Policy Advocacy Intern, Spring 2026
Overview
Summary
WHO WE ARE:
About 1 billion women remain excluded from the formal financial system. Women’s World Banking researches, designs, and invests in financial solutions, institutions, and policy environments in emerging markets to create greater economic security and prosperity for women, their families, and their communities. For Women’s World Banking, research and evidence is the fuel for our advisory and advocacy engines, uncovering the insights on which the organization’s decisions and actions are based.
The Women’s World Banking Institute is the global source for data, insights, and training to advance women’s financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Our multidisciplinary team of researchers, policy experts, and insights specialists generates and translates evidence to inform strategy, policy advocacy, and advisory services across the organization and financial inclusion ecosystem. Our research underpins evidence-based solutions, while our leadership and capacity-building programs equip leaders with the skills to design gender-responsive policies, products, and services. Through this integrated approach, the Institute empowers financial services providers, policymakers, partners, and other stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to drive women’s financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
INTERNING AT WOMEN’S WORLD BANKING
Women’s World Banking Institute seeks a Policy Advocacy Intern to support research related to global and national policy goals aligned with women’s financial inclusion. We work closely with our interns to design work plans that fit each intern’s technical abilities and professional development goals. They will work in a multi-disciplinary team with financial product specialists, insights strategists, and policy and advocacy experts. Interning with the Women’s World Banking Institute team is a great opportunity for a student seeking hands-on experience in an international NGO for social impact.
Roles and Responsibilities
What you’ll be doing:
The intern will be expected to work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week and undertake some combination of the following activities:
- Policy research and advocacy support:
- Conduct desk research on financial inclusion policy initiatives, regulatory frameworks, and government strategies that advance women’s economic participation.
- Map out global and regional policy trends aligned with Women’s World Banking’s policy advocacy goals.
- Synthesize research findings into briefs, memos, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
Required Qualifications
The skills and experiences you bring include:
- Current graduate student in a master’s program in Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration, Development Studies, Sociology, or similar discipline.
- Demonstrated ability to synthesize research findings into clear, actionable insights.
- Strong writing and analytical skills, with experience producing briefs, memos, or research reports.
- Strong written and verbal communication in English.
- Ability to work independently and remotely.
Preferred Qualifications
You’re an ideal candidate if you have:
- Knowledge of inclusive finance, digital financial services, or gender-responsive financial policies.
- Experience with advocacy, coalition-building, or stakeholder engagement.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly SharePoint and Teams.
Measure of Success
To apply, please submit:
- Brief cover letter describing your interest in the role, relevant experience, and availability for the internship period.
- Resume/CV
- Contact information for two professional references
Starting November 17, we will review applications on a rolling basis and will remove this posting once we extend an offer.
Please note that all Women’s World Banking internships will be virtual and unpaid, although students are welcome to seek outside funding. Academic credit remains a requisite for all internships. Individuals who do not receive credit or outside funding may still apply to the internship; however, they should indicate in their application materials that they are interested in a volunteer opportunity, which can be discussed with the hiring manager.
About Women's World Banking
We believe in being a force for the greater good, devoted to accelerating and growing the financial inclusion of women. With rapidly changing markets, influenced by technology and social behavioral expectations, we are embarking on a new chapter to transform the way we design and implement solutions.
For over 40 years, Women’s World Banking has partnered with financial institutions, showing them the benefit of investing in women as customers. We equip these institutions with in-depth research and data driven insights to develop financial products and educational programs. While our clients are financial service providers, our mission is to engage consumers – women who are marginalized by financial systems.
Women’s World Banking and WWB Asset Management is an equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.
