Finance Intern

Contract

This is a Internship contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about Internship contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Finance Group

The Finance Group (FG) is a critical and strategic business function in UNOPS and serves as an authoritative and integrated partner in the organization on strategic financial planning and budgeting, business strategy and practices, financial analysis and risk assessment, financial management services and long term organizational treasury and investments. As the steward of resources of a self-financing UN entity, FG is accountable for timely cost recovery and reporting to partners, maintaining the integrity and transparency of financial management of resources in accordance with the highest standards of ethics and organizational/international accountability framework and the accurate and transparent financial reporting to governing bodies, clients, partners and stakeholders.

The purpose of the Finance Group is to lead and develop the organization’s finance strategy and practice. The core functions of the Finance Group are to:

• Articulate finance policies and processes; enable operationalization and managerial oversight through appropriate systems and reports; provide corporate advice and guidance; and strengthen the knowledge, skills and career development of finance practitioners.
• Steward the resources of the organization, ensuring cost recovery and accurate financial reporting to partners; maintain appropriate controls and integrity of financial management in accordance with relevant international standards; enable prudent management and growth of financial assets; and build an informed and shared management engagement on financial issues in support of the organization’s business strategy.
• Identify and develop opportunities for the provision of financial management services for partners and ensure appropriate modalities for service delivery.

Background Information - Job-specific

• The Finance Intern reports to the Finance Specialist who provides broad supervision and guidance.
• The Finance intern is responsible for delivering the assigned tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
• The Finance intern will have opportunities for learning, expanding knowledge and experience within the areas of financial accounting and audit. Furthermore, the intern will rain exposure in system developments and process improvements as well as wider experience of UN financial systems.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Finance Specialist, the Finance Intern will be responsible for supporting a variety of tasks and work packages, including review of general ledger accounts, creation of journal entries as part of his/her internship period.

We are seeking a motivated and passionate individual who may have a background in finance or a related function, with some working knowledge of accounting desirable.

However, as internships are designed to be valuable learning experiences, previous work experience is not a requirement.

Some of the specific tasks may include, but are not limited to:

1. SUPPORT FINANCE GROUP OVERALL
2. ASSIST IN FINANCE RELATED KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
3. TAKE PART TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEAM PROJECTS

1. SUPPORT FINANCE GROUP

• Support the different teams on a wide range of tasks related to analysis of financial data, daily operations with field offices, reporting, reconciliations among many other tasks.
• Learn the chart of accounts and related accounting entries to resolve potential issues under GL accounts
• Gain understanding and support with compilation and consolidation of data.
• Communicates with colleagues/clients in areas requiring verification, corrections, and additional information.
• Reviews supporting documents ensuring completeness and accuracy.
• Support the review of existing processes and contribute to build new more efficient ones with a strong focus on excellence;

• Provides support on ad-hoc matters

  2. ASSIST IN FINANCE RELATED KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

• Develop knowledge of existing processes and support the team for further improvement

• Assists the Finance Specialist with development of training materials and guidance notes.
• Supports with system development and process improvement initiatives
• Understand the flow of transactions and support the team with development of standard accounting entries database for knowledge sharing
• Research, Learn and assist the team with required information on ad hoc cases

3. TAKE PART TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEAM PROJECTS

• Provide support in the development of finance innovative solutions
• Support the development and maintenance of the unit’s intranet page.
• Test and explore the issues before implementation of new projects

At the end of this internship, the successful candidate will have gained:

• Exposure to and experience in dealing with oneUNOPS ERP, general ledger accounting and financial management at the corporate level;

• Exposure to financial data in the context of development and public procurement;

• Exposure to an international multicultural work environment and team;
• Exposure to collaborating with colleagues at headquarters and country offices.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Applicants must be enrolled in a university degree such as a Bachelor, Masters, or have graduated within three years prior to the application date of the internship.

• The preferred candidate would have a degree in or pursuing studies in the areas of finance, accounting, admin, communications, international relations, economics, business,or other related areas.

Experience:

• Experience in Google workspace (Google Docs, Google Slides) and advanced knowledge of Google sheets.

• Experience in use of ERP system is an asset

• Experience in use of SharePoint is an asset

Language:

• Full working knowledge of English.
• Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.