Search
Policy Areas

Agency Implementation Finances

1

Step
Ensures that approved project budget (created by IP in close consultation with Programme Officer) and project funding (allocation/ASL or cash) are correctly entered into Quantum:
   (i)  Project Module
   (ii) Budgetary Control
Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes
Offices should be mindful that in Quantum, all UNDP advances will consume project budget in PPM as well as the GL cash budget.  This requires all Offices to ensure that project budgets are correctly set up in PPM prior to processing any advances.  Particularly in relation to corporate advances to partners, in order  to prevent delays, the project  budget should be properly set-up as soon as agreements are signed and prior to partners start sending the advance request  to GSSC Agencies for review, CFRA’s approval and final payment by GSSC.​

2

Step
For core and non-core funds:
Agency submits request for advance of funds. The Programme Officer should monitor that the requested advance by Implementing Agencies as well as the subsequent implementation and liquidation is consistent with the AWP, project budget and project plan.  Agencies send their request for advance along with signed agreements and other supporting documents directly to  GSSC Agencies for initial analysis and review.  GSSC sends the results of the analysis with recommendation to CFRA for final review and approval Once approved, GSSC will release the payments.
Responsible Party

Programme Officer/Agencies/GSSC Agencies/CFRA

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

3

Step
Agencies submit cumulative quarterly PDRs to the GSSC Agencies unit , which processes their upload into UNEX; recognition of expenses and  liquidation of advances in Quantum AP and final posting to GL. All PDRs must include expenses on a full accrual accounting basis under IPSAS.
Responsible Party

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

4

Step

Each Quarter, after PDRs are processed and GL closure is notified by CFRA/FPMR/OFM, Programme Officers are expected to perform the following tasks:

     (a) Review all PDR expenses in UNEX () or from GL programme expense details  to ensure they are:

  • Consistent from a programming and financial perspective with the AWP, project budget and chart of accounts to ensure that only valid expenses are recorded in UNDP's books and in the period when the goods were received or the services rendered.
  • Within the established and available project budget and Authorized Spending Limit (ASL/AX1) ceilings to ensure that over expenditure does not occur.
  • Should the PDR from an Agency not be available at year end closing, country offices should contact GSSC Agencies to ensure that estimated expenses for the period are recorded in the system.

This scrutiny is particularly important as Agency PDR expenses are not necessarily reviewed by UNDP's programme officers before being processed in UNEX and recognized in GL.Budgetary Control.  Therefore, programme officers
     (b) Review in UNEX, PDRs rejected by UNEX and communicated by GSSC Agencies and ensures causes for the rejections are resolved. .
     (c) Where necessary, amends in UNEX the automated apportionment exercise (UNEX apportions costs in respect of donor and activity which do not exist in standard UN agency budgets).
    (d) Follow-up with UN agency counterparts to resolve all pending issues concerning rejected or contentious expenses.  Determines if any PDR expenses should be rejected or the chart of accounts revised.
Where correction or rejection in UNEX is justified (for example due to expenses above budget) notifies GSSC Agencies (with supporting documentation)

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes
Review UN Account Analysis Report and Project Module Reports for Account Balances and activity details.  Check budget control under budget module for budgetary status. 

Explanation of PDR reject error messages, possible causes and action required are communicated in detail by GSSC as well as HQ instructions.  

Valid PDR expenses reported by a UN agency and not recorded by UNDP due to UNEX rejection would constitute a liability in UNDP's balance sheet as legitimate expenses not paid by UNDP to the UN agency.
GSSC Agencies will ensure rejected expenses are reversed from Agency books and not reported on future PDRs.



5

Step
Validated PDRs are then processed in UNEX and the information will be populated in AP to record expenses and liquidate the advances recorded under a particular responsible party.  
Responsible Party

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes
This process is known as the outbound process whereby valid expenses are recorded in Quantum AP.

6

Step
Project Clearing Account (PCA) balances are reconciled with each UN agency through the Schedule 12 (a) report. The Schedule 12 (a) report is the quarterly reconciliation report used by UNDP and other UN agencies to reconcile interagency balances.
Responsible Party

GSSC Agencies

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

7

Step
On an on-going basis, expenses recorded in Quantum are reviewed to ensure they are correctly stated.  UN Account Analysis Report can be used for this purpose. 
Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Pooled funding arrangement when another UN organization is the MA

1

Step
Transfer funds to the MA through a project document.
Responsible Party

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

2

Step
Formulate a project in Quantum with the MA as the Implementing Partner.
Responsible Party

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes
Standard UNDP procedures for project documents apply (as set out in UNDP’s Results Management, and Finance and Budget Policies and Procedures).

3

Step
Record payments to the MA as advances (account 16015) through a non-Purchase Order Voucher and are cleared upon receipt of financial reports from the MA.
Responsible Party

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes
Procedures for recording this expense in Quantum will vary depending on the arrangements in place. A conversion into UNDP account codes will most likely be necessary. If funds are pooled or commingled by the MA and reported on total JP basis, an apportionment based on the proportion of UNDP contribution to the JP will be required. Refer to the POPP Revenue chapter for recording of revenue under IPSAS.

Security Policy Procedure

1

Step

Provide guidance to UNDP managers and personnel on key UNSMS/UNDP security responsibilities
 

Responsible Party

Resident Representative,

UNDP, UNV and UNCDF personnel

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

All to familiarize themselves aware of security policy and the security responsibilities inherent in their roles.
 

 

2

Step

Provide guidance on the applicability of individuals employed/hosted by UNDP
 

Responsible Party

Resident Representative

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Due to the broad nature of the UNSMS applicability policy, the UNDP Security Applicability Guideline is developed and expands on the applicability of certain individuals within UNDP’s context including clarity on if the same individuals fall under UNDP’s security accountability and responsibility.

(a) Alternate Work Modalities; and (b) Personnel and family restrictions (relocation and evacuation) are covered by the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) Security Policy Manual – Chapter IV Section D – Revised Policy on Risk Avoidance

3

Step

Assignment of an Agency Country Security Focal Point (ACSFP)
 

Responsible Party

Resident Representative

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

In the absence of a dedicated UNDP security professional, the senior most UNDP representative at the country level, in consultation with the UNDP Security Office, will assign an ACSFP to assist the RR in managing the day to day security related matters of UNDP.

 

4

Step

Provide guidance on security mainstreaming

 

Responsible Party

Resident Representative

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Ensures security considerations form an integral dimension of the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all projects and programmes. It necessitates early consultations with the UNDP Security Office to ensure security inputs are prioritized at the inception stage, that costs for security are included in appropriate budget lines in proposals and operating budgets.

5

Step

Request for Security Support Mission

 

Responsible Party

Resident Representative

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Missions are conducted by UNDP security personnel to assist Offices in the implementation of Security Risk Management measures, to monitor and report on security compliance and provide technical security advice to enable and ensure the mainstreaming of security in all programmes and activities.

 

6

Step

Request for Surge Support

 

Responsible Party

Resident Representative

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

While the Security Office remains UNDP’s first line of security surge support and backstopping, capacity to respond over the medium term can be stretched. The Security Office maintains or has access to a structured roster as follows: Internal UNDP Security Advisory Resources, External Security Advisory Resources within the UN and a roster of Pre-Identified Security Advisory Resources including the ExpRes Consultancy Roster.

7

Step

Provide support to UNDP Country Offices for Surge response

 

Responsible Party

Resident Representative

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

UNDP Security Office may provide temporary central funding for a maximum period of 3 months in principle to address security surge requirements. Beyond 3 months, COs will need to commit to mainstreaming the cost of the security advisory/support requirements. 
 

8

Step

Provide database on all approved Residential Security Measures in duty stations

 

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

RSMs are intended to protect personnel from physical harm or injury at their residence as a result of increased criminal activity and are only applicable to all internationally recruited, or internationally deployed, personnel covered under the UNSMS including eligible family members residing at the duty station of internationally recruited personnel serving elsewhere. Regarding cost-based elements, Offices will notify personnel of the financial and implementation modalities under which such RSM elements may be obtained and will hold personnel accountable for any default, fraud, and deceit with regards to the RSMs.

 

9

Step

Request psychosocial support

 

Responsible Party

Resident Representative

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Personnel requiring support during assignments should directly contact UNDP counsellors via oshw.focalpoint@undp.org or the local CISMS UNDSS Counsellor. 

10

Step

Request security clearance for movement or travel in complex high-threat environments

Responsible Party

Resident Representative

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

In line with the SRM’s Acceptable Risk Model and the Guidelines on Acceptable Risk Oversight and Approval Mechanism (AROAM), a separate procedure is required to clear movement and travel in Very High Risk contexts for personnel delivering PC1 activities.

Approval by the UNDP Administrator will be required to confirm that personnel operating in an area with very high security risk are engaged in PC1 activities.

11

Step

Reporting Security Incidents

 

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

UNDP personnel are required to report security related information and/or security incidents to UNDSS and through the UNDP Security Office1 to the corresponding UNDP manager.

[1] In the absence of a UNDP Security Office personnel, reports should be made to the Agency Country Security Focal Point. 

12

Step

Request for Support in recruiting CO security personnel

Responsible Party

Resident Representative

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Offices should follow procedures stipulated, to ensure due diligence in the selection process. Hiring managers should consult with the UNDP Security Director to ensure inputs of the Security Office are incorporated at each stage of the planning and selection process.

13

Step

Achieve full security compliance to Security Risk Management requirements

 

Responsible Party

Resident Representative

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The exercise is annual, mandatory and applies to the main offices, sub-offices, Regional Service Centres, HQ locations/Coordination Offices and GSSU.  It is also highly recommended for project offices and includes offices of UNV and UNCDF. The self-assessment process will be completed in the last quarter of the year being assessed.

14

Step

Applying for UNMSM resources

Responsible Party

Resident Representative

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

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.

15

Step

Support in the use of Commercial Air Travel

Responsible Party

Resident Representative

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

All UNDP Personnel are expected to comply with the safety requirements and briefings provided by crew members with regard to safety while on board an aircraft. UNDP personnel will share concerns or observations regarding the safety of a commercial air carrier to local UNDSS advisor and the UNDP Air Travel Focal points reachable at security@undp.org.

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

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​

Consular visas

1

Step

Complete “Advance Request for Non-US Visa” form to request information on visa requirements.

Responsible Party

Staff member

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Request should be signed by the applicant. The applicant should create a UNall case by selecting the Operations service icon under ‘travel documents and visa’ select Visa.
 

2

Step

Complete visa forms and forward to the UNDP Visa Desk together with travel document (UNLP and national passport if required)

Responsible Party

Staff member

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

3

Step

Review completed form; prepare UNDP Note Verbale addressed to the consulate; deliver application to the consulate; pick up from the consulate the travel document with the visa and contact the traveller.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

When personal appearance is required by the consulate, the UNDP Visa & Passport Desk at HQ in New York will contact the traveller when the UNDP Note Verbale is ready for his/her to bring to the consulate along with the completed form and his/travel document; the Visa & Passport desk will dispatch a courier to retrieve the visa when it is ready.

4

Step

Sign Note Verbale to consulate

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

5

Step

Advise the traveller if a visa fee is required; obtain receipt from the consulate and hand it over to the traveller together with the travel document containing the visa.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The traveller should advance the visa fee and claim reimbursement using the travel expense claim form.

G-5 visa

1

Step

Submit the request through the Operations service icon in UNall. Upload completed forms and other documentation to the UNall case, have forms certified by General Operations/BMS then submit to the UN Visa Committee.

Responsible Party

Staff member

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Form TTS.1 should be certified by General Operations/BMS.

2

Step

Forward approved application to UNTTS.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

UN Visa Committee will advise the staff member on the status of the application and of any required additional information.
All follow-ups should be made directly with the UN Visa Committee or the UNTTS.

3

Step

Send a cable requesting issuance of the visa, to the US consulate in the city where the G-5 visa will be picked up.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The staff member may request a copy of the cable for the household employee to present to the US consulate.

4

Step

Provide all required documentation to the household employee.

Responsible Party

Staff member

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

5

Step

Apply for the G-5 visa in person at the US consulate where the visa is to be picked up and where the UNTTS has sent the cable.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The household employee should carry all required documents, including a copy of the UNTTS cable to facilitate the visa application processing.

G-4 visa

1

Step

Submit the request through the Operations service icon in UNall. For local renewal a DS.1648 and the latest i-94 record should be uploaded to the UNall case. For visas to be issued outside the US complete form DS 160 online indicating the city where visa is to be picked up.

Responsible Party

Staff member

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

2

Step

Submit the completed application through the Operations service icon in the UNall Service Portal.

Responsible Party

Staff member,

Certifying Officer in General Operations/BMS

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The national passport should be valid for at least 6 months; if a visa is also requested for eligible dependents, their national passports should also be submitted.

3

Step

Review, sign form and forward to UNTTS together with the national passport/s.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

4

Step

Request the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA), Diplomatic Liaison Division in Washington, D.C. to grant the visa.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

For G-4/G-5 visas to be issued in New York.

5

Step

Send cable to US consulate outside the US requesting issuance of the visa.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

For G-4/G-5 visas to be issued outside the US, a copy of the cable will be provided to the staff member.

6

Step

For visas to be issued outside the US, go in person to the US consulate to complete a visa application form.

Responsible Party

Staff member

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Bring a valid national passport valid for at least 6 months.
Present a copy of the UNTTS cable to expedite the processing of visa application.

Claim - Reimbursement for the Issuance of a National Passport

1

Step

Submit a travel claim in UNall/ Quantum for Reimbursement of Expenses” with the relevant receipted bills.
 

Responsible Party

Staff member

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Local staff required to travel outside of the country on official business travel 

Reimbursable costs include passport application fee, photographs and birth certificate 
 

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.

 

Subscribe to