The UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 is now open for applications for qualified candidates interested in an international career with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The position is based at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy, and offers a one-year project appointment at the G-5 level.
The UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 is open to both internal and external candidates. Applicants with experience in procurement and contract management, strong organizational skills, and proficiency in English and Italian are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 – Overview
The UNESCO Procurement Assistant position in Trieste provides an opportunity to work within the ICTP Procurement Unit and support procurement activities, vendor negotiations, contract management, logistics, and administrative processes.
Under the supervision of the Senior Procurement Assistant, the successful candidate will collaborate with ICTP staff, procurement stakeholders, vendors, Certifying Officers and Approving Officers to ensure that procurement activities are conducted efficiently and in accordance with applicable rules and procedures.
Also Read:UNFPA Knowledge Management & Research Analyst Job 2026 – Apply Now
Job Details
- Job Title: Procurement Assistant
- Organization: UNESCO
- Duty Station: Trieste, Italy
- Parent Sector: International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP)
- Grade: G-5
- Job Family: Natural Sciences
- Contract Type: Project Appointment
- Contract Duration: 1 year
- Recruitment: Internal and external candidates
- Application Deadline: 18 August 2026
- Deadline Time: Midnight Paris Time
- Approximate Annual Starting Salary: EUR 44,141
- Required Languages: English and Italian
About UNESCO and ICTP
The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) was founded in 1964 by Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam and is located in Trieste, Italy.
ICTP works to strengthen scientific expertise, particularly in developing countries, by providing scientists with continuing education, training and opportunities that support long and productive careers.
The UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 therefore offers successful candidates the opportunity to work within an international scientific and educational environment while supporting the procurement operations of ICTP.
What Does a UNESCO Procurement Assistant Do?
The UNESCO Procurement Assistant will work as part of the ICTP Procurement Unit. The role involves managing and supporting procurement processes, contract administration, vendor relationships, logistics and related administrative activities.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- 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 internal stakeholders.
- Assist with drafting Terms of Reference.
- Advise ICTP staff on procurement rules, regulations and procedures.
- Conduct market research and Requests for Information.
- Prepare Purchase Orders and Requests for Quotations.
- Prepare formal tender documents, including ITBs and RFPs.
- Manage bid publication, registration and opening processes.
- Respond to clarification requests and participate in evaluation processes.
- Prepare procurement outcome documentation.
- Negotiate with vendors.
- Prepare waiver forms where required.
- Issue standard contracts after supplier selection.
- Ensure procurement activities follow transparency and applicable procurement principles.
Procurement Process Control Responsibilities
As part of the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026, the successful candidate will also help monitor procurement and contract processes.
Responsibilities include:
- Monitoring bidding processes.
- Maintaining procurement records.
- Preparing management reports.
- Liaising between contract owners and vendors.
- Resolving procurement and contract-related issues.
- Monitoring delivery of goods and services.
- Monitoring contract execution.
- Coordinating vendor performance evaluations.
- Supporting timely contract closure.
- Supporting contract termination or cancellation when necessary.
Logistics and Administrative Responsibilities
The UNESCO Procurement Assistant will also provide logistical and administrative support connected with procurement activities.
This may include:
- Coordinating shipment arrangements.
- Tracking shipments.
- Supporting customs clearance.
- Coordinating delivery of goods.
- Supporting goods inspection and acceptance.
- Recording procured goods.
- Coordinating protocol-related processes.
- Liaising with relevant authorities, including customs and tax departments.
- Supporting vehicle purchase, renewal and licensing processes.
- Supporting the Budget & Finance Unit with asset and inventory procurement records.
UNESCO Procurement Assistant Requirements
Candidates interested in the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 must meet the required education, professional experience, technical and language requirements.
Education
Applicants must have completed:
- Secondary school; and/or
- Technical school; and/or
- Vocational school.
Work Experience
Applicants are required to have a minimum of five years of experience in procurement and contract management.
Candidates must also have proven experience working on procurements of up to USD 150,000 for large works.
Experience in procurement, contract management, supplier negotiations and tender processes will therefore be particularly relevant for this UNESCO Procurement Assistant vacancy.
Skills and Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Thorough knowledge of procurement rules and procedures.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Strong negotiation skills.
- Ability to work effectively with vendors and internal stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to manage several procurement processes simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently on standard tasks.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
- Knowledge of an ERP system.
- Proficiency in standard office software and procurement tools.
- Client-oriented approach.
- Commitment to transparency and fair competition.
- Commitment to protecting the interests of the Institute.
Language Requirements
A key requirement for the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 in Italy is language proficiency.
