Job Description
Internship in the Innovative Finance Team
This internship provides a valuable learning opportunity for Master’s students in their final stages of study, offering hands-on experience before graduation. The intern will engage in a diverse range of activities related to financing sustainable development, working alongside finance and technical thematic experts. This experience will provide practical insights into strategic finance, impact-driven solutions, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
The internship aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of ICLEI’s day-to-day operations in a multicultural and dynamic environment. As an intern, you will be actively involved in global strategy discussions, high-level events, stakeholder meetings, and project implementation, directly contributing to ICLEI’s mission. By the end of the internship, the intern can expect to have developed a robust and diverse portfolio, equipping him/her with practical skills and knowledge to advance his/her career in sustainable finance and international development.
Tasks may include:
Operational support
- Proposal development – Assist in drafting concept notes, grant applications, and funding proposals to support the implementation of the IF strategy.
- Financial model assistance – Support financial modelling, budget forecasts, and cost-benefit analyses for innovative finance initiatives.
- Pilot program coordination – Assist in the coordination and documentation of pilot projects, ensuring smooth implementation and alignment with strategic goals.
- Database & documentation management – Maintain organized records of knowledge management products and financial data for internal and external reporting.Stakeholder engagement & communication
- Event & webinar support – Help organize and coordinate events, workshops, and webinars to engage stakeholders from different sectors and geographies.
- Communication & outreach – Draft newsletters, blog posts, and social media content to promote IF initiatives and achievements.
- Partnership support – Assist in liaising with partner organizations, tracking communication, and preparing briefing materials for high-level meetings.
Main requirements:
- Educational background – Currently enrolled in finance, economics, sustainability, public policy, international development, or a related field.
- Knowledge of climate & sustainable finance – Basic understanding of blended finance, green bonds, carbon markets, ESG investing, and impact financing.
- Research & analytical skills – Ability to conduct policy research, financial analysis, and market assessments.
- Financial Literacy – Familiarity with budgeting, financial modeling, investment structures, and development finance instruments.
Advantageous:
- Proficiency in other languages is an asset, especially French or Spanish
- Experience using WordPress and InDesign
- Experience participating in online and in-person events
Terms and conditions:
- This internship is a learning opportunity for enrolled students, who must complete a mandatory internship as a part of their studies.
- Remuneration: 1000 Euros per month (full-time) before taxes and social insurance fees
- Workings hours: 40 per week (full-time)
- 2 days of leave per full month
- Working language: English
- The position is available from April 2025 at the ICLEI World Secretariat in Bonn, Germany
- Envisaged duration of the internship is maximum six months
- The intern will be supervised by and report to the Head of Innovative Finance
- The contract will be based on German law.
Application:
Send email to careers.bonn@iclei.org, include “Innovative Finance Internship” in the subject line, and send us:
- Relevant documents: one-page letter of motivation, enrolment certificate, visa/work permit if non-EU citizen (“Aufenthaltstitel”), proof of mandatory internship, and two-page CV merged into one single pdf. of up to 5 MB size
- Indication of the possible start date
- For data protection information read our disclaimer and privacy policy on our website
Application Deadline: 14 March 2025
