Contracts Officer

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 essential services in Finance, Human Resources, Payroll, and Information Technology to UNICEF offices worldwide. The organization prides itself on its commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that its workforce reflects the diversity of the children it serves.

Job Overview:
The Contracts Officer position at UNICEF's Global Shared Services Centre in Budapest involves providing technical and advisory support to ensure high-quality service delivery and compliance in managing consultancy contracts. The role encompasses overseeing the entire lifecycle of consultancy contracts, from reviewing Terms of Reference (TORs) to managing closure processes. The Contracts Officer will also manage a team of contract processing staff and engage with contracting managers globally, offering expert guidance on procedures and compliance standards. This position is crucial for maintaining performance excellence and ensuring that UNICEF's consultancy processes are efficient and effective, ultimately contributing to the organization's mission of advocating for children's rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Contracts Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide day-to-day operational and advisory support under the supervision of the Finance Manager.
• Ensure high-quality service delivery and compliance in managing consultancy contracts throughout their lifecycle.
• Oversee the end-to-end management of individual consultancy contracts, including reviewing TORs, supporting sourcing and selection, preparing offers, issuing contracts, and managing closure processes.
• Handle escalations from offices and contracting managers, providing expert guidance on compliance and best practices.
• Manage a team of contract processing staff, ensuring effective supervision and direction.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to foster partnerships and enhance service delivery.
• Engage in projects and innovation initiatives to improve consultancy management processes.
• Contribute to knowledge management and capacity building within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a completed university degree in Business Administration, Management, Human Resources, Procurement, International Development, or a related field. A minimum of two years of relevant experience at the national and international level in contracting, procurement, administration, or human resources is required. Experience with the UN or another international organization is preferred. Knowledge of UNICEF's rules and regulations is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate strong supervisory skills, analytical abilities, and a good understanding of consultancy processes, financial and legal aspects of contracting, and risk management.

Educational Background:
A completed university degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Management, Human Resources, Procurement, or International Development is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the duties associated with managing consultancy contracts effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in contracting, procurement, administration, or human resources at both national and international levels. Experience in planning, organizing, and delivering consultancy administrative support services is highly desirable. Previous work experience in a shared services center context and familiarity with UN/UNICEF's operational procedures will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English is mandatory for this role. Additionally, a working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is considered an advantage. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, or Russian, is also an asset that can enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is open to nationals of Hungary or EU/Schengen countries, or individuals with valid long-term Hungarian residence and work permits. Temporary and sponsored permits are not accepted. UNICEF GSSC does not facilitate MFA accreditation for locally recruited staff. Candidates must attach copies of their valid Hungarian residence and work permits if they are non-EU citizens. The organization offers an attractive remuneration package with competitive salary and benefits. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background. The recruitment process includes rigorous reference and background checks, and selected candidates must adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles.