UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

How can you make a difference? 

The purpose of this assignment is critical to ensure the efficient and compliant implementation of contracting and procurement processes for the program” Life Skills improved through their Integration in Upper Secondary Education Curricula and Careers Guidance introduced in the School System”, hereafter called “Life Skills and Career Guidance program”. The National Consultant will support the project team by ensuring that all procurement, contracting, and financial management procedures are carried out in line with EU/CFCU/ UNICEF requirements, aligned under Financial and Administrative Framework Agreement (FAFA) agreement signed by UNICEF and EU, thereby enabling the timely and effective delivery of project activities and sustainable Career Guidance and Life Skills model embedded in the education system.

The Consultant will contribute to the efficient planning and execution of procurement activities, ensuring timely availability of goods and services necessary for the implementation of project components. Specifically, the Consultant will: (i) support the preparation and review of procurement plans, tender dossiers, terms of reference, and technical specifications in line with FAFA agreement signed by UNICEF and EU; (ii) coordinate and follow up on tendering, evaluation, contracting, and contract management processes with relevant stakeholders; (iii) ensure proper documentation, record-keeping, and audit readiness of all procurement and contracting files; (iv) provide guidance to the project team and partners on applicable rules, thresholds, and compliance requirements; (v) monitor contract implementation, including deliverables, timelines, and payments, and flag any risks or delays; (vi) support financial tracking and reporting related to procurement activities; and (vii) closely coordinate with project team at UNICEF, implementing partner/s and UNICEF Brussels Office (EU Development Programs section), regarding compliance and quality assurance.

If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here: Download File External ToR TMC0004804.pdf

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, procurement, logistics, economics, or related fields with demonstrated expertise in managing contracting and procurement processes

Work Experience:

Minimum of 10 years in finance, business administration, procurement, logistics, or related fields, with hands-on experience managing contracting and procurement processes.

Language Requirements:

Proficiency in written and spoken English

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills:

Solid experience in procurement regulations, contract management, logistics planning, financial documentation, and audit compliance. Excellent organizational, planning, and coordination skills.

Desirables:

Experience in fast-paced, multi-stakeholder projects; familiarity with international donor-funded programs EU/ CFCU/ UN; ability to work independently and deliver under tight deadlines.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents via the online recruitment portal, TMS (Talent Management System):

An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
Cover letter
A separate financial proposal Financial proposal TMC0004804.docx

Remarks: If the TOR or financial proposal documents are not visible on certain recruitment platforms, please visit our official page Vacancies | UNICEF Careers.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

National Consultant for Contracting and Procurement, Education section, 16 months, Tirana, Albania (For Albanian nationals only) Office Based #592982