Any data or information, regardless of its form or medium, which is or has been electronically generated by, transmitted via, received by, processed by, or represented in an ICT resource.
A room or a set of rooms along with wiring closets where working equipment used to deliver ICT systems and infrastructure is sited (e.g. server room, UPS room, LAN closet, etc).
A set of ICT systems, communications cabling, and power supplies along with environmental support like equipment racks or cooling system installed in the ICT facility of the corresponding office or reasonably close to it.
An employee or contractor who is responsible according to the terms of reference for planning, architecting, deploying, maintaining supporting and improving overall ICT infrastructure and its components in the corresponding office.
ICT resource: any tangible or intangible asset capable of generating, transmitting, receiving, processing, or representing data in electronic form, where the asset is owned, licensed, operated, managed, or made available by, or otherwise used by, the United Nations;
Hardware, software and firmware of computers, telecommunications and network equipment or other electronic information handling systems and associated equipment. ICT systems include any equipment or interconnected systems or subsystems of equipment that are used in the acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission or reception of data/information. [ISO/IEC 24762:2008]
The management and delivery of project activities to achieve specified results including the procurement and delivery of UNDP project activity inputs and their use in producing outputs, as set forth in a signed document, the Annual Work Plan, between UNDP and the Implementing Partner.
According to Article 17 of UNDP’s financial regulations, an implementing partner is “the entity to which the Administrator has entrusted the implementation of UNDP assistance specified in a signed document along with the assumption of full responsibility and accountability for the effective use of UNDP resources and the delivery of outputs, as set forth in such document.
The Independent Evaluation Office is a functionally independent unit within UNDP that supports the oversight and accountability functions of the Executive Board and the management of UNDP, UNCDF and UNV. The structural independence of the Office underpins and guarantees its freedom to conduct evaluations and report evaluation results to the Executive Board. The main role of Office is to conduct independent evaluations according to the plans and costed programmes of work approved by the Executive Board.
The costs incurred by the organization in support of programmes or projects that cannot be directly attributed to such specific programmes or projects.
An individual contractor is an individual engaged by the Organization from time to time under a temporary contract to provide expertise, skills or knowledge for the performance of a specific task or piece of work, which would be short-term by nature, against the payment of an all-inclusive fee. The work assignment may involve full-time or part-time functions similar to those of staff members, such as the provision of translation, editing, language training, public information, secretarial or clerical and part-time maintenance services or other functions that could be performed by staff. An individual contractor need not work on United Nations premises.
A formal declaration following the decision of the CPO that a Respondent is ineligible for a period of time to (a) be awarded and/or partake in contracts financed, administered or executed by UNDP, (b) conduct new business with UNDP as an agent or representative of other vendors, (c) partake in having discussions with UNDP regarding new contracts. Exceptionally, the ineligibility may be permanent.
The Ineligibility List is a central roster, hosted and maintained confidentially by the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM) as a protected electronic document that aggregates information provided by each participating entity, including UNDP. Vendors that are subject to sanctions that affect their eligibility, pursuant to sanctions proceedings, shall be entered into the Ineligibility List for a term starting upon notification of the CPO’s decision and ending once they are deemed to be rehabilitated. The Ineligibility List shall have restricted access, and shall not be published or otherwise distributed.
A Vendor who has been debarred by UNDP, and either (1) is the subject of a current period of debarment; or (2) has not requested to be reinstated as an active Vendor via a request for rehabilitation.
In general, raw data that (1) has been verified to be accurate and timely, (2) is specific and organized for a purpose, (3) is presented within a context that gives it meaning and relevance, and which (4) leads to increase in understanding and decrease in uncertainty. The value of information lies solely in its ability to affect a behavior, decision, or outcome. [www.businessdictionary.com]
Information Technology Infrastructure are the components required to operate and manage enterprise IT environments, which includes hardware, software, networking components, an operating system (OS), and data storage, all of which are used to deliver IT services and solutions.
Innovation challenges are defined as prized challenges that Business Units (Country Offices) organize to solicit innovative ideas and solutions to address development challenges which cannot be achieved through traditional solicitation processes.
Innovation challenges solicit ideas and solutions to address development challenges. Innovation challenges: (a) often include stakeholders who are not necessarily affected by the development challenge, but well placed to develop solutions, including private sector actors; (b) typically limit themselves to the generation or testing of ideas, but not their implementation; (c) can be awarded directly by the head of office for grants up to $40,000 without further review. See the policy on innovation challenges. 29. Innovation challenges can be done in projects directly implemented by UNDP or when UNDP provides support services to national implementation (COS services). Low-value grants can be used in parallel to other engagement types with responsible parties or as part of a dedicated grant project.
