UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.
At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.
UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.
Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.
The vacancy is created to fill multiple fixed-term GS-6 level ICT Associate positions in the UNICEF Global Shared Services Centre.
For every child, a calling.
We are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not a job, it’s a calling.
UNICEF's Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC) in Budapest, Hungary provides services to UNICEF offices globally in the areas of Finance, Human Resources, Payroll and Information Technology. For more information about GSSC please visit our webpage at Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC) and check this YouTube.
How can you make a difference?
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Associates perform procedural and some specialized activities pertaining to UNICEF’s ICT systems, which include desktop administration connectivity and server operations. Specialized activities typically include the installation and routine configuration of ICT system components and user orientation. Procedural activities include all other processes that may not require the application of specialized information technology training and knowledge, such as maintaining technical and user documentation and/or serving as focal point for receipt and processing of user requests.
If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here.
Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:
General ICT / Office Support:
ICT Associates at this level perform a full range of procedural activities in support of ICT to ensure effective communication with client departments/divisions/offices and efficient provision of support to other ICT staff.
Activities include:
- Providing first-level support that includes receiving, processing and logging service requests.
- Managing lifecycle of ICT incidents assigned to him/her in service management tool.
- Providing support in conferencing with ICT and audiovisual equipment as and when requested.
- Creating and assigning work orders.
- Maintaining and updating files (electronic and paper) and internal databases.
- Maintaining ICT inventory, manuals and other documentation. This may require the incumbent to lift, move, mount, or store equipment.
- Maintain mission critical assets related to connectivity, firewall, software and hardware updates and ensure lifecycle compliance
- Provide inputs to emergency data telecoms preparedness and ICT-DR simulation testing - for BCP.
- DevOps related tasks and Cloud based infrastructure management.
Minimal ICT Administration:
ICT Associates are accountable for specialized support pertaining to IT core platforms and networks requiring thorough understanding of core IT Platforms and networks to facilitate a digital workplace
Activities include:
- Installing/upgrading, configuring (routine, standard) and maintaining systems, tools and equipment.
- Assisting in routine operation and monitoring of server systems.
- Providing second-level user support/troubleshooting.
- Extracting data from databases to serve the needs and requests of users, diagnosing errors and correcting as necessary.
- Performing backups of servers following standard backup procedures.
- Assisting in the generation of computer reports.
- Providing on-the-job orientation for users in the use of ICT systems.
Cybersecurity and General Protection of Digital Assets:
ICT Associate at this level are expected to have a foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles and data protection best practices, contributing to the overall cyber hygiene and resilience of the office environment. This includes safeguarding UNICEF digital assets and supporting the organization’s Human Risk Management strategy.
Activities include:
- Providing direct support during cybersecurity incidents in the field office, including first response to identity and device compromise, containment actions, and support with recovery procedures in coordination with the Regional Focal points and Global Security Operations Function.
- Identifying sensitive or regulated data and supporting the implementation and maintenance of standard access controls within UNICEF-approved platforms (e.g., SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams).
- Participating in routine reviews of digital access permissions and suggesting improvements based on the principle of least privilege.
- Supporting organizational cybersecurity awareness by monitoring completion rates of Information Security awareness initiatives (i.e. mandatory cybersecurity training) within the office, following up with users as needed.
- Liaising with regional cybersecurity focal points and global cybersecurity SMEs to report local risks and identify opportunities for improving user behavior and reducing human risk.
- Reinforcing good cybersecurity habits during ICT support interactions, such as password hygiene, phishing awareness, and device hardening practices.
Project and Operational Support:
The ICT Associate will play a key role in supporting specialized ICT projects, focusing on the development and implementation of new systems and applications. This includes assisting in the development and execution of complex ICT projects, developing specifications, and ensuring system security. The incumbent will provide guidance and training to junior staff, fostering continuous improvement and technical excellence.
As an advocate for every child, you will receive
- A competitive salary which is exempted from paying national income taxes in Hungary on United Nations emoluments. The tax-free salary of this position starts at net HUF 806,005 per month. Please check SalCalcLocal (undp.org) for simulation.
- Hybrid work opportunity
- Holidays and leave (30 days of annual leave per year)
- Parental leave
- Dependency allowance
- United Nations sponsored medical insurance plan
- Pension plan
- Optional life insurance plan
- Access to professional development and learning programs, online learning and learning path
- Access to staff well-being support
- Access to career development support
Please visit Compensation and Benefit site on UNICEF Career page.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Education
- Completion of Secondary education is required, supplemented with formal training in Computer Science, Information Systems, Telecommunications, Engineering.
- ITIL Foundation Certificate or equivalent customer support certification is an asset.
Work Experience
- A minimum of six years of practical work experience in information technology, requiring systematic methods of troubleshooting and problem solving is required. A completed BA degree from an accredited institution qualifies as 3 years experience and will be counted towards the minimum work experience requirement. Minimum three (3) years of relevant experience is required for candidates holding bachelor’s degree in relevant fields. Master’s degree will be considered additional two years of relevant work experience.
- Experience in providing assistance to users on IT products and services, and use of applications and diagnostic tools.
- Practical experience in providing technical and business Customer Support and Services.
- Practical experience and working knowledge of various computer platforms and applications.
- Experience in maintaining and installing server operating systems (Windows Server 2022 or newer) and storage hardware, virtualization technologies.
- Knowledge of cloud technologies:
- Good working knowledge of computer information systems, including PC operating systems (e.g. Windows 11), PC hardware and applications software, MS Office.
- Familiarity with network architecture concepts and network devices.
- Basic knowledge of PowerShell and scripting is an asset
Skills:
- Project Management, Collaboration, Problem Solving, Digital Dexterity
Language requirements:
- Fluency in English (Spoken and Written) is required.
- Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
Internal applicants from the GSSC are required to complete the Learning Path corresponding to their current level before applying for another position. Additionally, they must attach a snapshot of the completed path to their applications. Applications that do not meet these two minimum requirements will not be considered. For further details on learning paths, please visit the L&D Portal Learning and Development (sharepoint.com).
Applicants must be nationals of Hungary or EU/Schengen countries OR in the possession of a valid long-term Hungarian residence and work permits. Temporary and/or sponsored visas are not accepted. UNICEF GSSC does not facilitate MFA accreditation for locally recruited staff, applicants must be holders of acceptable permits already at the time of application. Applicants with non-EU citizenship must attach copies of their valid Hungarian work permits, otherwise their applications will not be considered.
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values.
The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships, (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness, (3) Drive to achieve results for impact, (4) Innovates and embraces change, (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity, (6) Thinks and acts strategically, (7) Works collaboratively with others
Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.
UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.
UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.
Remarks:
As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.
Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.
Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.
