Green Climate Fund Internship Programme in South Korea

The Green Climate Fund Internship Programme is an official international internship scheme based at GCF headquarters in Songdo, South Korea. GCF works globally to support developing countries in pursuing low-emission and climate-resilient development.

The programme is designed for talented students and recent graduates whose academic backgrounds are relevant to GCF’s work. Internships may provide exposure to professional areas connected with climate finance, policy, investment, sustainability, operations, communications, evaluation and other functions depending on the vacancy advertised.

Interns work at GCF headquarters and receive practical guidance and training while gaining insight into the operations of an international climate finance institution. The initial internship lasts six months and may be extended for another six months following a performance review.

GCF welcomes applicants of all nationalities and specifically encourages qualified candidates from developing countries. The organisation also emphasises professional, academic and cultural diversity.

The annual cohort recruitment normally opens in December and continues into early January. Selection generally takes place from February to May, with newly selected interns typically starting in July, although individual start dates can vary according to organisational needs.

• Applicants may be of any nationality.
• Applicants from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Applicants must be enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme before the internship assignment, or be recent graduates.
• Applicants must be studying, or have recently studied, a field directly related to GCF’s work.
• Applicants must have an excellent command of English.
• Candidates should have skills relevant to the requirements of the specific internship vacancy.
• Selected interns must be able to work at GCF headquarters in Songdo, South Korea.

• US$1,300 monthly internship allowance.
• Free comprehensive global health insurance coverage.
• Round-trip flights for international hires.
• Six-month initial internship placement.
• Possibility of extension for another six months following a performance review.
• Practical professional experience at Green Climate Fund headquarters.
• Guidance and training across relevant professional areas.
• Experience working in a multicultural international organisation.
• Exposure to global climate finance and climate-action activities.

The official GCF application guidance confirms that applicants are asked to provide:

• Personal details.
• Educational background.
• Relevant work experience.
• CV or résumé.

Depending on the individual internship vacancy and selection stage, applicants may also be asked for:

• Additional information relevant to the advertised role.
• Written assessment.
• References or verification information.
• Supporting materials specifically requested in the vacancy announcement.

GCF assesses candidates against the requirements of each advertised internship. The official recruitment guidance indicates consideration of:

• Academic qualifications relevant to the internship.
• Relevance of the applicant’s academic field to GCF operations.
• Relevant skills and experience.
• Quality and relevance of the CV.
• Performance in an online video interview where required.
• Performance in a written assessment where required.
• Performance during the panel interview.
• References and other recruitment inputs where applicable.
• Overall suitability for the specific position.

• Gain professional experience within a major international climate finance institution.
• Work in a multicultural environment at GCF headquarters in South Korea.
• Develop practical skills relevant to climate finance, sustainable development and international organisations.
• Learn directly from professionals working on global climate-action priorities.
• Build experience that may support future careers in climate policy, finance, sustainability and international development.
• Gain international professional exposure while receiving financial and travel support.