UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 in Italy is an excellent international job opportunity for qualified procurement and contract management professionals seeking to work with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy.
The UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 is offered at Grade G-5 under a Project Appointment contract for an initial period of one year. The position is open to internal and external candidates, and interested applicants are required to submit an online application before the deadline of 18 August 2026.
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The selected Procurement Assistant will work within the ICTP Procurement Unit and support procurement processes, contract management, vendor negotiations, tendering, logistics, and related administrative activities.
UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 – Quick Details
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Procurement Assistant |
| Organization | UNESCO |
| Centre | Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) |
| Position Number | 1ITSC PA126TP |
| Grade | G-5 |
| Duty Station | Trieste, Italy |
| Job Family | Natural Sciences |
| Contract Type | Project Appointment |
| Contract Duration | 1 Year |
| Recruitment | Internal and External Candidates |
| Required Education | Secondary, Technical and/or Vocational School |
| Required Experience | Minimum 5 Years |
| Languages | English and Italian |
| Approx. Annual Starting Salary | EUR 44,141 |
| Application Deadline | 18 August 2026 |
| Application Method | Online |
About UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026
The UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 is based at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy.
Founded in 1964 by Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam, ICTP works to strengthen scientific expertise, particularly by supporting scientists from developing countries through education, training, research and international scientific cooperation.
As a Procurement Assistant, the successful candidate will become part of the ICTP Procurement Unit. The role involves working with stakeholders, procurement specialists, Certifying Officers, Approving Officers, vendors and colleagues across the Institute.
The position is particularly suitable for professionals with practical experience in procurement, tendering, contract management, supplier negotiations, market research and procurement administration.
UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 Responsibilities
The selected candidate will be responsible for supporting and conducting a wide range of procurement activities.
1. Conduct Procurement Processes
The UNESCO Procurement Assistant will:
- Conduct direct contracting and formal bidding processes below USD 150,000.
- Support the Senior Procurement Assistant with procurements above USD 150,000.
- Gather procurement requirements from stakeholders.
- Support the preparation of Terms of Reference.
- Advise ICTP staff on applicable procurement rules, regulations and procedures.
- Conduct market research and Requests for Information.
- Prepare Purchase Orders and Requests for Quotations (RFQs).
- Prepare formal tender documents, including ITBs and RFPs.
- Manage bid publication and clarification requests.
- Coordinate registration and opening of bids.
- Participate in procurement evaluation processes.
- Draft procurement outcome documentation.
- Negotiate with vendors and suppliers.
- Prepare waiver forms where required.
- Issue standard contracts after supplier selection.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with transparency and applicable rules.
2. Procurement Process Control
The Procurement Assistant at UNESCO will also monitor procurement activities and support proper contract administration.
Responsibilities include:
- Monitoring bidding processes.
- Maintaining procurement records.
- Preparing management reports.
- Liaising with contract owners and vendors.
- Resolving procurement and contractual issues.
- Monitoring delivery of goods and services.
- Monitoring contract execution.
- Coordinating vendor performance evaluations.
- Ensuring timely contract closure, termination or cancellation when necessary.
3. Logistics and Administrative Support
The position also includes logistical and administrative responsibilities.
The successful candidate may:
- Coordinate shipment arrangements with the Mail Office and Programme Teams.
- Track shipments.
- Support customs clearance.
- Coordinate deliveries.
- Assist with goods inspection and acceptance.
- Record shipments and related information.
- Coordinate protocol processes with relevant authorities.
- Work with authorities such as MOFA, Customs and Tax Departments.
- Support processes involving vehicle purchases, renewal and licensing.
- Assist the Budget & Finance Unit with asset and inventory procurement.
- Perform additional tasks required to support the Procurement Unit.
UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Applicants interested in the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 should carefully review the required qualifications before applying.
Education Requirements
Candidates must have completed:
- Secondary school; or
- Technical school; or
- Vocational school.
A university degree is not listed as a mandatory requirement in the provided vacancy information.
Work Experience Requirements
Applicants should have a minimum of five years of experience in procurement and contract management.
Candidates should also have proven experience working on procurements of up to USD 150,000 for large works.
Relevant experience in procurement processes, tenders, supplier management, contracts and procurement administration will be particularly important for this position.
UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 Skills
Applicants should demonstrate strong professional and organizational skills.
Important skills and competencies include:
- Thorough knowledge of procurement rules and procedures.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Strong negotiation skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with vendors.
- Ability to work with internal stakeholders at different levels.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple procurement processes simultaneously.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
- Knowledge of an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system.
- Proficiency in standard office software.
- Knowledge of procurement tools.
- Client-oriented approach.
- Commitment to transparency.
- Understanding of fair competition principles.
- Ability to safeguard the interests of the organization.
UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 Language Requirements
Language proficiency is an important requirement for the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026.
Candidates must be fluent, both spoken and written, in:
- English
- Italian
Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset.
