UNDP_POPP_WHATSNEW_LIST

 

The Preliminary Examination Template – for RFPs and ITBs is now available in French (POPP-11-3584).

​The revised UNDP Security Policy and procedures outline UNDP’s Security Framework within the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) and provides UNDP managers and personnel with guidance and tools to manage day to day security related matters. The policy aligns with recent UNSMS policy updates and enables UNDP to achieve its goals as established in the UNDP Strategic Plan and is in line with the UNSMS mission statement of ensuring the security of UNDP, UNV and UNCDF personnel, premises, assets and operations.

Direct Contracting provision 73.vi. of the Procurement Methods policy was added to align with UNDP's Financial Rules and Regulations.

​Effective April 30, 2021, a new time tracking system has been developed to be applied by UNDP personnel designated to provide oversight services on the Vertical Fund (GEF Family of Funds, GCF, and AF) financed projects. The system is designed to track time spent on providing vertical fund-specific Project Cycle Management Services (PCMS) and vertical fund related Corporate Activities. These services are defined by the Council and Board of the GEF, GCF and AF, respectively and include oversight services to ensure that project execution (by the Implementing Partner) meets the standards and requirements of the respective vertical funds and UNDP Policies and Procedures. Details are further outlined in the Guidance Note, which is linked in step 1.1 ALT of the Formulate Development Projects procedures. 

​The National Personnel Services Agreement (NPSA) is a new policy intended to improve and align the conditions of national personnel globally. It provides for inclusion of NPSA holders through access to training, learning and career opportunities, and provides for a fair and consistent set of benefits equal to all NPSA holders globally in terms of annual leave, sick leave, lump sum towards pension schemes of choice, possibility for commutation of annual leave to cash, to mention a few. It also provides for a lighter administration of contracts, for example, by using existing salary-setting methodologies to minimize administration, but also to ensure consistent levels of classification across all modalities.

​An explanatory note was added to clause 1 of the Project Petty Cash Fund (PPCF) policy for the “Support to NIM” implementation.

The Vertical Funds Needs Assessment Tool (VF-NAT), as well as a VF NAT user guide and an FAQ file have been added under Procedure No. 1.1 ALT of the Formulate Development Projects procedures of the Formulate Programmes & Projects policy. The VF-NAT has been developed as a part of the OAI GEF audit management actions. The VF-NAT will be piloted between May-Dec 2021 when new VF programming requests are received. After the pilot phase, following a review and refinement, the tool will be rolled out in support of VF programming, in conjunction with the IWP process for 2022.

The updated P.210 Application for US G-5 Visas form, PT.63B Request for Change for G-5 Visa Status and P.210AA G-5 Employment Contract Template forms are now available in the Visas at Headquarters (New York) policy under the Templates and Forms section.

The policy has been updated to include a clause for projects where UNDP plans to engage with the non-UN security sector that the UN's Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP) applies which aims to ensure UNDP does not provide support to entities committing grave violations of international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law. The Formulate Development Projects procedures have been updated to include the UNDP HRDDP Implementation Framework Tool as a risk assessment tool if UNDP plans to engage with the non-UN security sector.

​​The Statement of Health template in Spanish (for Individual Contract) is now available in the POPP templates library.

The following partnerships documents are now available in the POPP templates library:

1. MOU with Government
   
2. MOU with UN Entities and International Organization

​The following templates are now available in the POPP library and linked in the Fellowship policy and procedures:  

• Fellowship Partnership Agreement Template (step 1; policy clause 9)
• Fellowship ToR (step 2; policy clause 19.a.)
• UNDP-Funded Fellowship Undertaking Letter (step 8; policy clause 11)

​Following the approval by the Administrator of the decision to implement two-year renewal cycles for Fixed-Term Appointments, BMS/OHR is introducing a supporting measure to ensure that all new staff on initial fixed term appointments of more than one year are subject to a probation period prior to being confirmed in their positions.

The probationary period will allow UNDP to manage the relationship more flexibly, so that managers can address problems, if any, before confirming a new staff member into a two-year appointment. Furthermore, it focuses managers’ attention on the first year of employment of a new staff member so that they provide the clear guidance which underpins a successful start in a new position in UNDP.

Under the proposed policy, the probation period will give managers the opportunity to assess new staff members on the job, over a period of 10 months before deciding to either confirm or terminate the appointment. In certain circumstances, the probationary period can also be extended for up to 6 months. The policy will take effect on 1 March 2021.

