Sustainable Finance Specialist (Internship)

BASE Internship Opportunity: Sustainable Finance Specialist

Are you ready to tackle the challenges of climate change and sustainable development? Join BASE, a dynamic and impactful international organization based in Basel, Switzerland, committed to leveraging innovative, market-driven business models and financial strategies. As an intern, you’ll support our work in transforming ideas into actionable, real-world solutions, mobilizing investments, and contributing to systemic market transformations for sustainable, lasting change.

At BASE, we collaborate closely with stakeholders to deliver tangible results and ignite a movement for sustainability. This internship is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and make a meaningful contribution, addressing global challenges through locally tailored solutions in a multicultural and collaborative environment.

Location: Basel, Switzerland
Schedule: Full-time (100 %)
Duration: 6 months (with the possibility of extension)
Start date: As soon as possible, ideally by the end of January 2025
Application deadline: January 12th, 2025

Eligibility Requirements

Swiss or EU citizenship, or a valid Swiss work permit, is required. Unfortunately, due to the complexity of Swiss work visa processes, applications from non-European candidates, including those with EU work permits or EU student visas, cannot be considered.

About BASE

The BASE Foundation is a Swiss NGO and a specialized partner of the UN Environment, established in 2001. BASE specializes in mobilizing investments and financing to address climate change challenges through innovative, market-driven business models and financial strategies. BASE drives systemic market transformations that deliver sustainable and inclusive outcomes.

We enable, build capacities, and foster collaboration among key stakeholders across the value chain, including financial institutions, SMEs, technology providers, households, farmers, governments, development agencies, and academia. Through partnerships, BASE designs and supports the implementation of innovative strategies that build trust, align efforts, and create momentum to achieve impactful results. This approach advances sustainability and effectively addresses the challenges of climate change.

Background

We are seeking a motivated, enthusiastic, and creative individual to join BASE as an intern supporting our Sustainable Finance team. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to dynamic and impactful projects, particularly in sustainable development and climate change solutions.

The intern will support initiatives such as the Your Virtual Cold Chain Assistant (Your VCCA) in Guinea-Bissau and beyond, as well as collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on various sustainable finance programs focused on Latin America and Asia.

Your VCCA is an innovative solution providing smallholder farmers with sustainable cooling through a pay-per-use business model and digital tools. It reduces food waste, increases income, and lowers carbon emissions.

The intern will also support BASE’s broader efforts to assist financial institutions in designing innovative financial mechanisms, identifying market opportunities, and scaling solutions across sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eMobility.

Your role as an intern:

• Assist with coordinating stakeholder interactions in Guinea-Bissau.
• Support the local consultant’s activities and governance structure development for pilot locations.
• Help prepare progress reports for funders and contribute to fundraising activities.
• Assist in engaging stakeholders interested in piloting Your VCCA in other countries.

• Provide research and analytical support to develop financial strategies such as lending instruments and risk mitigation mechanisms.
• Assist with project implementation, working with teams on transformative projects in sustainable finance and decarbonization.
• Support the preparation of presentations and materials for stakeholder engagements.

Professional Requirements

• Postgraduate degree in sustainable finance, economics, climate change, international development, or a related field.
• Experience or knowledge in sustainable finance, climate change, or related areas (experience in Low- and Middle-Income Countries is a plus).
• Strong interest in sustainability and climate change-related projects.
• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Full professional proficiency in English is required; proficiency in Portuguese and Spanish is highly desirable. Knowledge of additional languages is an asset.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about sustainability and climate action.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks.
• Effective in diverse, multicultural team environments.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and eager to learn.
• High ethical standards and commitment to quality.

Application and Selection Process

To apply, please submit your application to vacancies@energy-base.org by January 12th, 2025.

Your application should include:

1. Motivation Letter (maximum 2 pages): Explain your interest in the internship and how your skills and experience align with the role.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages): Include details of your academic background, relevant experience, and references.