UNESCO is hiring a Procurement Assistant (G-5) at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy. Learn about the salary, eligibility, responsibilities, benefits, and how to apply before the 18 August 2026 deadline.
UNESCO has opened applications for the Procurement Assistant (G-5) position at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy. The position offers an opportunity to join one of the world’s leading international scientific institutions while supporting procurement operations that enable global research and development initiatives.
The role is offered under a one-year Project Appointment and is open to both internal and external applicants. Applications close on 18 August 2026 (Midnight Paris Time).
Job Summary
| Position | Procurement Assistant |
|---|---|
| Grade | G-5 |
| Organization | UNESCO – ICTP |
| Duty Station | Trieste, Italy |
| Contract Type | Project Appointment |
| Contract Duration | 1 Year |
| Application Deadline | 18 August 2026 |
| Estimated Starting Salary | Approximately €44,141 per year |
About ICTP
Founded in 1964 by Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam, the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) is a UNESCO institute dedicated to strengthening scientific capacity in developing countries.
Located in Trieste, Italy, ICTP provides advanced education, research opportunities, and international collaboration for scientists worldwide. For more than five decades, the institute has played a major role in supporting scientific excellence and reducing the global scientific skills gap.
Position Overview
Working under the supervision of the Senior Procurement Assistant, the successful candidate will join the ICTP Procurement Unit and support procurement activities across the institute.
The Procurement Assistant will collaborate with programme teams, budget officers, certifying officers, approving officers, and suppliers to ensure procurement activities comply with UNESCO regulations while delivering efficient purchasing services.
Main Responsibilities
Procurement Operations
The successful candidate will:
- Conduct procurement processes for contracts valued below USD 150,000.
- Support senior staff with higher-value procurement activities.
- Gather procurement requirements from internal stakeholders.
- Assist in drafting Terms of Reference (TORs).
- Conduct market research and Requests for Information (RFIs).
- Prepare:
- Purchase Orders
- Requests for Quotations (RFQs)
- Invitations to Bid (ITBs)
- Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
- Publish procurement notices.
- Coordinate bid registration and opening procedures.
- Participate in bid evaluation processes.
- Draft procurement documentation and reports.
- Negotiate with suppliers.
- Prepare waiver requests when required.
- Issue procurement contracts in accordance with UNESCO procurement regulations.
Contract Administration
Responsibilities also include:
- Monitoring procurement timelines.
- Maintaining procurement records.
- Preparing management reports.
- Coordinating with vendors throughout contract implementation.
- Monitoring delivery of goods and services.
- Supporting vendor performance evaluations.
- Managing contract completion, termination, or cancellation where necessary.
Logistics and Administrative Support
The Procurement Assistant will also:
- Coordinate shipment arrangements.
- Monitor customs clearance and delivery processes.
- Support protocol activities related to vehicle purchases and licensing.
- Assist the Budget and Finance Unit with asset registration.
- Perform additional administrative duties required by the Procurement Unit.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have:
Education
- Completed secondary education, technical school, or vocational education.
Professional Experience
- At least five years of professional experience in procurement and contract management.
- Demonstrated experience managing procurement processes involving contracts up to USD 150,000.
Required Skills
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong knowledge of procurement rules and procedures.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Strong organizational and planning abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple procurement activities simultaneously.
- Attention to detail.
- Client-focused service delivery.
- Commitment to transparency and fair competition.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
- Experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
- Familiarity with procurement software and office applications.
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Fluency in English
- Fluency in Italian
Knowledge of another UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage.
Desirable Qualifications
UNESCO also values 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.
Salary and Benefits
The approximate annual starting salary is:
€44,141 per year
In addition to the salary, eligible staff may receive benefits including:
- 30 days of annual leave
- Medical insurance
- Pension plan
- Family allowance (where applicable)
- Additional UNESCO staff benefits based on eligibility
Recruitment Process
Candidates must complete an online application through the UNESCO Careers portal.
The recruitment process may include:
- Application screening
- Written assessments
- Pre-recorded video interviews
- Panel interviews
- Reference checks
Candidates may also be asked to submit supporting documents, including educational certificates and additional information relevant to the position.
Important Information
UNESCO emphasizes:
- Equal opportunity employment.
- Workforce diversity and gender equality.
- Applications from underrepresented Member States.
- Inclusion of persons with disabilities.
- Zero tolerance for harassment.
- A recruitment process free of application fees.
Only qualifications obtained from institutions recognized in UNESCO’s World Higher Education Database (WHED) are accepted for recruitment purposes.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
The UNESCO Procurement Assistant position provides professionals with an opportunity to contribute to an internationally respected scientific institution supporting researchers from around the world. Working at ICTP offers exposure to international procurement practices while supporting programmes that strengthen science and research capacity globally.
Interested applicants should prepare their application carefully and submit it before 18 August 2026.
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