​The hyperlinks under clause 7 of the Service Clearance Account (SCA), Charging, Billing and Fee Collection policy, and in step 5 of the UN Agency Services procedure table have been replaced with the On Demand Jobaid for CRN Bill. The previous document, Atlas Ondemand site is no longer active.

​A new SLA between UNDP and UNDSS was signed in 2019, replacing the 2006 MoU. Clause 18 of the Furniture and Equipment: Acquisition and Maintenance policy has been updated to link to the new SLA.

​The Procurement Oversight and Procurement Review Committees policy was updated to reflect the streamlining of direct review for ACP/RACP Chairs that was approved in 2018 by BMS.

​The International Personnel Services Agreement (IPSA) is a new policy which fills a gap in existing contractual modalities related to project-based international personnel.

​The following templates are now available in Spanish and linked in clause 32 of the Spanish Vehicle Management policy version. To access the content, click on the Spanish language tab.

1. Memorandum of Acceptance of Temporary Custody of UNDP Property
2. Waiver of Liability for UNDP Vehicles

A one-stop-shop link to all environmental vertical fund (GEF & GCF) templates, procedures and policies in the POPP (POPP-11-3484) has been added as a guideline under Procedure No. 1.1 ALT of the Formulate Development Projects procedures of the Formulate Programmes & Projects policy. The link is in response to audit and provides a one-stop shop guidance map on GEF & GCF templates, procedures and policies in the POPP.

​Minor updates were made to the Purchase Orders (Commitments, Maintenance and Closure) policy to specify that duty travel expenses are not committed via PO.

The Vendor Management SOP for clustered COs has been thoroughly reviewed and revised in conjunction with the new SOP for Vendor Management - Non-Clustered Country Office announced by the BMS director on 18 July 2020. The SOP incorporates the requirements for adequate due diligence and documentation for new and modified vendor profiles, verification of the vendor sanctions lists in detail, and quarterly maintenance of vendor records. The SOP is effective as of 1 February 2021.

​In line with the UNSMS Commercial Air Travel Safety Policy requiring that each UNSMS entity establishes an internal mechanism in its decision-making process to determine whether an air operator should be used for the official travel of their personnel, the UNDP Commercial Air Travel Safety Guidelines have been revised in alignment to the revision of the UNSMS policy. The guidelines further define the role of UNDP Managers approving air travel of UNDP personnel, clarifies responsibilities, and introduces the ad-hoc approval process for the use of commercial air operators, in addition to time-limited blanket authorization approval process of a commercial air operator, not included in the UNDP global booking list.

​The Direct Payments policy and procedures have been further updated as follows: Guidance has been added to Para 2 on the ICE template. ICE template guidance has been added to procedure step 1. Fraud red-flags guidance have been added to procedure step 9.

​The new Software License and Services Agreement (POPP-11-3431) has been uploaded to the POPP templates library. Business Units should use this template when procuring a license to use commercially available software - both when the license is procured for UNDP’s internal use of the software, and when the license is procured by UNDP for a third party (such as a governmental entity or another UN entity).

​Additional guidance has been captured in the Safe Management policy for the Safe Deposit Lockbox for the purpose of off-site storage of IT devices.

​Updates to the ICF Operational Guide provide additional clarity on the responsibilities for monitoring budget overrides, and overseeing override match exception functions. Additional sentences have been added on override match exceptions to page 39 and on monitoring of budget overrides to pages 16, 22 and 23.

The GLOC from LIC and MIC (Low- and Middle-Income Countries) policy is now available in French. To access the document, click on the French language tab.

​Editorial changes were made to clause 5 of the Handling of Cash and Receipts Treasury policy.

​As part of People for 2030, OHR is introducing a mobility policy which enables UNDP to deploy the right people in the right place at the right time, thus ensuring that the organization can fulfil its crucial mission and achieve its objectives in fostering the attainment of sustainable development. More specifically, the policy aims to:

• Enable more effective and efficient staff mobility within UNDP;
• Ensure that staff moves are managed strategically and that each established position is continuously filled;
• Create opportunities for career development and continuous learning, as part of an integrated employee experience, through multi-directional moves driven both by business needs and staff aspirations;
• Strengthen UNDP's ability to attract and retain a diverse and dynamic world-class global workforce that will effectively meet the Organization's current and future operational needs.

UNDP's new mobility policy provides a clear framework for how mobility is implemented and managed in UNDP. It applies to all International Professional (IP) staff members holding a UNDP Letter of Appointment and hired on Fixed-Term Appointments (FTA) and Permanent Appointments (PA). The policy defines mobility 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 policy reintroduces a mobility requirement for most of IP positions as well as a duration of assignment (tour of duty) element. It further creates the categories of geographical, functional and inter-agency mobility.

