e-Procurement Learning Series Leveraging Technology for Capacity Building

Pilot Training Series Pilot launched in 5 countries spanning 3 regions Albania, Jordan, Kenya, Moldova and Tanzania 150+ participants across countries Participants included stakeholders from government, civil society, private sector and academia. Country case studies presented by experts from Panama, Chile, Italy, the EU, Mexico, and India. Follow up includes: Grant for Albania; Initial grant discussions in Jordan; Initial consultations with Moldova. The Series: Consisted of 7 video conferences addressing different aspects of e-procurement systems. Session included topics such as: why e-procurment, business models for developing and managing the system, “security and standards” for e-procurement systems, and the importance of change management and leadership in implementing reform. Multi-stakeholder audience is a critical feature of WBI’s strategy – we believe that engaging all stakeholders and creating a space for discussion will improve the strength of reforms, increase the probability of reform passage, support reform implementation and sustain the reform over time. All session done live, with a 3 hour global session (connecting all countries and DC) following a 2 hour “local” session (offline for country discussions). At the conclusion, each country drafted a “country action plan” – a document where all participants worked to identify reforms, prioritize them and provide concrete, actionable steps to achieve the implementation of the reforms. Country action plans also helped to clarify what stakeholder group (government, CSO, private sector) responsibilities in achieving reform goals. Reviews of the program were very favorable, with most country participants requesting the recordings and program documents for their files. The participants also provided solid feedback on how to improve the series and strengthen delivery for future iterations.

Transition to an e-Learning Platform The second iteration - launching March 18 - will take place in 4 countries, spanning 2 regions Armenia, Georgia, Ghana and Rwanda The series will maintain the original session structure (“local” session followed by “global” session) and focus on multi-stakeholder representation. Recorded presentations from pilot series will be streamlined and narrated for delivery over WBI’s online platform, Moodle. Program will utilize a “blended” learning technique, mixing live interactions with recorded material. Countries selected in partnership with our regional colleagues. Representatives from relevant government agencies, CSO’s, private sector organizations, academia and the news/media will all participate. Presentations are being professionally re-designed and narrated to provide consistency and clarity of content. Presentations will also include interactive activities to keep participants engaged throughout presentations (this was lacking in the pilot series). Blended learning technique will include live VC connection during each e-Learning series with live introductions, short live summary of session and live Q and A. In addition, each country will have a facilitator to ensure participants have equal opportunity for involvement and input. For tracking purposes, each session will end with an electronic survey to gauge participant responses and gain insight into needed improvements and adjustments.

…Where to From Here? The long-term strategy of the program involves: Partnering with regional or local institutions. Develop new content to address gaps and expand e-Learning library. Expand opportunities for constructive World Bank engagement.