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

Organizational Context

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

Job Purpose

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". 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 the Financial and Administrative Framework Agreement (FAFA) signed by UNICEF and EU. This will enable the timely and effective delivery of project activities and the sustainable embedding of a Career Guidance and Life Skills model in the education system.

Responsibilities

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: support the preparation and review of procurement plans, tender dossiers, terms of reference, and technical specifications in line with the FAFA agreement signed by UNICEF and EU; coordinate and follow up on tendering, evaluation, contracting, and contract management processes with relevant stakeholders; ensure proper documentation, record-keeping, and audit readiness of all procurement and contracting files; provide guidance to the project team and partners on applicable rules, thresholds, and compliance requirements; monitor contract implementation, including deliverables, timelines, and payments, and flag any risks or delays; support financial tracking and reporting related to procurement activities; and closely coordinate with the project team at UNICEF, implementing partner/s, and UNICEF Brussels Office (EU Development Programs).

Work Experience

Proven experience in procurement, contracting, and financial management. Familiarity with UNICEF and EU procurement rules and procedures is highly desirable. Experience working with education sector projects is an asset.

Skills

Procurement planning, Tender preparation, Contract management, Financial management, Compliance monitoring, Stakeholder coordination, Documentation and record-keeping, Risk assessment, Reporting, EU/UNICEF procedures

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