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Policy Areas

Close and Transition (Programmes)

1.0

Step

Complete Independent Country Programme Evaluation (ICPE).
 

Responsible Party

Independent Evaluation Office Director

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The ICPE must be considered in the development of the new programme and submitted to the Executive Board along with the new CPD for approval.

Consider using the RBM Guidance to improve the transition of country programmes.

 

ALT

Step

If no independent country programme evaluation is completed, prepare a Country Programme Performance Summary.
 

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The country programme performance summary is submitted to the Executive Board in lieu of an independent country programme evaluation.

ALT

Step

For regional programmes, complete an independent evaluation.

Responsible Party

Independent Evaluation Office Director

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

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.
 

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 

 

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.

Close and Transition (Projects)

1.0

Step

​Prepare final project review report.

Responsible Party

Project Manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Final project review report template forthcoming.

The report should be generated directly from the corporate planning system.

Consider using the RBM Guidance to improve the closing of projects.

2.0

Step

If required, commission final project evaluation, prepare a management response, and share findings and recommendations for learning.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Templates for this step:

Projects are required to be evaluated if they are included in the programme's evaluation plan, or if required by partners (see UNDP Evaluation Guidelines). The programme manager may request the project manager to support the commissioning, management and use of evaluation, including the preparation of a management response and implementation of committed actions.

Mid-Term/Interim and Terminal Evaluations of Environmental Vertical Fund financed projects must meet both UNDP and the relevant vertical fund requirements.

For GEF financed projects, see guidance on conducting a Terminal Evaluation and guidance on conducting a mid-term evaluation. These documents are accessible on the UNDP Independent Evaluation Office website in Spanish, French, and English (click on the GEF Project Evaluation tab). For evaluations of GCF and AF financed projects, please consult the Nature, Climate and Energy team. 

The RACI matrix sets out the roles and accountability for this stage of GEF-financed projects.

Management responses for all evaluations are required. Progress made in committed actions should be tracked in the UNDP Evaluation Resource Centre

3.0

Step

Conduct a final project review, including the final report, project closure quality assessment and project closure budget.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline

Project status is changed from Ongoing (O) to (C) = Operationally closed

Project QA - Closure (Quantum+)
Explanatory Notes

The project board assures that all project deliverables have been produced satisfactorily and endorses the final project review report, including lessons learned.

The project quality assurance assessment (closure stage) is prepared and reviewed during the final project review. Lessons are captured during this process. See Quality Standards for Programming.

Project QA - Closure User Guide (Quantum+)

4.0

Step

Transfer or dispose of project assets and files.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Project assets and documents should be transferred to national beneficiaries or national representatives. Worthless assets are discarded. See Transfer or Disposal of Assets.

4.1 ALT

Step

Transfer by donation project assets to another UNDP project.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Guidance on donations from third parties
 

5.0

Step

Prepare and submit final financial report to UNDP.

Responsible Party

Project Manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Under HACT, national institutions and non-governmental organizations serving as implementing partners prepare the final FACE form. For detailed procedures, see Direct Cash Transfers and Reimbursements.

UN agencies undertaking activities under national implementation report expenditures with a project delivery report.

6.0

Step

Complete project closure activities.

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

A check of the output financials (cash funds and allocation funds) must be done at this stage to ensure these are consistent with the funding sources for the project. This will catch issues such as miscoding funds, donors, etc. that need correction. The project should close with zero balance in the balance sheet and zero fund balance.

6.1

Step

Special donor requirements for refunds.

Responsible Party

Project Manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Any financial resources remaining after reconciling the project should be either refunded to the donor or transferred to general resources in line with relevant policies and procedures. Any pending refund to donors should be moved to account 21030 to avoid delays in closing the project.

Some donors, such as Belgium, the Netherlands and the United States (United States Agency for International Development, United States Department of State through a letter of credit), European Commission, Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office and trust funds, follow the special donor procedures outlined in the policy Refunds to Donors. For some donors, such as the Netherlands, projects must not be reopened once financially closed. For other donors, UNDP issues refunds as the last step before designating a project as financially closed in Quantum.

6.2

Step

Manage exceptions (i.e., outstanding advances under national implementation, signing a Combined Delivery Report, etc.

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Where exceptions in the project completion checklist apply, the business unit must exercise due diligence by exploring possible solutions in consultation with the implementing partner, Regional Bureau and the Bureau for Management Services/Office of Financial Resources Management. These exceptions must be handled on a case-by-case basis with approval from respective divisions in headquarters on issues outside of corporate policies and procedures. Actions taken should be documented. Offices should not move unspent balances to account 21030 for pending refunds to donors before the appropriate steps and due diligence are carried out while adopting the alternative procedures and before confirming bank account details with the donor. More information on managing exceptions can be found in Project Closure Guidelines (see section 8.0).

