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Policy Areas

Programme Revision

1.0

Step

The proposed changes are tracked in the programme documentation in consultation with the programme board and appraised with key stakeholders.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Required supporting documentation:

  • Copy of minutes of programme board, agreeing to the changes.
  • Revised programme documentation, with changes tracked.

Consider using the RBM Guidance to improve the way that programmes manage change. 

2.0

Step

Details of the programme amendments are submitted to the Bureau Director.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

3.0

Step

The Bureau Director, in consultation with the Executive Board Secretariat and the BPPS Effectiveness, reviews the quality of proposed changes and advises on suitable action.

Responsible Party

Bureau Director, Headquarters programme appraisal committee secretariat

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

4.0

Step

Programme revisions that do not require Executive Board approval are approved following incorporation of feedback and endorsement by the programme board.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

4.0 ALT

Step

Programme revisions requiring Executive Board approval are submitted to the Executive Board Secretariat by the relevant bureau through the Effectiveness Group in BPPS.

Responsible Party

Bureau Director,

BPPS/Quality Programming Team

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Required supporting documentation:

  • Signed clearance form with reason for revision
  • Copy of minutes of programme board, agreeing to the changes
  • Revised programme documentation, with changes tracked

Oversight (Review & Adjust)

1.0

Step

Hold programme/project board reviews at least annually.

Responsible Party

Programme Board, Project Board

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Considers: programme/project reporting, quality assurance data, evaluations, risk assessment, required partnerships and operational bottlenecks and issues. 

For GEF financed projects, the RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed) Matrix for GEF Projects Oversight is helpful guidance in defining the roles and accountability of project oversight. 

Consider using the RBM Guidance to improve oversight of programmes/ projects.

2.0

Step

Record decisions in minutes of programme/ project board meetings.

Responsible Party

Programme Board, Project Board

Template/Guideline

Project Board Minutes Template is here:

Template for Project Board Minutes included in the RBM Hub
Explanatory Notes

The programme manager must inform project boards of all decisions and actions relevant to the respective projects. Project boards and project managers must operationalize agreed changes made at the programme level through, where necessary, revising corresponding project documents.

Consider using this template for Project Board Minutes.

Monitor

1.0

Step

Track performance: Collect progress data against indicator targets (IRRF, programme, project, as relevant), stakeholder feedback, evidence on contextual changes, and operational performance data against financial and efficiency targets, in the frequency stated.

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer,

Project Manager,

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Ensure that critical project information is monitored and updated in corporate systems.

UNSDG Guidance Note on Big Data Security and Ethics

Commitments to funding partners/donors should be part of regular monitoring.

Consider using the RBM Guidance to assist with data collection methods and considerations.

2.0

Step

Analyse evidence: Compare and analyse evidence against defined programming and operational baselines, milestones, targets and the theory of change, and identify factors related to progress, at least annually.

Responsible Party

Project Manager,

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Consider using the RBM Guidance to assist with analyzing data and results.

2.1

Step

Verify output progress and/or completion at least annually.

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer,

Project Manager,

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

HACT guidelines require conducting programme monitoring as part of HACT assurance activities to verify output progress.

2.2

Step

Review transition arrangements, national ownership and sustainability plan, at least annually.

Responsible Party

Project Manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

2.3

Step

Assess quality at least every other year.

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer,

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Project QA - Implementation and Monitoring User Guide (Quantum+)

Consider using the RBM Guidance to assist with assessing quality during monitoring.

2.4

Step

Assess risks and implementation of risk management measures, at least annually.

Responsible Party

Project Manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

See Social and Environmental Standards

See Enterprise Risk Management Policy

Consider using the RBM Guidance to assist with assessing risks during monitoring.

2.5

Step

Monitor operational performance.

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer,

Project Manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Consider using the RBM Guidance to assist with assessing operational performance during monitoring.

2.6

Step

Review partnerships and communication strategy with pipeline and resource mobilization action plan, at least annually.

Responsible Party

Resident Representative

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Consider using the RBM Guidance to assist with assessing the PCAP during monitoring.

3.0

Step

​Inform decision-making to adjust the programme and project based on evidence and analysis from monitoring.

