Development Finance Research Intern, Content

LOCATION: TORONTO

INTERNSHIP PERIOD: SUMMER 2025

Convergence is the global network for blended finance. Blended finance is the use of catalytic public or philanthropic capital to increase private sector investment in the regions and sectors that need it most in the developing world. We are the source for everything blended finance, including deals, data, reports, trainings, webinars, and much more. At Convergence, we believe that blended finance can disrupt traditional development finance as we know it, by attracting significant private sector financing to developing countries.

Convergence is headquartered in Toronto, but we operate globally and have a presence in Singapore, Kigali, La Paz, New York and Washington, DC. Over the last five years, we have built a robust network of over 180 public, private, and philanthropic investors as well as sponsors of transactions and funds. To accelerate advances in the field, Convergence also provides grants through its Design Funding program, which funds the design of new blended finance solutions.

We are small but mighty. Join us if you want to be part of an energetic team with a unique role at the intersection of development and finance. We are passionate about and united around the goal of directing money to where it’s needed most – into developing countries and towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We have built a culture defined by our diversity, inclusivity, and ability to get things done. In this relatively new and growing organization, you can be sure that you’ll have a voice and leave your mark.

Convergence is seeking a Development Finance Research Intern to be based in Toronto.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Development Finance Research Intern will be primarily focused on building up Convergence’s database of blended finance transactions, collecting new data through desk research, developing data analysis tools (e.g., reports, dashboards, data visualizations) and supporting sector/thematic research for Convergence members, including Convergence’s flagship report the State of Blended Finance. This is a unique opportunity for someone who is interested in learning more about the development finance landscape, building investment and structured finance knowledge, and gaining qualitative data management experience.

The following comprises the core responsibilities of the Development Finance Research Intern however, the scope may evolve over time to match the Content Team’s and the wider market’s dynamic data needs and expectations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research and data analysis

• Sourcing, collating, synthesizing and presenting qualitative and quantitative data on blended finance transactions to ensure Convergence’s Historical Deals Database (HDD) is consistently an accurate depiction of the blended finance market.
• Support the enhancement of Convergence’s HDD and ensure data accuracy, consistency, and integrity by troubleshooting, cleaning, and enhancing datasets.
• Supporting qualitative desk research on closed blended finance transactions, including for the production of Convergence knowledge products (e.g., case studies, data briefs, bespoke research reports).
• Performing data cleaning and management, including on member data validation requests as needed.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of interactive data dashboards on Tableau for internal use and analyses.
• Contributing toward sector/thematic specific research on topics including but not limited to: i) blended finance structures/approaches that mobilize private investment to developing countries; ii) private investment strategies and opportunities such as Responsible Investment, SDG Investment, and Climate Finance that can be created by blended finance; and iii) tailored research assignments exploring specific stakeholder engagement/intended engagement in blended finance.
• Contribute to furthering Convergence's thought leadership through authoring blogs, op-eds, or other types of knowledge product as required.

Communication and engagement

• Participate in the processing of external and internal data requests, balancing user needs with internal intellectual property policies and protocols.
• Maintain timely and appropriate direct communication with Convergence staff and Convergence members and/or other stakeholders as necessary.

Through these activities, the Development Finance Research Intern will develop stronger research, analysis and writing skills, with an emphasis on qualitative data management and analysis, as well as gain a practical familiarity with business intelligence tools like Tableau and an in-depth understanding of blended finance in developing countries.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Full-time post-graduate student returning to university in Fall 2025 (expected graduation in 2026 or 2027).
• Currently pursuing a post-graduate degree in Economics, Finance, Business, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field.
• Excellent academic record.
• Proven experience (academic or professional) in data management, including collating, cleaning, exploring, manipulating and analyzing large structured and unstructured datasets considered an asset.
• Demonstrated strengths in analytics (qualitative and quantitative) and written communication, specifically the ability to synthesize and convey complex financial concepts in an approachable and succinct way in a variety of formats (case summaries, analytical notes, presentations).
• Demonstrated strengths using key applications is greatly valued, specifically Salesforce, Tableau and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Understanding of and/or interest in development finance, economic development, and/or structured finance.
• Excited about the prospect of working in a small entrepreneurial team environment as a collaborative partner.
  
  

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

The Development Finance Research Internship can be shaped to fit within any 12-16-week window between the spring and fall academic terms (May-September).

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Interested and qualified applicants are encouraged to apply early and in advance of the application deadline on January 19, 2025. Please note that you must submit a cover letter that discusses your interest in development, blended finance, and Convergence. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be accepted. Please note that due to the high volume of applications, we will only contact those selected for interviews.

Convergence believes in an inclusive environment. We celebrate the different viewpoints and experiences our diverse team members bring to our organization. Convergence encourages all individuals motivated by our mission and mandate to apply