BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have announced the opening of applications for its scholarship programme, offering full scholarships for qualified candidates to pursue an International Master in Public Procurement Management (IMPPM) at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy.

This year, the scholarship will enable four candidates to complete the IMPPM degree programme for the academic year 2024/2025 with CDB and IDB each providing financing for two scholarships.

The IMMPM programme is globally recognised as one of the leading master’s programmes in public procurement.

It integrates sustainable and inclusive public procurement approaches, emphasising gender equality alongside key areas such as procurement strategy, legal frameworks, supply chain management, and ethical considerations.

“CDB is proud to support the development of procurement professionals in the Caribbean. This initiative, first introduced in 2022, highlights our dedication to enhancing expertise and capacity in public procurement leadership. The scholarship offers a unique opportunity to gain world-class education and practical skills that are essential for effective public procurement management,” said Douglas Fraser, head of procurement at the CDB.

The inaugural scholarship was awarded to Samantha Marchan, an employee of the Office of Procurement Regulation in Trinidad and Tobago. The second recipient, Amoi Romeo also from Trinidad and Tobago, serves as the technical adviser to the Secretary of Finance at the Division of Finance, Tobago House of Assembly, where she oversees procurement.

The scholarship is open to nationals of CDB’s client countries with a first degree and relevant work experience in procurement or a related field. Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing public procurement practices in their respective countries.

The application process is detailed on the bank’s website including the necessary documents and criteria for selection.

Shortlisted candidates will undergo a rigorous evaluation process to ensure that only the most promising and dedicated professionals are awarded the scholarship.

The application deadline is September 9, 2024.