Responsible Party

Project Manager,

Programme Board

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Consider using the RBM Guidance to assist in utilizing monitoring data to assist with decision making.

4.0

Step

Document lessons learned through existing reporting and assurance mechanisms.

Responsible Party

Resident Representative,

Project Manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Recording lessons learned takes place in the project space in the corporate planning system.

Consider using the RBM Guidance to assist in improving the learning process from monitoring data, including the use of evaluation.

Deliver Results

1.0

Step

Make funds available to the project/portfolio.

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Refer to Financial Management and Implementation Modalities on the provision of financial resources. Progress/financial reports will form the basis for continued funds availability.

Consider using the RBM Guidance to assist with the delivering results.

2.0

Step

Mobilize inputs to initiate activities and deliver outputs.

Responsible Party

Project Manager,

Portfolio Manager

Template/Guideline

When UNDP carries out procurement, the online Quantum system should be used.

See Use of Online Quantum System policy and procedures in the POPP   

Online Quantum System
Explanatory Notes

See the Financial Management and Implementation Modalities. For detailed procedures related to input mobilization for a directly implemented project, see Procurement and Human Resources Management in the Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures.

3.0

Step

Perform oversight functions through periodic on-site spot checks, and scheduled audits included in the assurance activity plan.

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer,

Third-party service provider

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT)

The Office of Audit and Investigations conducts audits in alignment with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, as issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors.

The HACT, NIM and NGO audit terms of reference require auditors to follow either ISA or INTOSAI auditing standards.

The RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed) Matrix for GEF Projects Oversight details the oversight roles and accountability for GEF-funded projects.

*See HACT policy for clearance by Bureaus for staff to carry out spot checks.
 

 

4.0

Step

Update the multi-year workplan.

Responsible Party

Project Manager,

Portfolio Manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Online Quantum system 

 

Annual Planning (Projects)

1.0

Step

Review multi-year workplan for annual planning.

Responsible Party

Project Manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Consider using the RBM Guidance to assist with steps in developing the workplan.

2.0

Step

Prepare procurement and HR plans
 

Responsible Party

Project Manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Procurement plans are required for “standard or complex business needs”, the Head of BU has to approve all procurement plans by monitoring requisite report in Quantum. All procurement plans (Project and Operations) are established at the activity level in projects  in Quantum. Consolidated plans can be viewed and analyzed in Quantum by running the applicable reports.
 

Annual Planning (Programmes)

1.0

Step

Formulate annual business plan.

Responsible Party

Executive Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Consider using the RBM Guidance to assist with steps in developing the workplan.

2.0

Step

Formulate unit workplan.

Responsible Party

Head of BU

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Integrated Workplan Guidance provided annually.

Performance Based Payments

1.0

Step

Select responsible party for PBP.

Responsible Party

Project developer,Project manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Regular policies apply for selection of responsible parties.

2.0

Step

If over $300,000, select independent assessor of international repute, agreed by all parties.

Responsible Party

Project developer,Project manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Not applicable for low-value payments; see Guidance on Selecting Evaluators: Individuals versus Firms.

UNDP Evaluation Guideline
 

2.1 OPT

Step

Initiation plan or advance authorization (if necessary).

Responsible Party

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

May be necessary if the assessor is contracted before project approval.

3.0

Step

Assess capacities and perform due diligence.

Responsible Party

Project Developer, Project Manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

4.0

Step

Appraisal of PBP agreement in the local project appraisal committee or project board.

Responsible Party

Project developer,Project manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Validation of the theory of change, result formulation, payment-linked indicators and validation method by the independent assessor and the draft agreement must be included in the submission to the project appraisal committee or project board.

5.0

Step

Signature of agreement.
 

Responsible Party

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Select Implementing Partner

1.0

Step

Apply criteria to determine the appropriate implementing partner.

Responsible Party

Project Developer and/or Portfolio Developer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Apply the criteria for selecting an implementing partner.

2.0

Step

Screen the selected implementing partner and complete any required capacity assessments instructed by the PCAT.

 

Responsible Party

Project Developer and/or Portfolio Developer

Template/Guideline

The PCAT tool is a macro excel file which contains macros. To complete the download of the PCAT, please follow the quick guide under the explanatory notes.

Partner Capacity Assessment Tool (PCAT)

Quick guide to downloading the Partner Capacity Assess Tool (1851)

Explanatory Notes

Partners’ capacities are assessed through the Partner Capacity Assessment Tool, which assesses the partner management and other capacities. The PCAT is completed for any implementing partner other than UN agencies. (Quick Guide to Downloading the PCAT).  
 
Financial capacities are assessed through the HACT micro-assessment if more than $150,000 is expected to be transferred in one year.
 

3.0

Step

Complete relevant sections of the project document and/or portfolio document once the implementing partner has been selected, including building in capacity development support to national partners as needed.

Responsible Party

Project Developer and/or Portfolio Developer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Development Services

1.0

Step

Designate a UNDP staff member to manage the development services (account manager).

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Selecting the best delivery instrument for the initiative.

2.0

Step

Prepare a development services agreement, including two annexes (multi-year work plan, schedule of payments) and assess risks.

Responsible Party

Development services account manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Assessing risks includes the SESP, where applicable. See policy on Social and Environmental Standards.

 

3.0

Step

Approve the agreement.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

4.0

Step

Establish a project ID in Quantum, and select development services as the project type.

Responsible Party

Development services account manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Note: Resources mobilized from partners should be credited using the Fund Code 32050. These are cash-controlled and cannot be transferred for other purposes.
 

5.0

Step

Report results achieved in the Results-Oriented Analysis Report and in annual reviews of the country programme.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Consider using the RBM Guidance to assist with report design, writing and template.

6

Step

Once development services have been delivered, prepare the final report and set status to closed in Quantum.
 

Responsible Party

Development services account manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Multi-Country and South-South Cooperation Projects

1.0

Step

Prepare a project proposal and a multi-year workplan, and identify financial resources (including in-kind) for activities in Quantum.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Quantum project type should be 'SSC/multi-country'.

Outputs designated to be delivered by different countries can share the same output name and be part of the same output in the IRRF. Each of these outputs, along with the specific activities and resources that each country/implementing partner is responsible for, should be set up under projects in the respective participating countries, along with separate multi-year workplans to ensure accountability.

2.0

Step

Link the projects in Quantum.

Responsible Party

Programme officer (in the coordinating office)

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

All projects that fall under the same South-South/multi-country project document will need to be linked in Quantum to enable consolidated monitoring and reporting.

3.0

Step

Appraise the multi-country/South-South project in each participating office.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

For more information on the evaluation of Multi-country or South-South cooperation projects, see UNDP Evaluation Guidelines

3.1

Step

Prepare fully costed project budgets to ensure that all anticipated programmatic and operational costs, including development effectiveness and implementation support arrangements are identified, fully costed in the budget. 

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The requirements for developing a project budget are outlined in Prepare Fully Costed Budgets for Projects.  

4.0

Step

Approve the multi-country project document. 

Responsible Party

Coordinating office will conduct a virtual joint project appraisal committee for the participating country offices

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Project cover page with signatories.

Coordinating office will conduct a virtual joint project appraisal committee for the participating country offices. 

5.0

Step

Identify and estimate the non-core resources that need to be mobilized; formulate the cost-sharing multi-country or South-South cooperation or agreement. 

Responsible Party

Coordinating Office & Participating Offices

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

6.0

Step

Negotiate with donors on resources and payment schedules.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

7.0

Step

Establish accounts receivable; apply contributions.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

8.0

Step

Update and revise the output project budgets if necessary.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

9.0

Step

Report project outcomes and deliverables to contributing partners.

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Executive Snapshot and Quantum reports shall be used to monitor and report South-South and triangular cooperation projects.

10.0

Step

Submit financial reports, disaggregated by country, to contributing partners.

Responsible Party

The coordinating office & BMS/OFRM

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

This is done by the coordinating office and Bureau for Management Services/Office of Financial Management. The standard donor report template may be changed as needed in accordance with donor needs.

**Remaining procedures are similar to normal development projects; however, reporting, evaluation and management arrangements should be conducted jointly under the coordinating office.

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