Guidance note: Inclusivity in Procurement

Inclusivity in procurement: Entry points in the project cycle

This guidance note is intended to provide a brief overview of ways in which inclusivity, including gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), can be introduced into a typical project cycle in multilateral development banks (MDBs) as good practice. This guidance includes actions, approaches and options that could be integrated at key stages of the project cycle and refers to relevant practices followed by various MDBs.

There are several entry points for embedding inclusion in the project cycle, some requiring close understanding of country socioeconomic situations, others a deeper assessment of project-specific circumstances. In any event, while the theoretical construct underpinning the introduction of the inclusivity theme remains largely the same, the application of thematic principles is dependent on the specific conditions in which a project is developed, and the type of stakeholders involved. Hence, it is essential to understand that procurement becomes a bespoke arrangement. General approaches may be identified, but specific clauses must reflect project circumstances.

It is with that approach in mind that this guidance note looks at the key stages of project development and implementation, and where in the project cycle there are opportunities to reflect thematic concerns in procedural adaptations from a procurement perspective.