Mustafa Kamal
Overview of UNICEF Internship Opportunities
UNICEF, the global champion for children’s rights and well-being, announces an exceptional opportunity for aspiring professionals with a passion for justice and accountability. The Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) invites applications for two paid internship positions, stationed in the vibrant cities of New York and Budapest. These internships, spanning four to six months, aim to provide hands-on experience within the Investigations Section of OIAI, addressing critical issues such as sexual exploitation and abuse, child safeguarding violations, fraud, and corruption.
The selected interns will play a vital role in supporting the Chief, Investigations (Strategy, Intake & Analysis), and an investigations manager. Responsibilities include conducting analyses of information and data, contributing to donor reporting initiatives, legal research, and assisting in the review of investigations conducted by third-party partners. UNICEF emphasizes the importance of diverse language skills, requiring fluency in English and welcoming proficiency in Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese, or Russian. The modality of these positions includes both in-person options in New York or Budapest and remote work, subject to the agreement of the Chief, SIA. The application deadline is March 8, 2024, Eastern Standard Time, offering an incredible opportunity for recent graduates or current students in advanced degree programs, particularly those with a background in law and investigation-related functions.
Background About UNICEF
The Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) operates under the leadership of the Executive Director, providing independent, objective assurance on risk management, internal controls, and overall effectiveness. OIAI plays a crucial role in upholding UNICEF’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Position Overview
The internship focuses on the Investigations Section, responsible for probing allegations of misconduct, ranging from sexual exploitation and abuse to fraud and corruption. The selected interns will work closely with the Chief, Investigations (Strategy, Intake & Analysis), and an investigations manager.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct Analysis:
- Assist in analyzing information and data related to initial assessments and investigations. This includes open-source searches, contractual/transactional information analysis, and drafting related documents like notes for the record and referral memoranda.
Donor Reporting:
- Contribute to donor reporting tasks, tracking progress on engagement initiatives, analyzing information for donor funding links, monitoring reports, and preparing donor-related communications.
Legal Research:
- Conduct legal research related to Investigations Section activities, including UN Administrative Tribunal jurisprudence, analysis of investigations, and drafting integrity-related provisions in donor agreements.
Third-Party Partner Oversight:
- Support the review of investigations conducted by third-party partners, ensuring adequacy and compliance with UNICEF standards.
Evidence Collection:
- Assist in collecting and assembling evidence, participate in interviews, and review interview transcripts.
- Additional Tasks:
- Undertake tasks assigned by OIAI management, including drafting analytical reports, memoranda, and other related outputs.
Required Qualifications and Skills
Education:
- Recently graduated or currently enrolled in a university or an Advanced Degree Program, preferably law school.
Experience:
- 0-2 years in legal activities and/or investigation-related functions.
Language:
- Fluency in English required; working knowledge of Arabic, French, or Spanish is advantageous; knowledge of Chinese or Russian is an asset.
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in MS Office and relevant computer systems.
Soft Skills:
- Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills; strong organizational skills; ability to work on multiple assignments simultaneously.
Modality and Duration
Modality:
- In-person (NY or Budapest) or Remote (subject to agreement of Chief, SIA).
Start Date:
- April 2024.
Duration:
- 4 months (with the possibility to extend to 6 months)/Paid.
Insurance
UNICEF requires proof of enrolment in a health/accident plan prior to the internship start to cover costs arising from accidents and/or illness.
Competencies
UNICEF seeks candidates with competencies in building partnerships, self-awareness, drive for results, innovation, managing ambiguity, strategic thinking, and collaborative teamwork.
Application Deadline:
08 Mar 2024 (Eastern Standard Time)
For details on the UNICEF competency framework and application process, visit UNICEF competency framework here.