Inputs are the personnel (including staff, service contract holders, UN Volunteers and consultants), goods, services, partnerships and low-value grants required to produce planned outputs. Inputs are obtained on the basis of the project workplan and the corresponding budget. Where the progress towards planned outputs is not advancing as expected, the project board should review the strategy of the project, including the workplan, budget and inputs.
Covers the estimates as approved by the Executive Board relating to the activities and associated costs in the cost categories of development effectiveness, United Nations Development Coordination, management and special purpose.
Institutional effectiveness projects manage inputs and activities that enable UNDP to contribute to development results. This type of project does not require a project document and can operate on a continuing basis. An annual workplan and budget must be prepared and approved by staff with appropriate delegation of authority
Instructions to Offerors/Proposers – the complete set of documents which provides Offerors/Proposers with all information needed and procedures to be followed in the course of preparing their Offer/Proposal.
Intangible Assets are the non-physical items of value that UNDP owns. The defining characteristics of an Intangible Asset are the lack of physical existence (cannot be touched), and having no set monetary value. They cannot be seen or touched, but are nonetheless important to UNDP’s success. Intangible Assets may be internally generated, such as internally developed software, or acquired from external sources e.g. goodwill (which may not apply to UNDP), or brand name e.g. If UNDP uses a reputable trademark in implementing one of its projects.
The primary inter-agency mechanism for the HACT framework at HQ level is the HACT Advisory Committee. It serves in an advisory capacity only, providing inter-agency policy advice, technical guidance and support to agencies implementing the HACT framework. The committee consists of individuals from finance and programme units from the various agencies.
A temporary suspension of a Vendor’s eligibility to participate in new procurement processes, as further described in paragraph 66 of the Vendor Sanctions Policy to protect UNDP’s interests pending the completion of either an investigation into Proscribed Practices or the VRC process. Interim suspensions are internal measures that are not reported on the UNGM.
Internal audit report means the final report resulting from an audit signed by the Director of the Office of Audit and Investigations and issued to the Administrator and the auditees for their consideration and for the implementation of recommendations. The report is also provided to the UN Board of Auditors.
Internal control is a process, effected by a governing body, management or other personnel of an organization, designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of objectives in the categories of (i) effectiveness and efficiency of operations, (ii) reliability of financial reporting, and (iii) compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
The Internal Control Framework covers key control factors such as planning, monitoring, communication, policies, procedures, segregation of duties, individual authorities and accountabilities that combined, inter alia: safeguard assets from inappropriate use and loss from fraud and error; help ensure the quality of internal and external reporting, through the maintenance of proper records and information flows; facilitate compliance with applicable laws, regulations and internal policies.
The International Personnel Services Agreement (“IPSA”) is a legal instrument established by the United Nations Development Programme in order to engage the services of individuals to provide a time-limited service to UNDP under a services-based contract. This new modality has two key objectives: On the one hand, it aims to provide UNDP with a comprehensive, flexible and cost-effective contractual framework which responds to project- and programme-based, as well as operational and administrative, requirements. On the other, the IPSA will at the same time provide for attractive, stable and fair conditions of employment which ensure that UNDP is able to attract, select and retain the services of high-quality individuals. Individuals engaged under this instrument have the status of International Personnel Service Agreement Holders, and are specifically engaged in recognition of their skills and expertise, to provide identified deliverables. These individuals are not UNDP staff members, but are considered affiliate personnel and, as such are not governed by or subject to the United Nations’ Staff Regulations and Rules. Nor is this contract modality governed by national legislation in countries where UNDP operates. Given that the services covered by the IPSA may only be provided by natural and not legal persons (e.g., duly formed/registered companies), and by non-incorporated partnerships, the IPSA falls within the overall scope of UNDP Human Resource management framework.
The purpose of the Internship programme is to provide students and recent graduates from diverse academic backgrounds exposure to development issues and a first-hand experience with the day-to-day working environment of UNDP.
Inventory in transit is en-route goods purchased that are in the ownership of UNDP but in the possession of the carrier. The inventory in transit that is owned by UNDP (based on INCOTERMS 2020) must be recorded as inventories. Therefore, it is very important to determine the ownership of inventory items in transit based on respective INCOTERMS 2020.
The process of planning and conducting appropriate lines of inquiry to determine the factual basis of allegations, and, if substantiated, assembling a dossier of evidence to permit a decision at a later stage as to whether formal charges of misconduct should be made against a staff member, or, whether the case should be closed.
is any person who is not the investigation subject but who cooperates with an investigation, for instance by being interviewed or by providing information. Investigation participants may be staff members cooperating pursuant to Staff Regulation 1.2 (r) and Staff Rule 1.2 (c), or non-staff and third persons who provide relevant information.
