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.

And we never give up.

For every child, a brighter future 

The Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for internal audit and investigation services to UNICEF. OIAI provides independent, objective assurance on the effectiveness of risk management and the effectiveness and adequacy of internal controls.

The Investigations Section is responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of misconduct, such as sexual exploitation and abuse, serious child safeguarding violations, gross mismanagement, fraud, corruption, retaliation against whistle-blowers, workplace harassment, abuse of authority, violation or willful disregard of UNICEF regulations, rules and administrative instructions that involve UNICEF staff, and relevant non–staff personnel. The Section is also tasked with investigating allegations of certain types of wrongdoing by third parties, such as sexual exploitation and abuse and serious child safeguarding violations as well as fraud and corruption, committed to the detriment of UNICEF.

OIAI conducts investigations in accordance with the International Uniform Principles and Guidelines for Investigations adopted at the 10th Conference of International Investigators and the OIAI Investigations Manual.  The OIAI Investigations Section is comprised of two teams, the Strategy, Intake and Analysis Unit (SIA) and the Investigations Team. The SIA Unit handles intake and initial assessments of new matters; policy, strategic and donor-related initiatives; and quality assurance of investigation and other reports; while the Investigations Unit handles cases predicated for investigation and certain complex and/or high-priority assessments. The Fraud team is dedicated to handling fraud and corruption matters implicating UNICEF personnel as well as third parties.

OIAI is advertising for three different types of internships that will support different teams within the Investigations Section.  In your cover letter, please specify to which of the three internship(s) you are applying. For internships 1 and 2, in person in New York is strongly preferred but remote will be considered.

Internship 1: Strategy, Intake and Analysis Unit (SIA)

In person in NY strongly preferred but remote will be considered

Under the overall guidance of the Chief, Investigations (SIA) and direct supervision of an Investigation Manager, you will undertake the following tasks:

* Assist with the analysis of information and data related to initial assessments and/or investigations, including conducting open-source searches and analyzing contractual/transactional information, and draft related written outputs, as appropriate, such as notes for the record and referral memoranda.

* Assist with donor reporting-related tasks, including contributing to and tracking progress made on donor engagement and reporting initiatives, compiling and analyzing information to identify possible links to donor funding, monitoring and following up on reports to donors and related issues, developing and maintaining record-keeping systems for donor reports and related matters, and preparing reports and other donor-related communications.

* Conduct legal and other research related to the work of the Investigations Section, such as legal research and analysis of United Nations Administrative Tribunal jurisprudence and review, analysis and drafting of investigations and integrity-related provisions in donor agreements.

* Assist with the collection and assembly of evidence, including participating in interviews and reviewing interview transcripts.

* Carrying out other tasks as may be assigned by OIAI management.

Note: A background in law is preferred for this internship.

Internship 2: Fraud Investigations Team

In person in NY strongly preferred but remote will be considered

Under the overall guidance of the head of the Fraud Investigation Team and direct supervision of an Investigation Manager, you will undertake the following tasks:

* Assist with the analysis of information and data related to initial assessments and/or investigations;

* Research UNICEF systems and sources of information, as well as open-source material in support of case assessments and investigations;

* Contribute to the production of case assessments, notes for the record, investigation, advisory and other official, evidence-based reports and memoranda;

* Assist with the review of investigations conducted by third-party implementing partners, including civil society organizations into reports of fraud and corruption;

* Assist with the identification, collection, review, presentation and assembly of evidence, including participating in investigative interviews, drafting interview synopses, compiling and submitting official requests for information and reviewing interview transcripts;

* Maintain the team case tracker and contribute to periodic and ad hoc reporting on team activities and investigation progress;

* Undertake training in the use of UNICEF systems and sources of information.

* Carrying out other task as may be assigned by OIAI management.

 Internship 3: Investigations Team (2 positions)

In person in NY, Budapest, or Nairobi or remote

Under the overall guidance of the Chief of the Investigation Team (NY or Budapest/Nairobi) and direct supervision of an Investigation Manager, you will undertake the following tasks:

* Assist with the analysis of information and data related to initial assessments and/or investigations;

* Research UNICEF systems and sources of information, as well as open-source material in support of case assessments and investigations;

* Contribute to the production of case assessments, notes for the record, investigation, advisory and other official, evidence-based reports and memoranda;

* Assist with the review of investigations conducted by third-party implementing partners, including civil society organizations into matters within OIAI’s jurisdiction;

* Assist with the identification, collection, review, presentation and assembly of evidence, including participating in investigative interviews, drafting interview synopses, compiling and submitting official requests for information and reviewing interview transcripts;

* Contribute to periodic and ad hoc reporting on team activities and investigation progress;

* Undertake training in the use of UNICEF systems and sources of information.

* Carrying out other task as may be assigned by OIAI management.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

* Graduated within the past two years or be currently enrolled in a university or an Advanced Degree Program.

* 0-2 years of relevant experience in legal activities and/or investigation-related functions.

*Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of Arabic, French or Spanish is a strong advantage.  Knowledge of another UN language (Chinese or Russian) is an asset.

* Excellent knowledge of MS Office and relevant computer systems and applications.

* Excellent communication, writing and interpersonal skills.

* Good organizational skills and attention to detail.

* Ability to work effectively on multiple assignments simultaneously and adapt to the changing requirements.

Modality: In-person (New York) preferred and remote considered for Internships 1 or 2; in person (NY, Budapest or Nairobi) or remote for Internship 3

Tentative start date: As soon as possible

Duration: 4 months (with the possibility to extend to 6 months)/Paid

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 the internship with the Health Section.

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are (1) Builds and maintains partnerships; (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness; (3) Drive to achieve results for impact; (4) Innovates and embraces change; (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity; (6) Thinks and acts strategically; (7) Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

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 is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:  

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

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to selected candidates who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their contracts.