This assessment has two different dimensions: (i) the current professionalisation system and (ii) the current level of capability of the public procurement workforce. It helps identify challenges and gaps, and serves as the basis for a strategy and/or action plan. In their assessments, countries can draw on frameworks such as the 2015 OECD Recommendation on Public Procurement and assessment tools such as the Supplementary Module on Professionalisation of the Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems (MAPS) and the European competency framework for public procurement professionals (ProcurCompEU).
Public procurement competency
Public procurement represents a large share of public spending. Governments can use it to achieve their policy objectives such as a greener economy, stimulating innovation or promoting responsible business conduct. This makes public procurement a complex function requiring a specific skillset for public procurement officials. This is why professionalising the public procurement workforce has become a priority in countries’ public procurement reforms.
3 step process
This requires: (i) assessing the current level of professionalisation of the public procurement workforce, (ii) ensuring stakeholder engagement, (iii) drafting a strategy, and (iv) monitoring the implementation.
This can include developing a competency model and a certification framework, reinforcing the methodological tools available and trainings, setting-up incentive mechanisms to attract and retain staff, and promoting collaboration with knowledge centres.
Context
There continues to be a lack of procurement capability, often linked to an absence of competency models.
Most countries organise on-the-job training and education courses for public procurers, though only a minority of countries make them compulsory. Often, the focus is on building wider commercial skills and competencies as opposed to solely operational procurement skills.
Only 38% of OECD countries recognise public procurement as a standalone profession.
Recognising it as a profession allows countries to attract and retain qualified personnel on a dedicated career track, allowing them to grow professionally or be rewarded based on performance. At a minimum, public buyers need legal, economic and market knowledge to fulfil their tasks but, increasingly, they need commercial, soft and other job-related skills to perform effectively
Related policy issues
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Public procurement is the government activity most vulnerable to waste, mismanagement and corruption. The financial interests at stake, the volume of transactions and the close interaction between public and private sectors in the award of public contracts all pose risks to integrity.Learn more
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Large sum of public resources--thus taxpayers' money--spent on public procurement requires not only sound stewardship but also that it be carried out in an efficient way. To this end, governments continuously develop, implement, and revise their procurement systems and various mechanisms and tools. And to assess whether their systems meet their objectives.Learn more
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Used strategically, public procurement can contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by supporting a more resource-efficient economy, stimulating innovation, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and promoting social values. In recent years, citizens’ expectations have risen, with calls for greater accountability in government purchasing decisions, increasing the need to consider broader outcomes and multi-dimensional risks, including in global supply chains.Learn more