We were honored to host Ghassan Khzouz, Regional Procurement Manager, and Jamal Fares, Project Director - UCAN, from the Middle East Northern Africa and Eastern Europe Regional Office, for an extensive field visit to Save the Children Kosova/o programme sites. This visit was a remarkable opportunity to showcase our projects, engage in meaningful discussions, and enhance our collaborative efforts.

1st Day

On the first day, we introduced to the staff a new procurement manual and Framework Agreement templates designed to standardize procurement processes, ensuring compliance, transparency, and efficiency. These tools streamline long-term supplier agreements, enhancing consistency and reliability in our supply chain. Additionally, we discussed strategies to improve purchasing efficiency, such as bulk purchasing, establishing preferred supplier lists, and implementing e-procurement systems. We also covered the Partner Procurement Manual, which sets high standards for procurement policies and procedures among our partners, promoting accountability and ethical practices.

A focused session on strategic supplier selection emphasized partnering with reliable suppliers offering competitive prices. By selecting suppliers based on reliability, financial stability, and the ability to meet specific requirements, we aim to boost the efficiency and effectiveness of our procurement processes. We also introduced a new Budget Approval Form (BAF) template to streamline budget approvals, enhancing transparency and efficiency in financial management and project implementation.

Our refresher session on Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) and Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) programs provided updates on best practices and recent developments. We reviewed beneficiary selection criteria, distribution processes, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. This session ensured that all team members are well-equipped to deliver effective and impactful cash assistance to the communities we serve, maintaining the high standards of our cash assistance programs.

2nd Day – Visit in Prizren

During our stay in Prizren, the visitors had the chance to meet with Nevo Koncepti, who offered deep insights into their operations and supply chain capabilities. We observed their robust procurement processes and discussed the challenges they face, such as fluctuating market prices and supply chain disruptions. We explored potential solutions, including diversifying supplier bases and implementing risk management strategies. This visit highlighted the critical role of local CSOs in our supply chain and their contribution to our overall mission.

3rd day – Visit in North Mitrovica

The visit in North Mitrovica was equally enlightening. The visitors meet with Domovik and gained a comprehensive understanding of their preparedness activities and anticipatory actions. Discussions centered around their proactive measures to mitigate risks, such as community training programs and the establishment of emergency response teams. We also explored their supply chain capabilities, noting their efficient inventory management and timely delivery of essential goods. This visit underscored the importance of preparedness and the impact of anticipatory actions in enhancing community resilience.

Our final visit to the sub-office in Mitrovica North provided valuable insights into the unique context and working environment of the northern municipalities of Kosovo. We observed the specific challenges faced by our teams, including logistical constraints and socio-political complexities. The visit also highlighted the innovative approaches being adopted to address these challenges, such as mobile outreach units and community engagement initiatives. This experience emphasized the need for tailored strategies to effectively meet the needs of different regions.

The field visit to Kosovo was a resounding success, offering the Regional Procurement Manager and the Project Director - UCAN an in-depth understanding of our programmes and partnerships. The sessions and visits facilitated rich discussions, knowledge sharing, and the identification of new strategies to enhance our work. We are grateful for the insights and feedback provided, which will undoubtedly contribute to the continuous improvement of our operations.