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Policy Areas

Procurement Authority and Increased Delegated Procurement Authority

1

Step

Submit a request for an increase in delegated procurement authority to the respective Regional Chief Procurement Officer (COs) or CPO (HQ units)

Responsible Party

Resident Representatives, heads of bureaux and out posted headquarters units

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

A detailed procurement plan should cover the duration of the proposed increase.​

2

Step

Review the request.

Responsible Party

Procurement Oversight Unit in consultation with the Procurement Support Unit, Regional Bureau and other relevant offices

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Requests up to US $400,000 shall be reviewed through a desk assessment to define the baseline procurement capacity of the country office. A number of basic procurement-related indicators are assessed based on data from internal and external sources. They fall in the categories of procurement planning, demand, policy compliance, procurement and CAP capacity, procurement oversight and other indicators, supply market and external environment.
 
For requests up to US $700,000 and US $1.5 million, an in-depth assessment will be conducted covering additional aspects such as strategic procurement plan, market positioning and analysis, supply chain and preparedness capacity and CAP capacity. RCPO in consultation with the Regional Bureau Director may request an on-site procurement capacity assessment mission prior to any recommendation for on-site review of practices, systems and resources that support procurement. ​​

3

Step

Make recommendations to the Regional CPO or CPO as applicable.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Recommendations should be based on collective views on the assessment.​

4

Step

Issue a final decision.

Responsible Party

Regional CPO or CPO as applicable

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The final decision can be to grant the IDPA, to grant it conditional subject to recommended corrective actions within a specific duration, or not to grant IDPA.

Application for UN Certificates (UNC)

1

Step

UN Certificates (UNC) 
Submit the request through the Operations service icon in UNall Service Portal with one photograph (jpeg format).  

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

2

Step

Certify form PT.64 in accordance with the traveller’s contract with UNDP and forward to UN TTS/DOS.
 

Responsible Party

Certifying Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

3

Step

Issue UNC and forward to UNDP Travel Service Section for delivery to the applicant.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The UNDP Visa & Passport Desk at HQ in New York UNDP will deliver the UNC to the UNDP Mail Room for dispatch by pouch

4

Step

Return UNC to UNDP Travel Service Section (HQ) if expired, no longer required or if separating from the organization. 

Responsible Party

UNC holder

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Create a case through the Operations service icon in UNall Service Portal prior to returning the document.

 

Micro Assessment

1

Step

Determine and prioritize which Partner require micro assessment.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Micro Assessment should be carried out before programme funding is provided. Where two or more programmes have similar start dates, prioritization should be based on the assessed relative amount of risk to UNDP (funding quantum, and past experience with the Partner)​.

2

Step

Develop micro assessment plan.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Final Micro Assessment Plan must be signed off by the Head of Office or his/her designate.
The relevant planning process should be completed in the HACT platform.
 

3

Step

Solicit third party service provider.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

UNDP office should consider Long Term Arrangements with one or more service providers for micro assessments. Global LTAs for service providers are available at HACT Long Term Agreements (LTAs). 

See TOR of service provider for the micro assessment​. 

4

Step

Perform micro assessment.

Responsible Party

Service Provider

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Key output are: 

(1) An overall risk rating related to cash transfers to Partner.
(2) Significant issues of Partners ​

5

Step

Review results of micro assessment.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Results of micro assessment shall be reviewed by Head of Office or his/her designate and remedial actions shall be discussed with the Partner. 

The micro assessment report should be uploaded in the HACT Platform. Issues highlighted in the report including the action plan needs to be documented in the HACT Platform.  

6

Step

Establish impacts and implications on AWP design.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Office to assess the impact of the micro assessment and implications on AWP design

7

Step

Identify requirement for HACT assurance planning.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Office to assess the impact of the micro assessment and implications on HACT assurance plan. 

8

Step

Document Partner risks as appropriate.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The specific risks identified in the micro assessment are also incorporated into country level risk management activities and logs, as appropriate.

Cash transfers, disbursement and reporting

1

Step

Finalize Partner Risk Rating.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

See Table 4 for triggers prompting review of Partner Risk Rating arising from spot checks
See Table 5 on triggers prompting a change of Partner Risk Rating arising from scheduled audits 

2

Step

Determine the appropriate Cash Transfer Modality.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

See  Table 3 Cash transfer modality for Partner based on adjusted risk rating​.

3

Step

Review FACE form prior to disbursement and reporting.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Refer to Direct Cash Transfers and Reimbursements procedure when using the standard FACE forms.

See Appendix VI of UNSDG HACT Framework for template of FACE form and Appendix VII for guidelines for completing FACE form. 

Assurance activities planning and implementation

1

Step

Review results of assessment conducted.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

In consultation with programme and operations team to consider additional variables in the assurance planning process.

See Annex D for the roles and responsibilities in implementing the HACT framework. 

2

Step

Develop Assurance activity plan for Partners.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The coverage, type and frequency of assurance activities is guided by the overall risk rating associated with the Partner, as determined through the micro assessment.
See Table 2 for UNDP specific guidelines assurance activities required for each Partner based on Partner risk rating​.

3

Step

Approve Assurance activity plan.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The final assurance activity plan must be approved by the Head of Office or his/her designate.  
See Annex A for additional UNDP specific guidance on the conduct of spot checks.  See Annex B for additional guidance on financial audits.

4

Step

Solicit third party service provider for planned assurance activities.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Offices are encouraged to use the service providers engaged through the HACT Long Term Agreements (LTAs).

5

Step

Upload results of assurance activity conducted.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Results of Partner Assurance Activities shall be reviewed by Head of Office or his/her designate and remedial actions shall be discussed with the Partner. 

 The reports of assurance activities should be uploaded in the HACT Platform. Issues highlighted in the report including the action plan needs to be documented in the HACT Platform. 

6

Step

Conduct review of implementation of Assurance Plan.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Offices are required to monitor the findings identified and necessary action plan should be documented in the HACT Platform. To ensure that the risk does not materialize the action plan should be executed and identified findings promptly closed in the HACT Platform. The execution of the action plan is the responsibility of the Office.

The action plan needs to be communicated and agreed with the Partner.

7

Step

Follow up of findings of periodic on-site reviews (spot checks) and special and scheduled audits.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

See Table 4 for triggers prompting review of Partner Adjusted Risk Rating arising from spot checks.
See Table 5 on triggers prompting a change of Partner risk rating arising from scheduled audits.

Certified Sick Leave – CSL (up to 20 working days taken cumulatively or consecutively during a 12-month calendar period)

1

Step
Inform supervisor as soon as possible of absence due to injury or illness.
Responsible Party

Staff member

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes
Staff member must inform the office immediately that he/she will be absent from the office due to illness or injury.

Staff member must consult his/her treating physician to obtain the required certification for sick leave.

All staff members are expected to familiarize themselves with the sick leave policy and other relevant leave entitlements, and are responsible for providing copies of the required specific documents for attendance recording purposes.

2

Step
Submit certified sick leave (CSL) in Quantum self-service  (absence module).
Responsible Party

Staff member

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes
Verify sick leave balance prior to submitting request.
 
Initiate a leave request in Quantum self-service.
 
Select the appropriate type of leave in Quantum self-service as ”Sick leave/Certified sick leave”
 
For any absence in excess of uncertified sick leave of more than seven consecutive days and up to 20 cumulative or consecutive days during a 12-month cycle period the staff member must upload the medical certificate/report in Quantum at the time of initiating a certified sick leave request.
 
Record certified sick leave in Quantum self-service no later than 20 calendar days following the 1st day of the sick leave.

3

Step
Approve certified sick leave in Quantum.
Responsible Party

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes
The request is approved in Quantum by the supervisor.

4

Step
Ensure leave is appropriately recorded in Quantum self-service (absence module)
Responsible Party

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes
If leave is not recorded in Quantum, supervisor/leave monitor requests the staff member to submit certified sick leave in Quantum self-service no later than 20 calendar days following the 1st day of the sick leave.

Number of sick leave days taken is monitored in Quantum. by the leave monitor.

Leave monitorThe supervisor must bring to attention of the staff members and the HR practitioner when the sick leave is close to 20 working days during a 12-month period and further certification is required from UN Medical Services.

