People and Culture Associate, GS-6 (Multiple Fixed-term Posts), in Recruitment Administrative Service (RAS), Global Shared Services Centre, Budapest, Hungary

The People and Culture Associate (RAS) will undertake high level and specialized HR support activities. Those specialized activities pertain to the application of HR regulations, rules, and procedures in the context of, on a day-to-day basis, there typically being more complications that arise with a broader variety of solutions that are not always clearly covered in general guidelines, thus requiring a greater capacity to adapt and interpret. The position, consequently, require in-depth knowledge of the subject matter and the capacity to carry out tasks with strong independence.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, a calling.

We are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not a job, it’s a calling.

UNICEF's Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC) in Budapest, Hungary provides services to UNICEF offices globally in the areas of Finance, Human Resources, Payroll and Information Technology. For more information about GSSC please visit our webpage at Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC)  and check this YouTube.

How can you make a difference? 

This is a batch vacancy announcement for multiple upcoming FT positions in the Recruitment Administrative Services (RAS). The recommended candidates will be considered for FT and TA posts as needed. Staff who are on the posts that will be abolished or from services teams where post reductions are anticipated are strongly encouraged to apply.

The People and Culture Associate (RAS) will undertake high level and specialized HR support activities. Those specialized activities pertain to the application of HR regulations, rules, and procedures in the context of, on a day-to-day basis, there typically being more complications that arise with a broader variety of solutions that are not always clearly covered in general guidelines, thus requiring a greater capacity to adapt and interpret. The position, consequently, require in-depth knowledge of the subject matter and the capacity to carry out tasks with strong independence.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

Support in recruitment:

1. The People & Culture Associate (RAS) is required to make input into the design and development of improved services and delivery processes and expects to work with a high degree of operational independence.
2.  Responsible for service delivery to designated client groups within the expected SLAs with accuracy and high-quality standards.
3. Administer the selection process, particularly for position sensitive in nature or senior conducting and emergency recruitments with shorter SLAs and flexible workflows, as per the below:

• Prepares vacancy announcements in UNICEF’s Talent Management System, circulates internal and external advertisements.
• Liaises with HR Business Partners and Hiring Managers along with the recruitment process.
• Focal points for candidates in the various stages of the recruitment process.
• Monitors the life cycle of the recruitment process.
• Pre-screens candidates against minimum criteria and eligibility.
• Assigns status, adds comments to all reviewed candidates.
• Quality checks long lists.
• Arranges and organizes online assessments.
• Coordinates interview arrangements.
• Inform unsuccessful candidates by sending timely system notifications. and Maintains talent pools.
• Keeps abreast of recruitment related policies and procedures and learning materials
• Acts the knowledge focal point for the team, responsible for developing SoPs, Step by step guides and checklists and keep knowledge articles update to date.
• Creates and maintains regular and ad hoc recruitment related reports.
• Escalates non-compliance to the People and Culture Officer with recommended work solutions.
• Participate/ co-lead process improvement projects based on client feedback and in collaboration with the supervisor, BIS and process support team.
• Support in the capacity building of P&C Assistants, acting as the SME on workflows and recruitment related matters and assign cases to RAS agents. 
• Ensure timely and fair /appropriate support to work distribution of recruitment cases among team members.
• Liaises with GSSC HR Administration Onboarding as necessary.

Specific work conditions: The People & Culture Associate (RAS) is expected to work eight hours shifts between 7am and 7pm five days a week, accommodating the time zone of the respective Region. Working on Sunday with a compensatory day off may also be required.

For detailed key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks please check the Job Description

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

Education: Completion of secondary education (high school diploma) is required. Professional and/or university courses in Human Resources Administration and Business Administration, related to the field of work, are highly desirable

Work Experience: 

• A minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible work experience in human resources, out of which a minimum of 2 years of experience in recruitment, administration or talent management support is required. Working knowledge with applicant tracking systems (ATS) or recruitment platforms is required.
• A completed relevant university degree in Human Resources Administration, Business Administration ore related field, from an accredited institution will be counted towards the work experience requirements by three years, and a relevant master’s degree may replace an additional two years.
• Advanced computer literacy and the ability to effectively use standard office software tools (MS Office, Enterprise database) and other office technology to create documentation, exchange and archive e-mail, and maintain electronic filing systems is required.
• Excellent communication skills, multitasking and result driven as well as ability to manage competing priorities, are required.

Desirable:

• University level courses in human resources, business administration and other related fields.
• Previous hands-on experience in planning, organizing and delivering administrative support services is highly desirable.
• Work experience with a development organization and knowledge of UN/UNICEF'S rules, regulations and procedures.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergencies. 
• Experience in planning, organizing and delivering administrative support services.

 Skills: 

• Proficiency in computer usage and standard office software tools (such as MS Office and enterprise databases), as well as other office technologies for creating documentation, exchanging and archiving email, and maintaining electronic filing systems is required.
• Strong communication skills (oral and written), planning abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities are desirable.
• Analytical and reporting skills are required. Project management experience is desirable.
• Experience in customer service within a high-volume environment is an asset.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and working language at intermediate level in French or Spanish (verbal and written) is required. Working language in Arabic at intermediate level is an asset.

Transferable experience and skills:

• Promote inclusive, respectful, and professional environment aligned with organizational values.
•  
• Work effectively in team settings by proactively supporting colleagues, sharing resources, and celebrating collective achievements.
• Provide and receive feedback in a respectful and solution-focused manner to foster continuous improvement.
• Address challenges collaboratively through open and constructive discussions.
• Safeguard sensitive data and maintain strict confidentiality, particularly when handling personnel and selection-related information.
• Experience and knowledge of Vision ERP.
• Experience of working within SLAs.

Applicants must be nationals of Hungary or other EU/Schengen country OR in the possession of a valid long-term Hungarian residency and work permit. Temporary and/or sponsored visas are not accepted.

UNICEF GSSC does not facilitate MFA accreditation for locally recruited staff, applicants must be holders of acceptable permits already at the time of application. Please attach a copy of your work permit (if applicable). UNICEF shall not accept responsibility or liability to act as a sponsor or to otherwise facilitate the issuance, maintenance, renewal, extension, or conversion of the candidate's residency and/or work permit for employment purposes.

Remarks: Requirement for internal applicants 

This vacancy announcement is open to all internal audiences including TA staff members. Eligible and suitable FT staff members will be prioritized.

Staff at the same grade level, or one grade above the vacancy, will be eligible for concise review regardless of their functional area. 

Internal applicants from GSSC are required to complete the GSSC Learning Path corresponding to their current level before applying for another position. Additionally, they must attach to their application a screenshot from Agora, clearly demonstrating completion of the learning path. Internal applicants that do not comply with these requirements will not be considered. For further details on learning paths, please visit the Learning and Development portal

For current GSSC staff who have taken up their current post within less than 12 months, the requirement for completion of learning path is waived. 

1 year time in post requirement does not apply to staff appointed to their current FT roles before 1 July 2025. It does apply to those appointed on or after that date. 

As an advocate for every child, you will receive

• A competitive salary which is exempted from paying national income taxes in Hungary on United Nations emoluments. The tax-free salary of this position starts at net HUF 806,005 per month. Please check SalCalcLocal (undp.org) for simulation. 
• Holidays and leave, including 30 days of annual leaves per year
• Parental leave
• Dependency allowance
• United Nations sponsored medical insurance plan
• Pension plan
• Optional life insurance plan
• Access to professional development and learning programs, online learning and learning path
• Access to staff well-being support
• Access to career development support

Please visit Compensation and Benefit site on UNICEF Career page.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.