As a public procurement specialist, my career path has been shaped by a unique blend of experiences, education, and a passion for public service. Today, I want to share my background with you, not just as a professional, but as someone deeply committed to making a positive impact in our communities through effective procurement practices.
Early Influences
My journey began with a fascination for the intersection of government and community welfare. Growing up, I often saw the effects of government decisions on everyday lives, from infrastructure projects to community services. This ignited my desire to understand how these processes work and how they can be improved.
Educational Foundation
To equip myself with the necessary skills and knowledge, I pursued a Post-Graduate Degree in Public Procurement Management. This program provided me with a solid grounding and body of knowledge required for success in the profession. Courses included the legal framework that governs public procurement, procurement of supplies/services, consultancy, construction procurement, public policy analysis, public finance & budgeting, and organizational management. These courses prepared me for this profession with broad responsibilities that include but are not limited to developing solicitations/specifications, forming contracts, managing contract deliverables/deadlines, and closing contracts.
During my studies, I was fortunate to participate in internships that offered real-world experience. Working with local government agencies allowed me to observe procurement processes firsthand and understand the challenges faced by procurement professionals.
Professional Experience
After completing my degree, I began my career in public procurement with the Liberia Revenue Authority as a Procurement Specialist. This role was pivotal in shaping my expertise as I managed and spearheaded procurement processes for various projects, from small contracts to large-scale initiatives. In this role, I also developed a procurement policy and procurement procedures/system consistent with national procurement and international best practices for the organization, which ensured a competitive bidding process, transparency, fairness, accountability, and stakeholder engagement.
Over the years, I progressed through different roles in procurement, each presenting new challenges and learning opportunities. My time at Department of Housing & Community Development, the State of Maryland was particularly impactful, because, while the guiding principles in the profession are generally the same, I had to learn and adapt to specific state procurement requirements and procedures. Unlike my previous roles, in this role, I had to consider and navigate stricter policies that deal with sustainable procurement, and factor in other policies like the socio-economic programs which is the state/federal government initiative to help socially and economically disadvantaged businesses get a fair share of procurement opportunities. This experience reinforced my belief that procurement can play a vital role in promoting social and environmental responsibility.
Continuous Learning and Growth
Recognizing the ever-evolving nature of public procurement, I have committed to continuous professional development. I have pursued certifications in procurement and contract management and participated in workshops and conferences to stay updated on best practices and emerging trends. Networking with fellow professionals has also enriched my perspective, allowing me to share insights and learn from others in the field.
Commitment to Community
Beyond my professional journey, I am deeply passionate about community engagement. I believe that public procurement should reflect the needs and values of the communities we serve. Throughout my career, I have advocated for inclusive procurement practices that support minority-owned and local businesses. By fostering diversity in procurement, we can drive economic growth and ensure that public resources benefit everyone.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on my journey so far, I am excited about the future of public procurement. I am dedicated to leveraging my expertise to promote transparency, fairness, efficiency, and innovation in procurement processes. My goal is to continue contributing to projects that not only meet immediate needs but also pave the way for sustainable development and community empowerment.
Conclusion
My background in public procurement has been a fulfilling journey, driven by a commitment to serve the public good. I am eager to share my insights and experiences with others and to collaborate on initiatives that can transform procurement practices for the better.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my journey. If you have any questions or would like to connect, I would love to hear from you! Together, we can enhance the impact of public procurement in our communities.