A member of the Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) or a person authorised by OAI to conduct an investigation related to cases of allegations of wrongdoing. An investigator may also be a person authorised directly by the Secretary-General or the Administrator in certain cases, to conduct an investigation into allegations of wrongdoing.
An invitation to bid is used to procure goods or works valued at US $200,000 or more. It does not require prospective bidders to specify the manner of production, technical approaches or management/supervision of required activities. The invitation to bid only requests details on costs to meet precise specifications for goods. The method may also be used in procuring construction works or services that can be quantitatively and qualitatively defined.
ITM COE refers to the ITM Digital Corporate Platforms Application Center of Excellence (CoE), which is the ITM Center tasked with provision of advice to Country Offices and Business Units on applications development.
To ensure the programme remains relevant and effectively contributes to outcome level results, the programme board may approve some changes to the programme without the need to resubmit the programme document to the UNDP Executive Board. These include: (a) removal of outputs that would not adversely affect the achievement of agreed outcomes; (b) adding new outputs necessary to achieve a given agreed outcome identified after the approval of the programme document; and c) changing outcome or output indicators that measure the progress of the programme.
Management activities are activities and costs whose primary function is the promotion of the identity, executive direction, representation, accountability and well-being of the UNDP Country Office.
Under Pooled Fund Management, participating UN organizations pool funds together to one UN organization, called the Managing Agent (MA), chosen jointly by the participating UN organizations in consultation with the (sub-) national partner. The MA will support the (sub)national partner in managing the programme. This option is likely to be the most effective and efficient approach when participating UN organizations work for common results with a common national or sub-national partner (e.g. Department, provincial office, NGO) and/or in a common geographical area.
Categories of costs in which the primary function is the promotion of the identity, direction and well-being of an organization. These include executive direction, representation, external relations and partnerships, corporate communications, legal, oversight, audit, corporate evaluation, information technology, finance, administration, security and human resources. This includes both activities and associated costs of a recurring and non-recurring nature.
This format is chosen if the cheque number is to be assigned by the user, or if the payment is being made in cash. Manual cheques (MAN) are prepared and written/printed by the user. The pay cycle does not include and process manual cheques. This option should be used as infrequently as possible, as the manual nature of the process is prone to errors.
This format of disbursement is chosen if the cheque number is to be assigned by the user, or if the payment is being made in cash. Manual cheques (MAN) are prepared and written/printed by the user.
Manual payments are defined as payments made outside of Quantum and then subsequently recorded in Quantum. Offices may only make manual payments when (1) the office is unable to connect to, or complete, a transaction due to poor system performance or poor connectivity to Quantum and (2) the payment is needed immediately due to an unavoidable emergency situation. All manual payments must have supporting documents.
Material Deviation – any content or characteristic of the Offer that is significantly different from an essential aspect or requirement of the ITB/RFP, and (i) substantially alters the scope and quality of the requirements; (ii) limits the rights of UNDP and/or the obligations of the offeror; and (iii) adversely impacts the fairness and principles
A sound pipeline portfolio is likely to include projects of different maturity, ranging from initial ideas to interventions with secured funding and implementation capacity ready to be launched. Having a clearer idea of the maturity of its pipeline allows better-informed decisions about investment areas which have a higher return potential in terms of development impact.
The purpose of Medical Evacuation Travel (MET) is to allow staff members and eligible dependents the opportunity to secure essential medical care or treatment for a severe illness or injury requiring medical intervention which is locally unavailable or inadequate.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizes a non-binding partnership by stipulating intent and commitment between partners. It articulates the legislative background, general principles and focus of potential cooperation in pursuit of common goals. It serves as the overall framework for all global, regional and country-level cooperation. Specific country-level implementation agreements are subordinate to MOUs and are used to specify conditions of work. UNDP has different templates for Governments, United Nations entities, the private sector, non-governmental and civil society organizations, academic institutions, and foundations. An MoU is not a financial instrument and therefore cannot be used by UNDP to make or receive contributions from partners.
The purpose of the micro assessment is to assess a Partner’s financial management capacity (i.e. Accounting, procurement, reporting, internal controls, etc.) to determine the overall risk rating and assurance activities. The risk rating may be adjusted taking into consideration other available information such as the results of the macro assessment and previous experience with the partner to arrive at an Adjusted Risk Rating which is used to determine the appropriate cash transfer modality to a Partner. This assessment applies to both governmental and non-governmental Partners.
