Partnerships and Sustainable Finance Internship, Washington, D.C.

Partnerships and Sustainable Finance Internship, Washington, D.C.

Position Description

About PADF

The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) believes in creating a hemisphere of opportunity, for all. We work across Latin America and the Caribbean to make our region stronger—more healthy, peaceful, just, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable for current and future generations. For over 60 years, we have served the most vulnerable communities, investing resources throughout the hemisphere. We partner with and enable civil society, governments, and the private sector for the greater good of the region. 

Position Overview

PADF seeks a motivated Intern to join our dynamic team. This position is ideal for an individual passionate about sustainable finance, social entrepreneurship, and impact investing, and who is eager to contribute to engaging the private sector in promoting sustainable development outcomes. This position is expected to last 90 days.

***Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter explaining their interest in the position and PADF, a writing sample and a project sample that demonstrates relevant skills.***

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Research the investment landscape and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Caribbean to determine regional and country specific gaps, needs, and promising areas for investments in sustainable development, particularly in regard to the blue economy. This will include researching capital and advisory service needs, investor appetite, and blended finance options.


• Map existing investors, financial institutions, and funding opportunities in the Caribbean, and their eligibility requirements, required documentation, and other priorities.


• Conduct interviews with key stakeholders where required to better understand the investment landscape.

Final Project: By the end of the internship, submit an investment preparation guide that includes:

• An explanation of key blended finance concepts explained in simple terms, targeted for an audience of entrepreneurs leading small and medium-sized enterprises.


• An explanation of the investment requirements (e.g. target markets and sectors, technical requirements, due diligence processes, etc.) of key regional investors and financial institutions.


• Templates/models to support entrepreneurs in accessing funding. These may include business plans, term sheets, transaction summaries, financial projection models, technical specifications, risk mitigation and monitoring plans, and implementation timelines.  

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a degree program in business, finance, sustainable development, or a related field.


• Strong writing and editing skills, with keen attention to detail.


• Experience conducting research, stakeholder interviews, and synthesizing findings.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse team environment.


• Ability to travel if required is desirable.


• Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.

 Hourly Rate: $17.50

More About PADF 

PADF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1962. www.padf.org 

PADF’s core values. “H-E-A-R-T” = Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork.

Diversity. PADF is strong because we are diverse. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. PADF does not discriminate based on ability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of cultures, languages, socio-economic backgrounds, and perspectives on the world.

PADF is committed to safeguarding employees and those we serve, addressing inappropriate behavior, discrimination, and harassment. We take an intersectional approach, promote gender equality, and follow our Global Code of Conduct emphasizing our H.E.A.R.T. values. The code covers various aspects, including anti-trafficking, PSEAH (Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment), whistleblowing, and online safety. 

PADF is an Equal Opportunity Employer