Internship with Office of Internal Audit & Investigations

Internship with UNICEF Office of Internal Audit and Investigations. The Investigations Service investigates reports of possible violations of rules or regulations, mismanagement, misconduct, waste of resources or abuse of authority. This internship is with the Investigations Service of the Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) in New York.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children's rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society's most disadvantaged citizens - addressing inequity - not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

This internship is with the Investigations Service of the Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) in New York.

For every child, a new idea

OIAI is an independent office reporting to UNICEF’s Executive Director and the Executive Board. The Investigations Service investigates reports of possible violations of rules or regulations, mismanagement, misconduct, waste of resources or abuse of authority.

How can you make a difference?

The UNICEF Internship Programme offers eligible/qualified students at both Headquarters and country offices the opportunity to acquire direct practical experience in UNICEF's work under the direct supervision of experienced UNICEF staff. This internship is for acquiring organizational knowledge of rules, regulations and processes to supplement academic and theoretical knowledge.

Minimum Requirements:

To be eligible for a UNICEF internship applicant must be enrolled in a degree programme in an undergraduate, or graduate school, or be a recent graduate (graduated within the past 2 years. Studies in the area of Investigations, Audit, Law, Criminal Justice, or related field preferred. 

• Currently enrolled in University or Advanced Degree Program.
• Excellent academic performance, as demonstrated by academic records.
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office and relevant computer systems and applications.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize concepts and materialize and communicate these clearly and concisely in both written and oral formats.
• Ability to work effectively on multiple assignment simultaneously and adapt to the changing requirements.
• Good communication, interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team environment.
• Excellent research and report writing skills.
• Have no immediate relatives (e.g. father, mother, brother, sister) working in any UNICEF office.
• Have no other relatives in the line of authority which the intern will report to.

Responsibilities of the internship position encompass the following:

• Assist with the collection and assembly of evidence, analysis of information and data related to investigations and researching a range of issues related to investigations;
• Assist with the develop and update of OIAI's standard operating procedures based on applicable best investigative practices and legal developments;
• Assist in conducting quality assurance reviews of Reports to ensure that the evidence supports the findings;
• Conduct legal research and analysis of United Nations jurisprudence;
• Persons with IT interest/abilities will also have access to analytical tools and involvement with digital forensics;
• Assist in the preparation of analytical reports and related outputs

Competencies

Communication:

• Speaks and writes clearly and efficiently
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others
• Places team agenda before personal agenda
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings

Planning & Organizing:

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
• Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required
• Allocates an appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning
• Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary
• Uses time efficiently

Languages

English, French and Spanish are the working languages of UNICEF. For this internship, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French and/or Spanish is desirable. Knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations.

Location: The internship will be based in the NY headquarters office.

Duration: This will be a full-time internship ; the duration will be from January to May 2020.

In their application, applicants should confirm their availability in the dates of this internship.

Salary/Payment: In accordance to UNICEF's guidelines, interns will be paid a stipend of US $1,500 per month. There is no expectancy of employment at the end of the internship. UNICEF is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas.

Insurance: UNICEF will not be responsible for costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during the intern's service, whether on or off UNICEF premises. Therefore, the selected candidate must provide proof of enrolment in a health/accident plan prior to start his/her work.

Living Conditions and Working Environment: The intern will work at UNICEF, New York, Headquarters.  S/he will work with Office of Internal Audit and Investigations and will work directly with the investigations team.  S/he is not expected to travel out of this duty station during the assignment. A flexible workspace will be provided. The intern will be expected to participate in team meetings, as well as other UNICEF meetings of interest to the student. Guidance will be provided on a regular basis.

If accepted, the intern will be required to provide a copy of health insurance coverage and to fill out the relevant UNICEF forms on conditions regarding service as an intern.

Remarks:

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.