The United Nations University (UNU) has opened applications for two Finance Intern positions with its Centre Finance team in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
The opportunity is structured as a remote internship and provides students and recent graduates with practical exposure to financial management processes within an international United Nations organization.
The six-month internship is expected to begin in October 2026, with applications closing on 4 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Malaysia Time (MYT). Interns who are not receiving financial support from another source may receive a monthly stipend from UNU to partially subsidize basic living costs.
About the United Nations University
The United Nations University is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the UN System. Its work focuses on policy-relevant research, capacity development and knowledge dissemination addressing major global challenges.
UNU operates through researchers and institutes across multiple countries and works across areas connected to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its work covers areas including sustainability, human security and economic development.
The UNU Centre Finance team, based at the Global Services Centre in Putrajaya, provides financial services across the University. Its responsibilities include financial policy and strategy, budgeting, financial reporting and analysis, treasury management, internal controls, risk management, accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) system administration.
Finance Intern Responsibilities
Selected interns will work under the overall guidance of the Chief of Finance and designated supervisors. The role is designed to provide practical experience while allowing interns to contribute to ongoing finance and operational activities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting research and data analysis to support finance and operational policies, procedures and guidelines.
- Collecting, validating and analysing financial data and information.
- Supporting the preparation of financial reports, presentations and operational documentation.
- Assisting with meetings, including agendas, minutes, correspondence and presentation materials.
- Supporting the maintenance and improvement of the Finance Intranet.
- Contributing to content management and user-experience improvements.
- Supporting training, knowledge-sharing activities and internal learning networks.
- Assisting with communities of practice and capacity-building initiatives.
- Undertaking other duties and special projects assigned by the supervisor.
The internship therefore combines traditional finance activities with opportunities to develop skills in data analysis, digital content management, communication and knowledge sharing.
Who Can Apply?
The Finance Intern opportunity is aimed at students and recent graduates in finance-related disciplines.
Applicants must meet the following educational requirements:
- Be studying Finance, Business Administration or a related discipline.
- Be in the final year of an undergraduate programme; or
- Be enrolled in a graduate degree programme; or
- Have graduated within the previous two years from a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD programme.
Candidates should also demonstrate strong attention to detail and accuracy, interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a multicultural team.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, is required. Familiarity with ERP systems and data visualization tools would be an advantage.
Language Requirements
Excellent written and spoken English is required for the internship.
Knowledge of another United Nations language is considered an advantage. Candidates should also be prepared to work in an international and multicultural environment.
UNU highlights values including inclusion, integrity, humility and humanity. Expected behaviours include collaboration, evidence-based analysis, delivering results, continuous learning, adaptability and innovation.
Six-Month Remote Internship with Stipend
The UNU Finance Internship has a six-month duration and is expected to start in October 2026.
A stipend is available for interns who are not receiving financial support from universities or other institutions. The stipend is intended to partially subsidize basic living costs during the internship.
The monthly amount is determined according to the applicable stipend rate for the relevant duty station. UNU states that stipends are paid monthly, with online and part-time internship arrangements prorated where applicable.
Because the position is described as remote, it can provide valuable international work exposure without requiring the intern to work physically from the UNU Centre in Malaysia.
Application Requirements
Applicants do not need to create an account to apply. Candidates are required to submit their application through the UNU application link and complete the UNU P11 Personal History Form.
The application should include:
- A completed UNU P11 Form.
- A motivation statement included in the P11 form.
- Two recommendation letters.
- Responses to position-specific questions.
Candidates are encouraged to review UNU’s Values and Behaviours Framework when preparing their application.
The recruitment process may involve a desk review, competency-based interview, background checks and reference checks.
Important Deadline and Visa Information
The application deadline is 4 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MYT. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
UNU notes that it does not sponsor a working visa for this internship. Interns do not hold international civil servant status and are not considered staff members under UN Staff Rules and Regulations.
UNU also encourages applications from candidates from developing countries, women and persons living with disabilities.
How to Apply for the UNU Finance Internship
Interested candidates should review the official vacancy carefully and submit their application through the UNU recruitment platform. Applicants should ensure that the P11 form, motivation statement, recommendation letters and required questions are completed before submission.
Applicants should also be alert to recruitment scams. UNU does not charge application, processing, training, interview or testing fees at any stage of recruitment.
Deadline: 4 October 2026, 11:59 p.m. MYT
