:

Strategic Analysis and Insights:

• Monitor key countries and regions, including Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Africa, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations (FCAS), and other vulnerable areas to assess climate finance needs, gaps, and opportunities.
• Conduct benchmark analyses on climate finance actors, such as Multilateral Climate Funds (MCF), Multilateral Development Banks (MDB), national development banks, bilateral agencies, NGOs, CSOs, and private sector contributors.
• Monitor the discussion on the reform of the international financial architecture and contribute to the discussions and recommendations regarding GCF positioning in the architecture, also in relation with the latest G20 related reports (MDB CAF, IHLEG VECF ).
• Track global trends in climate finance, including innovations in technology, financial instruments (eg debt swap, derisking and credit enhancement instruments, capital market access mechanism, SDR reallocation, global solidarity levies) to identify potential applications within GCF
• Support the preparation of GCF’s Updated Strategic Plan for 2028-2031, including through research and analysis of key strategic priorities

Partnerships and Product Innovation:

• Contribute to the design and evolution of mechanisms that enable GCF to mobilize more resources, better capitalize on its risk appetite, and increase leverage of private sector investment to enhance impact.  
• Assist in identifying and adapting successful instruments and mechanisms from other sectors or regions that could be adapted or applied to GCF’s context.
• Explore partnerships with financial institutions and private sector stakeholders, including non-traditional investors, to develop financial products and country coordination platforms aligned with GCF’s strategic objectives.  
• Administrative and Briefing Support:
• Consolidate data and analysis from diverse sources, to synthesize findings in concise briefing, presentations, and policy documents.
• Assist with planning and coordination for key events, including developing briefing materials and talking points for high-level bilateral and multilateral forums (COP, WB-IMF AM, UNGA, FfD4, FiC, G20...).

Requirements and qualifications

• Enrolled in or completed a postgraduate degree in ​international finance/economics, politics, public policy, governance​ or related fields, or holding equivalent work experience related to these fields and their application to climate change;  
• Knowledge and experience with ​international climate financing architecture, policy and political dynamics, as well as understanding of different financial instruments for public and private sector investments;​
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite.  (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams);
• Strong research, analytical, writing and presentation skills;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities;
• Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of another United Nations language is an advantage.

Learning Outcomes:

• Throughout this internship, the intern will gain:
• Critical insights of the global climate finance landscape and key institutional actors.
• Practical experience in condensing and communicating data and analysis to inform policy development and high-level event preparation.
• Enhanced analytical and communication skills in a multicultural, mission-driven setting.
  
  *The person assessed by the Selection Panel as most suitable for the position will be proposed for appointment. The above criteria should be seen as indicators of the experience and skills that would qualify candidates for consideration. Selection among short-listed candidates will also take into account performance at interview, appropriate testing, and references.  

Applications from women and nationals from developing countries are strongly encouraged.