Muscat: The Projects, Tenders, and Local Content Authority today launched the "Imkan 3" program to contribute to raising the efficiency of national cadres working in project and contract management across various government entities, while improving the government project implementation system and enhancing the quality of its outcomes. The program targets national cadres working in government project and contract management, spanning a period of six months. It benefits 120 engineers and specialists representing 35 government agencies, including 15 entities participating for the first time, reflecting the program's expanding scope and the increasing demand from various government bodies.
According to Oman News Agency, "Imkan 3" comes as a continuation of the two previous editions, "Imkan 1" and "Imkan 2," aiming to establish an integrated platform for developing national competencies in the field of government project and contract management. It also seeks to study the development of the Project Management Office (PMO) system, facilitate staff rotation between government agencies, build a comprehensive system for personnel competencies, classify jobs related to project and contract management, and adopt a unified project quality strategy according to international standards.
The program aims to develop the technical and administrative skills of employees through an integrated development methodology that combines theoretical training and practical application, aligning with global best practices. It also includes field visits to existing projects across various governorates to strengthen the program and support its designated objectives. Abdullah Saif Al Hosni, Acting Talent and Project Development Consultant at the Projects, Tenders, and Local Content Authority, stated that the program focuses on qualifying national cadres across various government agencies through a blended learning methodology.
This approach combines in-person training with distance learning, field visits to government projects under implementation, research and case studies, career guidance, and training using artificial intelligence technologies. It also includes accredited professional programs and practical applications on existing projects, which contributes to linking theoretical aspects with practical implementation. He mentioned that the program adopts a precise mechanism for selecting participants based on criteria such as years of experience, engineering qualifications, evaluation of skills and capabilities, and the nature of current work. It also considers the importance, size, and cost of strategic projects, their respective sectors, and the expected impact of the entity's participation in the program.
He further added that "Imkan 3" pays special attention to measuring impact and maximizing the return on investment in training through an assessment center and an integrated competency matrix. It utilizes a database for the optimal use of human resources and smart development plans to bridge competency gaps, along with projects that provide applicable practical solutions. Participants are evaluated according to criteria that combine knowledge tests and skill-based assessments, leading to the awarding of certificates of completion and excellence. The project aims to achieve several outcomes in raising the efficiency of human resources in project management while creating a professional rotation system. This is intended to generate in-country value (ICV) and define clear standards for evaluating technical levels within organizational divisions. It is noteworthy that the launch of "Imkan 3" coincides with the "Imkan Plus" program as part of a comprehensive effort to build national capacities capable of high-effi ciency management, enhance the readiness of engineering cadres, and achieve sustainability in government projects to support development goals and the national economy.