UNICEF Opens Recruitment for People & Culture Assistant (HR Administration/Recruitment Services) – Hungary

UNICEF is inviting qualified professionals to apply for the position of People & Culture Assistant (HR Administration/Recruitment Administrative Services) GS-5 at its Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC) in Budapest, Hungary. This opportunity is open under both temporary and fixed-term appointments, offering candidates the chance to contribute to a globally respected organization dedicated to protecting children’s rights and improving their wellbeing.

About UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) operates in more than 190 countries and territories, working to save children’s lives, protect their rights, and support their development from early childhood through adolescence. UNICEF is widely recognized for its commitment to advancing child welfare and ensuring equal opportunities for children worldwide.

Working at UNICEF is more than just employment—it is a mission-driven career. The organization provides employees with professional development opportunities, a supportive workplace culture, and a competitive benefits package while empowering them to make meaningful contributions to global humanitarian efforts.

About the Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC)

UNICEF’s Global Shared Services Centre plays a critical role in supporting UNICEF operations worldwide. The GSSC delivers centralized services in areas such as finance, payroll, master data management, IT customer care, and human resources administration. The centre focuses on delivering efficient, high-quality services while fostering innovation, knowledge-sharing, and continuous improvement.

The Human Resources Administration Section at GSSC supports UNICEF offices by providing recruitment services, onboarding, staff entitlements processing, benefits administration, and other HR-related functions. The People & Culture Assistant position forms part of this essential service delivery team.

Role Overview

The People & Culture Assistant (Recruitment Administrative Services) will work under the supervision of a People & Culture Officer and provide administrative, procedural, and operational support to recruitment activities. The role is part of a batch recruitment exercise, meaning selected candidates may be placed in current or future vacancies at the GS-5 level.

Successful candidates will support the end-to-end recruitment process while ensuring compliance with UNICEF human resource policies and service delivery standards.

Key Responsibilities

Selected candidates will contribute to the recruitment process by:

• Supporting recruitment services for assigned client groups while maintaining accuracy and service quality.
• Liaising with hiring managers and HR business partners during recruitment activities.
• Coordinating candidate longlisting and managing assessment processes.
• Acting as a key point of contact for candidates during recruitment stages.
• Organizing online assessments and interview schedules.
• Sending timely notifications to unsuccessful applicants.
• Maintaining and managing talent pools.
• Monitoring recruitment processes to ensure compliance with policies and service agreements.
• Collaborating with onboarding teams and escalating compliance concerns where necessary.

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Education: Completion of secondary education (high school diploma) is required.
• Work Experience: At least five years of relevant experience in HR administration, including one year in recruitment administration or talent management support. Candidates with higher academic qualifications may receive experience substitutions.
• Skills: Strong computer literacy, proficiency in MS Office, database systems, and office technologies. Applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills, organizational abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Language: Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory.

Desirable Qualifications

Additional qualifications that strengthen applications include:

• University studies in human resources, business administration, or related fields.
• Experience using applicant tracking systems (ATS) or recruitment platforms.
• Experience working with development or humanitarian organizations.
• Knowledge of UN or UNICEF HR policies.
• Working knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian.
• Experience working in developing country contexts or emergency environments.

Working Conditions

The role requires staff to work eight-hour shifts between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, five days per week, depending on global operational needs. Occasional Sunday work may be required, with compensatory time off provided.

Compensation and Benefits

UNICEF offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive salary and benefits aligned with international standards. The organization also promotes flexible work arrangements and employee wellbeing initiatives, including parental leave and workplace accommodations for staff with disabilities.

Eligibility and Work Authorization

Applicants must be nationals of Hungary, EU, or Schengen countries, or hold a valid long-term Hungarian residency and work permit. UNICEF does not sponsor visas or facilitate residency permits for locally recruited staff, and applicants must provide valid work authorization at the time of application.

Commitment to Diversity and Safeguarding

UNICEF strongly promotes diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. The organization maintains strict safeguarding policies and conducts thorough background and reference checks for selected candidates.

UNICEF also maintains a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation, abuse, discrimination, and any conduct inconsistent with its mission.

Application Deadline

• Application Opens: 4 February 2026
• Application Deadline: 19 February 2026 (Central European Standard Time)

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the deadline. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further selection stages.

APPLY HERE

---

Subscribe to OFY for more opportunities like this…