UN Ethiopia organizes public procurement training for staff to ensure efficient service delivery

Under the guidance of the UN Country Team (UNCT), the Introductory Certificate in Public Procurement Training (CIPS Level 2) was organized by the Operations Management Team (OMT) and Common Procurement Working Group in conjunction with the Procurement Service Unit, UNDP Denmark and Charted Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) on 8-11 October 2019 in Addis Ababa. 32 UN operations and programme staff members from 13 UN entities the training.

This was the sixth-round public procurement training conducted in Addis Ababa since 2015. Since then 189 UN operations and programme staff members from 20 UN entities have received the training including CIPS Level 3 certification and Level 4 certification. By organizing these joint procurement training programmes, the UNCT has over the last four years managed to save USD 621,387  that could have been spent by the participating UN entities if they organized such trainings individually.

The main objective of CIPS Level 2 training was to build knowledge of rules and procedures that govern public procurement and why they exist within the UN system. The training has been designed for staff who are in close interaction and require a better understanding of procurement.

The training was also relevant to those new to the procurement function and those who have worked in this capacity for some time, but have not previously had a formal training. The training will greatly contribute to build one’s capacity and improve the performance to deliver better programs and operational results; enabling staff to share purchasing and supply methods along with best practices among peers.  

In line with the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2016-2020, the OMT developed the Business Operations Strategy (BOS) 2016-2020 with the objective of providing a more systematic comprehensive approach towards the professionalization, harmonization and simplification of the UN’s business operations and to enhance quality, effectiveness and efficiency on UN common services of 30  UN entities in Ethiopia.

Capacity building in the area of procurement is a major component of the BOS and a key to achieving the cost saving targets set in the BOS. The total value of annual UN procurement goods and services in Ethiopia is estimated to be over USD 60 million. Investing in operations and programme staff, who actively get involved in the procurement activities, not only ensures efficient utilization of resources but also enhances the delivery of programmes results, enabling the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Ethiopia to effectively contribute towards the development, humanitarian and peacebuilding needs of the country.  

CIPS is a global leader in providing procurement certification. The institute plays a vital role in leading global excellence in procurement and supply. Apart from building UN staff’s capacity to provide more efficient procurement services, the training has given them opportunities to boost their career development aspirations.

In light of the significant outcomes obtained from the joint training programs, the OMT looks forward to organizing another Public Procurement training (Diploma in Strategic Public Procurement - CIPS Level 4) in Addis Ababa on 4 - 8 November 2019.