Investment & Research Intern

Global Energy Alliance • Columbia, WA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (Global Energy Alliance) The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (Global Energy Alliance) works for a world where everyone has access to affordable, reliable, clean electricity and the means to use it to improve their lives. Our Alliance builds transformative public, private, philanthropic partnerships to end energy poverty and accelerate green economic opportunity. Founded in 2021 by The Rockefeller Foundation, IKEA Foundation, and Bezos Earth Fund, we design innovative projects/programs, unlock finance, strengthen institutions and transform markets, delivering progress anchored in deep community engagement. By uniting actors across the value chain, from households to heads of state, we go beyond individual projects to drive lasting systems change. With work in more than 30 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, our Alliance aims to reach 1 billion people with clean electricity, prevent 4 billion tons of carbon emissions and create or improve 150 million jobs. Key accountabilities At the forefront of the Global Energy Alliance’s efforts to mobilize capital for energy access, the Investments team supports the structuring, deployment, and management of catalytic financing that accelerates clean energy access in Africa, SE Asia, India and Latin America & Caribbean. The team designs funding mechanisms, supports investment vehicles, and manages a growing portfolio of initiatives aimed at expanding access to reliable and affordable electricity. As part of the Investments team, you will support GEAPP’s financing initiatives through financial analysis, investment structuring, and portfolio management activities, as well as coordination across internal programs. This internship provides hands-on experience in development finance and impact investing across emerging markets, with particular focus on energy access. The intern will work directly with senior investment professionals on GEAPP's global team and will get to learn about the mechanics of philanthropic grant making and investment activities, with exposure to major multistakeholder initiatives, including Mission 300. The role develops understanding of blended finance mechanisms, credit and investment assessment, as well as development finance ecosystem: donors, DFIs, MDBs, governments, and project developers. Interns gain real-world experience evaluating energy access projects, understanding how catalytic capital mobilizes private investment, and navigating the complexities of deploying capital in frontier markets. Importantly, they also gain exposure to the technical aspects of the renewable energy access industry - one of the most impactful and dynamic sectors addressing global development challenges.

Requirements

• You are an analytically strong and mission-driven graduate student with a clear interest in sustainable finance and clean energy investment.
• You are motivated by the opportunity to apply rigorous research and financial analysis to help design and scale innovative financing solutions that expand energy access and support the global transition to clean energy.
• You are currently enrolled in a graduate program in finance, development economics, investment policy, or a related field.
• You bring strong research, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise insights for diverse audiences.
• You are highly detail-oriented, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, and proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• You will have familiarity with investment processes and financing instruments such as debt, equity, or grants, along with a basic understanding of accounting and corporate finance.
• Above all, you have a strong interest in energy access, emerging markets, and the role of development finance in accelerating clean energy solutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the investments team on key programs and initiatives: Support activities related to the Mission 300 initiative, including country delivery unit operationalization and coordination, background research and due diligence for associated funding facilities, and support for events. Additional tasks may include monitoring portfolio company performance, tracking key milestones and reporting requirements, coordinating with regional teams on program updates, and assisting with portfolio reviews and reporting to internal stakeholders.
• Market and regulatory research : conduct research into energy access trends, emerging technologies, and policy/regulatory frameworks in target markets to identify opportunities for GEAPP intervention. Synthesize findings in a succinct format for internal teams.
• Prepare presentation materials for internal and external audiences : assist in preparing materials for the Finance and Investment Committee (FIC) as well as presentations for external stakeholders, partners, and potential donors (concept notes, teasers, investment memos).
• Conference, meeting, and stakeholder engagement support : prepare briefing materials and backgrounders ahead of conferences, field trips, and key meetings. Take detailed notes during in-person or virtual meetings, maintain organized records, and ensure timely follow-ups.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for meetings and GEAPP events as needed.
• Other tasks may include : supporting investment research and analysis to identify potential investment and grantee targets across GEAPP's focus regions; gathering documentation and conducting preliminary financial and operational analysis during due diligence processes.
• Project work : In addition, the intern will be designated ownership of a discrete project aligned with team priorities, the scope of which will be determined closer to the start of the internship.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern