Communication Associate (GS6), FT, #100124, Service Quality Management Section, UNICEF Global Shared Services Centre, Budapest, Hungary

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, results.

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.

GSSC has won the 2019 Business Services Firm of the Year in Hungary, one of 26 regional awards announced at the Central and Eastern European Business Services Summit & Awards held in Warsaw, Poland.

How can you make a difference?

Under the supervision of the Communication Specialist, the Communication Associate supports the implementation of the Centre’s communication strategy, directly supporting GSSC-led internal and external communication activities, projects and change related activities.

The incumbent provides technical support in developing creatives in a range of digital formats and maintaining web-based platforms that are used in external and internal communication, as well as in knowledge-sharing within GSSC and across UNICEF. 

The delivery of communication expertise and support to business units within GSSC ensures timely development of quality, user-focused communication products and tools that keep UNICEF staff and offices informed about GSSC priorities and initiatives thereby supporting UNICEF’s global delivery of results to women and children.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

• Works with relevant stakeholders to design and publish web pages and update multimedia databases so that the availability of online information is timely and accessible. This includes writing, editing and producing compelling, timely and targeted internal and external-facing communication content to highlight GSSC news and events and global UNICEF campaigns and priorities.
• Keeps current with developments across various UNICEF digital initiatives and policies in external and internal communications, and under the supervision of the Supervisor, supports the implementation of the communication strategy and workplan at the GSSC.
• Using experience and superior knowledge in a range of graphic design, data visualization and multimedia applications (for example: Adobe Design Suite – Photoshop, Illustrator, In-Design, Mail Chimp) provides technical assistance to supervisor in the design of info-graphics, desktop publishing and video-editing within very tight deadlines.
• Under the supervision of the supervisor, assists in the set-up of displays (physical and/or digital), photo-exhibits and provides support for visits and special events at the GSSC and, as needed, at external locations.
• Supports change related communications for the development and roll-out of new processes, tools and centre-led continuous improvements to build awareness of the change, its benefits and impact, and support behavior change and adoption.
• As requested by the supervisor, supports GSSC needs in capturing and uploading photographs and videos, and maintaining such on digital assets management systems, according to UNICEF guidelines.
• Researches, compiles and produces reports on web statistics on a regular basis and electronic surveys and other quantitative and qualitative feedback mechanisms to measure effectiveness of communication
• Provides feedback and recommendations for the further development of the GSSC web communication and knowledge sharing platforms/tools.
• Support other communication projects as required.

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
• Hybrid work opportunity
• Holidays and leave, including 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

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Completion of secondary education (high school diploma) is required.
• 6 years of relevant work experience in communication related field is required for candidates without university degree. Completed relevant bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution will be counted towards 3 years of the minimum work experience requirements, while master’s degree will be counted towards 5 years of experience.
• Experience working with UNICEF is considered an asset. 
• Experience in electronic publications and graphic design is required.
• Experience as a videographer/photographer, including proficiency in video editing is required.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain work relationships is required.
• Experience in communications or external relations desirable, preferably in an international organization or multicultural environment is an asset.
• Experience in research and responding to queries is highly desirable.
• Experience managing social media platforms is highly desirable.
• Experience applying corporate style and brand guidelines to communication products is an asset.
• Experience in change initiatives is desirable.
• Working knowledge of the Microsoft Suite of Products (MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint).
• Fluency in English (verbal and written) is required.
• Fluency in Hungarian is desirable.
• Knowledge of an additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is a strong asset.

Applicants must be nationals of EU countries or in possession of a valid work permit not sponsored by employer. Please attach a copy of your work permit to your application submission.

General Service (GS) staff are locally recruited staff and therefore, candidates are personally responsible for any travel and accommodation arrangements. UNICEF does not facilitate MFA accreditation for locally recruited staff.

Requirements for internal applicants:

Internal applicants from GSSC must first complete the Learning Path corresponding to their current level before applying for another position. Additionally, they must attach a snapshot of the completed path when submitting their application. Applications that do not meet these two minimum requirements will not be considered.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability (CRITA) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: https://uni.cf/UNICEFValues

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.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will 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.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID). 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 are normally required to resign from their government 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. 

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.