The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.
For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU's expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu
The UNU-Centre Finance team is an integral part of UNU-Centre Administration and provides comprehensive financial services to UNU institutes and offices worldwide. Operating from the Global Services Centre in Putrajaya, Malaysia, the Finance team’s service portfolio encompasses the development of financial policies and strategies, financial reporting and analysis, budgeting, internal controls and risk management, cash management, execution of core financial transactions, and ERP system administration.
As part of its continuous improvement efforts, the Finance team is currently leading several strategic initiatives and innovative projects aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and internal controls. To support these efforts, UNU is currently seeking a Finance Intern to contribute to a variety of analytical, reporting, policy development and administrative tasks.
Under the supervision of the Chief of Finance and close collaboration with the Finance team, the intern will provide support in the following areas:
Conduct research and perform data analysis to support the drafting of finance and operational policies, procedures and guidelines.
Assist in the collection and analysis of financial data, and support the preparation of financial reports.
Assist in organizing and documenting meetings, including drafting agendas, minutes, correspondence, presentations, and other communication materials.
Support the maintenance and enhancement of the Finance Intranet, including content updates and design improvements.
Contribute to knowledge sharing and capacity building by supporting training sessions, participating in internal knowledge networks, and assisting with the community of practice.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Values:
Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet
Behaviours:
Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
1) Education and certification
University studies in one of the following disciplines: Finance, Business Administration or other related area is required.
Be in their final year of undergraduate study or enrolled in a graduate degree programme or is within the two-year post graduation (maximum) from either a bachelors’, masters’ or PhD degree programme.
2) Required skills and experience
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Powerpoint, Excel) and Power BI.
Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and within a multi-cultural team
3) Language Requirements
Excellent communication skills (written and oral) in English are required.
Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.
The duration of the remote internship is 6 months.
Interns who are not in receipt of financial support from other sources such as universities or other institutions will receive a stipend from UNU to partially subsidize their basic living costs for the duration of the internship.
The monthly amount of the stipend will be determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates in effect. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis including online internship and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
1 August 2025.
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
Apply via the apply link;
fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and 2 recommendations letter
answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
27 July 2025 (MYT 11.59pm)
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a desk review and/or a competency-based interview, background checks and references.
UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.
Consultants do not hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged.
UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
If you have supervisory function you need to have awareness on gender related issues.
UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.
Scam warning
UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
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