Southeast Asia Impact Bond Fellows

Embark on a transformative journey with the ASEAN Impact Bond Fellows program, an initiative by the Social Finance Lab, designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in impact bonds and local currency (LCY) bond markets, driving sustainable development across the ASEAN+3 region.

About the ASEAN Impact Bond Fellows

The ASEAN Impact Bond Fellows program addresses the urgent need for innovative financing mechanisms to tackle pressing social and environmental challenges within the ASEAN+3 region. By focusing on the powerful synergy between impact bonds and LCY bond markets, we aim to unlock new pathways for sustainable finance, aligning with the strategic objectives of the Asian Bond Markets Initiative (ABMI) and fostering deeper regional financial integration.

We seek passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, including graduate students, professionals, development advocates, and government staff, who are committed to leveraging financial instruments for tangible positive impact within the dynamic ASEAN+3 landscape.

Our Goals:

• Develop Expertise: Cultivate a skilled network of ASEAN Impact Bond Fellows capable of designing and managing impact bonds within LCY bond markets.

• Drive Innovation: Foster research and innovation in impact bond structures tailored to the unique context of the ASEAN+3 region.

• Build Collaboration: Create a vibrant network of Fellows and experts, facilitating knowledge exchange and impactful project development.

What ASEAN Impact Bond Fellows Will Gain:

• Specialized Curriculum: A rigorous academic program covering impact bond design, social impact measurement, LCY bond market dynamics, and the principles of sustainable finance.

• Practical Experience: Hands-on experience through internships with leading impact bond issuers, social enterprises, financial institutions, and development agencies across the ASEAN+3 region.

• Research Opportunities: Engage in impactful research projects exploring the potential of impact bonds to address specific social and environmental challenges within the region.

• Regional Networking: Build invaluable professional connections with impact bond practitioners, policymakers, and researchers across the ASEAN+3 region.

• Social Finance Lab Affiliation: Access to the Social Finance Lab's comprehensive resources, mentorship, and network, accelerating your professional development in impact investing.

• Local University Collaboration (where applicable): For Fellows hosted at affiliated universities, contribute to local impact bond projects and community initiatives through on-campus Social Finance Labs.

Program Structure for ASEAN Impact Bond Fellows:

• Target Participants: Graduate students, professionals, development advocates, and government staff from any country, with a demonstrated passion for impact bonds and sustainable finance in the ASEAN+3 region.

• Duration: 1-2 years, tailored to the research and practical components of the fellowship.

• Key Components:

  • Specialized Curriculum on Impact Bonds and LCY Markets

  • Practical Internships and Impact Bond Project Development

  • Regional Networking and Collaboration

  • Social Finance Lab Engagement

  • Local University Social Finance Lab Engagement

How to Become an ASEAN Impact Bond Fellow:

The Social Finance Lab invites applications from highly motivated individuals with a strong background and a deep commitment to impact investing and sustainable development.

Eligibility Criteria:

The ASEAN Impact Bond Fellows program welcomes applications from individuals passionate about sustainable finance and impact investing within the ASEAN+3 region. We encourage applications from:

• Individuals with a demonstrated interest in impact bonds and LCY bond markets.

• Individuals seeking to contribute to positive social and environmental impact through financial innovation.

• Individuals eager to learn and collaborate in a diverse and multicultural environment.

• Applicants from diverse backgrounds, including graduate students, professionals, development advocates, and government staff, are encouraged to apply.

• Basic English language proficiency is required.

Application Process:

To apply for the ASEAN Impact Bond Fellows program, please follow these steps:

1. Online Application: Complete the online application form available on the application portal.

2. Required Documents: Submit the following documents in PDF format:

   • A brief resume or CV highlighting relevant experience.

   • A short statement of interest (maximum 500 words) explaining your motivation for joining the program and your relevant background or interest.

   • One letter of recommendation (optional).

3. Submission: Submit all required documents through the online application portal by the application deadline.

4. Application Deadline: [Insert Application Deadline Date].

Selection Process:

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated Interest: Clear articulation of interest in impact bonds and sustainable finance.

• Potential for Contribution: Potential to contribute to the program's goals and the development of impact bonds in the ASEAN+3 region.

• Motivation: Enthusiasm and commitment to learning and collaboration.

• Relevant Background: Any relevant experience or background, even if informal or volunteer based, will be considered.

We aim to create a diverse cohort of Fellows and will consider a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a brief online conversation.

Application Portal:

University Partnerships

The Social Finance Lab collaborates with leading universities across the ASEAN+3 region to establish on-campus Social Finance Labs, fostering local impact bond ecosystems and building sustainable academic capacity.

• University Affiliation:

  • Universities can affiliate with the Social Finance Lab to host ASEAN Impact Bond Fellows and establish vibrant on-campus Social Finance Labs.

  • Social Finance Teaching Fellowships: Universities interested in activating Social Finance Labs are eligible to apply for Social Finance Teaching Fellowships. These fellowships support faculty development and curriculum integration related to impact bonds and sustainable finance, empowering universities to build long-term capacity in this critical field.

• On-Campus Lab Activation: [Provide detailed information on the process of establishing and operating an on-campus Social Finance Lab focused on impact bonds.]

• Benefits for Partner Universities: [Highlight the significant advantages of hosting ASEAN Impact Bond Fellows and participating in the program, including access to resources, networking, and capacity building.]

Funding and Support:

There is currently no funding support provided to Fellows and universities. Interested Fellows and universities are encouraged to look for support from regional organizations, development banks, government agencies, and impact investing foundations.

Contact Us:

For inquiries about the ASEAN Impact Bond Fellows program, please contact ask@socialfinancelab.com

References

1. AsianBondsOnline, which is ADB’s portal on the activities of ASEAN+3 Asian Bond Markets Initiative (ABMI)

2. Sustainable Finance Hub

3. Alternergy’s green finance framework and Second Party Opinion report, a Philippine renewable energy company which was supported by ADB

4. ASA Gender bond framework, social bond issuer in the Philippines

5. Government Housing Bank’s framework and Second Party Opinion report, a Thai sustainability bond issuer which was supported by ADB