UNICEF Investigations Internship 2025 | 4 Paid Positions | New York, Budapest, Nairobi & Remote Options.We are advertising 4 paid internship positions with UNICEF’s Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) in New York, Budapest, and Nairobi, with remote options available. These 6-month internships focus on investigations, fraud detection, and case analysis, offering competitive UN stipends. Applications close October 19, 2025.
Background & Job Description
We are sharing a specialized internship opportunity with UNICEF’s Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI), the independent investigative body within UNICEF responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of misconduct, fraud, corruption, and other violations of UNICEF regulations and rules. OIAI plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity and accountability of UNICEF’s global operations across 190 countries and territories.
These four internship positions represent unique opportunities for graduate students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in international investigations within the United Nations system. The internships are distributed across three specialized teams within OIAI’s Investigations Section, each focusing on different aspects of the investigative process. The positions offer flexible working arrangements, with options for in-person work at major UN hubs in New York, Budapest, or Nairobi, as well as remote possibilities for qualified candidates.
This internship programme is particularly valuable for individuals considering careers in international law, compliance, investigations, or organizational ethics. The experience provides exposure to complex investigative procedures, UN administrative justice systems, and the practical application of international standards in organizational accountability and child safeguarding.
UNICEF Investigations Internship 2025 | 4 Paid Positions | New York, Budapest, Nairobi & Remote Options
Tasks and Key Responsibilities
Internship 1: Investigations Team (2 Positions)
- Case Analysis and Research: Assist with analyzing information and data related to initial assessments and investigations, researching UNICEF systems and open-source materials to support case development and evidence gathering.
- Report Preparation: Contribute to producing case assessments, investigation reports, advisory memoranda, and other official documentation, ensuring all outputs are evidence-based and professionally presented.
- Safeguarding Operations: Support the intake and triage of incoming sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and child safeguarding (CSG) reports, identifying urgent actions including victim assistance referrals and inter-agency coordination.
- Data Management: Assist with registering and updating SEA/CSG reports in internal case management systems and the UN Secretary-General’s system-wide reporting mechanism, maintaining data accuracy and integrity.
- Evidence Handling: Participate in identifying, collecting, reviewing, and presenting evidence, including supporting investigative interviews, drafting interview synopses, and compiling official information requests.
Internship 2: Fraud Investigations Team (1 Position)
- Fraud Investigation Support: Assist with analyzing information related to fraud and corruption assessments and investigations, conducting research across UNICEF systems and open-source platforms.
- Documentation: Contribute to producing case assessments, investigation reports, and advisory memoranda related to financial misconduct and procedural violations.
- Partner Review: Assist with reviewing investigations conducted by third-party implementing partners and civil society organizations into allegations of fraud and corruption.
- Case Tracking: Maintain the team’s case tracker and contribute to periodic reporting on team activities and investigation progress, ensuring accurate and timely documentation.
- Evidence Coordination: Support the identification, collection, and assembly of evidence, including participation in investigative interviews and review of interview transcripts.
Internship 3: Strategy, Intake and Analysis Unit (1 Position)
- Initial Case Assessment: Review incoming reports and conduct initial assessments by gathering additional information through open-source searches and internal systems, analyzing available evidence to recommend case resolution.
- Report Drafting: Draft closure notes, referral memoranda, and compile supporting documentation for case files, ensuring comprehensive and accurate record-keeping.
- Intake Management: Assist with the intake of new matters received through OIAI’s hotline system, drafting responses to incoming reports, initiating cases in the case management system, and organizing case files.
- Data Analysis: Support the preparation of statistical and analytical reports compiling case-related data for internal and external stakeholders, identifying trends and patterns.
- Policy Support: Upon request, assist with legal research, policy review and development, and preparation of donor reports and related communications.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
- Academic Requirement: Current enrollment in a university Advanced Degree Program or graduation within the past two years from a relevant graduate program in law, international relations, criminal justice, investigations, or related fields.
- Language Certification: Fluency in English is mandatory. Professional working knowledge of Arabic, French, or Spanish represents a significant advantage. Additional language skills in Chinese, Russian, Pashto, or Bangla are considered valuable assets.
- Technical Certification: Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office applications and relevant computer systems, with the ability to quickly learn and navigate specialized case management software and databases.
Experience
- Professional Background: 0-2 years of relevant experience in legal activities, investigation-related functions, compliance, or organizational ethics. Previous exposure to international organizations or humanitarian contexts is advantageous but not required.
- Analytical Skills: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex information, identify patterns, and draw evidence-based conclusions from diverse data sources.
- Research Capabilities: Strong research skills with experience in both database navigation and open-source intelligence gathering techniques.
- Ethical Standards: Proven understanding of confidentiality requirements and experience handling sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
Additional Information
Internship Details:
- Number of Positions: 4 total (2 Investigations Team, 1 Fraud Investigations Team, 1 Strategy, Intake and Analysis Unit)
- Duration: 6 months with tentative start date as soon as possible after selection
- Modality: In-person preferred in New York, Budapest, or Nairobi; remote options available for qualified candidates
- Schedule: Full-time commitment following standard UNICEF working hours
- Stipend: Paid internship with competitive UN stipend amount commensurate with duty station
Application Requirements:
- Application Deadline: October 19, 2025 (Eastern Daylight Time)
- Documentation: Comprehensive application including detailed CV, cover letter specifying preferred internship(s), and academic credentials
- Cover Letter: Must clearly indicate which of the three internship types (Investigations Team, Fraud Investigations Team, or Strategy, Intake and Analysis Unit) the candidate is applying for
- Selection Process: Competitive review process with only shortlisted candidates contacted for further assessment
Professional Development Value:
- Skill Building: Develop specialized investigative skills, legal analysis capabilities, and understanding of UN accountability systems
- Networking: Exposure to UNICEF’s global operations and professional networks in international investigations and compliance
- Career Pathway: Valuable experience for careers in international organizations, law enforcement, compliance, or humanitarian accountability
- Training: Specific training in UNICEF systems, investigative methodologies, and case management procedures
Important Considerations:
- Insurance: Interns must provide proof of health/accident insurance coverage prior to commencement
- Ethical Standards: Adherence to UNICEF’s core values and zero-tolerance policies on exploitation, abuse, and discrimination is mandatory
- Background Checks: Selected candidates undergo rigorous reference and background verification
- Diversity Commitment: UNICEF strongly encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals
Organizational Context:
- UNICEF Values: The internship operates within UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS)
- Professional Environment: Exposure to UNICEF’s competency framework focusing on partnerships, self-awareness, results delivery, innovation, and collaborative work
- Global Perspective: Opportunity to contribute to UNICEF’s mission of protecting children’s rights worldwide through accountability and organizational integrity
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