Additional UN languages include:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- French
- Russian
- Spanish
Desirable Qualifications
The following qualifications are desirable but are not listed as mandatory requirements:
- Experience working in a UN system organization.
- Experience working in an international not-for-profit organization.
- Professional procurement certification such as CIPS or an equivalent qualification.
- Knowledge of another official UN language.
Candidates who possess these additional qualifications may have a stronger profile for the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026.
UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 Salary and Benefits
The approximate annual starting salary for the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 is:
EUR 44,141 per year
In addition to the basic salary, UNESCO staff benefits may include, where applicable:
- 30 days of annual leave.
- Family allowance.
- Medical insurance.
- Pension plan.
- Other applicable staff benefits and entitlements.
The exact benefits and entitlements depend on the applicable UNESCO staff rules and conditions.
UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 Core Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate UNESCO’s core competencies, including:
- Communication
- Accountability
- Innovation
- Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
- Planning and organizing
- Professionalism
- Results focus
- Teamwork
These competencies are important because the UNESCO Procurement Assistant will work with suppliers, colleagues, procurement specialists and other stakeholders while managing several procurement activities.
Why Apply for the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026?
The UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 provides an opportunity to develop an international career within a major UN organization.
Working at ICTP in Trieste can provide valuable professional exposure to:
- International procurement.
- Contract management.
- Competitive bidding.
- Vendor negotiations.
- Procurement compliance.
- Logistics and shipment management.
- International organizational procedures.
- Financial and administrative processes.
- Scientific and educational institutions.
For experienced procurement professionals, the position can be a valuable opportunity to apply procurement expertise in an international environment.
UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 Application Process
Candidates interested in the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 must complete the application online through the UNESCO Careers platform.
Applicants should:
- Review the vacancy requirements carefully.
- Prepare an updated CV and relevant employment information.
- Make sure education and work experience details are accurate.
- Complete the UNESCO online application.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Review all information carefully before submitting.
Important: UNESCO states that applications must contain complete and accurate information. Once an application has been submitted, modifications cannot be made.
UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 Selection Process
The selection process may include several stages depending on the recruitment requirements.
Candidates may be asked to participate in:
- Pre-recorded video interviews.
- Written assessments.
- Panel interviews.
- Reference checks.
- Additional qualification or documentation checks.
Short-listed candidates may also be considered for Talent Pools, subject to their consent and applicable data privacy requirements.
Important Information for Applicants
UNESCO emphasizes high standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity in its recruitment process.
The organization also states that it:
- Applies a zero-tolerance policy against harassment.
- Promotes geographical diversity.
- Supports gender parity.
- Encourages applications from non- and under-represented Member States.
- Encourages individuals from minority and indigenous groups.
- Encourages persons with disabilities to apply.
- Treats applications with a high level of confidentiality.
- Requires geographical mobility for staff appointed to international posts.
- May request scanned copies of required degrees, diplomas or certificates from candidates retained for interview.
- Requires applicable medical clearance.
- Does not charge applicants a fee at any stage of recruitment.
Candidates should also be prepared to provide documentation verifying their qualifications if requested during the recruitment process.
UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 Deadline
The application deadline for the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 is:
18 August 2026
The deadline is specified as midnight Paris time.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical or submission problems.
Frequently Asked Questions – UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026
What is the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026?
The UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 is a G-5 procurement position based at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy.
Where is the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 located?
The duty station is Trieste, Italy, at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics.
What is the UNESCO Procurement Assistant salary?
The approximate annual starting salary provided for the position is EUR 44,141, in addition to applicable benefits and entitlements.
What education is required for the UNESCO Procurement Assistant position?
Candidates need completed secondary, technical and/or vocational school education according to the provided vacancy requirements.
How much work experience is required?
Candidates need a minimum of five years of experience in procurement and contract management, including relevant experience with procurements up to USD 150,000 for large works.
What languages are required?
Fluency in English and Italian, both spoken and written, is required.
Is procurement certification required?
A professional procurement certification such as CIPS or an equivalent qualification is desirable but is not listed as a mandatory requirement.
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What is the contract duration?
The UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 is offered as a one-year Project Appointment.
Who can apply?
The vacancy is open to internal and external candidates, subject to meeting the stated eligibility requirements and applicable recruitment conditions.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 18 August 2026 at midnight Paris time.
Final Thoughts
The UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 in Italy is a strong opportunity for experienced procurement and contract management professionals who want to work in an international environment.
With a G-5 grade, one-year project appointment, approximate annual starting salary of EUR 44,141, and duty station in Trieste, this UNESCO opportunity may be particularly suitable for candidates with procurement experience, strong negotiation skills, knowledge of ERP systems and proficiency in English and Italian.
Interested candidates should carefully check all requirements and submit a complete online application before the 18 August 2026 deadline.
Official Application Link – UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026
Apply through the official UNESCO Careers website:
Official UNESCO Careers – Apply Online
Important: Always verify the vacancy and application details on the official UNESCO Careers website before submitting your application. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