The policy establishes that most of IP positions are mobile, and classifies these as either Rotational or Non-rotational.

The policy also outlines arrangements for:

• Moves of staff in rotational positions, which are proposed to be managed through a corporate centrally managed Annual Rotation Exercise (ARE). There will be two types of AREs – for positions sourced from the Candidate Pools and for all other rotational positions; and
• Moves of staff in non-rotational positions, which are proposed to be managed mainly through a regular recruitment process.

The policy will take effect on 1 January 2021 and will be implemented in phases, including an initial designation of rotational positions, planning of upcoming AREs and other activities in accordance with the implementation plan currently designed by OHR/BMS.

The Social and Environmental Standards policy and procedures have been updated to reflect the revised policy and procedures, which come into effect on 1 January 2021.The updated Social and Environmental Standards Toolkit was also updated to reflect changes from the revised policy and procedures, which come into effect on 1 January 2021.

​The following policies are now available in Spanish. To access the content, click on the Spanish language tab of the respective policy page:

1. Rank-in-Post
2. Non-Reimbursable Loan Agreements

​The Managing Partnerships policy is now available in Spanish. To access the document, click on the Spanish language tab.

​The GEF-DOA agreement template has been uploaded to POPP and linked in procedure step 2.1 VERT for Development Projects. For GEF-funded projects, a Delegation of Authority agreement must be signed by the Resident Representative and Regional Bureau Director before the Project Document can be signed.

​The revised guidance note for Country Office Workload Survey is now available in Spanish. The guidance note is linked in the procedure section of the Direct Project Costs policy page. 

Step 6 of the GMS Fee Set-up and Collection procedure table was updated with the most recent hyperlink to the actual average GMS PowerBI report, derived from actual GL expenses posted to projects. The hyperlink appears in the Explanatory Notes column of the Step 6.

​The Direct Cash Transfers and Reimbursements policy and procedures have been further updated as follows: Guidance has been added to Para 4 on the ICE template. Guidance has been added to Paras 22 and 23 on fraud red-flags. ICE template guidance has been added to procedure step 5.

​The Construction Works policy and Guidance Note (POPP-11-3373) are available in Spanish. To access the content, click on the Spanish language tab.

​The guidance note for Country Office Workload Survey has been revised and replaced. It provides general guidance on how to conduct and document workload surveys, and its usage for the office planning and costing of project services. The guidance note is linked in the procedure section of the Multiple Funding Lines for Positions policy page.

​The Construction Works policy and accompanying Guidance Note have been updated to reflect that Resident Representatives are authorized to approve project documents with works up to the standard delegation of procurement authority. Additionally, the template, Request for Approval or Delegation for Project Document that includes Construction Works (POPP-11-3360), has been linked in clause 23 of the policy. Business Units shall utilise this template to obtain the necessary approvals for works projects.

​The threshold of Request for Quotations (RFQs) has increased from US$150,000 to US$200,000 to align with the increase in the delegated authority to Heads of Business Units with the continued systemic use of eTendering. This measure is mainstreamed in the launch of the new harmonized RFQ template established in collaboration with other UN Agencies by the HLCM Procurement Network.

The RFQ is linked in clause 4.b. of the Solicitation policy and in clause 29 of the Procurement Methods policy.

​The Operational Guide to the ICF is now available in Spanish. To access the document, click on the Spanish language tab.

​The Financial Closure of Development Projects policy has been updated with links to the Operational Guidelines for Financial Closure of Projects; the Operating guidelines for MPTF projects; FAQ in Project Closure SharePoint, and the eChecklist in the Atlas Project Closure Workbench. These resources provide a wealth of information to guide offices in the closing of projects - an often undervalued, yet vital part of our work.

​The Fellowship policy establishes a framework which allows UNDP to implement its own fellowship initiatives (corporate fellowships) and partner with academic and other institutions, such as international organisations, international financial institutions, foundations, national scholarship programmes and the private sector (sponsoring entities). Furthermore, the responsibilities of both UNDP and a sponsoring entity are clarified. The policy also establishes the basic principles to be followed when UNDP decides to fund a fellowship initiative. Until further notice, all fellowships initiatives will be reviewed by TAPP/OHR prior to implementation.

​Paragraph 16 was added to the Government Contribution to Local Office Costs (GLOC) from LIC and MIC policy. The paragraph was added to reflect decisions adopted by the Executive Board during the second regular session in 2020.  GLOC contributions are a major funding source for country offices' core institutional budgets, and their utilization is subject to UNDP Financial Regulations and Rules. The Executive Board (EB decision 2020/14) recognizes the importance of host government contributions to UNDP local offices costs, and encourages UNDP to work with the respective governments to agree, where possible, to annual and multi-year contributions.

The Framework of Accountability for Security policy is now available in French. To access the document, click on the French language tab.

​The UNMSM Operational Guidelines have been added as a related policy. The Guidelines outline budgetary, financial, and procurement procedures for the resources available centrally within UNDP to cover UN Mandated Security Measures (UNMSM). These requirements are undertaken in response to United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) policy directives and recommendations made within the Security Risk management (SRM) process to ensure security compliance in duty stations.

The Designation and Responsibilities of Signatories policy is now available in French. To access the document, click on the French language tab.

​The Bank Account Signatory control has been updated in the policy and procedures to align with ICF.

Updated UN Certificate Application form and the templates for transmitting requests to and from the country offices. Removed the reference to the paper F-10 which has been replaced by online Travel Claim in Atlas T&E. 

Template POPP IDs:

1)Template for Application for UN Certificate (POPP-11-1272)
2)Template for transmitting to/acknowledging receipt of travel documents by staff in COs (POPP-11-1256)
3)Template for transmitting requests for travel documents to General Operations (POPP-11-1279) 

​The Framework of Accountability for Security policy was updated to align with recent UNSMS policy updates, clearly define accountability/role of the UNV and UNCDF Executive Heads, the most senior UNDP staff at the country level following the RC/RR delinking process, as well as the roles of the Agency Country Security Focal Points at the country level. Other editorial and straightforward changes have also been made to streamline content.

​Clause 4.1 and Appendix 2 of the ERM policy were modified to 1) add additional risks-sub categories and 2) remove BOA, JIU as part of the three lines of defence.

​The Innovation Challenges Agreement Template (Company) is now available in Spanish in the template library (POPP-11-3271). It is also linked in step 9 of the Innovation Challenges procedure table, section 3.0.

​The following policies are available in Spanish. To access the content, click on the Spanish language tab of the respective policy page:

1. General Considerations of Contracting
2. Handling of Procurement Complaints
3. Payment and Taxes
4. Shipping and Insurance
5. Engaging CSO/NGO as a Responsible Party
6. Security Charges to Individual Contracts (located under "Related Policies" on the Individual Contract policy page, section 2.0)

​On June 11, the EG approved BMS’ recommendation to change the policy on the application of the GMS rates for International Financial Institutions (IFIs). A GMS rate of 5% is now applicable for all IFIs with an annual volume that exceeds $50M for loan or credit guarantee implementation support. The current GMS rate of 8% will continue to apply for grant financing, and to financing from IFIs below the annual volume threshold.

A Guidance Note on GMS (Indirect Costs) for International Financial Institutions is available as a hyperlink in the table under clause 7 of the Cost Recovery from Other Resources - GMS policy and is available in the POPP library (document ID POPP-11-3262).

​The following policies are available in Spanish. To access the content, click on the Spanish language tab of the respective policy page:

1. Long Term Agreements (LTAs)
2. Pre-Award Negotiations
3. Requisition and Procurement of Goods, Civil Works and Services
4. Vendor Sanctions

Templates for on-granting clauses have been added to the policy, and operational guidance on low value grants has been linked in the procedures. (POPP-11-3253, POPP-11-3244, POPP-11-3258)

​The policy on Government Contributions from Net Contributing Countries (NCCs) and High Middle-Income Countries (High-MICs) is available for a better understanding of the respective board decisions and their implications on local office funding. This policy is applicable only to the countries classified as high-middle income countries (High MICs, countries with levels of GNI per capita over and above $6,660) and Net Contributing Countries (NCCs) and that are regulated as per the EB decision (2013/30) on Funding of differentiated physical presence (DP/2013/45) (DP/2013/45 French; DP/2013/45 Spanish).

​The CDR Bridge Navigation Guide has been linked in clause 4 of the Combined Delivery Report (CDR) policy, and in step 1 of the CDR procedure table. It is also linked in clause 17 of the Direct Implementation (DIM) Modality policy. The document offers guidance on how to use the CDR Bridge platform, including how to register implementing partners. The guide is also available in the POPP templates library (POPP-11-3234).

​Clauses 15 through 21 of the DIM policy have been updated to reflect the new CDR Bridge Platform, a digital platform that will be used for certification and as a central repository for CDRs going forward. CDRs will automatically be generated from Atlas after closure of each quarter by OFRM and the CDRs delivered to the platform without any manual intervention from UNDP Offices. Offices will be required to review the CDRs in the new platform and have the option to send the reports electronically (via email), and have implementing partners certify the CDRs electronically in the platform. With the launch of the CDR Bridge, uploading of CDRs to the former SharePoint site is discontinued.

​The purpose of the Electronic Signatures policy and procedures is to guide UNDP units in their use of electronic signatures. The policy and procedures define the requirements for e-signatures and ask that UNDP Country Offices and business units review their business processes with the aim of eliminating handwritten signatures and replacing them with either their electronic counterparts, or with email or other system-embedded workflow approvals when possible or permitted. The policy and procedures cover e-signatures uses in UNDP’s internal operations, as well as transactions with external parties, where the use of electronic signatures has been agreed by the parties.

​The revised GLOC from LIC and MIC (Low and Middle Income Countries) policy provides a detailed explanation of GLOC formulation from host governments in low and middle income countries, along with a computation of annual cash targets, recent flexibilities in target setting, and tracking and reporting of annual cash targets and payments. The procedures section has also been updated with the most recent reporting tools and guidance notes.

OHR has published guidelines on the use of P-6 and P-7 level positions. The purpose of these guidelines is to detail the characteristics of P6 and P7 positions to guide the classification exercise. The new guidelines are linked under the main Recruitment and Selection policy, section 2.0. 

The Gifts Policy assists UNDP personnel in regulating their conduct when offered gifts or other items, irrespective of value and source in the course of their functions. The policy delineates and formalizes personnel reporting obligations, and distinguishes between obligations related to the receipt of gifts from governmental and non-governmental entities, including whether the gifts are valued below or above USD 30. The policy also provides the Organization with procedures to follow with regards to the recording and disposition of gifts.

Paragraphs 16 and 22 of the Special Leave policy were updated to clarify that special leave for purposes of external employment will be approved only if it is deemed in UNDP's interest and to reinforce that this cannot exceed 24 months in duration. Where external employment is approved for purposes of accompanying a UNDP spouse reassigned to a duty station by UNDP, the time limit is extended to 60 months.

​ The Direct Project Costs policy is available in French. To access the document, click the French language tab.

​A table in clause 7 of the Cost Recovery from Other Resources - GMS policy was updated to include an additional line to clarify applicable cost recovery rates for the resources for Engagement facilities.

​The following policies are now available in Spanish. To access the content, click on the Spanish language tab of the respective policy page:

1. Transition Pool
2. Family Relationships
3. Salary Advance

4. Overtime Compensation

The International Commercial Terms (INCOTERMS) 2020 has been linked in clause 3 of the Shipping and Insurance policy and in the following templates:

1. Long Term Agreement (Clauses 4 and 5) (Also available in Spanish); This template is in the POPP templates library (POPP-11-3138)
2. GTCs for Contracts (Goods and-or Services) (Clauses 11.1 and 11.4) (Also available in French and Spanish). This template is linked in the General Considerations of Contracting Policy (Clause 27).
3. Invitation To Bid (clause 5 and Form F) (Also available in French and Spanish). This template is linked in the Procurement Methods Policy (Clause 44).
4. Request for Quotation (pp 4 and 10) (Also available in French and Spanish). This template is linked in the Procurement Methods Policy (Clause 29).

Differences between Incoterms 2010 and 2020:

• The Incoterms FCA (Free Carrier) now provides the additional option to make an on-board notation on the Bill of Lading prior loading of the goods on a vessel.
• The costs now appear centralized in A9/B9 of each Incoterms rule.
• CIP now requires at least an insurance with the minimum cover of the Institute Cargo Clause (A) (All risk, subject to itemized exclusions).
• CIF requires at least an insurance with the minimum cover of the Institute Cargo Clause (C) (Number of listed risks, subject to itemized exclusions).
• The Incoterms rules Free Carrier (FCA), Delivered at Place (DAP), Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU) and Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) now take into account that the goods may be carried without any third-party carrier being engaged, namely by using its own means of transportation.
• The rule Delivered at Terminal (DAT) has been changed to Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU) to clarify that the place of destination could be any place and not only a “terminal”.
• The Incoterms 2020 now explicitly shifts the responsibility of security-related requirements and ancillary costs to the seller.

The International Commercial Terms (INCOTERMS) 2020 has been linked in the following policies and/or procedures:

1. Inventory Management policy (Clause 10 and 11).

2. Receipt of Services procedure table (Step one).

3. Purchase Order (Commitments, Maintenance and Closure) procedure table (Steps two and eight). 

4. Combined Delivery Report procedure table [Step one (UNDP NIM Manual)].

5. Receipt of Goods and Application of Incoterms policy (Clause three). 

6. Receipt of Goods DAP and Application of Incoterms policy and procedure table (Clauses one & two and step eight). 

7. Receipt of Goods FOB and Application of Incoterms policy and procedure table (Clause one and step seven). 

Differences between Incoterms 2010 and 2020:

• The Incoterms FCA (Free Carrier) now provides the additional option to make an on-board notation on the Bill of Lading prior loading of the goods on a vessel.
• The costs now appear centralized in A9/B9 of each Incoterms rule.
• CIP now requires at least an insurance with the minimum cover of the Institute Cargo Clause (A) (All risk, subject to itemized exclusions).
• CIF requires at least an insurance with the minimum cover of the Institute Cargo Clause (C) (Number of listed risks, subject to itemized exclusions).
• The Incoterms rules Free Carrier (FCA), Delivered at Place (DAP), Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU) and Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) now take into account that the goods may be carried without any third-party carrier being engaged, namely by using its own means of transportation.
• The rule Delivered at Terminal (DAT) has been changed to Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU) to clarify that the place of destination could be any place and not only a “terminal”.
• The Incoterms 2020 now explicitly shifts the responsibility of security-related requirements and ancillary costs to the seller.

​Clause five of the Handling of Cash and Receipts Treasury policy was updated to be consistent with the remaining Treasury policies.

​The International Commercial Terms (INCOTERMS) 2020 has been linked in clause 64 of the Furniture and Equipment: Acquisition and Maintenance policy, as well as in clause 1 of the Asset Management Atlas User Guide.

Differences between Incoterms 2010 and 2020:

• The Incoterms FCA (Free Carrier) now provides the additional option to make an on-board notation on the Bill of Lading prior loading of the goods on a vessel.
• The costs now appear centralized in A9/B9 of each Incoterms rule.
• CIP now requires at least an insurance with the minimum cover of the Institute Cargo Clause (A) (All risk, subject to itemized exclusions).
• CIF requires at least an insurance with the minimum cover of the Institute Cargo Clause (C) (Number of listed risks, subject to itemized exclusions).
• The Incoterms rules Free Carrier (FCA), Delivered at Place (DAP), Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU) and Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) now take into account that the goods may be carried without any third-party carrier being engaged, namely by using its own means of transportation.
• The rule Delivered at Terminal (DAT) has been changed to Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU) to clarify that the place of destination could be any place and not only a “terminal”.
• The Incoterms 2020 now explicitly shifts the responsibility of security-related requirements and ancillary costs to the seller. 

​The following policies are now available in Spanish. To access the content, click on the Spanish language tab of the respective policy page:

​The following policies are now available in Spanish. To access the content, click on the Spanish language tab of the respective policy page:

1. Inventory Management
2. Designation and Responsibilities of Signatories
3. Opening and Closing of Bank Accounts (procedures have also been published in Spanish)
4. Procurement of Banking Services
5. Management of Cash Planning/Forecasting of Cash Flows
6. Management of Cash in Crisis or Emergency Situations
7. Bank Account Reconciliation
8. Safe Management
9. Management of Petty Cash 
10. Petty Cash Fund for Management (PCF) 

​The Guidelines for Using the Results of the Workload Survey for the Implementation of DPC has been moved from the POPP main policy area to the procedures section of the Direct Project Costs policy page, step two. It is available as a hyperlink in all language versions.​

​The UNDP Service Request Form User Guide is now available in the POPP templates library (POPP 11-3143) and linked in clause 19 of the policy.

​The UNDP Service Request Form User Guide is now available in the POPP templates library (POPP 11-3143) and linked in clause 10 of the policy.

​​UNDP has changed its asset capitalization threshold from US $1,500 to US $5,000. This policy change will significantly reduce the volume (i.e. quantity) of assets in the asset register, thereby allowing UNDP to focus attention on higher value items. The change in policy should also result in a more effective verification and certification process. Clause 53 of the Procurement Oversight and Procurement Review Committees policy has been updated accordingly.

UNDP has changed its asset capitalization threshold from US $1,500 to US $5,000. This policy change will significantly reduce the volume (i.e. quantity) of assets in the asset register thereby allowing UNDP to focus attention on higher value items. The change in policy should also result in a more effective verification and certification process.
 
UNDP has updated the following policies to reflect the changed asset capitalization threshold:

1. Furniture and Equipment: Disposal and Write-Off

The following clause has been amended accordingly:

40

Additionally, the Asset Disposal Authority has increased from US $2,500 to US $5,000. Clauses 2, 4, 5, 15, 17, 19 and 22 of the policy have been updated accordingly.

2. Furniture and Equipment: Acquisition and Maintenance

The following clauses have been amended accordingly:

3, 5-7; 14; 35-37; 41, 43, 46, 48; 73 and 83.

3. Plant and Property: Acquisition and Maintenance

The following clauses have been amended accordingly:

1, 3, 5 and 21

4. Plant and Property: Disposal and Write-Off

The Asset Disposal Authority has increased from US $2,500 to US $5,000. Clause 4 has been updated accordingly.

5. Furniture and Equipment: Property, Plant and Equipment (PPandE) 

The following clauses have been amended accordingly:

1, 4, and 5

​​Two terms changed throughout the policies below: GSSU replaced GSSC, while DMS changed to UNDP Service Request Portal.

1. Furniture and Equipment: Depreciation, Reconciliations Reports and Centralized Functions

2. Leasehold Improvements: Acquisition and Maintenance

3. Leasehold Improvements: Depreciation, Reconciliations Reports and Centralized Functions

4. Plant and Property: Disposal and Write-Off 

5. Plant and Property: Depreciation, Reconciliations Reports and Centralized Functions

The table in clause 20 of the Procurement Methods policy was updated to reflect that UNDP has changed its asset capitalization threshold from US $1,500 to US $5,000. This policy change will significantly reduce the volume (i.e. quantity) of assets in the asset register thereby allowing UNDP to focus attention on higher value items. The change in policy should also result in a more effective verification and certification process.

​Two terms changed throughout the policy: GSSU replaced GSSC, while DMS changed to UNDP Service Request Portal.

​UNDP has changed its asset capitalization threshold from US $1,500 to US $5,000. This policy change will significantly reduce the volume (i.e. quantity) of assets in the asset register thereby allowing UNDP to focus attention on higher value items. The change in policy should also result in a more effective verification and certification process. Clause 2 of the policy has been updated to reflect the capitalization of vehicles with a purchase price of $5,000 or more.

Internship stipend rates, forms and FAQs are available here.

The Atlas User Access Standards policy is available in French. To access the content, click the French tab.

The ICT Disaster Recovery Standards for UNDP Offices policy is now available in French. To access the document, click on the French language tab.

The Rank-in-Post policy will be reviewed when the new Mobility Policy currently under discussion, is published. Until such time the POPP requires a clarification that the RR/DRR post selections are filled through the POOLs which straddle multiple grades, hence the Rank-in-Post does not apply to the POOL selections. The Administrator will continue to exercise his prerogative through the Executive Group to determine the grade that the incumbent will serve at.

Para. 62 in the Home Leave policy and Section 8 in the procedures have been updated to align the requirements for post-travel Home Leave certification and documentation by staff members.

​The Crisis Assessment and Coordination Resources policy is now available in Spanish. To access the content, click the Spanish language tab.

The Electronic Funds Transfer Standards policy is available in French. To access the document, click the French language tab.

The deleted Paragraph 6 allows for all premises cases to be presented to General Operations for review and approval, so that UNDP can partner with UN agencies to determine areas of common interest including shared services/offices.

The UNDP Legal Framework for Addressing Non-compliance with UN Standards of Conduct is available in French. To access the document, click on the French language tab.

The ICF Operational Guide has been revised to reflect the division of roles and responsibilities between country offices and GSSU with detailed guidance provided for the following 14 business processes services:

1. bank-to-book (B2B) reconciliation;
2. cash management;
3. assets management;
4. inventory management;
   
5. vendor management;
6. accounts payment processing;
7. pay cycle;
8. general accounting;
9. travel processing;
10. project financial closure and donor financial reporting;
11. VAT processing;
12. procurement: LTA Goods, Services and Works;
13. procurement: purchases over US$ 150,000 except IC;
14. human resources services: (a) recruit, source, and select employees; (b) employee on-boarding; (c) manage employee performance, reward and retention; (d) manage employee well-being; (e) employee development and training; (f) administration of contracts, benefits and allowances; (g) administer payroll.
    

The Request For Information template is available in French in the template library (POPP-11-3092).

The Authorizing Official Business Travel policy has been amended to reflect the latest changes on amount limits for group travel.

Group Travel Option:

- For one-time workshop participants of 20 or more who are non-staff members that do not hold a Service Contract and when:
- the total travel payment (e.g. DSA and/or terminal expense) for individual participants are less than $500
- UNDP provides conference organization services to, partners, donors and other UN agencies, and is requested by these donors/UN agencies to affect a payment to participants in cash at a location where banking services are not available
- partners, donors and UN Agencies do not mandate the payment of a travel advance (80%) with the balance (20%) processed post travel through a travel claim

For workshops that meet the standard outlined above it is not compulsory to process the travel through the T&E module of Atlas. Offices should seek bank cash delivery options where available. In the absence of a bank delivery option the Project Cash Advance arrangement can be followed.

With the aim to reduce costs as well as the administrative burden, offices should treat group travel of 20 or more participants as a separate project and plan accordingly. The workshop planning should include the identification and contracting of the venue and negotiation of preferential rates, the cost savings of which will be passed on to UNDP.

The eTendering system is mandatory from 01 September 2019

The standard delegated procurement authority of a Resident Representative or head of a business unit is US $200,000, except for Business units granted the exceptional approval to be exempted from the mandatory use ofeTendering which will remain as $150,000.

​The Depreciation, Reconciliations Reports, and Centralized Functions (Furniture and Equipment) main policy is available in French. To access the document, click on the French language tab.

The UN Agency Services main policy is available in French. To access the document, click on the French language tab.

The Expenditure of Income Accrued from Cost Recovery main policy is now available in French. To access the document, click on the French language tab.

The Guidelines for Using the Results of the Workload Survey for Implementation of DPC main policy is now available in French. To access the document, click on the French language tab.

​The MOA of Temporary Custody of UNDP Property is now available in French (document ID POPP-11-3046) in the templates library.

The Delegation of Authorities policy is now available in French. To access the document, click on the French language tab.

The Depreciation, Reconciliations Reports, and Centralized Functions main policy is now available in French. To access the document, click on the French language tab. 

Eliminated references to processing travel through the AP module. Eliminated need to obtain supervisor approval for travel 'in writing' to reflect the introduction of e-services (absence management) which now includes duty travel. Updated link to T&E user guide.

Removed the reference to paper travel authorization

Eliminated references to processing travel through the AP module and updated text to reflect the payroll deduction option in the Post Travel policy and procedure table. 

​The updated Micro Purchasing Canvassing form is now available in French (document ID POPP-11-3037) in the templates library.

The Micro Purchasing Canvassing form has been simplified through the removal of multiple non-essential fields. The aim is to have in one form, the minimum required information to comply with the Micro-Purchasing procedures; and to include the necessary information to proceed with Atlas transactions.

The Individual Contract Procurement Notice template is now available in Spanish. It is linked in clause 81 of the Spanish IC policy and found in the POPP templates library (document ID POPP-11-3027). To access the document, click on the Spanish language tab.

​The Cost Recovery from Other Resources - GMS policy was amended as follows in order to provide greater clarity. The various costs that are funded from projects and GMS are now presented in paragraph 17 instead of hyperlinks.

​The template, Individual Contract On Behalf of a UN Agency, is now available in English (document ID POPP-11-3021) and Spanish (document ID POPP-11-3020). These are available in the POPP templates library.

​The Death policy is available in Spanish. To access the document, click on the Spanish language tab.

​The Termination of Appointment for Reasons of Health policy is available in Spanish. To access the document, click on the Spanish language tab.

All of the parental policies reflect editorial changes that align with the Gender Parity Strategy, such as gender neutrality. In addition, the following paragraph was updated:

24. To ensure adequate child care and bonding with a newly born child, following paternity leave, a staff member can apply for flexible working arrangements (e.g. telecommuting, part-time work) or request special leave without pay, which, as a general rule, should be granted. In case there is a compelling reason that prevents the supervisor from granting the request, a written justification must be endorsed by the Head of Office and the respective Bureau.

All of the parental policies reflect editorial changes that align with the Gender Parity Strategy, such as gender neutrality.

In addition, the following paragraph was updated:

9. To ensure adequate child care and bonding with a child following adoption, a staff member can apply for flexible working arrangements (e.g. telecommuting, part-time work) or request special leave without pay, which, as a general rule, should be granted.  In case there is a compelling reason that prevents the supervisor from granting the request, a written justification must be endorsed by the Head of the Office and the respective Bureau. 

​The Entitlements upon Separation policy is available in Spanish. To access the document, click on the Spanish language tab.

The Individual Contract main policy is available in Spanish. To access the document, click on the Spanish language tab.

​The Procurement Forecasting and Delivery policy and procedures are now available in Spanish. To access this information, click on the Spanish language tab.