Human Resources Officer

Host entity: UNICEF

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Human resources, Communication, advocacy, public information, Administration

Application deadline: 28/08/2026

Mission and objectives

At the heart of UNICEF's work is the program countries. Each office works in line with UNICEF's mission as part of a specific program of cooperation with local governments. Their work is based on a five-year plan based on a situation analysis and is provided with technical assistance by the regional offices. UNICEF's work is part of other UN activities in the country.

Assignment context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. 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 personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

UNICEF’s Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC) provides services to UNICEF offices around the world in the areas of Finance, Master Data Management, Human Resources Administration, Payroll, and IT Customer Care. Our mission is to be a Centre of Excellence for the global delivery of efficient services within a culture of customer service, continuous business improvement, knowledge-sharing and innovation to support the effective achievement of UNICEF's program results worldwide. The Payroll & Offboarding Section delivers high quality, responsive, timely and equitable human resources services for UNICEF offices which include Job Classification, Offboarding, & Payroll Processing including processing of staff entitlements, benefits related to separation from service, processing of pension and after-service health and life insurance.

Assignment context and brief context of the project: The Payroll & Offboarding Section provides critical HR services to UNICEF offices globally, including payroll administration, separation benefits and entitlements, pension processing, ASHI/ASLI applications, salary and rental advances, inter-agency billing, and advisory support. To ensure efficient and high-quality service delivery, the Section focuses on continuous improvement, process optimization, data tracking and monitoring, and evidence-based decision-making. Given the complexity of its portfolio and frequent demand for advisory support, the Section also requires a strong, accessible, and user-friendly knowledge base to support staff self-service and consistent service delivery.

Task description

Human Resources Officer will support the Payroll & Offboarding Section in strengthening project coordination, decision support, and knowledge management. The role will assist the Section Chief in monitoring priority initiatives, coordinating project updates across workstreams, preparing briefing materials, and tracking follow-up actions. The UN Volunteer will also support the maintenance and continuous improvement of the Section’s knowledge base, ensuring that guidance, process documentation, templates, and learning resources are accurate, accessible, and aligned with UNICEF policies and procedures. Through these responsibilities, the role will contribute to improved service delivery, stronger information management, and a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the Section.


Main Responsibilities and Tasks:
• Support to Section priority setting, decision-making and project management
o Support the Section Chief in managing information flow, identifying priority issues, summarizing key documentation, and proposing timely follow-up actions.
o Prepare briefing materials, presentations, background research, and inputs to support meetings, missions, and informed decision-making.
o Attend meetings as required to capture key points, track actions, and support follow-up on matters raised.
o Coordinate inputs for position papers, presentations, efficiency reports, project updates, and other documents related to Section priorities.
o In coordination with BIS, support periodic project reviews by preparing updates, monitoring progress, and highlighting issues requiring attention.
o Coordinate and monitor project activities across workstreams, using standard tools and checklists to support prioritization, implementation, and change management.

• Knowledge Management Support:
o Maintain and regularly update the Section’s knowledge base, including SharePoint content, SOPs, guidance notes, FAQs, templates, checklists, and process documents, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with UNICEF policies and procedures.
o Work with team leads, subject matter experts, BIS, and relevant stakeholders to identify knowledge gaps, capture institutional knowledge, and document process or policy changes.
o Develop clear and user-friendly knowledge products, including quick guides, process maps, briefing materials, presentations, and training resources to support onboarding, self-service, and consistent service delivery.
o Coordinate periodic reviews of knowledge materials, maintain ownership and review schedules, monitor usage and relevance, and recommend improvements to strengthen quality and user experience.
o Promote knowledge-sharing, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across the Payroll & Offboarding Section.

Skills and experience

• Experience: Two years of professional experience in human resource management, and/or Planning & Monitoring, Knowledge Management & Communications in an international organization and/or large corporation is required.
• Successful experience in Project Management, Knowledge Management, Marketing and Web design is an asset.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; Share Point and webpage management;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Sound security awareness;
• Have affinity with or interest in Human Resources Management, Payroll Processes, Data Science, Communications & Knowledge Management and volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Competencies and values

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and
Sustainability (CRITAS)
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
(8) Nurtures, leads and manages people

Living conditions

Budapest, Hungary offers a safe, welcoming, and vibrant living environment for staff at UNICEF GSSC. The city is well-connected with major European and international destinations via regular air travel. It enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Accommodation is widely available and varies in style and cost, with modern utilities, reliable electricity, and clean water. The cost of living is moderate, and there is a wide range of food and entertainment options. High-quality healthcare, banking, and communications infrastructure are readily accessible. Working at GSSC offers a rewarding experience in a culturally rich setting, requiring adaptability and a global mindset.

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator.

Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations of the monthly post adjustment.

Monthly Living Allowance (Per month): USD 3075.82
Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 3500
Exit allowance (for each month served, paid on completion of contract): USD 225
Family allowance: $250 per month for one dependent. $450 per month for two or more dependents
Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance

Leave entitlements:
Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month
Certified sick leave: UN Volunteers are entitled to up to 30 days of certified sick leave based on a 12-month cycle. This amount is reset every 12-month cycle.
Uncertified sick leave: 7 days for 12 months and 4 days for shorter assignments
Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months (shorter assignments are prorated)
Maternity Leave: 16 weeks
Paternity Leave: 10 days
For more information on entitlements please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos).

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.