Background

The Investigations Section of the Office of Audit and Investigations (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 wilful 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.

OAI is seeking to recruit two interns for a period of six months, beginning 24 September 2018 or shortly thereafter.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Investigations Quality Assurance Specialist, the intern provides support to the Investigations Section in the conduct of investigations into allegations of various types of wrongdoing.

In carrying out this overall function, the Intern:

  • Carries out legal research and drafts legal opinion memos on matters relating to the investigative process, in light of the jurisprudence of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal and the United Nations Appeals Tribunal;

  • Assists in conducting preliminary assessments of complaints;

  • Assists in the conduct of interviews with subjects, complainants or witnesses;

  • Assists in identifying, collating and analysing potential evidence;

  • Assists in drafting documents and communications with respect to cases under investigation;

  • Assists with the review of investigation reports and other documents to ensure their legal conformity and that citations to evidence are accurate and complete; and

  • Undertakes other related tasks as requested.

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:

  • Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in law;

  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) in law; or

  • Have graduated with a university degree in law and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

 

Experience:

  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes (word, power point, excel) required; and

  • Interest and/or experience in dealing with investigations, administrative and/or disciplinary law is desirable.

 

Language:

  • Fluency in written and spoken English required;

  • Proficiency in French and/or Spanish highly desirable; and

  • Proficiency in other languages desirable.

 

Additional Information:

  • Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP;

  • Internship is located at UNDP Headquarters in New York;

  • Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern;

  • Internship will be full time;

  • Internship starts on 24 September 2018 or shortly thereafter; and

  • Internship will be for a period of six months.