MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The World Bank Liberia Country Manager has launched UL Procurement Internship Program, at the University of Liberia.
Ms. Georgia Wallen has termed the new internship program at the University of Liberia as a platform to build the capacity of procurement practitioners in Liberia.
Recently, the UL launched the Procurement Internship Program, in collaboration with the World Bank Liberia Country Office.
Ms. Wallen noted that every investment in education, learning, and training is an investment in the future for both the individuals and for Liberia.
Remarking during the launch, the World Bank Country Manager said:” The Procurement Internship program is about bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world, practical public procurement implementation.”
She said the program will provide practical experience to Master’s degree-level students studying procurement, noting that during the internship, interns will be attached to a World Bank project for a period of twelve months.
While there, they will gain firsthand experience with the World Bank’s procurement policies and implementation procedures, something that will enhance their practical knowledge and foster professional growth.
She maintained that the internship will also allow beneficiaries to gain experience in areas such as procurement planning, preparation of biding documents and Request for Proposals, Evaluations of bids and proposals, and contract negotiations and contract drafting, among others.
During the internship, according to Madam Wallen, interns will also be able to interact with other professionals, technicians, and civil servants, thereby, helping students build valuable networks to inspire and inform them as they pursue their career goals.
The World Bank Manager expressed confidence that the internship program will contribute to building capacity in Liberia by expanding the pool of skilled professionals ready to help tackle the nation’s development challenges.
According to her, the ultimate goal of the program is to equip students with the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to project implementation in Liberia, and to pursue their career ambitions, including possibly serving in the public service.
