Project Finance Intern

Contract

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

Background Information - FG

Finance Group

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:

a. 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.

b. 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.

c. Identify and develop opportunities for the provision of financial management services for partners and ensure appropriate modalities for service delivery.

The Project Finance Intern reports to the Project Finance Specialist who provides broad supervision and guidance to the Project Finance team. The Project Finance Intern will support the team on a wide range of finance processes, having hands-on practical daily work and operations as well as being on the front line with internal and external parties such as colleagues in HQ and in the field offices. The Finance Intern will be responsible for delivering the assigned tasks in a collaborative, timely and efficient manner. The Finance Intern will have great opportunities for learning and expanding knowledge and experience within the areas of finance as well as process improvements and system developments.

Functional Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

(Detailed description of the internship project (s); tasks assigned)

1. SUPPORT THE Policy Setting, Reporting and Compliance related activities

• Support the different teams on a wide range of tasks related to analysis of financial data.
• Assist with monthly, quarterly and yearly closure exercise in regards to data collection, review and analysis.
• Assists with compilation, consolidation and reporting of data. Communicates with colleagues/clients on areas requiring verification, corrections, additional information.
• Assists with the audit and verification exercises related to client projects; reviews supporting documents ensuring completeness and accuracy.
• Provides support on ad-hoc matters.

2. ASSIST IN FINANCE RELATED KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

• Assists with the development of training materials and guidance notes.
• Supports with system development and process improvement initiatives

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

Training components and learning elements

The intern will be a part of the team and will be exposed to learning on the job on a daily basis. Time shall be allocated for the understanding of UNOPS functioning, policy framework, cost recovery strategy, funds implementation areas, etc.

The intern shall be trained to operate ERP, utilize reporting platforms, understand organizational KPI interpretation, etc.

Participation in missions or training courses

The intern will be able to participate in other trainings offered by UNOPS. Specific trainings of interest will be discussed with the intern upon arrival. No official travel for a mission is foreseen.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

1. Academic qualifications

• 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, economics, business, accounting, administration, management, international relations or other related areas.

2. Language Skills

• Full working knowledge of English
• Desirable working knowledge of French and/or Spanish
• Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset

3. Computer Literacy

• Experience in office software packages (word, power point) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet (Excel)

• Experience in use of ERP system is an asset

• Experience in use of SharePoint is an asset
• Experience in use of Google Suite is an advantage

Competencies

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.

Contract type, level and duration - Internship

Contract type: Internship Contract level: N/A Contract duration: 6 months

This internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.

Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one time travel lumpsum of 500 USD. However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.

For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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 (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.