Job description
About UN University (UNU)
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
About UNU Centre
UNU-Centre Finance delivers comprehensive financial services across the University and ensures the sound management of its financiais resources. Based at the Global Services Centre in Putrajaya, Malaysia, UNU-Centre Finance is responsible for a broad portfolio of services, including financial policy and strategy development, budgeting, financial reporting and analysis, treasury management, internal controls and risk management, accounting and ERP system administration.
Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the Chief of Finance and designated supervisors, the intern will support the work of UNU-Centre Finance while gaining practical experience in financial management processes within an international organization. The intern will contribute to the following areas:
Conduct research and perform data analysis to support the development and review of finance and operational policies, procedures and guidelines.
Assist in the collection, validation and analysis of financial data and information.
Support the preparation of reports, presentations, and other financial and operational documentation.
Assist in the coordination and documentation of meetings, including the preparation of agendas, minutes, correspondence, presentations, and communication materials.
Support the maintenance and enhancement of the Finance Intranet, including content management and user experience improvements.
Contribute to knowledge sharing and capacity building initiatives by supporting training activities, participating in internal knowledge networks, and assisting with the community of practice.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the supervisor.
Competencies
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
Qualifications
1) Education and certification
University studies in one of the following disciplines: Finance, Business Administration or other related areas are required.
Be in their final year of undergraduate study or enrolled in a graduate degree programme or are within the two-year post graduation (maximum) from either a bachelors’, masters’ or PhD degree programme.
2) Required skills and experience
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
Knowledge of ERP systems and data visualization tools would be an advantage.
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.
Duration
The duration of the remote internship is 6 months.
Stipend
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.
Expected start date.
October 2026
How to Apply
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.
Application Deadline
4 October 2026 (MYT 11.59pm)
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a desk review and/or a competency-based interview, background checks and references.
Special notice
UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position. Interns 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.
Information about UNU rosters
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.
University studies in finance, business administration, or a related field; final-year undergraduate, graduate student, or within two years of graduation. Requires English proficiency, Excel knowledge, accuracy, communication, and teamwork.
Key Responsibilities
- analyzing data
- preparing reports
- coordinating meetings
Skills & Tools
Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, ERP systems, data visualization tools
Job Details
- Category: Finance and Accounting
- Seniority: No Prior Experience Required
- Commitment: Internship
- Workplace: Remote — Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, Malaysia
- Languages: English
Benefits
- Generous paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
About United Nations University
A United Nations global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization conducting policy-relevant research and knowledge dissemination. — Industry: Advanced Research Institutions