UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 in Italy | Apply for a G-5 Procurement Career at ICTP

Apply for the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 in Trieste, Italy. Learn about eligibility requirements, salary, responsibilities, benefits, qualifications, and how to apply before the 18 August 2026 deadline.

The UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for experienced procurement professionals seeking to advance their careers within the United Nations system. Based in Trieste, Italy, this position is hosted by the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and provides the chance to contribute to international scientific cooperation while supporting procurement operations for one of UNESCO’s leading research institutions.

The role is ideal for professionals with procurement and contract management experience who are passionate about transparency, efficiency, and supporting global scientific development. Successful candidates will join an internationally diverse workplace and help ensure that procurement activities comply with UNESCO regulations while delivering high-quality services to internal stakeholders.

This one-year Project Appointment offers an attractive salary and benefits package, exposure to international procurement practices, and the opportunity to work within an organization committed to advancing education, science, and sustainable development worldwide.

About UNESCO and ICTP

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) works to promote international cooperation in education, science, culture, communication, and information to foster peace and sustainable development across the globe.

The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), established in 1964 by Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam and located in Trieste, Italy, plays a significant role in strengthening scientific capacity in developing countries. For more than five decades, ICTP has supported researchers through education, training, collaboration, and scientific excellence, helping reduce scientific brain drain while promoting global knowledge exchange.

UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 Overview

Job Details	Information
Organization	UNESCO
Centre	Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP)
Position	Procurement Assistant
Grade	G-5
Contract Type	Project Appointment
Contract Duration	1 Year
Duty Station	Trieste, Italy
Job Family	Natural Sciences
Application Deadline	18 August 2026
Recruitment	Internal and External Candidates

About the Position

The Procurement Assistant will work within the ICTP Procurement Unit under the supervision of the Senior Procurement Assistant. The successful candidate will support procurement activities while ensuring compliance with UNESCO procurement rules, transparency requirements, and organizational policies.

The position involves working closely with procurement specialists, budget and finance teams, project managers, approving officers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to facilitate efficient procurement processes and contract management.

Key Responsibilities

The Procurement Assistant will support procurement activities throughout the procurement lifecycle.

Procurement Operations

Responsibilities include:

Conducting procurement processes for purchases valued below USD 150,000.
Supporting procurement activities exceeding USD 150,000.
Gathering procurement requirements from internal stakeholders.
Assisting in drafting Terms of Reference.
Advising staff on procurement regulations and procedures.
Conducting market research.
Preparing Requests for Quotations (RFQs).
Preparing Invitation to Bid (ITB) and Request for Proposal (RFP) documentation.
Drafting purchase orders.
Supporting vendor negotiations.
Preparing procurement documentation.
Issuing contracts in accordance with UNESCO procurement policies.

Procurement Monitoring

The successful candidate will also:

Monitor procurement activities.
Maintain procurement records.
Produce procurement reports.
Coordinate vendor performance evaluations.
Support contract implementation.
Monitor delivery of goods and services.
Assist with contract closure or termination when necessary.

Logistics and Administrative Support

Additional responsibilities include:

Coordinating shipment arrangements.
Supporting customs clearance processes.
Coordinating protocol-related activities with relevant authorities.
Supporting asset and inventory recording.
Assisting the Budget and Finance Unit with procurement-related documentation.
Performing additional procurement support duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should meet the following requirements.

Education

Candidates must have completed:

Secondary school education, technical school, or vocational training.

Professional Experience

Applicants must possess:

At least five years of procurement and contract management experience.
Experience handling procurement projects valued up to USD 150,000.
Experience supporting procurement for large-scale works or projects.

Required Skills

UNESCO is seeking candidates who demonstrate:

Strong understanding of procurement policies and procedures.
Excellent communication skills.
Effective negotiation abilities.
Strong organizational skills.
Excellent attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple procurement activities simultaneously.
Client-focused service delivery.
Commitment to transparency and fair competition.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Technical skills should include:

Microsoft Excel proficiency.
Experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
Good knowledge of procurement software and standard office applications.

Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

Fluency in English.
Fluency in Italian.

Knowledge of another United Nations official language, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates with:

Experience working within the United Nations system.
Experience in international non-profit organizations.
Professional procurement certification such as CIPS or an equivalent qualification.
Additional UN language skills.

Salary and Benefits

UNESCO offers a competitive international benefits package.

The approximate annual starting salary for this position is:

EUR 44,141

Additional benefits may include:

Medical insurance.
Pension scheme.
Annual leave.
Family allowances (where applicable).
Professional development opportunities.
International working environment.
Career development support.

Benefits are provided in accordance with UNESCO staff regulations and applicable conditions of service.

UNESCO Core Values

Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate UNESCO’s core values:

Commitment to the Organization.
Integrity.
Respect for Diversity.
Professionalism.

These values guide decision-making, teamwork, and service delivery across the organization.

Selection Process

The recruitment process may include:

Online application review.
Written assessment.
Pre-recorded video interview.
Competency-based interview.
Panel interview.
Reference checks.
Verification of qualifications.

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in the next stages of recruitment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should:

Visit the official UNESCO Careers website.
Search for the Procurement Assistant vacancy.
Complete the online application.
Upload all required supporting information before submission.
Submit the application before 18 August 2026 (Midnight Paris Time).

Applicants should ensure that all information is accurate before submission, as changes cannot be made after the application has been finalized.

Why Apply for the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job?

Working with UNESCO provides an opportunity to contribute to international scientific cooperation while developing a rewarding career within the United Nations system. Procurement professionals gain valuable international experience, collaborate with multicultural teams, and support projects that strengthen education, science, and sustainable development globally.

For experienced procurement specialists seeking international exposure, long-term professional growth, and meaningful work, the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 represents an excellent opportunity to join one of the world’s leading international organizations.

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