7.0

Step

Review and sign final Combined Delivery Report.

Responsible Party

Programme manager/Resident Representative,Implementing partner

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Under HACT, all financial transactions (FACE) are recorded in Quantum to generate the final Combined Delivery Report.

UNDP prepares the report and submits it to the project board for virtual review. It is then signed by UNDP and the implementing partner, confirming final project financial accounts and expenditures.
 

8.0

Step

Close the project.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

A project is closed when all financial transactions have been reported and certified, and all project accounts are closed. The programme manager/RR is accountable for ensuring that the project is closed in accordance with the approved closure plan submitted to the project board. This must be done at the latest within 12 months of operational closure.

Quantum Actions: Forthcoming 

9.0

Step

Oversee project closure.

Responsible Party

Regional Bureau (programme QA Approver)

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The Regional Bureau is accountable for overseeing project financial closure to ensure it is completed at the latest within 12 months of operational closure.

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.

Formulate Development Projects

1.0

Step

Identify pipeline concept and mobilize partners.

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Identify new pipeline concepts by analysing gaps in the programme’s theory of change that are not already being addressed. 

Funding and collaborating partners and potential stakeholders must be identified and consulted as early as feasible, ensuring a wide range of partners (international financial institutions, civil society, private sector, etc.)

A concept note may be helpful to articulate ideas for particularly complex projects or to obtain early support from partners. The proposed content can include: output(s) and linkage to CP outcome(s); approach, method and capacity development strategies; stakeholder analysis; potential implementing partner; potential main financing partner(s); and indicative funding requirements. 

For GCF projects a Concept Note is required, and for GEF Projects this concept note is called a PIF.

Create a new pipeline linked to the programme and Strategic Plan in the corporate planning system. If a new programme output will be needed to respond to the development need, make a note to discuss in the next Programme Steering Committee meeting.

System action points:

Create a project proposal in the corporate planning system, generating a project number with one or more linked outputs; link the proposal to the programme tree (country programme document output).  

*If the project is part of a portfolio, it will share the project number with other projects in the portfolio. A project budget is reflected in one or more output IDs. An output ID can only reflect the budget from one project with one implementing partner.

*If a decision is taken not to continue with the proposal, record this decision in the corporate planning system to close the proposal. 

1.1 ALT

Step

For Environmental and Climate Vertical Fund Projects (those supported by the GEF, GCF, Adaptation Fund and other vertical funds), conduct an initial screening and assessment to determine if the conditions and criteria for accepting government requests for programming are met. 

Responsible Party

Project Manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Note that additional quality assurance must be provided by the BPPS/Vertical Fund Hub for GEF and GCF projects as outlined in the RACI.

2.0

Step

Appoint a developer to formulate the project

 

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

2.1

Step

If an implementing partner needs to be selected prior to developing the project document, see Select Implementing Partners

Otherwise, select an implementing partner at the appropriate time
 

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

2.2 OPT

Step

Develop initiation plan (if applicable)

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

For GEF Project Preparation Grant (PPG) projects, the signed PPG Delegation of Authority (DOA), including the annexed PPG Total Budget Workplan, constitutes the equivalent of the corporate Project Initiation Plan for the PPG phase, serving as the formal authorization for initiating PPG activities. The same process is followed for Adaptation Fund Project Formulation Grant (PFG) projects.

3.0

Step

Develop a project document that adheres to UNDP quality standards and partner requirements

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The project/portfolio document should attach:

  • The SESP and any related assessments and management plans
  • Detailed terms of reference for key project positions and the project board
  • Standard agreements such as the project cooperation agreement when a civil society organization is implementing and cost-sharing agreements
  • Standard letter of agreement between the implementing partner and responsible parties for the implementation of the project
  • Procurement plan
  • Project monitoring schedule plan
  • List of foreseeable knowledge products, if relevant

For further guidance, see: Results-Based Management (RBM) Hub

Consider using the RBM Guidance to assist in developing the project document in 10 steps.

3.0 ALT

Step

For joint programmes with other UN agencies, a joint programme project document should be used.

For multi-donor trust funds, each has its own project template which is approved by a steering committee and included in an operations manual.

If UNDP is requested to be the administrative agent, contact the Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office: executivecoordinator.mptfo@undp.org 
 

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

UNSDG | Guidance Note on a New Generation of Joint Programmes
 

3.1

Step

Ensure a wide range of stakeholders participate in the formulation of the project
 

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Stakeholders include any parties with an interest in the project, including target beneficiary groups, civil society organizations, governments, the media, UN agencies and donors.
 
The participation of women and disadvantaged groups should be ensured throughout the project cycle, as appropriate.
 
