Travel Associate (GS-6)

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 employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, with a focus on building careers and fostering a culture of belonging and growth. The Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC) in Budapest provides essential services in Finance, Human Resources, Payroll, and Information Technology to UNICEF offices worldwide.

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

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Travel Associate will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: processing travel requests for official missions, appointments, reassignments, separations, home leaves, family visits, and education grant travels; ensuring compliance with UNICEF's travel policies; posting travel authorizations; verifying itineraries and ticket costs; examining and processing travel claims prior to final settlement; providing transactional service management; and delivering high-quality client service. The role may also involve shift work, requiring flexibility in working hours, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a completed secondary education (high school diploma) as a minimum requirement. A university-level degree in business administration is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of six years of relevant work experience in the international travel industry, operations, administration, or logistics. At least one year of experience specifically in travel management is required. A completed BA degree from an accredited institution can substitute for three years of experience. Candidates with a master's degree will need an additional two years of relevant work experience. Proficiency in IT skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) are essential. Experience in UNICEF or UN Travel Units, as well as knowledge of UN and UNICEF rules and regulations, is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a completed secondary education (high school diploma) as a minimum. A university-level degree in business administration is preferred and will enhance the candidate's qualifications. The organization values candidates who have pursued higher education, as it can significantly contribute to their understanding of the role and responsibilities associated with travel management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of relevant work experience in the international travel industry, operations, administration, or logistics. At least one year of this experience must be specifically in travel management. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in relevant fields may have their educational qualifications count towards the experience requirement, with three years of experience credited for a completed BA degree. For those holding a master's degree, an additional two years of relevant work experience is necessary. Experience in travel administration or management is crucial, along with familiarity with global distribution systems such as SABRE or Amadeus, which are considered assets.

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 the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Budapest, Hungary, and applicants must be nationals of Hungary or EU/Schengen countries, or possess a valid long-term Hungarian residence and work permit. Temporary or sponsored visas are not accepted. The role may require shift work, and night differentials apply where applicable. Official holidays will be compensated with compensatory time off (CTO). The salary is competitive and exempt from national income taxes in Hungary on United Nations emoluments. UNICEF offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The organization promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.