Intern - Budget and Finance Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an agency of the United Nations established to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. It was mandated by the UN General Assembly and serves as the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat collaborates with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, advocating for urbanization as a transformative force that reduces inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The organization operates globally, engaging with numerous countries to implement its mission and objectives.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Budget and Finance Unit (BFU) of UN-Habitat is designed to provide practical experience in finance, budget, and audit functions. Interns will support the BFU staff in various tasks, including the issuance of donor receipts, analysis of grants for compliance with reporting requirements, and the closure of prior year audit recommendations. The role is crucial for ensuring the financial integrity and accountability of the organization, while also allowing interns to gain valuable insights into the workings of a major international organization. Interns will be involved in reviewing grant budgets, preparing financial reports, and assisting with audit support, thereby contributing to the overall financial management of UN-Habitat.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Budget and finance support: Assisting in the review of grant budgets and programme support cost rates to identify non-compliance and propose corrective measures; reviewing all grants created during the internship period to ensure they have adequate supporting documentation; liaising with Project Management Officers and Assistants to implement actions identified in budget performance reports; preparing receipts for voluntary contributions; and assisting with the preparation of quarterly and monthly financial reports.
• Audit support: Reviewing observations and recommendations from the Office of Internal Oversight Services and other auditing bodies for implementation; assisting with the Statement of Internal Control and annual self-assessment questionnaires; and following up on compliance matters arising from budget reports.
• Other duties: Supporting the implementation of a knowledge management system within the Unit, participating in Executive Board meetings by taking notes, and undertaking any other tasks assigned during the internship.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application: be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or have graduated with a Bachelor's degree, Master's, PhD, or equivalent. Additionally, candidates should be computer literate in standard software applications, particularly Microsoft Office Suite, and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations. A commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter and the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds are also essential. Preferred areas of study include Finance, Auditing, Accounting, Public Administration, and related fields.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a relevant academic program. This includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent), or being enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program. Alternatively, applicants who have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program are also eligible. Proof of enrollment or graduation will be required during the application process.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, candidates should have a field of study closely related to the internship position. This means that applicants should ideally have academic experience in finance, auditing, accounting, or public administration, which will help them perform the duties expected of them during the internship.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship position. Knowledge of another UN language, such as French, is desirable but not mandatory. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and proficiency in these languages will enhance communication and collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, meaning that they will not receive a salary or stipend for their work. All costs and arrangements related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Kenya may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the UN before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not subjected to any financial burdens during their application.