Travel Assistant (GS-5)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF's Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC) in Budapest provides services in Finance, Human Resources, Payroll, and Information Technology to UNICEF offices globally. The organization prides itself on a diverse and passionate culture, offering attractive compensation and benefits to its staff.

Job Overview:
The Travel Assistant (GS-5) position at UNICEF's Global Shared Services Centre in Budapest involves managing travel administration and operations for UNICEF offices worldwide. The role requires a structured, service-oriented working style and experience in travel administration. The Travel Assistant will process travel requests related to official missions, appointments, reassignments, separations, home leaves, family visits, and education grant travels. Responsibilities include posting travel authorizations, verifying itineraries and ticket costs, and processing travel claims in compliance with UNICEF's travel policies. The position may require shift work and offers flexible arrangements, including partial remote work depending on shift schedules. The role is critical in ensuring smooth travel operations for UNICEF staff globally, contributing to the organization's mission of supporting children and communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Travel Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Processing travel requests for UNICEF staff, including official missions, appointments, and other travel-related activities.
• Posting travel authorizations and verifying travel itineraries and ticket costs.
• Examining and processing travel claims prior to final settlement.
• Providing transactional service management and client service related to travel administration.
• Collaborating with the Travel Hub and Operations Section to ensure compliance with UNICEF's travel policies.
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation related to travel requests and claims.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of travel administration processes and procedures.
• Responding to inquiries from UNICEF staff regarding travel policies and procedures.
• Supporting the Travel Unit in achieving its objectives and enhancing service delivery.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of completed secondary education (high school diploma). A university-level degree in business administration or public administration is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in the international travel industry, operations, administration, or logistics. A completed BA degree from an accredited institution qualifies as three years of experience, while a master's degree will be considered as an additional two years of relevant work experience. Experience in travel administration or management is prioritized, along with proficiency in IT skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint).

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a completed secondary education (high school diploma). A university-level degree in business administration or public administration is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's application. Educational qualifications are essential for understanding the complexities of travel administration and management within UNICEF's operational framework.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in the international travel industry, operations, administration, or logistics. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in relevant fields will have two years of experience counted towards the minimum requirement. A master's degree will be considered as additional experience. The emphasis is on candidates with a strong background in travel administration or management, as this experience is crucial for effectively handling the responsibilities of the Travel Assistant role.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of an additional UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application. Proficiency in multiple languages is beneficial in a diverse international organization like UNICEF, where communication with staff from various backgrounds is essential.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive salary that is exempt from national income taxes in Hungary on United Nations emoluments, starting at a net salary of HUF 684,059 per month. The role may require shift work, including Sundays, with flexible arrangements available. Official holidays will be compensated with compensatory time off (CTO). Applicants must be nationals of Hungary or EU/Schengen countries or possess a valid long-term Hungarian residence and work permit. Temporary and/or sponsored visas are not accepted. UNICEF GSSC does not facilitate MFA accreditation for locally recruited staff, and applicants must attach copies of their valid Hungarian work permits if they have non-EU citizenship. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities.