Glossary | United Nations Development Programme

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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.

Source: Internal Control Framework
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.

Source: Internal Control Framework

Segregation of duties is anchored in UNDP financial regulation 20.02 and is a keystone control that helps UNDP safeguard its assets and mitigate the risk of fraud and error. Segregation of duties is based on ensuring that no one staff member can: (i) have custody of assets; (ii) authorize and approve the use of assets; and (iii) record and report assets.

Source: Internal Control Framework

Transparency is a key principle underlying accountability. Duties and responsibilities should be clearly defined and staff members should be seen to accept and carry out these responsibilities.(f) Transparency refers to a process by which reliable, timely information about existing conditions, decisions and actions relating to the activities of the organization is made accessible, visible and understandable.

Source: Accountability System Policy, Internal Control Framework