Public Sector Procurement Specialist

What Qualifications Are Needed to Become a Procurement Expert?

Public procurement involves the acquisition of goods, services, and works by government entities and state-owned organizations. Governments must manage public procurement effectively and with high ethical standards to ensure the provision of quality services while protecting public interest, especially since public procurement accounts for a substantial portion of taxpayer money.

Public sector procurement is the process through which government agencies purchase goods, services, and construction projects from both domestic and international suppliers. This process is carried out according to key principles of fairness, transparency, competition, and cost-effectiveness, aiming to achieve the best value for money.

Government procurement is a critical part of service delivery. Given the significant financial resources involved, efficient public procurement can improve the public sector's performance and foster citizen trust. Well-managed procurement not only helps achieve policy goals such as environmental sustainability, innovation, job creation, and supporting small and medium-sized businesses, but it also ensures these goals are met responsibly.

A public sector procurement expert oversees the broad procurement processes within the public sector. To become a specialist in public procurement, a background in law, business administration, or a related field is essential. The primary goal of procurement specialists in the public sector is to source high-quality goods or services at affordable prices that align with government needs. The success and fairness of this process directly impact government expenditure efficiency and overall financial performance.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) provides recommendations for public procurement that encourage the strategic and comprehensive use of procurement systems. These guidelines apply across all levels of government and state-owned entities, serving as a framework for modernizing procurement processes. They cover the entire procurement cycle and integrate procurement with broader governance areas, such as budgeting, financial management, and service delivery.

The OECD's recommendations emphasize enhancing integrity in public procurement, underscoring the importance of governance in achieving procurement efficiency and advancing public policy objectives. Effective public procurement fosters greater public trust, enhances societal well-being, and contributes to creating successful, inclusive societies by helping governments reach their policy goals.

This training is designed to equip professionals in the public procurement industry to:

• Understand public sector procurement principles and objectives, norms of conduct, and ethical procurement practices
• Comprehend the procurement and contract management cycle in detail
• Examine available procurement techniques, tools, and methodologies
• Be aware of the different dangers underlying the public sector's general procurement procedure
• Adopt best practices in public sector procurement of products and services
• Describe the essential steps involved in the purchase process management
• Recognize the significance of procurement process risks and how to mitigate their consequences
• Acquire the knowledge required to make a build or buy decision during the procurement process
• Manage the required negotiations involved in the public sector procurement process