UNOPS, a central resource for procurement within the United Nations, has formed a partnership with the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS), the largest international professional body of its kind, to help low- and middle-income countries save money and reduce poverty.

Through a range of consulting, training, qualification and certification services, UNOPS & CIPS are helping local procurement professionals develop their skills and stem ‘leaks’ in the supply chain.

UNOPS & CIPS services to governments and donors

Building on the expertise of both organisations in procurement and supply chain management, analysis, project management, training and accreditation, UNOPS & CIPS are developing an even broader range of products and services. These cover the following areas:

1. Identifying ‘leaks’ in the supply chain, where a lack of training or effective processes leads to money being lost. Procurement and Supply Chain Opportunity Assessments help governments find ways to save money by assessing the functionality and potential of existing public procurement systems at both a strategic and operational level.

2. Helping procurement and supply chain professionals improve key processes to stem those leaks. The Procurement Capability Programme is based on CIPS current certification programme which audits processes, policies and procedures - but tailored to public sector procurement and supply chain management in developing countries.

Not-for-profit status

UNOPS is a United Nations entity and CIPS is a chartered body with charitable status. As not-for-profit organizations UNOPS & CIPS are motivated only to meet the expectations of partners, act in the public good and promote best practice.

As such, and in line with the Paris Declaration, UNOPS & CIPS have a clear exit strategy once local capacity has been sufficiently developed in a beneficiary country. This concept of sustainable local ownership is key to the UNOPS & CIPS strategy, with stakeholders being involved at all stages of the design and decision-making process.

Transparency and Ethics

Across all products and services UNOPS & CIPS support the embedding of robust and transparent ethical policies, procedures and systems which contribute to the reduction of fraud and corruption and increase ethical standards and behaviour.

These methods enable the partnership to help developing countries adopt the highest international standards in procurement and supply chain management. Read more about how the UNOPS & CIPS partnership can help governments.