UNESCO procures goods, works and services at estimated USD 125 Million per year. An estimated 90 % of the total procurement expenditures are related to acquisition of professional services.
In addition to the requirements for the implementation of the programme activities under the main themes of Education, Natural Sciences, Social & Human Sciences, Culture, Communication & Information, UNESCO requires goods, works and services for general administration including Information Technology, Building Maintenance & Renovations as well as Conferences, Languages & Documents Services. Please also refer to UNESCO Worldwide, a section presenting the main activities of the Organization country by country.
UNESCO follows the Common Guidelines for Procurement by Organizations in the UN System. The selection process for contractors is governed by the principles of economy, effectiveness, competition and transparency.
If your company/entity provides goods, works or services of interest to UNESCO and complies with UN procurement policies, you are invited to register your company as a potential supplier with UNESCO via the United Nations Global Marketplace UNGM website.
Although registration on UNGM does not automatically guarantee receipt of any enquiries or tender documents from UNESCO, it is an important procurement tool for UNESCO staff looking for potential new suppliers.
The use of Open International Competition (OIC) is most appropriate and the preferred type of competition at UNESCO for all values equal to or exceeding USD 150,000. However, it is also recommended to use OIC for values below USD 150,000, in particular when procurement is subject to formal methods of solicitation and it is difficult to secure supply.
Procurement opportunities at UNESCO, in the case of open competitions, are announced on the UN Global Marketplace (UNGM).United Nations Global Marketplace: Tender notices.
All UNESCO contractual arrangements are subject to the Financial Rules and Regulations of the Organization and its Administrative Manual.
