Intern – Investigations Section – Global Fund Unit (2 internship posts)

Background

The Investigations Section of the Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) is seeking to recruit two (2) interns for its Global Fund Investigations Unit for six months, beginning around 1 February 2024.

The Global Fund Investigations Unit of OAI is responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of misconduct, such as fraud, corruption, retaliation on whistleblowers, workplace harassment, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority, violation or willful disregard of UNDP regulations, rules, and administrative instructions, which involve UNDP staff and other personnel under UNDP’s Global Fund-funded Grant implementation. OAI also investigates allegations of fraud and other financial irregularities committed by contractors, implementing partners, and other third parties deemed detrimental to UNDP.

OAI conducts investigations in accordance with the UNDP Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with UN Standards of Conduct and the OAI Investigation Guidelines.

This vacancy is a call for an internship for the FY 2024. OAI will select the top two (2) applicants for this internship beginning around 17 June 2024.

Duties and Responsibilities

The interns support the Investigations Section in conducting investigations into allegations of various types of wrongdoing. In carrying out this overall function, the Interns may:

• Assist in reviewing fraud cases reported to OAI.

• Assist in identifying, collating, and analyzing potential evidence, including carrying out open-source research, data analytics, and forensic reviews.

• Allow OAI to enhance the efficiency of current fraud investigation processes.

• Assist OAI in determining whether advanced data analytics, AI technologies, or process automation could be used to expand the current applications in fraud investigations and financial forensic review cases.

Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity.

• Demonstrates the ability to remain objective, neutral, and independent.

• Displays cultural sensitivity.

• Produces timely, quality outputs.

• Exercises sound judgment/analysis.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks.

• Writes clearly and effectively, and,

• Speaks clearly and convincingly.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Applicants must, at the time of the application, meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program (a master’s or higher) in law, financial investigations, management, finance, computer science, data science, or other relevant applied science—preference for specialization in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or machine learning.

• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in law, financial investigations, management, finance, computer science, data science, or other relevant applied science. Preference for specialization in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Learning (ML).

• Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation.

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Qualifications and experience

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) required.

• Hands-on experience developing, testing, and using AI or ML technologies for cognitive analysis and process automation.

• Familiar with AI and machine learning language tools like Python, R, and SQL.

• Familiarity with forensic fraud investigations and internal audits is a plus.

Working Languages

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

• Fluency in Russian, French, or Spanish is highly desirable.

• Knowledge of additional United Nations official languages is an advantage.

Work arrangements

• Internships are located at UNDP Headquarters in New York; however, OAI may decide that the role may be home-based.

• Interns would need to use their own laptop/notebook if home-based.

• Internships will be full-time.

• The top applicants will be selected for internships starting around February 2024 and for a calendar period of six months.

Application process

The application should contain the following uploaded as one file

• Current Curriculum Vitae (CV).

• Cover Letter of up to 500 words addressing the following question: (i) Why would you like to be considered for the internship, and what is your primary motivation to apply for this role? (ii) Timeframe and availability for an internship with OAI.

• Please note that the UNDP job site system allows only one uploading of application documents, so please make sure you merge all your documents (CV/ Resume, Cover Letter, etc. into a single file before uploading).

Terms and Conditions

Internships within the UN system are subject to the following conditions, which the candidates should familiarize themselves with before applying: • The internship will be for six months max

• Interns who are not financially supported by an institution or program, such as a university, government, foundation, or scholarship program, will receive a stipend in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations. A stipend is intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, which the receiving office must pay.

• Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, passports, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of (a) The nominating institution, related institution, or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or (b) The intern.

• Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide a medical certificate of good health before starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the intern’s responsibility.

• UNDP accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects that may occur during the internship.

Subsequent Employment

The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship. Only those candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.

Selected candidates must submit the following documents before being offered a Letter of Acceptance for Internship

• A duly completed UNDP Internship Application Form.

• A signed UNDP Internship Agreement.

• A copy of their CV/resume.

• An official letter from the university confirming current enrolment and graduation date.

• A copy of their passport/national ID card.

• A copy of their school transcript.

• A letter of endorsement/recommendation from a professor linked to the candidate’s current course of studies.

• Proof of Medical and Life Insurance valid for the duty station and covers the internship program duration.

Female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply. UNDP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate based on color, gender, religion, or any other status.

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fee for the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation to pay a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names, and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information online.