By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 20: A two-day training programme on ‘Selection and Management of Consultants for World Bank Funded Projects’ for northeastern region began at IIM, here on Friday.
Organised by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research & Analysis in collaboration with the World Bank, the training initiative aimed to enhance the efficiency of implementing agencies in navigating the essential procedures of selecting and managing consultants for projects financed by World Bank.
The programme aligns with the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers.
The comprehensive two-day training programme will cover a wide array of essential topics including Selection Methods and Market Approaches for the Selection and Employment of Consultants, Types of Contracts, Development of Terms of References, Standard Request for Proposals, Consultancy Services, Red Flags in Consultancy, and other vital areas addressing the common concerns of implementing agencies.
A total of 38 participants from 13 departments and agencies involved in World Bank-funded projects are actively participating in the programme, demonstrating the commitment of the region to enhancing their project management capabilities.
Director of IIM, Shillong, Prof. D.P Goyal
emphasised the significance of the training initiative and acknowledged the institution’s remarkable 15-year journey. He stated, “By the end of the programme, participants will be equipped to confidently and effectively strategize, plan, and execute the hiring and employment of consultants in strict accordance with the Procurement Framework and Regulations of the World Bank.”
He also highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by IIM Shillong for the benefit and development of the northeastern region.
The training programme features sessions led by subject matter experts from the World Bank, including Dr. B S Chetty, Geeta Shivdasani, and Sreenivas Devarakonda, in addition to the esteemed faculty of IIM Shillong.
Centre Coordinator Dr. Sanjeev Ningombam expressed his enthusiasm for the programme’s success and mentioned, “The Centre will initiate and roll out many more similar training programmes in the coming days in association with the World Bank.”