Background

The Investigations Section of the Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) is seeking to recruit three (3) interns for its Global Fund Investigations Unit for six months, beginning around 1 June 2025.
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 2025. OAI will select the top three (3) applicants for this internship beginning around 1 June 2025.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will contribute to the development of a functional prototype that demonstrates the potential of leveraging technology and data-driven approaches—such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), or process automation—to support and enhance internal audit and investigation functions. This may include augmenting existing OAI tools through advanced data analytics or streamlining manual processes through
automation.
 

In support of this overarching goal, the intern may:
• Assist in evaluating the applicability of advanced data analytics, machine learning,
AI, and process automation technologies to expand the scope and effectiveness of
fraud investigations;

• Contribute to the design and development of new prototypes that demonstrate
innovative applications of data analytics, machine learning, AI, or automation within
the context of fraud detection, investigative analysis, and audit processes;

• Support the refinement and enhancement of existing tools and prototypes,
enabling investigations staff to more effectively integrate them into their workflows;

• Participate in efforts to improve the overall efficiency, accuracy, and impact of
investigative assignments through the application of data-driven solutions;

• Document findings, prototype functionalities, and use cases to ensure knowledge
sharing and replicability within the team.
 

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 programme (such as a master’s programme or higher) in Data Science, Computer Science, Finance, or other relevant applied science—preference for specialization in AI and machine learning.
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (such as a bachelor's degree or equivalent) in Data Science, Computer Science, Finance, or other relevant applied science—preference for specialization in AI and machine learning.
• 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.
 

Experience:

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 French, Russian, Arabic, 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 laptop/notebook if home-based.
• Internships will be full-time.
• The top applicants will be selected for internships starting around 1 June 2025 and for 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 questions: (i) Why would you like
to be considered for the internship, and what is your primary motivation for applying for this
role? (ii) What is your availability for a full-time internship with OAI?
• Please note that the UNDP job site system allows only one upload of application
documents, so please make sure you merge all your documents (CV/ Resume, Cover Letter,
etc.) into a single file before uploading.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.