Background

The Office of Financial Resources Management (OFRM), Bureau for Management Services (BMS), is a dynamic and results driven office of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). OFRM contributes to the global development agenda of UNDP by being a strong partner with other parts of UNDP, promoting clear and strong financial reporting and analysis to ensure accountability and compliance with UNDP's financial and administrative regulatory framework.

OFRM is responsible for the global financial operations of UNDP. The organization receives income, from a variety of sources of funds, of approximately US$ 5 billion per annum. OFRM's activities involve financial management and funding operations of offices located in 166 countries which include financial analysis, reporting, and financial risk management.  The Finance Intern shall report to the Manager of the Innovation and Solutions team within the finance office.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern shall perform the following duties:

  • Assist with the analysis and redesign of current business processes to drive greater efficiency and effectiveness across UNDP (Country Offices, Regional Bureaux and central units).
  • Work closely with key stakeholders and leadership to drive the design, implementation planning and piloting of new financial instruments required for differentiated business models in the organization.
  • Assist in the design and preparation of training and communication materials to facilitate the implementation of new solutions, processes, policies and procedures across UNDP.
  • Work in close coordination with the Analytics team to support the automation of reports currently produced manually.
  • Support preparation of papers and documents to be presented to UNDP’s leadership and governance bodies, such as the Executive Board (EB), Organizational Performance Group (OPG) and Executive Group (EG).

Perform other duties within the Innovations and Solutions unit mandate as instructed by the Manager of the unit.

 

Competencies

Corporate Competencies

  • Demonstrate integrity by adhering to UN values and ethical standards;
  • Ability to work well in a team;
  • Demonstrate professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, nationality and adaptability;
  • Operate in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.

Functional Competencies

  • Excellent quantitative and analytical skills;
  • Excellent organizational and research skills;
  • Excellent knowledge of MS Office package, including familiarity with Microsoft SharePoint;
  • Excellent critical reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Knowledge Management and Learning

  • Development and Operational Effectiveness;
  • Ability to lead implementation of new processes and systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change;
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Interns are selected on a competitive basis. The following qualifications are required:

Education:

  • Candidacy for an advanced degree in Finance, Business Administration or any other related discipline.  The intern must be currently enrolled in an advanced university degree (Master’s degree).

Experience:

  • Excellent writing and drafting skills;
  • Hands-on experience in financial data analysis and financial reporting;
  • Hands-on experience in redesign and automation of business processes;
  • Awareness of financial instruments used in the current development financing landscape, for example guarantees, performance based grants, etc.
  • Excellent knowledge of MS Office package.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in English;
  • Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.

Conditions of the Internship:

  • Interns are considered gratis personnel. They are not staff members;
  • Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP. The costs associated must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her own arrangements for travel, accommodation, visa, etc.;
  • Internship duration can be extended up to six months.

Candidates who are selected must submit the following documents: 

  • Official letter from the University confirming enrollment in a graduate-level degree programme;
  • Copy of school transcript; 
  • Letter of endorsement from a faculty member who has worked with the student in the recent past and who is knowledgeable on the student’s performance;
  • Complete and sign the UNDP Application Form for Internships (MS Word | PDF). www.undp.org/internships
  • Copy of the proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out (i.e. New York, USA).