5

Step
Contact UNDP Global Payroll Services (for locally recruited staff) and the respective GSSC HR Associate (for IP)
Responsible Party

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes
HR practitioner must submit to UNDP GPS or GSSC respective GSSC associate as appropriate: signed attendance record cards, and an audit of the four-year extended sick leave period under review.

gpsatlashrpayroll@undp.org

Engaging CSO/NGO as a Responsible Party

1

Step

Send Request for Information​ (RFI)

Responsible Party

Programme Staff

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

​​​​Identify potential NGOs relevant to UNDP programmatic areas

 

2

Step

Filter Request for Information

Responsible Party

Programme Staff

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Filter NGOs relevant to UNDP programmatic areas

to submit Partner Capacity Assessment tool. Basic criteria:

a.    Not Proscribed

b.    Area of expertise of interest to UNDP

3

Step

Send Partner Capacity Assessment tool
 

Responsible Party

Panel: Programme Staff Operations Staff Independent Participant (appointed by RR)

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Obtain detailed information from NGOs

4

Step

Conduct  Partner Capacity Assessment

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Identify capacity to deliver & Identify capacity development opportunities​​

5

Step

Conduct General Risk Analysis​

Responsible Party

Panel: Programme Staff Operations Staff Independent Participant (appointed by RR)

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Assess the general risks for UNDP in engaging with the NGO 
 

a. Identified risk levels (actual/ mitigated)

b. Maximum financial ceiling to channel through the NGO

6

Step

NGO Overall Information Capture

Consolidate information

Responsible Party

If objective is to establish an office Roster in identified areas a Roster manager to be identified to maintain/ updated roster

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The following information will be consolidated from all previous steps:

a)      Relevance against need


b)      Capacity to deliver
 

c)       Opportunity for capacity development
 

d)      Financial ceiling
 

e)      Risk level/ mitigation​
 

7

Step

Terms of Reference for the Specific Engagement

Responsible Party

Programme Staff

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Defined clear outputs and deliverables for UNDP project​

8

Step

Identify Unique Collaborative Advantage Criteria

Responsible Party

Panel: Programme Staff Operations Staff Independent Participant (appointed by RR)

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Identify specific unique collaborative advantage criteria for NGO for the project success.

Such criteria will be the basis for the later “Collaborative Advantage Analysis” once the long list of NGOs have been identified​

9

Step

Identify NGOs from the Roster

Responsible Party

Panel: Programme Staff Operations Staff Independent Participant (appointed by RR)

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Identify suitable NGOs from the roster – Long List to be established based on:
 

a. Area of expertise

b. Access to beneficiaries

c. Ceiling

10

Step

Reassessment of Risk Based on Specific TOR

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Confirm/Reconfirm general risk level in light of the specific TOR

11

Step

NGO Collaborative Advantage Analysis

Responsible Party

Panel: Programme Staff Operations Staff Independent Participant (appointed by RR)

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Determination of the most appropriate modality for engaging NGO(s)

Decision on whether

Selection based on unique collaborative advantage

        (OR)

Selection based on competitive process​​
 

12

Step

Endorsement by Senior Manager if Selection Based on Unique Collaborative Advantage

Responsible Party

RR/OIC (no further delegation)

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Accountability for selection through non-competitive process

Decision on NGO(s) with whom RPA can be negotiated​

13

Step

Engagement Through Unique Collaborative Advantage Selection Process

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Definition of key areas such as:

​a. Activity Work Plan (AWP)

b. Cost negotiations including overheads

14

Step

Engagement Through Competitive Selection Process

Responsible Party

Operations Staff

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Selection through a competitive process as several NGO can deliver

Subject to oversight by the procurement committees​

15

Step

Negotiation of Responsible Party Agreement. Please refer to the Programme and Project Management (PPM) Select Responsible Parties and Grantees policy for Responsible Party definition.

Responsible Party

Programme & Operations Staff

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Clear understanding of expectations on both sides

RPA ready for signature​

16

Step

Signature of RPA

Responsible Party

As identified in the ICF[SB2]

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

NGO legally engaged

17

Step

Update of Project M&E and Results Framework

Responsible Party

Programme Staff

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Manage NGO-specific risks NGO-specific capacity development and risks incorporated into the overall project design​

Macro Assessment

1

Step

Solicit third party service provider for macro assessment.

Responsible Party

Office / UNCT

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

RC is to advocate with government and major development partners for macro assessment.  

