The Context:

Public procurement accounts for approximately 15% of global GDP and plays a key role in delivering public services and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Historically focused on cost reduction, public procurement is evolving toward a value-for-money model, incorporating considerations such as environmental sustainability, fairness, and transparency. Innovations like sustainable procurement and support for SMEs are examples of this shift.

Some countries, like Bangladesh, have successfully modernized their public procurement systems through e-procurement, while others have had more limited success. The reform framework often relies on tools such as MAPS, an assessment tool that has accelerated reforms in countries like the Philippines. The Global Procurement Partnership (GPP), supported by the World Bank and various donors, also backs these efforts. However, sustained resources and long-term support are essential to ensure lasting and effective reforms.

The Project:

The European Procurement Partnership (EUPP) brings together four donors (European Union, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands) focused on public procurement. Specifically, its second component, the Procurement Reform Facility (PRF), will be implemented by Expertise France and GIZ.

To enhance public procurement expertise globally, the PRF’s actions are structured around three key pillars:

·       Expert Support: Through the PRF, European, international, and local experts provide beneficiary countries with training and technical assistance. This improves administrative efficiency, enhances value for money, and reduces corruption, thereby freeing up funds for development projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Strengthening transparency and accountability also promotes values like democracy and the rule of law.

·       Use of Global Tools: The PRF promotes the use of the MAPS methodology, a public procurement system assessment tool, to ensure reforms are driven by objective evaluations, leading to more modern and inclusive public procurement systems.

·       International Collaboration: The PRF fosters cooperation between European partners and other global and local organizations. This approach helps better coordinate efforts, avoid duplication, and create more tailored and effective programs for each country.

The PRF also emphasizes:

·       Gender Equality by incorporating gender considerations into procurement processes, such as promoting women-led businesses.

·       Green Practices by encouraging environmentally friendly procurement that minimizes climate impact.

In summary, the PRF assists partner countries in improving their public procurement systems, promoting transparency, integrity, and sustainable development through international cooperation and resource sharing.

Overall Objective: Public procurement systems in low- and middle-income countries are improved.

The beneficiary countries of the project include all countries eligible for official development assistance.

The direct beneficiaries of the PRF are:

·       Ministries of Finance and public procurement authorities, along with other national and local authorities involved in public procurement

·       Economic and regional monetary communities

The project team will consist of:

·       A Project Manager

·       A Project Coordinator

·       A MEAL Officer (this position)

·       An Administrative and Financial Assistant

·       A Public Procurement Expert, based in Abidjan