Professionals working on development projects can enroll in the free IFAD Project Procurement Online Course and earn a certificate. The self-paced programme covers procurement methods, contract management, sustainable procurement, and IFAD project procurement practices.
Overview
Procurement plays a critical role in the success of development projects, ensuring that goods, services, and works are acquired efficiently, transparently, and sustainably. However, many professionals working on donor-funded projects often find themselves involved in procurement activities without having formal training in the field.
To help bridge this skills gap, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has launched the BUILDPROC MOOC on Project Procurement for Agricultural and Rural Development. This free online course provides participants with a practical introduction to public procurement in the context of IFAD-funded projects and other international development programmes.
The course is self-paced, available globally, and offers participants the opportunity to earn a certificate upon successful completion.
About the Course
The BUILDPROC MOOC is designed to introduce learners to the core concepts, principles, and processes of project procurement management.
Developed with support from IFAD and delivered through the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITCILO), the programme aims to improve procurement knowledge and strengthen the effectiveness of professionals involved in development projects.
Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of procurement methods, bidding processes, contract management, sustainability considerations, and IFAD’s procurement framework.
What Will Participants Gain?
The course provides participants with valuable knowledge and practical skills that can be applied in development projects and donor-funded programmes.
Participants will gain:
- A solid understanding of project procurement fundamentals
- Knowledge of procurement methods and procedures
- Understanding of bidding and evaluation processes
- Insights into contract management practices
- Exposure to sustainable procurement principles
- Knowledge of IFAD’s procurement framework
- Understanding of environmental, social, and climate safeguards
- Access to learning resources and reference materials
- A certificate of participation upon successful completion
What Will You Learn?
The course covers several important areas of project procurement.
Project Procurement Fundamentals
Participants will learn:
- Definitions and principles of project procurement
- Key actors involved in procurement processes
- Procurement management frameworks
- IFAD procurement guidelines
Procurement Methods and Processes
Topics include:
- Procurement planning
- Procurement methods
- Bidding procedures
- Evaluation processes
- Contract award procedures
- Contract management fundamentals
Sustainable Procurement
Participants will explore:
- Sustainable public procurement concepts
- Ethical procurement practices
- Social and environmental considerations
- Sustainability principles in development projects
SECAP Framework
The course also introduces:
- IFAD’s Social, Environmental and Climate Assessment Procedures (SECAP)
- SECAP objectives and principles
- Roles and responsibilities within SECAP implementation
What Will You Be Able to Do?
After completing the course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the key principles of project procurement management
- Understand procurement methods and selection processes
- Interpret bidding and evaluation procedures
- Apply basic contract management concepts
- Understand sustainable procurement approaches
- Explain the purpose and importance of SECAP
- Support procurement-related activities more effectively within development projects
Course Structure
The programme follows a self-guided learning model.
Step 1
Assess your existing procurement knowledge.
Step 2
Complete three self-paced learning sections.
Step 3
Access training resources and takeaway materials.
Step 4
Complete the final assessment.
Step 5
Receive your Certificate of Participation.
Participants can learn at their own pace and access course materials whenever convenient.
Who Can Apply?
The course is open to a broad audience worldwide.
Primary Target Audience
- Professionals working within IFAD’s network
- Staff indirectly involved in procurement activities
- Development project personnel
- Programme and project management professionals
Additional Eligible Participants
- Government officials
- NGO staff
- Development practitioners
- Project coordinators
- Procurement beginners
- Students interested in development procurement
- Anyone seeking a comprehensive introduction to procurement in donor-funded projects
No specialized procurement background is required.
Course Languages
The course is available in:
- English
- French
- Spanish
- Portuguese
- Arabic
This allows participants from different regions to access the training in their preferred language.
Course Benefits
Participants will receive:
Free Access
There are no registration or participation fees.
Flexible Learning
The course is fully self-paced and can be completed according to individual schedules.
Learning Resources
Participants gain access to:
- Learning modules
- Training materials
- Resource libraries
- Practical procurement guidance
Certificate
Participants who successfully complete the course and pass the final assessment receive a digital Certificate of Participation.
Diploma Pathway Opportunity
The course also forms part of the:
Diploma in Public Procurement Management for Sustainable Development
Participants interested in advancing their procurement expertise can explore additional BUILDPROC diploma and certification programmes after completing the MOOC.
How to Apply
Step 1
Visit the ITCILO eCampus learning platform.
Step 2
Create an account or log in.
Step 3
Enroll in the BUILDPROC MOOC on Project Procurement for Agricultural and Rural Development.
Step 4
Access the course materials and begin learning.
Step 5
Complete the modules and final assessment to receive your certificate.
Summary Table
Applications Open for the Free IFAD Project Procurement Online Course with Certificate
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | BUILDPROC MOOC on Project Procurement for Agricultural and Rural Development |
| Organizer | IFAD and ITCILO |
| Cost | Free |
| Delivery Mode | Online |
| Learning Format | Self-Paced |
| Certificate | Yes |
| Languages | English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic |
| Target Audience | Development Professionals and Project Staff |
| Focus Areas | Procurement, Contract Management, Sustainable Procurement |
| Enrollment | Open |
Conclusion
The IFAD BUILDPROC Project Procurement Online Course offers an excellent opportunity for professionals involved in development projects to strengthen their procurement knowledge and skills at no cost.
Whether you are working on IFAD-funded projects, donor-supported programmes, or simply want to understand procurement in international development, this course provides practical insights, flexible learning, and a certificate that can enhance your professional profile.
With free enrollment, multilingual access, and self-paced learning, it is a valuable opportunity for professionals seeking to improve project management and procurement performance.
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