The financial assistance provided to an intermediary which includes
nongovernmental or grass roots organizations in an amount not exceeding$150,000 for each individual grant.
Micro-purchasing is a simplified procurement method for readily available goods, standardized services and small works, where contract amounts do not exceed US $5,000. Such purchases may constitute a significant volume of UNDP’s total procurement, but their aggregate value remains relatively low. A simplified process is preferred to reduce transaction costs.
The failure by a staff member to comply with his or her obligations under the Charter of the United Nations, the Staff Regulations and the Staff Rules or other relevant administrative issuances, or to observe the standards of conduct expected of an international civil servant. Such a failure could be deliberate (intentional, or wilful act), or result from an extreme or aggravated failure to exercise the standard of care that a reasonable person would have exercised with respect to a reasonably foreseeable risk (gross negligence) or from a complete disregard of a risk which is likely to cause harm (recklessness).
Mobility is defined as periodic moves of staff to new or re-classified positions within the same or different occupational group/functional area, laterally or to a different level, within the same or different duty station.
The mobility and hardship scheme consists of the following non-pensionable allowances: a) A mobility incentive, which varies according to the number of assignments to field duty stations and the purpose of which is to provide an incentive for the geographic mobility of staff in support of field operations; b) A hardship allowance, the purpose of which is to compensate for the varying degrees of hardship at different field duty stations; c) A non-family service allowance, the purpose of which is to recognize service in non-family duty stations.
Five basic modes of freight transportation – sea, rail, road, air and parcel post – are used, either individually or in combination, in international transportation. Business Units should consider modes of transport that are both economical and efficient. In general, rail, road and air transport costs are comparatively higher than freight by sea, thus UNDP recommends sea transport. To ensure sound delivery however, it is advisable to select a conference liner, which operates along definite routes and pre-determined ports of call.
Money Laundering (“ML”) is generally considered as concealment of the origins of money obtained illegally, typically by passing it through a complex sequence of financial or commercial transactions. ML usually involves three stages: (i) introducing the proceeds of crime into the financial system (placement); (ii) transactions to convert or transfer the funds to other locations or financial institutions (layering); and (iii) reintroducing the funds into the legitimate economy as "clean" money and investing it in various assets or business ventures (reintegration) appearing to have been legally obtained. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommends that ML be criminalized by every country on the basis of article 3(1)(b) and (c) of the Vienna Convention (United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988) and article 6(1) of the Palermo Convention (United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, 2000).
Money Laundering (“ML”) is generally considered as concealment of the origins of money obtained illegally, typically by passing it through a complex sequence of financial or commercial transactions. ML usually involves three stages: (i) introducing the proceeds of crime into the financial system (placement); (ii) transactions to convert or transfer the funds to other locations or financial institutions (layering); and (iii) reintroducing the funds into the legitimate economy as "clean" money and investing it in various assets or business ventures (reintegration) appearing to have been legally obtained. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommends that ML be criminalized by every country on the basis of article 3(1)(b) and (c) of the Vienna Convention and article 6(1) of the Palermo Convention.
Monitoring improves development effectiveness and efficiency by reviewing performance and using evidence to adjust programming for optimal results. Good monitoring starts with good planning and clear identification of what a programme or project will strive to achieve with specified resources. It is a continuous management function that provides decision-makers with regular feedback. Evidence from monitoring also serves as a critical input to evaluation and enables evidence-based reporting. Monitoring includes: (a) tracking performance through the collection of appropriate and credible data and other evidence; (b) analysing evidence to inform management decision-making, improve effectiveness and efficiency, and adjust programming as necessary; and (c) reporting on performance and lessons to facilitate learning and support accountability.
The monthly imprest level is the liquidity requirement of a country office to be funded by Treasury. It is the cash needed by country offices to fund their operations monthly. The imprest level is also a cash management tool used by Treasury to promote efficient cash management. The sum of all imprest levels provides a good estimate of cash outflows from country offices and is used to estimate UNDP’S liquidity needs.
Monthly payments: Monthly earnings of a staff member less payroll deductions, excluding those deductions made at the request of the staff member for payment to the United Federal Credit Union (UNFCU) or a similar institution.
Accountability of donors for providing aid in ways that support country development strategies and recipient governments for using aid and other resources effectively. This includes enhancing the checks and balances fundamental for development. In the case of managers and staff, managers are to provide adequate resources, appropriate tools and delegate relevant authority to staff, and staff are to utilize those resources, tools and delegated authority in an effective and efficient manner, in accordance with the regulatory framework of the United Nations entity, including checks and balances, in order to achieve the objectives and results of the entity