Background
The Investigations Section of the Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) is seeking to recruit five (5) interns for a period of six months, beginning around 3 August 2026.
The Investigations Section 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. The Investigations Section 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 is a call for an internship for the period 2026. OAI will select the top five (5) applicants for this internship beginning around 3 August 2026.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Duties and Responsibilities
The interns provide support to the Investigations Section in the conduct of investigations into allegations of various types of wrongdoing.
In carrying out this overall function, the Interns may:
• Assist in reviewing cases reported to OAI;
• Assist in drafting documents and communications with respect to cases under investigation, including investigation plans, witness statements, investigation reports, closure reports and other documents;
• Assist in conducting interviews with subjects, complainants, or witnesses;
• Assist in identifying, collating and analyzing potential evidence, including carrying out open-source research and forensic reviews;
• Assist with the editing and review of investigation reports and other documents to ensure that citations to evidence are accurate and complete; and
• Undertakes other related tasks as 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.
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 programme (such as a master’s programme or higher) in investigations, management, finance, law, international relations, international development or related fields;
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in investigations, management, finance, law, international relations, international development or related fields;
• Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation (e.g. must have graduated no earlier than 3 August 2025);
• Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program
Qualifications and Experience:
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes (word, power point, excel) required;
• Interest and/or experience in dealing with investigations, administrative and/or disciplinary law is desirable;
• Experience in editing and proof reading is desirable; and
• Experience conducting open-source research is a plus.
Working Languages:
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required for all positions;
• In addition to English, fluency in written and spoken Spanish is required for two positions;
• In addition to English, fluency in written and spoken French is required for one position;
• Fluency in Arabic, French, Portuguese or Spanish is highly desirable; and
• Knowledge of additional United Nations official languages is an advantage.
Work arrangements:
• Internships are located at UNDP Headquarters in New York, however, the role may be home based;
•Internships will be full-time; and
• The top applicants will be selected for internships starting around 3 August 2026, and for a calendar period of six months;
Application process: the application should contain the following uploaded as one file:
• Current Curriculum Vitae (CV);
• Original text of up to 500 words addressing the following question: (i) why you would like to be considered for the internship and your primary motivation to apply for this role; (ii) timeframe and availability for an internship with OAI;
• Please note that the UNDP jobsite system allows only one uploading of application document, so please make sure that 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 following conditions, which the candidates should familiarize themselves with prior to applying:
• Internship will be for a period of six months.
• Interns who are not financially supported by an institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation, or scholarship programme, 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, must be paid by the receiving office.
• 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 prior to 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 responsibility of the intern.
• 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 prior to being offered a Letter of Acceptance for Internship:
• A duly completed UNDP Internship Application Form
• A signed UNDP Internship Agreement
• Copy of updated CV/resume
• Official letter from the university confirming current enrolment and graduation date;
• Copy of passport/national ID card;
• A copy of his/her school transcript;
• Letter of endorsement/recommendation from a Professor;
• Proof of both Medical Insurance which is valid for the duty station and covers duration of the internship programme.
Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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