Procurement Assistant- Education

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Non Staff

Level :  SC4

Hiring Unit : Education

Duty Station :  Dhaka

Work location : UNESCO Dhaka

Hiring open to : Internal and External Candidates 

Application deadline (Midnight Dhaka Time) : 31 July 2026 

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

BACKGROUND

Bangladesh became a partner of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) in 2015 and has since received various GPE grants to strengthen its education system. UNESCO and UNICEF serve as grant agents of GPE System Transformation Grant (STG), supporting the Government of Bangladesh in transforming the teaching profession into a coherent, equitable, gender-responsive, and high-performing system to improve teaching quality and student learning outcomes.

The four-year programme, Teacher Professionalization for Effective Teaching towards Enhanced Learning Outcomes, covers both primary and secondary education and focuses on strengthening the teacher policy environment, pre-service teacher education, in-service professional development, and teacher support systems. The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (MoPME), the Secondary and Higher Education Division (SHED) of Ministry of Education (MoE), the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE), the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), and affiliated institutions, including the National Academy for Primary Education (NAPE) and the National Academy for Educational Management (NAEM).

UNESCO Dhaka Office also supports the Government of Bangladesh in advancing national priorities aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), through policy support, technical assistance, capacity development, and strategic partnerships to strengthen education systems.

The Procurement Assistant- Education will provide technical and operational procurement support to the Office, including the GPE STG programme and other donor-funded projects. The incumbent will support procurement planning, solicitation, contract administration, vendor management, monitoring, and reporting, ensuring compliance with UNESCO rules, regulations, and procedures. The position will provide dedicated procurement support for the effective and timely implementation of the GPE STG programme.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Procurement Assistant- Education will be responsible for supporting and coordinating procurement processes for goods, services, and works under the STG project, ensuring compliance with UNESCO rules and donor requirements, while promoting transparency, efficiency, and value for money.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Procurement Planning, Operations and Service Delivery

• Develop and update procurement plans aligned with project implementation schedules.
• Provide assistance on identifying the procurement methods as per UNESCO procurement guidelines.
• Ensure timely execution of procurement-related administrative and operational activities to support efficient programme delivery.
• Contribute to the end-to-end procurement process, including preparation of solicitation documents, tendering, bid evaluation and negotiations in line with UNESCO rules and procedures.
• Monitor purchase orders and supplier deliveries, ensuring compliance with contractual terms, timelines, and quality standards.
• Ensure all procurement activities are conducted in accordance with UNESCO Financial Regulations and Rules, Administrative Manual and Procurement Procedures.

B. Evaluation, Contracting, Compliance, Risk Management, and Due Diligence

• Support bid evaluation processes and prepare evaluation reports.
  Draft contracts, purchase orders, and agreements.
• Support preparation and submission of procurement cases to relevant review and approval authorities, including procurement committees where applicable.

Long Description

C. Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and Market Analysis

• Prepare bidding documents, assist in preparing technical specifications, and Terms of Reference.
  Assist in the solicitation processes (RFQ, ITB, RFP, LTA).
• Maintain and regularly update the supplier database to ensure accuracy, completeness, and relevance.
• Identify, assess, and pre-qualify potential suppliers across various categories of goods, services, and works, ensuring a competitive and diverse vendor base.
• Facilitate supplier registration in corporate systems (e.g., UNESCO WINGS SAP/ ERP system) in compliance with established procedures.
• Verify supplier documentation to ensure authenticity, completeness, and adherence to compliance requirements.
• Follow up proactively with vendors to obtain required legal, financial, and administrative documentation (e.g., registration certificates, licenses, tax documents)

D. Supplier Performance and Contract Management

• Monitor contractor performance in terms of delivery timelines.
• Maintain procurement records and documentation.
• Support the organization and coordination of supplier site visits, where applicable, to assess operational and technical capacity.
• Assist in Monitoring supplier performance and contribute to the implementation of supplier evaluation frameworks in line with organizational standards.
• Assist in supplier risk assessments and contribute to mitigation measures, including development of corrective action or performance improvement plans.

Long Description

E. Data Management, Reporting, and Audit Support

• Ensure adherence to GPE guidelines and audit requirements.
• Prepare procurement reports and maintain records for audit.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, databases, and documentation systems, ensuring proper filing and traceability.
• Ensure timely availability of reliable procurement data for internal reporting, audits, and donor compliance requirements.
• Prepare periodic procurement and SRM reports, highlighting progress, risks, and key performance indicators.

F. Coordination, Team Support and Continuous Improvement

• Coordinate with stakeholders, vendors, and partners.
• Provide guidance to project staff on procurement matters.
• Provide day-to-day operational and administrative support to the procurement unit as required.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement processes, tools, and systems in line with best practices and organizational standards.
• Promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and client-oriented service within procurement activities.

DURATION OF THE CONTRACT

12 Months (extendable based on performance and funding availability)

COMPETENCIES - Core (C)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

   

  For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Bachelor's degree) in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Development Studies, or related field. Relevant certification course in procurement would be an asset such as CIPS 2 or 3.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience in procurement, contract management, contract administration, logistics, supply chain management, or a closely related field.
• Experience with UN agencies or donor-funded projects is preferred.
• Well conversant in PPR 2008.
• Detailed knowledge in project’s procurement, especially in Implementing Partner Agreements (Government and NGO), Individual Consultants, Contract for Services etc.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Sound knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and all stages of procurement for goods and services.
• Strong understanding of contract management, supplier performance monitoring, and procurement documentation requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and prioritization skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including colleagues, partners, suppliers, and service providers at national, regional, and international levels.
• Excellent communication and drafting skills, including the ability to prepare clear procurement documents, reports, and correspondence.
• Very good information technology skills, including advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel. Knowledge of enterprise resource planning systems, including SAP, would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of results-based management and experience in procurement within the United Nations system or other international organizations are desirable.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent command of English and Bangla, both written and spoken
• Knowledge of another official language of the United Nations would be an asset

REPORTING LINES

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Education and in close coordination with the Administration and Finance Unit under the overall authority of the Head of UNESCO Dhaka Office.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Candidates will be assessed based on qualifications, experience, competencies, and interview performance.

ETHICAL STANDARDS

The incumbent must adhere to UNESCO’s code of ethics, including integrity, transparency, and accountability.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

The salary grade will be SC4, subject to adjustment based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. The Procurement Assistant may be required to undertake field missions. In such case, the related expenses will be covered by UNESCO in accordance with relevant regulations.

Job Hours: Full Time

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

Long Description

THIS IS A NATIONAL POSITION AND FEMALES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.