Quality Assurance Associate

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, viewing this commitment as a calling rather than just a job. UNICEF is dedicated to building careers and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a sense of purpose among its staff while serving children and communities globally. The organization prides itself on its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of diversity and belonging.

Job Overview:
The Quality Assurance Associate position is situated within UNICEF's Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC) in Budapest, Hungary. This role is pivotal in enhancing the quality of processes within the GSSC, ensuring that services are delivered efficiently and in compliance with UNICEF's policies and internal standard operating procedures (SOPs). The incumbent will be responsible for conducting quality checks, issuing reports based on data analysis, and managing quality assessments in areas identified as high-risk. The role also involves monitoring processes, following up on suspicious transactions, and raising awareness about potential fraud risks. This position is a Temporary Appointment, initially set to last until December 31, 2026, and is integral to UNICEF's commitment to quality and accountability in its operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Quality Assurance Associate will undertake a variety of duties, including conducting risk-based quality assurance on GSSC processes to identify control gaps and non-compliance with SOPs. The associate will produce monthly analytical and compliance reports that summarize findings, severity levels, and actionable recommendations. Additionally, the role involves testing key controls periodically, documenting evidence, and maintaining records in an approved repository. The associate will utilize data analytics for trend analysis and root-cause identification, flagging anomalies for further investigation. They will prepare detective control reports and collaborate with work-stream owners to ensure agreed actions are implemented within set timelines. Continuous improvement is a key focus, with the associate expected to provide suggestions for process enhancements and maintain comprehensive working papers for future reference. Participation in GSSC projects and quality assurance initiatives is also required, along with any ad hoc tasks assigned by management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of six years of relevant work experience. A completed university degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, or a related field from an accredited institution can count towards this experience requirement. For those holding a bachelor's degree in relevant fields, a minimum of three years of relevant experience is required. A relevant master's degree may substitute for an additional two years of experience. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in data extraction and reporting, and familiarity with data analytics tools are essential for this role. Candidates should also demonstrate initiative, independent working capabilities, and strong interpersonal skills.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is the completion of secondary education (high school diploma). However, a university degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, or a related field is highly preferred and can significantly enhance a candidate's profile. The educational background should be from an accredited institution to ensure the quality and relevance of the qualifications.

Experience:
The position requires at least six years of relevant work experience, with specific emphasis on roles that involve quality assurance, compliance, or risk analysis. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in a relevant field must have a minimum of three years of experience, while those with a master's degree may have two years of experience waived. Experience in shared services, development organizations, compliance, audit, and risk analysis is particularly valuable.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both verbal and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered a desirable asset that can enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Temporary Appointment, initially lasting until December 31, 202

• Applicants must be nationals of Hungary or EU/Schengen countries or possess a valid long-term Hungarian residence and work permit. Temporary and sponsored permits are not accepted. UNICEF GSSC does not facilitate MFA accreditation for locally recruited staff. Additionally, internal applicants from the GSSC must complete the Learning Path corresponding to their current level before applying for another position and attach a snapshot of the completed path to their applications. UNICEF offers an attractive remuneration package with competitive salary and benefits, and all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. The organization is committed to safeguarding the rights of every child and has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.