SP Framework
The intention of SP Framework is to make sustainable procurement the standard modus operandi of UNOPS while making the implementation more consistent at the same time. Additionally, it will enable better reporting, management and learning. Lastly, the SP Framework contains an extensive programme on supplier sustainability due diligence, to actively support one of our main stakeholder groups to become more sustainable.
The SP Framework came into effect on the 1st of January 2020 after a long piloting and refinement phase. Through it, UNOPS will make sure that all potential sustainability benefits are reaped and that risks are considered and addresses appropriately. Through the extensive experiences and lessons learned that will follow the launch, UNOPS will expand its expertise in doing sustainable procurement considerably, bringing more benefits to the societies and the environment in the places where we operate. The SP Framework has been fully incorporated into UNOPS e-tendering system, eSourcing, to ensure compliance and facilitate the adherence. The new supplier sustainability due diligence programme is a powerful tool that we have developed which is based on a sustainability self-assessment questionnaire, site visits and corrective action plans. It thus lends unprecedented transparency to our supply chain sustainability risks. The feedback has been very positive so far and we received many signals that it is a good time to formalize our commitment to do sustainable procurement. The main purpose of the SP Framework is to institutionalize a different view of looking and doing procurement and as such it was the logical and necessary next step in UNOPS commitment to the SDGs. UNOPS trained its personnel consistently over previous years in sustainable procurement and many tools and guidance documents were developed and made accessible. As such, the capacity to do sustainable procurement was already considerably high and facilitated the formalization in form of a policy framework.