The participation of stakeholders ensures that potential opportunities and analysis, including lessons drawn from experience, are taken into account in project design.
 
Participation promotes ownership, sustainability and commitment, without which the results are unlikely to be lasting.
 
Ensuring participation requires time and resources; adequate provision should be made for these.

Consider using the RBM Guidance to assist with steps for collaborating with all stakeholders in project formulation.
 

3.2

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.
 
Refer to the detailed procedures for Costing and Budgeting of projects funded by the following partners:
 

3.3

Step

Identify potential risks, and conduct further assessment and management plans as needed in a participatory manner


 

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The initial project Risk Register and SESP are submitted to the project appraisal committee as annexes to the project document and recorded in the Quantum Project Results and Project Closure Workbench.

Enterprise Risk Management Policy


Managing Risks Across UNDP Programming and Operations: Guidance Note 

 

3.3 ALT

Step

Complete a risk assessment, including applying mitigatory measures, if UNDP plans to engage with the non-UN security sector. 

 

Responsible Party

Project Developer and/or Portfolio Developer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Refer to: Human Rights Due Diligence Policy on United Nations support to non-United Nations Security Forces (HRDDP) 

3.4

Step

If the project is part of a portfolio, link the project with the portfolio number in Quantum.

 

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Unsatisfactory service

1

Step

Submission of the request for termination of appointment.

Responsible Party

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Discuss expectation and feedback with staff member.

Seek guidance on managing underperformance with Local HR Advisor.

Inform staff of the possible conseuquence of underperformance.

Submit the termination of appointment request to Local HR Advisor.

 
 

 

 

2

Step

Review of the request.

Responsible Party

Local HR Advisor, OHR Business Partner

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Review the request and documentation.

Inform staff member of performance review process.

Engage TMRG.

Inform Supervisor of HR position & consideration.

Provide recommendation on separation types to Supervisor.

 

3

Step

Approval of the request in section 1.0.

Responsible Party

Assistant Administrator and Director, BMS

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Approve termination of appointment.  

 

 

4

Step

Implementation of the decision.

Responsible Party

OHR Business Partner, Staff Member, PFU

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Notify staff member.

Staff member receives notification.

 

 

Formalizing partnerships with foundations

1

Step

Formalizing via MoU (optional) 
 

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

An MoU captures areas of intended collaboration towards a common goal, when such commitments does not include any transfer of resources between the partners, or make any financial demands on UNDP.

2

Step

Formalizing via financing agreement

Responsible Party

RR focal points, and Directors of initiating business unit

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Collaboration which involves formalization via a financing agreement must always be done in the context of UNDP's Programme and Project Management policies and procedures; please see Financing Agreements and Templates.

If the financing agreement's text deviates from the standard, approval should be sought from the Office of Legal Services (OLS), Bureau for Management Services (BMS). Any deviation from the standard templates must be reviewed before signature by the Director of the Office of Legal Services (OLS/BMS).

3

Step

Tax Status:  As an international organization, UNDP does not possess these documents. However, as a subsidiary organ of the United Nations, UNDP’s tax-exempt status is derived from the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations
 

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Information regarding UNDP’s tax status is usually requested by foundations based in the United States. Those foundations will ask for the submission of a Tax-Exempt Statement in the form of an IRS Section 501(c)(3) Status Determination letter/statement.  The following sample text can be submitted to U.S.-based foundations in place of the IRS determination letter:
"UNDP, as a subsidiary organ of the United Nations, is immune from taxation based on the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities Act of the United Nations, to which the United States Government acceded on 29 April 1970, 21 U.S.T. 1418, [1970], T.I.A.S. No. 6900. The United Nations, including UNDP, is also exempt from taxation pursuant to the International Organizations Immunities Act (IOIA). Pub. L. No. 79-291, 59 Stat. 669 (codified at 22 USC 288 et seq.). For the purposes of this Act, the President of the United States designated the United Nations as an international organization, Executive Order No. 9698, 11 Fed. Ref. 1809 (1946)."

4

Step

Financial information:

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Some foundations may request financial documentation, such as an organization's budgets and financial statements, which is included into the project proposal as appendixes.  
UNDP bi-annual support budget and the annual financial report to the Executive Board are available on the Executive Board website. UNDP bi-annual financial report and audited financial statements of the Board of Auditors is available on the UN General Assembly website. 
 

5

Step

Pre-approved Status provision to accompany the Financing Agreement

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

"UNDP confirms that it is a subsidiary organ of the United Nations, which is an international organization designated by Executive Order 9698 of the United States International Organizations Immunities Act, 22 USC 288. You agree to advise us immediately if there is any change in your organization’s status during the term of this grant".
Always ensure that this provision is included without any deviations. In case of deviations, please seek clearance from the UNDP legal office.

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