Enhancing Public Procurement in Jordan
In October 2024, the USAID-funded Public Financial Management and Administration (PFMA) program, implemented in Jordan by PMCG as a subcontractor of DAI Global LLC, held a series of workshops to strengthen Jordan’s public procurement processes.
These workshops focused on implementing government procurement bylaw, which is a crucial legislative part of the country’s broader efforts to improve public financial management (PFM) and foster fiscal sustainability.
Held in Amman, the workshops targeted officials from the Jordan Audit Bureau (AB) and the Jordanian Ministry of Health (MOH). Overall, their goal was to enhance participants’ skills and knowledge in procurement management and practices, ultimately improving transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of public funds.
In total, 127 officials from both the AB and the MOH were trained across four workshops and through pre- and post-training assessments, the participants demonstrated significant improvements in their understanding of procurement processes and their ability to implement them effectively.
Theoretical and Practical Training for the Jordan Audit Bureau (AB)
Two workshops were designed for AB officials, the first of which was attended by staff responsible for auditing procurement procedures for works and technical services, and led by PMCG’s public procurement expert Subhieh Abu Affar.
Meanwhile, the second of these workshops was tailored for personnel bearing responsibility for auditing procurement procedures for general supplies (including pharmaceuticals) and consulting services, and was taught by PMCG’s expert Nasri Al Qaisieh.
The workshops explored the new procurement system in detail as well as procurement methods, grievance procedures, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
In addition to theoretical elements, participants engaged in practical exercises and case studies to help them better understand how to audit procurement procedures more effectively. Consequently, auditors are now better equipped to evaluate government procurement practices in line with legislation, ensuring compliance and improving oversight.
Participants included engineers, pharmacists, and financial auditors from the AB’s various administrative levels including the Secretary General, Ahmad Alswaei, who underscored the importance of this training to the country’s PFM system.
Training the Jordanian Ministry of Health (MOH) on Public Procurement and Inventory Management
Elsewhere, two other workshops were held for purchasing and supply employees at the MOH. Both of these sessions were led by Nasri Al Qaisieh, the first of which was headlined “Planning for the Purchase of Medicines and Medical Supplies,” while the other addressed the roles and responsibilities of various technical procurement committees.
Their aim was to improve participants’ understanding of procurement planning, needs assessment, forecasting, and the various stages of the purchasing process.
Long-term Benefits for Jordan’s Sustainable Economic Growth
The training is expected to have a lasting impact on the public procurement landscape in Jordan, reducing fiscal risks, ensuring better resource management, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Rana Suleiman, an engineer from the AB, praised the workshop, stating:
“This training will have a pivotal impact on my work in technical committees and auditing procurement processes. The content was well-organized, and the bylaw provisions were demonstrated in a logical sequence, which made it easy to comprehend the material.”
The PFMA program, courtesy of PMCG’s technical assistance and capacity-building efforts, is playing a vital role in strengthening Jordan’s public financial management systems. By improving procurement practices and increasing the capabilities of key public institutions, it is helping to create a more effective, transparent, and accountable public sector, aligning with the broader goal of reducing barriers to the development of Jordan’s economy.
