Intern, Asia-Pacific Region

LOCATION: SINGAPORE

INTERNSHIP PERIOD: 8-12 weeks

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30 April 2025

Convergence is the global network for blended finance. We generate blended finance data, intelligence, and deal flow to increase private sector investment in developing countries. Blended finance is the use of catalytic public or philanthropic capital to increase private sector investment in places that need it most. Convergence’s global membership includes public, private, and philanthropic investors as well as sponsors of transactions and funds. Members include institutions such as MacArthur Foundation, FinDev Canada, the Nature Conservancy, and Credit Suisse. Convergence offers its members a curated, online platform to connect with each other on blended finance transactions in progress, as well as exclusive access to original market intelligence and knowledge products such as case studies, reports, training, and webinars. To accelerate advances in the field, Convergence also provides grants through its Design Funding program, for the design of vehicles that could attract private capital at scale to global development.

Convergence is a not-for-profit company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario (Canada). The Asia-Pacific region office is currently seeking an intern to support the team in creating greater awareness about blended finance as a viable financial structuring approach to mobilize private investment at scale towards SDG-related projects in the Asia-Pacific region.

OBJECTIVES

The intern will gain valuable experience in business development, client management, and analytical skills, while developing a deep understanding of blended finance within the Asia-Pacific region. The role offers the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders in the global development finance community, fostering strong professional relationships and enhancing the intern’s strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Asia-Pacific Region Intern will work closely with the Manager, Asia-Pacific, contributing across key areas including development finance, research on the development community such as Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) funders & Philanthropic stakeholders in Asia, and support business process improvement/workflow. The role will involve both strategic research and hands-on support in a dynamic environment.

1. Development Finance Knowledge:
2. • Conduct in-depth research to map out development capital providers across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on specific sectors.
   • Monitor and track relevant announcements, press releases, and updates across Asia to stay current on industry developments.
3. Philanthropic Research:
4. • Perform comprehensive research on the philanthropy, family office, foundation space in Asia and their involvement in blended finance, including challenges and opportunities for the region.
   • Dive deep into the philanthropic sector to understand trends, opportunities, and challenges.
5. Project Management
6. • Assist the Manager in organizing and executing convening and capacity-building initiatives, such as in-person networking events, industry roundtables, and webinars. Responsibilities will include event planning, logistical coordination and overall event coordination.
   • Support in taking responsibility for administrative and logistical tasks, ensuring follow-up on action items, and preparing content for engagement with members, prospects, and external event audiences.
7. Process improvement
8. • Utilize analytical skills to help streamline processes, create templates, and generate Salesforce reports to track member and prospect movements.
   • Contribute to the automation of event organization processes, maintaining up-to-date Excel databases for membership tracking and contact management of key stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Full-time graduate student or a recent graduate with an advanced degree at the Master level (within two years of graduating).
• Pursuing a degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Development, or a related field from an accredited university.
• Must be a Singapore National or Permanent Resident.
• Excellent academic record.
• An excellent command of English grammar.
• Strong analytical abilities, both quantitative and qualitative.
• Ability to present information in an insightful and structured manner, both written and oral.
• Understanding of development finance and the political and cultural realities of emerging markets.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

The internship is offered for a minimum period of 8-12 weeks, beginning in May and the intern must be based physically in Singapore. 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 April 30, 2025. Please note that you must submit a cover letter that discusses your interest in development, blended finance, and Convergence. 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.