See Appendix 1 Appendix 1 UNSDG HACT Framework for TOR of service provider to be engaged. 

2

Step

Conduct desk review research.

Responsible Party

Service Provider

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Key outputs are:

(1) PFM risk assessment and 

(2) SAI capacity assessment

See Annex 1 and Annex 2 of Appendix I in page 50-54 of UNSDG HACT Framework for Macro assessment check list and risk consideration checklist respectively to be used​. 

3

Step

Review of results of macro assessment.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The final macro assessment must be signed off by the Resident Coordinator on behalf of the UNCT.

See Annex 1 and Annex 2 of Appendix I in page 50-54 of UNSDG HACT F​ramework for Macro assessment check list and risk consideration checklist respectively to be used​​​.

4

Step

Determine impact and implications of assessment on programme design.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Each agency implementing the HACT framework is required to document its understanding of the assessment, recognition of the identified risks and understanding of the effects at country level that are specific to the agency, including programme design. 

See Annex 1 and Annex 2 of Appendix I in page 50-54 of UNSDG HACT Framew​ork for Macro assessment check list and risk consideration checklist respectively to be used​​​.

5

Step

Document decisions and risks identified.

Responsible Party

Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

A summary of the macro assessment should be incorporated into the Common Country Assessment. 

See Annex 1 and Annex 2 of Appendix I in page 50-54 of UNSDG HACT Framework for Macro assessment check list and risk consideration checklist respectively to be used​.

Financial Disclosure

1

Step

Identify individuals required to file an annual declaration

Responsible Party

Head of Office,

Financial Disclosure Policy focal points

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The Financial Disclosure Policy identifies the main filing categories as staff at the D1/P6 level and above, those whose principal duties are in procurement and investment, others who have access to confidential procurement and investment information, and all Ethics Office staff.

New filers who are entering any of the Financial Disclosure Policy categories of filers will be required to complete an initial financial disclosure statement, described as an 'induction' filing. The declaration must cover the 12-month period immediately preceding the effective date of appointment, promotion or change of function. ​

2

Step

Notify identified individuals of their current obligation and filing requirement each year​

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The annual filing exercise takes place in the March/April timeframe each year. After participants are identified from FDP Focal Points and OHR listings of those in the affected grades, the Ethics Office issues an email with all appropriate links and instructions, to each participant for that filing year.

3

Step

Preemptively gather necessary information in advance, at the end of each calendar year, to ensure that their statements will be complete and accurate, and can be verified by objective third-party documentation, if so required. All questions should be directed to the Financial Disclosure Policy focal point for the office or unit or to the Ethics Office.

Responsible Party

Staff members in identified grade levels and roles generally designated to file

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

4

Step

Submit annual on-line statements

Responsible Party

Staff members in identified grade levels and roles generally designated to file

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Fill out an online form, disclosing sources of income and assets, outside activities and affiliations, including those of his or her spouse and any dependent children. All on-line submissions are kept confidential in a secure server location and are used for the purpose of identifying, resolving and giving advice on conflicts of interest. Supporting documentation is maintained in a secure location. Access to disclosures and documentation is limited to Ethics Office staff and their designees.

5

Step

Review of statements

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Review the individual statements to ensure the information is complete and consistent. The information submitted is cross-checked against a list of UNDP vendors and investment funds for the filing year. Finally, outside interests and activities of filing individuals are examined against relevant prohibitions or restrictions contained in the UN Staff Regulations and Rules. The screening is intended to detect potential conflicts of interest, which can be defined as situations where someone’s private interests may or may appear to interfere with the proper discharge of his/her official functions or obligations.

6

Step

Provide clearance and advice

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

When the Ethics Office does not detect a conflict of interest, the filer will be notified that the filing process is complete and that no further action is required. When a statement shows interests that may be incompatible with the filer's functions or status, the Office communicates with the filer on the best ways to handle such a situation. For example, the filer may be advised that he or she must file for approval to engage in an outside activity or should resign from an outside position, or divest certain holdings, if such activities or assets are incompatible with his or her professional role and duties. Any gifts or honoraria received must be declared on a Gift Declaration form and submitted to the Administrative Services Division. Guidance on acceptability of gifts or honoraria is available on the Ethics Office intranet site.

