Climate Finance Research Intern

1.Background

Humanity & Inclusion is an independent and impartial international aid organization working in poverty and exclusion, conflict, and disaster situations. Working alongside persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, our actions and testimony are focused on responding to their essential needs, improving their living conditions, and promoting respect for their dignity and their fundamental rights. Humanity & Inclusion is a not-for-profit organization with no religious or political affiliation. It operates as a federation comprising a network of associations that provide it with human and financial resources, manage its projects, and implement its actions and social mission.

As climate change increasingly affects vulnerable populations, innovative financing mechanisms are becoming critical for supporting adaptation, environmental restoration, resilience building, and sustainable livelihoods. In response to emerging climate finance opportunities and donor priorities, HI Ethiopia seeks to strengthen its knowledge and strategic positioning in climate finance and carbon market mechanisms.

To support this objective, HI is recruiting a Climate Finance and Carbon Markets Research Intern to undertake targeted research on climate finance opportunities, carbon credit mechanisms, regulatory frameworks, and potential financing and implementation partners in Ethiopia. The assignment will inform HI’s resource mobilization, programme development, and strategic partnership efforts.

Duration of Contract: 1-2 months

2. Purpose of the Internship

The internship aims to generate evidence and strategic insights that will enable HI Ethiopia to identify and engage with climate finance opportunities and carbon market initiatives aligned with its inclusive development and resilience programming.

Under the supervision of the Business Development Specialist and in close collaboration with programme teams, the intern will support research and analysis in the following areas:

Climate Finance Analysis

• Conduct desk reviews of climate finance mechanisms, funds, and facilities operating in Ethiopia and globally.
• Identify financing opportunities relevant to HI’s priorities, including climate adaptation, resilience, environmental restoration, and inclusive development.
• Analyze emerging trends and donor priorities in climate finance.

Carbon Markets and Carbon Credit Research

• Assess developments in voluntary and compliance carbon markets relevant to Ethiopia.
• Explore opportunities related to:
• Improved rangeland and natural resource management;
  • Carbon sequestration initiatives;
  • Fuel-efficient cooking solutions;
  • Nature-based carbon solutions;
  • Community-led environmental restoration programmes.

Policy, Stakeholder, and Donor Mapping

• Review national policies, regulations, and frameworks governing climate finance and carbon markets.
• Map key stakeholders, including government institutions, carbon project developers, verification bodies, research institutions, and technical partners.
• Identify climate finance donors, multilateral climate funds, private-sector investors, and carbon financing mechanisms relevant to Ethiopia.

Knowledge Management and Reporting

• Prepare briefing notes, presentations, and research summaries.
• Develop stakeholder and donor databases.
• Contribute evidence and research inputs to proposal development and fundraising initiatives.
• Produce a final report outlining opportunities, risks, and strategic recommendations for HI engagement.

Education

Applicants must:

• Be a bachelor’s degree holder;
• Have graduated within the last two years in a relevant field such as:
• Environmental Economics;
• Agricultural Economics
• Natural Resource Management;
• Environmental Studies/Science;
• Development Studies;
• Economics, Sociology and related fields

Experience and Skills

• Demonstrated interest in climate finance, sustainability, environmental management, or development financing.
• Experience conducting academic or professional research.
• Understanding of climate change adaptation and mitigation concepts.
• Knowledge of carbon markets and carbon financing mechanisms is an advantage.
• Experience in policy analysis, stakeholder mapping, or donor research is desirable.
• Very good analytical, research, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into concise and actionable outputs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and internet-based research tools.
• Ability in written and spoken English;

Benefits:

A daily rate of ETB 1000, Subject to applicable taxes.

The intern will gain practical experience within HI.