Internships – Office of Internal Audit and Investigations

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 comprises three teams across three geographic locations: the Investigations Unit, which has members based in New York, Budapest and Nairobi; a dedicated Fraud Team based in New York; and the Strategy, Intake and Analysis (SIA) Unit based in New York. 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. The SIA Unit handles intake and initial assessments of new matters; policy, strategic and donor-related initiatives; and quality assurance reviews of investigation and other reports.

OIAI is advertising for three different internships that will support the three different teams within the Investigations
Section. In your cover letter, please specify to which of the three internship(s) you are applying.

Internship 1: 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 OIAl's jurisdiction;
• Assist with the intake and triage of incoming sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and child safeguarding (CSG) reports, including those implicating personnel of UNICEF partners in particular, identifying urgent actions such as referrals for victim assistance or to other UN entities;
• Assist with registering and updating SEA/CSG reports in internal case management systems and the Secretary-General’s UN System-wide SEA Reporting Mechanism, ensuring accuracy and data integrity:
• Analyze case data to identify trends and prepare statistical and qualitative reports for internal and external stakeholders;
• 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 tasks as may be assigned by OIAI management.

Internship 2: Fraud Investigations Team (1 position)

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 tasks as may be assigned by OIAI management.

Internship 3: Strategy, Intake and Analysis Unit (SIA) (1 position)

In person in NY 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:

• Review incoming reports and assist with gathering additional information to conduct initial assessments, including by conducting open-source searches; analyze available information and evidence and prepare recommendations for case resolution, including whether or not matters should be predicated for investigation.
• Draft reports (including closure notes and referral memoranda) and compile supporting documentation.
• Assist with intake of new matters received on OIAI hotline by drafting responses to incoming reports, initiating cases in case management system (CMS) and preparing and organizing case files for new matters.
• Assist with the collection and assembly of evidence, including by participating in witness interviews and reviewing and analyzing interview transcripts.
• Assist with the preparation of statistical and other reports compiling and analyzing case-related data, for internal and external stakeholders.
• Upon request, assist with other tasks undertaken by SIA, including legal research, policy review and development, and preparation of donor reports and related communications.
• Carrying out other tasks as may be assigned by OIAI management.

Qualifications

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 language, such as Chinese, Russian, Pashto or Bangla, is considered an asset.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive case-related information.
• 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 2 or 3; in person (NY, Budapest or Nairobi) or remote for Internship 1
Tentative start date: As soon as possible
Duration: 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 starting the internship.

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.