Investigations Intern (3 positions)  

Location:                       New York (two positions) and Remote (two positions)
Full/Part time:              Full-time

Duration:                       24 weeks

The Position:

The Investigations Intern provides support to the Investigations Branch in charge of conducting investigations into allegations of various types of wrongdoing and staff misconduct in UNFPA programmes and operations, including allegations of fraud, corruption, sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment (work/sexual) and abuse of authority, involving personnel or entities in a contractual relationship with UNFPA.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030.  

Purpose:

OAIS is an operationally independent office at UNFPA and reports to the Executive Director of UNFPA. The Office is responsible for supporting the achievement of the objectives of UNFPA by contributing to the improvement of its operations, risk management and results through its internal audit, investigation, and advisory services. OAIS is composed of the Office of the Director, an Internal Audit Branch and an Investigation Branch, composed of two Investigations Units. It is the sole office authorized to conduct, manage or authorize investigations at UNFPA. 

The investigations team is comprised of two Investigation Unit Chiefs, five investigators (at present), three Investigation Analysts and an investigation assistant, augmented with several investigation consultants. The investigation team carries out investigations into allegations of proscribed practices, including but not limited to allegations of fraud, harassment, abusive or authority, corruption, sexual misconduct and retaliation.

You would be responsible for:

• Under the overall guidance of the Director, OAIS, and the direct supervision of the Investigations Unit Chiefs, the Intern:
• Carries out research and drafts opinion memos, on matters relating to the investigative process and practices;
• Assists in conducting preliminary assessments of complaints;
• Assists in identifying, collating and analyzing potential evidence, including open-source research, securing of financial, programmatic, human resource, and other organizational records;
• Assists in drafting documents and communications with respect to cases under investigation;
• Assists with the review of investigation reports and other documents to ensure that citations to evidence in footnotes are accurate and complete;
• Helps in the retention, storage and organization of paper files and physical evidence kept by the Investigations Branch;
• Assists with ensuring that relevant investigation databases and evidence repositories are populated; and
• Undertakes other related tasks as requested.
   

Qualifications and Experience

All interns must meet the following educational and other eligibility requirements:

Education: 

Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as master’s programme or higher) in law, international crime and justice, criminal justice, forensic investigations or related field;
Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) in law, international crime and justice, criminal justice, forensic investigations or related field; or
Have graduated with a university degree in law, international crime and justice, criminal justice, forensic investigations or related field and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

Knowledge and Experience:

Experience in dealing with investigations, administrative and/or disciplinary law or law enforcement is desirable.

Languages:

Fluency in English required, with proven ability to express well verbally and in writing.
Good knowledge of one of the other UN official languages (French, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish or Russian) is highly desirable.

Learning Elements:

Upon completion of the assignment, and depending on its duration, the Intern will gain the following knowledge assets:

Increased understanding of the UNFPA Office of Audit and Investigation Services;
Develop knowledge of United Nations policies and procedures governing the conduct of personnel, partners and vendors;
Experience in supporting administrative investigations within the United Nations system and in developing country and humanitarian contexts; and
Work experience as a team member in a multicultural setting.

Required 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 handle multiple tasks;
Writes clearly and effectively; and
Speaks clearly and convincingly.

Financial Aspects:

Interns do not receive a salary or any other form of remuneration from UNFPA. The costs associated with an intern’s participation in the programme must be assumed either by the nominating institution, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students, or by the students themselves, who will have to meet living expenses as well as make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and other requirements. However, they receive a stipend to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, if not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation, or scholarship programme. The amount of the stipend varies according to the intern’s agreed place of work, which may be different from the duty station of the hiring office in cases of remote arrangements. In addition, applicants must have medical insurance for the duration of the internship. Proof of insurance will need to be submitted before the internship begins. UNFPA does not provide medical insurance for interns. 

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