7

Step

Verify statements

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Conducts verification among a random sampling of filers of all grades and offices. Selected filers must, within the time specified, provide a copy of supporting documentation from a third-party, such as income tax returns (with exhibits), bank, brokerage or mortgage statements; articles of incorporation; and certificates of title or loan agreements, in order that the Ethics Office can verify the veracity of the disclosures.​

8

Step

Additional Information​

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Medical Insurance: UN Worldwide Medical Insurance Plan

1

Step

Flowchart

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

2

Step

Enrollment of staff: 

Application/Request for Change Form completed and submitted together with supporting documents in respect of staff member’s participation, including his/her eligible family members, where relevant

Responsible Party

Staff member

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Staff members who have no insurance coverage under a United Nations plan or through a family member must be strongly urged to obtain medical insurance coverage for themselves and their eligible family members, as the cost of medical care can result in financial hardship for individuals who fall ill and/or injured and have no coverage 

If a staff member or eligible family members is/are not enrolled within 31 days after an event that gives rise to an entitlement for coverage, an application for coverage may be submitted during the annual enrolment campaign. See  https://www.un.org/insurance/content/un-wwp for more information
In the case of a staff member married to another staff member, the insurance coverage, whether at the two-person or family level, must be carried by the higher salaried staff member 

Education of staff about the provisions under the insurance plan and distribution of materials by the person most familiar with the scheme is absolutely necessary 

If an office administers personnel on behalf of another agency, the same rules procedures for UNDP staff must be followed

3

Step

Enrollment of staff: 

The completed application for enrollment form is certified and submitted to the Insurance and Disbursement Services within 31 days of eligibility for the entitlement

Responsible Party

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Entitlements Services Unit  in BES/GSSC in Copenhagen 

The UN Health and Insurance Unit administers the workflow of enrolment and reporting directly with the insurance carrier on behalf of UNDP.

4

Step

Enrollment of staff: 

Staff member records in Quantum are validated, contributions are computed, and coverage is activated

Responsible Party

UN Health and Life Insurance Unit

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

5

Step

Managing eligibility data in Quantum: 

Data on enrollment form is verified and validated and any change in coverage is processed into Quantum promptly

Responsible Party

,

UN Health and Life Insurance Unit

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

6

Step

Issue ID card: 

Electronic ID cards are available in the staff member’s personal web page. If requested
Identity cards are issued to the staff member and eligible dependent(s)

Responsible Party

Staff member,

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

It is the responsibility of the staff member to ensure the correct mailing address is submitted. Incomplete or incorrect mailing addresses in Quantum will result in misdirected mail or failure to receive important information.

7

Step

Claims: 

Insurance claims are submitted through Online Claiming tool or, in a sealed envelope together with supporting documents, on a claim form directly to the insurance carrier, following the instructions on the claim form

Responsible Party

Staff member

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Subscribers should note that claims for reimbursement must be submitted to the insurance carrier no later than two years from the date on which the medical expense was incurred. Claims received later than one years after the date on which the expense was incurred will not be eligible for reimbursement.

The administration and management of the health insurance plans for internationally recruited staff governed by the UN Staff Regulations and Staff Rules are administered by the UN Health and Life Insurance Unit. Any questions/queries on the provisions under the plan or any disputes regarding claims must be submitted directly to this unit, located at 304 East 45th Street, 3rd Floor; or by email: hlis@un.org.

8

Step

Verification and reimbursement of claims: 

Insurance carrier reimburses staff member directly

Responsible Party

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Payment is made to the insured person, but, if the subscriber is no longer alive, payment will be made to his/her beneficiary as per P-2 Form Designation of Beneficiaries

9

Step

Request a review if a claim is denied: 

A claim denied in whole or in part must be submitted to the insurance carrier. The insurance carrier will provide the subscriber with a written notice explaining the reason for the denial and the appeal procedure.

Responsible Party

Staff member,

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The request for review must be submitted in writing within 60 days of receipt of the notice. The subscriber should include the reasons for requesting the review and submit the request to the insurance carrier. The insurance carrier will review the claim and ordinarily notify the subscriber of its final decision within 60 days of receipt of the request. If special circumstances require an extension of time, notification will be given to that effect.

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