Contracts Assistant, GS5

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 its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of belonging and growth within its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Contracts Assistant, GS5 position at UNICEF's Global Shared Services Centre in Budapest involves providing transactional and administrative support throughout the post contracting cycle for individual consultants. This includes processing contract amendment requests, monitoring and following up on expired contracts, and managing the contract closure process. The role requires active engagement with contracting managers across various offices to ensure compliance with procedures and to provide guidance. The position is integral to maintaining the quality and efficiency of contract management, ensuring that all activities align with the Division of People and Culture's Individual Consultant Procedures and the service level agreements established by the GSSC. The role may also involve shift work, including weekends, and offers flexible arrangements, including partial remote work depending on shift schedules.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Contracts Assistant include:

• Supporting the post contracting lifecycle management by processing daily cases and ensuring quality assurance.
• Providing client service and collaboration with contracting managers to facilitate smooth operations.
• Engaging in knowledge management to enhance the efficiency of contract processing.
• Monitoring and following up on expired contracts to ensure timely closure.
• Processing contract amendment requests accurately and efficiently.
• Ensuring compliance with UNICEF's policies and procedures throughout all transactions.
• Maintaining confidentiality and sensitivity regarding communications and information.
• Organizing and prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines and service level agreements.
• Contributing to the overall improvement of administrative support services within the GSSC.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Contracts Assistant position, candidates must have a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in administration, human resources, or finance, preferably within the UN or other international organizations. A completed Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution can substitute for three years of experience, while a Master's degree may count as an additional two years of relevant work experience. Candidates should demonstrate proven abilities in managing confidential information, organizing tasks, and delivering administrative support services. Familiarity with UN/UNICEF's rules and regulations is considered an asset, along with skills in project management, collaboration, problem-solving, and digital dexterity.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is the completion of secondary education (high school diploma). However, candidates are preferred to have additional technical or university courses in administration, procurement, human resources, finance, or related fields that align with the organization's work. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of the role and ensuring effective performance in the position.

Experience:
Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in administration, human resources, or finance. This experience should ideally be gained in a context similar to that of UNICEF, such as within the UN system or other international organizations. Experience in a shared services center is considered an asset, as is previous work involving planning, organizing, and delivering administrative support services. The ability to handle confidential and sensitive information is crucial, as is the capacity to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another UN language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
The position may require shift work, including weekends, with specific arrangements for night differentials and compensatory time off for official holidays. Flexible work arrangements, including partial remote work, may be available depending on shift schedules. 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, and UNICEF GSSC does not facilitate MFA accreditation for locally recruited staff. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. UNICEF is committed to safeguarding children and has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its objectives.