In the complex and demanding world of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), achieving robust Public Sector Readiness for PPP Implementation is a non-negotiable prerequisite for successful project delivery, ensuring that governments possess the institutional capacity, technical expertise, financial acumen, and legal frameworks necessary to effectively identify, appraise, procure, and manage long-term partnerships with the private sector. Without a strong, well-prepared public sector, even the most promising PPP projects can falter due to inadequate planning, weak governance, insufficient oversight, or an inability to manage contractual complexities, leading to costly delays, disputes, and a failure to deliver value for money. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip public sector officials, PPP unit professionals, and decision-makers with the advanced knowledge and practical strategies required to systematically assess and enhance their readiness across critical dimensions, from policy and legal frameworks to institutional structures, human resources, and robust project management capabilities. Without robust expertise in Public Sector Readiness for PPP Implementation, governments risk undermining public trust, incurring significant fiscal liabilities, and failing to harness the full potential of private sector collaboration for essential infrastructure and service delivery, underscoring the vital need for specialized expertise in this critical domain.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Public Sector Officials from Ministries of Finance, Planning, Infrastructure, and Sectoral Ministries
• PPP Unit Professionals and Staff
• Senior Civil Servants and Policy Makers
• Legal Advisors and Procurement Specialists in Government
• Project Managers and Technical Staff in Public Entities
• Budget and Treasury Officials
• Regulatory Body Representatives
• Local Government Officials involved in infrastructure development
• Consultants advising public sector clients on PPPs
• Anyone responsible for developing, implementing, or overseeing public sector PPP programs.

Objectives

• Understand the critical dimensions of public sector readiness for PPPs.
• Learn about the key institutional, legal, and financial prerequisites for successful PPP programs.
• Acquire skills in conducting a comprehensive PPP readiness assessment within their organizations.
• Comprehend techniques for developing and implementing a strategic roadmap for capacity building.
• Explore strategies for establishing effective PPP Units and governance structures.
• Understand the importance of robust project screening and prioritization mechanisms.
• Gain insights into managing fiscal commitments and contingent liabilities arising from PPPs.
• Develop a practical understanding of procurement management and contract negotiation skills.
• Master the role of effective contract management and oversight throughout the project lifecycle.
• Acquire skills in fostering inter-agency coordination and stakeholder alignment.
• Learn to apply international best practices and lessons learned from public sector capacity building efforts.
• Comprehend techniques for ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance in PPPs.
• Explore strategies for attracting and retaining skilled personnel for PPP roles.
• Understand the importance of data management and performance monitoring for informed decision-making.
• Develop the ability to lead and implement a robust Public Sector Readiness program for PPPs.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Public Sector Readiness for PPPs

• The importance of public sector capacity in PPP success.
• Consequences of inadequate readiness: project failures, fiscal risks, public backlash.
• Defining "readiness": institutional, legal, financial, human resources, project management.
• Overview of common challenges faced by public sectors in PPP implementation.
• The long-term commitment required for managing PPPs effectively.

Module 2: PPP Policy and Strategy Development

• Developing a clear national/sub-national PPP policy and strategy.
• Aligning PPP objectives with broader development goals and sector strategies.
• Defining the scope of PPPs and eligible sectors.
• Establishing a pipeline of potential PPP projects.
• Political commitment and leadership as a foundation for readiness.

Module 3: Legal and Regulatory Framework Readiness

• Assessing the adequacy of existing PPP laws and regulations.
• Identifying legal gaps and barriers to private sector participation.
• Ensuring consistency with general public law, procurement law, and sector-specific laws.
• Developing clear guidelines and standardized documents.
• The role of legal reforms in enhancing readiness.

Module 4: Institutional Framework and PPP Unit Establishment

• Different models for PPP Units (centralized, decentralized, hybrid).
• Defining the mandate, roles, and responsibilities of the PPP Unit.
• Staffing requirements and organizational structure of the PPP Unit.
• Inter-agency coordination mechanisms and decision-making processes.
• Ensuring the PPP Unit has sufficient authority and resources.

Module 5: Human Resources and Capacity Building

• Identifying the core competencies required for PPP professionals (legal, financial, technical, project management).
• Strategies for attracting, recruiting, and retaining skilled personnel.
• Designing comprehensive training and professional development programs.
• Leveraging external advisors and consultants effectively.
• Building a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

Module 6: Project Identification and Prioritization Readiness

• Developing criteria for screening and selecting viable PPP projects.
• Conducting preliminary feasibility studies and value for money (VfM) assessments.
• Prioritizing projects based on strategic alignment, affordability, and bankability.
• Managing the unsolicited proposals process transparently.
• Building a robust and sustainable project pipeline.

Module 7: Financial Management and Fiscal Readiness

• Understanding public sector financial implications of PPPs (contingent liabilities, budgetary commitments).
• Developing robust fiscal risk management frameworks.
• Accounting and reporting standards for PPPs.
• Assessing fiscal affordability and sustainability of PPP programs.
• Role of central finance ministries in PPP oversight.

Module 8: Procurement Management Readiness

• Developing clear and transparent procurement procedures for PPPs.
• Preparing comprehensive tender documents and evaluation criteria.
• Managing the competitive dialogue and negotiation processes.
• Ensuring fairness, integrity, and competition in bidding.
• Capacity for contract award and financial close.

Module 9: Contract Management and Oversight Readiness

• Establishing robust systems for monitoring PPP contract performance.
• Developing KPIs and SLAs for service delivery and asset maintenance.
• Managing contractual changes, variations, and renegotiations.
• Implementing effective dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Building capacity for lifecycle management and handback.

Module 10: Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Readiness

• Identifying key stakeholders and their interests (public, private, civil society, communities).
• Developing proactive communication strategies for PPP projects.
• Managing public expectations and addressing concerns.
• Building public trust and support for PPP initiatives.
• Establishing effective grievance redress mechanisms.

Module 11: Data Management and Performance Monitoring Systems

• Establishing systems for collecting, analyzing, and reporting PPP project data.
• Using data for performance monitoring, risk management, and decision-making.
• Developing dashboards and reporting tools for transparency.
• Leveraging digital technologies for enhanced data management.
• Ensuring data integrity and security.

Module 12: Governance, Transparency, and Accountability

• Implementing strong governance structures for PPP decision-making.
• Ensuring transparency in all stages of the PPP lifecycle.
• Developing anti-corruption measures and integrity pacts.
• Role of independent audits and oversight bodies.
• Fostering a culture of ethical conduct and accountability.

Module 13: Lessons Learned from Public Sector Capacity Building

• Review of international experiences in building public sector PPP capacity.
• Common challenges and success factors in capacity development programs.
• Strategies for institutionalizing knowledge and experience.
• The role of peer learning and technical assistance.
• Adapting global best practices to local contexts.

Module 14: Developing a PPP Readiness Roadmap

• Conducting a self-assessment of current public sector readiness.
• Identifying key gaps and areas for improvement.
• Prioritizing capacity building initiatives.
• Developing a phased action plan with clear timelines and responsibilities.
• Allocating resources for readiness enhancement.

Module 15: Practical Workshop: Readiness Assessment and Action Planning

• Participants conduct a readiness assessment for a hypothetical or real-world public sector entity.
• Group exercise: Developing a tailored PPP readiness action plan.
• Discussion of challenges in implementing readiness initiatives and strategies to overcome them.
• Role-playing exercises for key readiness-related tasks (e.g., stakeholder mapping, project screening).
• Peer feedback and sharing of insights on readiness challenges.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.