Applicants must have fluency in both spoken and written English and Italian.
Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset. These languages include:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- French
- Russian
- Spanish
Desirable Qualifications
Although not mandatory, the following qualifications and experience would be advantageous:
- Previous experience working for a UN system organization.
- Experience in an international not-for-profit organization.
- Professional procurement certification.
- CIPS certification or an equivalent professional procurement qualification.
- Knowledge of another official UN language.
UNESCO Procurement Assistant Salary and Benefits
The UNESCO Procurement Assistant salary is approximately EUR 44,141 per year at the starting level, according to the vacancy announcement.
UNESCO salaries may also include applicable benefits and entitlements such as:
- Annual leave
- Family allowance
- Medical insurance
- Pension plan
- Other applicable staff benefits
The exact benefits available to a successful candidate are subject to UNESCO’s applicable staff rules and conditions of service.
Applicants should consult UNESCO’s official staff benefits information for complete details.
UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 Eligibility
The UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 may be suitable for candidates who have:
- Completed secondary, technical or vocational education.
- At least five years of procurement and contract management experience.
- Experience handling procurement processes up to USD 150,000 for large works.
- Strong procurement knowledge.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Good Microsoft Excel skills.
- Experience with ERP systems.
- Fluency in English and Italian.
- Strong organizational and administrative abilities.
Candidates with UN system or international organization experience and professional procurement certification may have additional relevant qualifications.
Why Apply for the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026?
The UNESCO Procurement Assistant vacancy in Trieste offers an opportunity to work for an internationally recognized UN organization and contribute to procurement activities within ICTP.
The position combines procurement, contract management, vendor relations, logistics and administration, making it relevant to professionals who want to build or advance an international career in procurement.
Working at ICTP also provides exposure to an international scientific environment and collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders from different backgrounds.
UNESCO Procurement Assistant Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 is:
18 August 2026 at midnight Paris time.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline because UNESCO requires candidates to complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information.
Once an application has been submitted, modifications cannot be made.
How to Apply for UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026
To apply for the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 in Trieste, Italy, candidates must complete the official online application through the UNESCO Careers recruitment system.
The recruitment process may include:
- Online application screening.
- Pre-recorded video interview and/or written assessment.
- Panel interview.
- Reference checks.
- Requests for additional information where necessary.
Short-listed candidates may also be considered for UNESCO talent pools, subject to their consent and applicable data privacy requirements.
Important Information for Applicants
UNESCO states that applications are treated confidentially and that the organization does not charge candidates a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Candidates should also ensure that the information submitted in their application is complete and accurate.
If shortlisted for an interview, applicants may be required to provide scanned copies of the relevant degrees, diplomas or certificates.
UNESCO also emphasizes its commitment to diversity, gender parity, geographical representation and inclusion. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States are particularly encouraged to apply, as are individuals from minority and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026?
The UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 is a G-5 project appointment based at ICTP in Trieste, Italy. The contract is for one year and involves procurement, contract management, vendor coordination, logistics and administrative responsibilities.
Where is the UNESCO Procurement Assistant position located?
The UNESCO Procurement Assistant position is located in Trieste, Italy, at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics.
What is the salary for the UNESCO Procurement Assistant?
The approximate annual starting salary stated in the vacancy announcement is EUR 44,141, with applicable benefits and entitlements potentially available.
How much work experience is required?
Applicants need a minimum of five years of experience in procurement and contract management, including proven experience with procurements of up to USD 150,000 for large works.
What education is required?
Candidates must have completed secondary, technical and/or vocational school.
Is English required for the UNESCO Procurement Assistant position?
Yes. Applicants must be fluent in English and Italian, both spoken and written.
Is the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job open to international applicants?
The vacancy is open to internal and external candidates. Applicants must meet the stated eligibility and qualification requirements.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 18 August 2026 at midnight Paris time.
Final Thoughts
The UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 in Trieste, Italy is an opportunity for experienced procurement and contract management professionals to join the ICTP Procurement Unit.
With a G-5 grade, one-year project appointment, approximately EUR 44,141 annual starting salary, and applicable UNESCO benefits, this vacancy may be particularly attractive to candidates with strong procurement experience and fluency in English and Italian.
If you meet the education, experience, skills and language requirements, consider submitting your application before the 18 August 2026 deadline.
Official Application Link
Apply for the UNESCO Procurement Assistant Job 2026 through the official UNESCO Careers website:
Official UNESCO Procurement Assistant Application – Triest
FOR MORE JOB UPDATES AND INFORMATION
