Background Information - FG

Finance Group

The purpose of the Finance Group is to lead and develop the organization’s finance strategy and practice. The core functions of the Finance Group are to:

a.      Articulate finance policies and processes; enable operationalization and managerial oversight through appropriate systems and reports; provide corporate advice and guidance; and strengthen the knowledge, skills and career development of finance practitioners.

b.     Steward the resources of the organization, ensuring cost recovery and accurate financial reporting to partners; maintain appropriate controls and integrity of financial management in accordance with relevant international standards; enable prudent management and growth of financial assets; and build an informed and shared management engagement on financial issues in support of the organization’s business strategy.

c.      Identify and develop opportunities for the provision of financial management services for partners and ensure appropriate modalities for service delivery.

Background Information - Job-specific

The Finance Group (FG) is a critical and strategic business function in UNOPS and serves as an authoritative and integrated partner in the organization on strategic financial planning and budgeting, business strategy and practices, financial analysis and risk assessment, financial management services and long term organizational treasury and investments.  As the steward of resources of a self-financing UN entity, FG is accountable for timely cost recovery and reporting to partners, maintaining the integrity and transparency of financial management of resources in accordance with the highest standards of ethics and organizational/international accountability framework and the accurate and transparent financial reporting to governing bodies, clients, partners and stakeholders.

The Finance Intern reports to the Finance Specialist who provides broad supervision and guidance. The Finance intern is responsible for delivering the assigned tasks in a timely and efficient manner. The Finance intern will have great opportunities for learning and expanding knowledge and experience within the areas of financial accounting and audit as well as system developments and process improvements and wider experience of UN financial systems.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of Financial Statements and UNBOA Relations, the Finance Intern will be responsible for supporting a variety of tasks and work packages, including review of general ledger accounts , creation of journal entries as part of his/her internship period. 

We are seeking a motivated and passionate individual who may have a background in finance or a related function, with some working knowledge of accounting desirable. 

However, as internships are designed to be valuable learning experiences, previous work experience is not a requirement.

Some of the specific tasks may include, but are not limited to:

  1. SUPPORT FINANCE GROUP - FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND UNBOA RELATION (FSUR) OVERALL 

  2. ASSIST IN FINANCE RELATED KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES 

  3. TAKE PART TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEAM PROJECTS


1. SUPPORT FINANCE GROUP - FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND UNBOA RELATION (FSUR) OVERALL 

  • Support the different teams on a wide range of tasks related to analysis of financial data, daily operations with field offices, reporting, reconciliations among many other tasks.

  • Learn the chart of accounts and related accounting entries to resolve potential issues under GL accounts

  • Gain understanding and support with compilation and consolidation of data.

  • Communicates with colleagues/clients in areas requiring verification, corrections, and additional information.

  • Reviews supporting documents ensuring completeness and accuracy.

  • Support the review of existing processes and contribute to build new more efficient ones with a strong focus on excellence;

  • Provides support on ad-hoc matters



2. ASSIST IN FINANCE RELATED KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

  • Develop knowledge of existing processes and support the team for further improvement

  • Assists with development of training materials and guidance notes.

  • Supports with system development and process improvement initiatives

  • Understand the flow of transactions and support the team with development of standard accounting entries database for knowledge sharing 

  • Research, Learn and assist the team with required information on ad hoc cases

3. TAKE PART TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEAM PROJECTS

  • Provide support in the development of finance innovative solutions

  • Support the development and maintenance of the unit’s intranet page.

  • Test and explore the issues before implementation of new projects


At the end of this internship, the successful candidate will have gained: 

  • Exposure to and experience in dealing with oneUNOPS ERP, general ledger accounting and financial management  at the corporate level;

  • Exposure to financial data in the context of development and public procurement;

  • Exposure to an international multicultural work environment and team;

  • Exposure to collaborating with colleagues at headquarters and country offices.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

  • Applicants must be enrolled in a university degree such as a Bachelor, Masters, or have graduated within three years prior to the application date of the internship.

  • The preferred candidate would have a degree in or pursuing studies in the areas of finance, accounting,  admin, communications, international relations, economics, business,or other related areas.

Experience: 

  • Experience in Google workspace (Google Docs,  Google Slides) and advanced knowledge of Google sheets.

  • Experience in use of ERP system is an asset

  • Experience in use of SharePoint is an asset


Language: 

  • Full working knowledge of English.  

  • Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Additional Considerations

  • Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time.
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
  • UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
  • UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
  • Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
  • The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  
  • All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
  • It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Contract type, level and duration - Internship

Contract type: Internship
Contract level: N/A
Contract duration: 4 months



This internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.

Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend  from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one time travel lumpsum of 500 USD. However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.

For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.


Working with us
We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).


At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.


Diversity
With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.



Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.
At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.