This six month paid internship invites motivated candidates to contribute to the audit and investigations functions of UNICEF’s OIAI. Based at the New York Headquarters, you will gain first-hand experience in a dynamic, high-integrity environment dedicated to upholding transparency and accountability within a global organisation committed to children’s rights.
Position Purpose
Under the supervision of senior audit and investigation professionals, you will be involved in supporting core operational activities of OIAI. Your work will assist in assessing internal controls, analysing data and information, drafting reports, and tracking audit/investigation workflows. This experience will provide immersive exposure to international audit practice, investigative methodologies, risk-management frameworks and governance standards within the United Nations system.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the collection, review and analysis of information and data pertinent to audit reviews and investigations, including open source research and examination of internal systems.
- Support the preparation of narrative and analytical outputs such as memoranda, notes for the record, referral recommendations, and case-assessment summaries.
- Help maintain accurate and up-to-date tracking and reporting systems for OIAI’s audit/investigation workflows and databases.
- Contribute to the review and updating of standard operating procedures, internal guidelines and best-practice reference materials aligned with OIAI’s mandate.
- Undertake other tasks as assigned by OIAI leadership, which may include research, briefing preparation, documentation support and coordination across units.
Qualifications / Candidate Profile
- Current enrolment in or recent graduation from a bachelor’s or master’s programme in auditing, finance, accounting, business administration, law, risk management or a relevant discipline.
- Demonstrated analytical capability and a structured approach to condensing complex information into concise, logical outputs.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with databases or data-analysis tools is desirable.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; knowledge of additional languages such as French or Spanish is an asset.
- Strong interpersonal skills, proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within teams, and adaptability to changing priorities.
- High ethical standards and discretion in handling sensitive or confidential information.
What You Will Gain
Joining UNICEF’s OIAI offers a unique vantage point into the internal audit and investigation mechanisms of one of the world’s foremost humanitarian organisations. You will develop practical, transferrable skills in auditing, investigation procedures, data-analysis and report-writing, all while contributing to the mission of protecting children’s rights globally. The role also offers exposure to organisational-wide governance, compliance frameworks, risk mitigation strategies and the values that underpin UNICEF’s work.
Institutional Commitment & Inclusion
UNICEF is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and equitable workforce and welcomes applications from all nationalities, identities, backgrounds or abilities. As part of its zero-tolerance policy on misconduct, UNICEF ensures rigorous background screening and compliance with United Nations standards for the protection of children and vulnerable populations.
Application Notes
Interns must be based in New York and able to perform their assignment in-person at the Headquarters. Details regarding the stipend amount, starting date and visa/immigration eligibility will be communicated to successful candidates during the recruitment process. The internship does not guarantee subsequent employment with UNICEF.
Duration: Six months (paid, in-person)
Location: UNICEF Headquarters, New York City
