Finance Internship null

About United Nations

The United Nations stands as a global sentinel for cooperation, championing diplomacy over conflict and unity over division. Committed to fostering peace, development, and human rights, it transcends borders to address the world's most pressing challenges, epitomizing the collective aspirations of humanity toward a harmonious and just world.

Your role

The Finance Branch (FIN) is one of ICAO’s supporting administrative functions. The responsibilities of the Finance Branch are the development and application of budgetary, accounting, and financial policies and procedures; the efficient financial management of the approved budget by the Financial Rules and Regulations; and the execution of the Assembly and Council directives. Assembly and Council directives include, but are not limited to, the development of budget estimates for Council and Assembly consideration; the scale of assessment of the Member States' contributions, and, the issuance and control of allotments.

The Finance Branch centrally manages the banking and investment activities of the Organization's funds and administers the payroll of all Headquarters and Regional Offices for both Professional and General Service staff. The Finance Branch is headed by the Chief of, the Finance Branch (C/FIN) who serves as Secretary of the Finance Committee (FIC).  As Principal Financial Officer of the Organization certifies all ICAO financial statements. Under the guidance of Chief, Finance Branch, the Accounting Services Section (ASV) of the Finance Branch is responsible for the development of accounting systems, formulation of accounting policies and procedures, maintenance of the accounts of various funds; maintenance of accounts for the Technical Co-operation Programme (TCP), consisting of projects under United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Trust Funds, multiple agreements under the ICAO Civil Aviation Purchasing Service (CAPS), Management Service Agreements (MSAs) and related funds; the preparation of periodic and year-end financial statements for all accounts; the calculation of scales of assessment on Contracting States; the recording of payments and monitoring of status of assessments from Contracting States, including regional civil aviation bodies; the preparation of working papers for the Finance Committee (FIC), Council and Assembly; Treasury functions including investments, payments, banking and the preparation of cash and income projections; the processing of invoices, travel claims, fellowships and other payables, including the review and approval of duly certified invoices and other forms of payments of expenses of the Regular Programme and TCP; the maintenance of accounts for income from sales of publications, reimbursement from regional civil aviation bodies and other collections; and the processing of cash reports from Regional Offices and TC Projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The intern will mainly assist the Accounting Services Section within the Finance Branch with various financial tasks and transactions as outlined below. Under the general guidance of the Chief, Accounting Services Section and direct supervision of the head of the unit, the intern will perform one or more of the following functions as per the request:

• Supports the General Ledger Unit, including the Treasury Office, by performing operational activities such as:
  • Prepare bank and other balance sheet account reconciliations.
  • Record cashbook transactions
  • Validate and verify the accuracy of banking and other payment-related information.
• Supports the Accounts Payable Unit by performing operational activities such as:
  • Invoice processing
  • Prepare account reconciliations and analyses
  • Review and cross-check payment batches
• Supports the Accounts Receivable Unit by performing operational activities such as:
  • Record cash receipts and issuance of invoices
  • Prepare accounts reconciliations and analyses
  • Dispatch customer statements of accounts
• Supports the Travel Claims Unit by performing tasks such as:
  • Process payments for travel authorizations and claims
  • Reconcile balance sheet accounts related to the Travel Unit
  • Review ASRs (Agency service requests to UNDP)

Training & development

The United Nations internship program offers comprehensive training and development opportunities to aspiring professionals. With a focus on cultivating skills and knowledge across various fields, interns gain valuable hands-on experience and exposure to the organization's work. Through mentorship, workshops, and practical assignments, the program equips interns with the necessary tools to thrive in their careers and contribute to the UN's global mission.

Salary & benefits

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, insurance, accommodation, and living expenses must be borne by the intern.

Benefits may include:

• Gain hands-on industry experience
• Learning & professional development programs
• Work-life balance
• Diverse culture

Career progression

At the United Nations, interns gain practical experience through engaging in meaningful work across various fields, contributing to the UN's mission of promoting peace, sustainable development, and human rights. With a strong focus on mentorship and professional development, the program equips interns with the skills and knowledge necessary for future career advancement within the organization as well as other organizations.

Work-life balance

The United Nations strongly recognizes that interns need time for personal and social activities outside of work to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The intern is expected to work five days a week, on a full-time basis. They provide opportunities for interns to engage in meaningful work while ensuring they have time for personal growth and well-being.

Culture & vibe

At the United Nations, the culture and vibe are truly exceptional. From savoring a delightful cup of coffee to engaging with talented colleagues, it's a place that offers insightful experiences in a friendly environment. Embracing diversity, the workspace becomes a vibrant hub of varied perspectives, while maintaining high standards for sustained success.

About you

Education:

• At the time of application, candidates are required to have completed or be enrolled in a graduate degree program (second-level university degree or higher) in a field of study related to Finance and/or Accounting. Applicants pursuing studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages should have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree.

Languages:

• Essential: Fluent reading, writing, and speaking abilities in English.
• Desirable: A working knowledge of any other language of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).

Additional information:

• Please note that this is a locally recruited position and is restricted to Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents of Canada, and applicants with Canadian work permits. Interns shall not be eligible to be engaged in any other form of employment within ICAO during the period of internship and shall not be eligible to apply for or be appointed to any post in the Secretariat or be contracted for any other remunerated employment with ICAO for the six months immediately following the end of their internship.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx
• youtube.com/@UNStory