People & Culture Associate, GS6 (HR Administration, Benefits & Entitlements)

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 not merely as a job but as a calling. UNICEF is dedicated to providing diverse opportunities for professional and personal development for its staff, fostering a culture of belonging and growth. The Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC) in Budapest specifically provides services in Finance, Human Resources, Payroll, and Information Technology to UNICEF offices worldwide.

Job Overview:
The People & Culture Associate plays a crucial role in ensuring that personnel administration and benefits for staff are managed in accordance with UNICEF’s policies and procedures. This position is integral to strengthening the operations of the organization and enhancing the benefits and entitlements available to all staff members. The Associate will work under the supervision of the People and Culture Officer and will be responsible for processing complex cases and transactions, maintaining accurate records, and providing guidance to staff regarding their entitlements. The role requires a proactive approach to training staff on HR rules and regulations and coordinating with various divisions within the UN system to address staff queries and support their needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Determine appropriate entitlements and appointments, processing complex cases and transactions in compliance with internal rules and regulations. Provide informed guidance to staff members regarding their entitlements and analyze non-compliance cases in consultation with the People & Culture Manager/Officer. Review complex transactions before submission to payroll and ensure timely actions regarding benefits administration.
• Maintain a computerized reporting system for Human Resources processes, reporting directly to the People & Culture Officer for staff data approval and verifying information for monthly and bi-monthly reports.
• Train staff on entitlements and HR processes, ensuring they are knowledgeable about HR rules and regulations and providing knowledge transfer to GS-5 staff.
• Coordinate with various divisions within the UN system to gather and disseminate information in response to staff queries and provide support on entitlements and benefits.
• Perform ad hoc responsibilities as requested by the People & Culture Officer.

Required Qualifications:
Minimum requirements include completion of secondary education (high school diploma) and at least six years of relevant work experience in human resources. A completed university degree from an accredited institution can substitute for some of the work experience, with a bachelor’s degree requiring a minimum of three years of relevant experience and a relevant master’s degree potentially replacing two additional years. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Suite (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint) is required, along with fluency in English (verbal and written). Desirable qualifications include university-level courses in human resources and business administration, hands-on experience in administrative support services, and familiarity with UN/UNICEF rules and procedures.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of a high school diploma, with a preference for candidates holding a university degree in relevant fields such as human resources or business administration. A completed university degree can count towards the minimum work experience requirement, and advanced degrees may further reduce the experience needed.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of six years of relevant work experience in human resources, with specific experience in personnel administration and benefits management being highly desirable. For those with a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of three years of relevant experience is required, while a relevant master’s degree may replace two years of experience. Experience working with development organizations or knowledge of UN/UNICEF rules and regulations is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both verbal and written. 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.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to nationals of Hungary or EU/Schengen countries, or individuals with valid long-term Hungarian residence and work permits. Temporary or sponsored visas are not accepted, and UNICEF GSSC does not facilitate MFA accreditation for locally recruited staff. Applicants must attach copies of their valid Hungarian work permits if they have non-EU citizenship. The organization promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.