Climate Finance and Innovation Intern
Climate Finance and Innovation Intern
Climate Finance and Innovation Intern
Start date: January 2026
Duration: 6 months (possible extension)
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Application: CV and CL sent by email
Deadline: 28 November 2025
Are you passionate about climate action, innovation, and building a resilient society?
Support cutting-edge work on climate change adaptation by contributing to impactful solution development and project coordination. As an intern, you will be part of a young, dynamic, international team based in Copenhagen, collaborating with leading technical climate and finance experts across Europe.
Organization Overview
The World Climate Foundation (WCF), headquartered in Copenhagen, is a global leader in accelerating climate action through collaboration across business, government, and finance. By advancing research and innovation in climate and sustainable finance, and hosting high-impact platforms such as the World Climate Summit, WCF is shaping Europe’s transition toward a net-zero and resilient economy.
CLIMATEFIT, the World Climate Foundation’s flagship project in local adaptation finance, empowers investors, financiers and local governments, across Europe to co-create innovative insights, tools and solutions that make climate change adaptation real, scalable, and investable.
Internship Description
As an intern working on the CLIMATEFIT project at the World Climate Foundation, you will play a key role in supporting both the Project Coordinator and the Climate Finance and Innovation Specialist in a variety of project coordination, management, and research activities.
· You will gain hands-on experience in the rapidly evolving field of climate resilience, while contributing to the development of innovative solutions that address critical gaps in climate adaptation finance in Europe.
· This internship provides a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of climate resilience, finance, and policy, all while contributing to a high-impact, EU-wide project. You will gain a deep understanding of climate adaptation financing, innovative investment mechanisms, and the collaborative process needed to drive real-world solutions.
Key Responsibilities
· Research & Development: Support the Climate Finance and Innovation Specialist in the development of novel investment concepts and pilot investment cases in the project’s five leading territories, located in France, Belgium, Italy, Slovenia and Romania. This includes gathering relevant data and analysing best case practices to contribute to the design of bankable adaptation projects.
· Innovation & Solution Development: Contribute to the development of innovative financial instruments, such as environmental impact bonds, and mezzanine instruments, that can be piloted across Europe, helping cities and financial institutions to de-risk and mobilise private finance.
· Supporting Stakeholder Engagement: Help with organizing multi-stakeholder workshops and meetings, including local public authorities and financial institutions. You will also assist in the preparation of materials for co-creation sessions, fostering cross-sectorial collaboration.
· Project Coordination & Management: Assist the Project Coordinator with day-to-day tasks related to the CLIMATEFIT project, including scheduling, meeting preparation, stakeholder communication, and maintaining project documentation. You will support the smooth operation of project activities across multiple partners in Southern, Eastern, and Northwestern Europe.
· Documentation & Reporting: Assist in compiling research findings, writing performance reports, and preparing presentations that communicate the project’s progress and results. You will support the team in documenting the project’s insights for scaling and disseminating through the European Network of LRTs and the One-Stop Shop.
Required Qualifications
· Educational Background: Recently graduated from a degree program in environmental studies, climate change, sustainability, innovation, finance, economics, or a related field.
· Interest in Climate Finance: A passion for climate change, resilience, and financial solutions, with an interest in understanding innovative financial instruments and mechanisms.
· Organizational Skills: Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently. Experience with project management or team collaboration tools is an asset.
· Teamwork and Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, as well as independently when needed. Comfortable engaging with diverse stakeholders.
· Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Ability to prepare clear, concise reports, presentations, and other materials for different audiences.
· Research Skills: Strong ability to conduct qualitative research, analyse data, and synthesize findings. Familiarity with research methods and experience with literature reviews is a plus.
· Languages: Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in additional European languages is a bonus, especially for roles focusing on specific geographic regions within Europe.
· Motivation: A proactive and self-motivated individual eager to contribute to a high-impact adaptation project, with a passion for supporting public and private sectors in their resilience journey.
Location
This internship is on-site at the World Climate Foundation’s headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark.
· The office is located near the waterfront and just a short walk from the colourful Nyhavn.
· Interns will work closely with team members in a friendly office environment and may have opportunities to participate in meetings and events related to the CLIMATEFIT project.
· Priority will be given to candidates living in Copenhagen or those with an academic background in the city.
Duration and Time Commitment
The internship is offered for a period of 6 months, starting in September 2025. You will work 4 days per week, enjoying free Wednesdays. This flexible schedule is designed to accommodate recent graduates looking to gain practical experience while balancing personal or other professional responsibilities.
Compensation
Compensation is in line with typical internship salaries in Denmark.
Application Process
Please send your application in English, consisting of a CV (max 2 pages) and a cover letter (max 0.5 page), to recruitment@worldclimatefoundation.org with subject “CLIMATEFIT Internship”. We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible, no later than 28 November 2025, at 12:00 CET. Interviews will be conducted over December 2025.
Please note that, due to legal requirements, applicants must hold EU citizenship or a valid EU residence permit, as well as a valid Danish work permit. Unfortunately, applications that do not meet these criteria cannot be considered.
Equal Opportunity Statement
WCF is an equal opportunity employer, and we consider all applicants on the basis of qualifications and competencies regardless of and not limited to race, national origin, religious beliefs, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability and/or marital status. We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organization and applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Contact
Marco Carreira Silva, CLIMATEFIT Project Coordinator