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.

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.

Within the GSSC, the Business Innovation and Support Section is responsible for the technology solutions including automation that underpin service delivery. Process optimization and automation are central to this mandate: by connecting systems, orchestrating workflows and applying automation across the service lines, the Section helps move GSSC services from fragmented, manual execution toward orchestrated, automated and continuously improved delivery.

UNICEF GSSC operates a continuous improvement process that regularly identifies opportunities to streamline processes and the systems that support them, often through the automation of manual, rule-based work and the introduction of more effective ways of working for individuals and teams. Building on a portfolio of delivered automations, the Section is now broadening and modernizing its approach: moving from a heterogeneous estate of point solutions toward a standardized, governed and cloud-aligned automation capability, developed in close collaboration with UNICEF’s Digital Impact Division (DID).

How can you make a difference?

The Senior ICT Associate (Process Optimization and Automation – Developer) contributes to continuous improvement across the full automation lifecycle – from assessment and qualification of candidate processes, through design, development and testing, to deployment, maintenance and continuous improvement. The role spans the GSSC service lines (Finance and Master Data Management; HR, Payroll and Offboarding; and Customer Care) and applies the most appropriate technique from across the automation spectrum to each opportunity, rather than relying on a single tool. Where automation can be enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI), these capabilities are leveraged through UNICEF’s enterprise platforms (for example, Microsoft Copilot and ServiceNow NowAssist) within the architecture and governance boundaries maintained by DID, rather than developed as stand-alone systems.

This post is a Temporary Appointment until 31 December 2026.

Key functions, accountabilities, and related tasks:

Under the general supervision of the ICT Officer, and in close partnership with HR, Payroll, Finance and Customer Care subject-matter experts, DID and other stakeholders, the incumbent performs a range of activities related to process optimization and automation across the automation spectrum – including scripting, robotic process automation (RPA), workflow orchestration, low-code automation and system integration – while ensuring that applicable compliance, quality, security and documentation standards are met and maintained. Specifically, the incumbent will:

Assess and qualify candidate processes for automation – including feasibility, effort, risk and expected benefit – and recommend the most appropriate solution approach from across the automation spectrum.
Design, develop, test and deploy automation solutions based on documented business requirements, selecting the appropriate technique: scripting, RPA, workflow orchestration, low-code platforms (e.g., Microsoft Power Platform / Power Automate) or API-based integration with core enterprise systems such as SAP ERP and ServiceNow.
Where relevant, leverage AI-enabled capabilities embedded in UNICEF’s enterprise platforms (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ServiceNow NowAssist) to enhance automations, working within the architecture, security and governance framework maintained by DID.
Modernize and, where appropriate, migrate existing automations built on legacy tooling (e.g., AutoIt, ad hoc PowerShell and SQL scripts, custom executables) toward standardized, supportable and cloud-aligned solutions (e.g., Microsoft PowerAutomate, Microsoft LogicApps, Blue Prism, UiPath), in line with the Section’s and DID’s strategic direction.
Create and maintain complete and accurate technical and operational documentation in the automation library / inventory, ensuring traceability from business requirement to deployed solution.
Participate in functional and user-acceptance testing; support process re-engineering, change management and stakeholder communication associated with each solution.
Provide ongoing support for the production automation estate, including monitoring, process changes, defect resolution, software upgrades, performance tuning and bot / solution administration; act as Level 3 support for solution owners when issues arise.
Perform peer review of automations and automated procedures developed by other specialists to ensure compliance with internal-control, security and audit requirements.
Mentor and coach early adopters and citizen developers in business units, building awareness of automation pre-assessment and the fundamentals of solution development, and promoting reuse and good practice.
Perform daily maintenance of automations in the production environment and manage incidents through to resolution.

For key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks please check the Terms of Reference Senior IT Associate G7.docx

As an advocate for every child, you will receive

UNICEF offers an attractive remuneration package UNICEF GSSC Benefits 2026.pdf

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 (high-school diploma) is the minimum requirement. University-level studies or specialized training in systems engineering, computer science, programming or automation, or equivalent, is an asset.

Experience:

A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience is required for candidates who have completed secondary education. 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 with an additional two years of relevant work experience.
A minimum of 3 years of experience in process automation and/or software development is required.
Hands-on programming and scripting skills in Python, PowerShell, SQL and VBA (or similar) are required; experience with one or more RPA platforms is required or a strong asset.
Experience with low-code automation platforms – in particular Microsoft Power Platform / Power Automate – and familiarity with cloud automation on Microsoft Azure are an asset.
Experience integrating automations with enterprise systems (e.g., SAP ERP, ServiceNow) through APIs or equivalent is an asset.
Familiarity with AI-enabled automation features delivered through enterprise platforms (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ServiceNow NowAssist) is an asset.
Experience maintaining or modernizing legacy automation estates (e.g., AutoIt, VBA, custom scripts) is an asset.
Good knowledge of MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio); working knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP is an asset.
Completed secondary education (i.e. high school diploma). University level degree in business administration and public administration is an asset.

Skills:

Project Management, Collaboration, Problem Solving, Digital Dexterity

Language requirements:

Fluency in both spoken and written English is required.
Knowledge of an additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is considered or the local language of the duty station 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 in the GSSC.

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

Temporary Appointment: Senior ICT Associate (Process Optimization and Automation – Developer), GS-7, in Business Innovation and Support Section, Global Shared Services Centre, Budapest, Hungary