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Policy Areas

Development Project

1.0

Step

Appraise the quality of the project in the local project appraisal committee.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Project QA Design and Appraisal User Guide (Quantum+)

Local project appraisal committee terms of reference.

For projects where UNDP serves as the managing agent for a CBPF, see the Country Specific Operational Manual for the CBPF.

2.0

Step

Update and approve the final quality assurance report in the Corporate Planning System.

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Project QA Design and Appraisal User Guide (Quantum+)

2.1 VERT

Step

Delegation of authority letter from the UNDP BPPS Vertical Fund Executive Coordinator to the Resident Representative.

Responsible Party

UNDP BPPS Vertical Fund Executive Coordinator

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.

Note that additional quality assurance and oversight must be provided by BPPS for GEF, GCF and AF projects as outlined in the RACI. For AF, please follow the GEF RACI: 

GEF RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed) for NIM projects 
 
GCF RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed) for NIM projects

3.0

Step

Approve and sign the project document.

Responsible Party

Programme manager/Resident Representative, Government development coordination authority (as applicable), Implementing partner

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The agreement of the government development coordination authority can be acknowledged by any of the acceptable methods as agreed with government, including an exchange of letters or minutes of the LPAC.

4.0 ALT

Step

Approve and sign the initiation plan.

Responsible Party

Programme Manager/ Resident Representative

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Evidence that the government agrees to the initiation plan is required through meeting minutes, an exchange of letters or emails, or a signature on the initiation plan document.

5.0

Step

Apply the Output Markers and activate the project in Quantum

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The multi-year workplan should be ‘mirrored’ in Quantum, so that there is a clear correspondence between the outputs and activities identified in the workplan, and the outputs and activities established in the system. Once the project has been approved by the local project appraisal committee, its proposal should be ‘awarded’ in Atlas. After the project ID is generated, multi-year budgets clearly indicating the responsible parties, funding sources, and planned budget amounts as per the annual workplan must be finalized. Each output under the project ID must also be linked to a relevant country programme outcome.

5.1 ALT

Step

Ensure the project is linked to the relevant portfolio in Quantum, if relevant.

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

This will enable joint project management, assurance and reporting features in Quantum and the corporate planning system.

6.0

Step

Sign contribution agreements with donors or memorandum of understanding for joint programme, as relevant.

Responsible Party

or staff with delegated authority

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

7.0

Step

Initiate the project.

Responsible Party

UNDP Programme Officer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Agrees on project manager's responsibilities, as well as the responsibilities of other key members of the project management team.

Delegates any project assurance function as appropriate.

Reviews the progress report for the initiation stage (if an initiation plan was approved).

Reviews and appraises detailed project plans, including the multi-year workplan and Quantum reports covering activity definition, an updated risk log and the monitoring schedule plan.

Shares annual reports and relevant information on achievement of the outcomes with the programme board and outcome group.

OPT

Step

Advance authorization

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Medical Evacuation Travel (MET)

1

Step

Flowchart – Medical Evacuation Travel (MET) Process

Responsible Party
Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

2

Step

Request approval for MET to Head of Office and advise HR Administrator 

Responsible Party

Staff member

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Request for MET must be accompanied by a medical report from the attending physician that justifies medical necessity.

3

Step

Verify eligibility of patient for MET

Responsible Party

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

International and national staff members with an appointment governed by the UN Staff Regulations and Staff Rules.

4

Step

Consult with UN Examining Physician/UN Dispensary Physician on the need for MET

Responsible Party

Head of Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Head of Office (RR/Officer-in-Charge) 

MET should be approved on the recommendation of the local Medical Officer of the Regional Commission/UN Examining Physician/UN Dispensary Physician.

5

Step

Evaluate and recommend MET

Responsible Party

Physician

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The local Medical Officer of the Regional Commission or 
the UN Dispensary Physician or 
local UN Examining Physician 
Guidelines for physicians on MET should be followed (Annex C); the recommendation for MET should be forwarded to the Head of Office for approval.

6

Step

Approve MET to a recognized regional medical centre within the region

Responsible Party

Head of Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

If MET is not authorized, the HR Administrator should inform the staff member. 

MET to any other place will require the prior approval of the UN Medical Director.

7

Step

Evaluate request for MET outside the region and approve MET to any other place other than the recognized medical centre within the region

Responsible Party

UN Medical Director

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The Head of Office should forward a request to the UN Medical Director with the following information: 
- staff member’s name, agency, duty station and index number; 
- indication of whether the patient is the staff member or an eligible family member; if eligible family member, relationship to staff member; 
- proposed place and date of evacuation; 
- patient’s current clinical condition; 
- tentative diagnosis by the treating physician; 
- laboratory test; 
- treatment initiated; 
- specific purpose of the evacuation; and 
- recommendation of the local Medical Officer of the Regional Commission, the UN Dispensary Physician or the local UN Examining Physician. 

It is essential that correct and complete information be communicated to the UN Medical Director to avoid unnecessary delays. Each request for MET will be reviewed individually, taking into consideration the recommendation of the Medical Officer of the Regional Economic Commission, the UN Dispensary Physician or the local UN Examining Physician, and any other medical information at hand. 

If MET is not authorized outside the region, the RR would be advised to inform the staff member.

8

Step

Arrange MET: 
- Communicate approval to staff 
- Inform Cigna or GMCS of MET 
- If patient is unable to, forward completed and signed Cost Estimate form to Medical Insurance on behalf of patient 
- Organize MET of the patient and accompanying escort, if applicable 
- Organize purchase of tickets, confirmation of flights and DSA 
- Process salary advance for the staff member, if requested 
- Ensure that any required entry visas are obtained 
- Forward itinerary and MET approval to Finance for payment of DSA and terminal expenses 
- If the MET destination is in security level I or above, request security clearance for the patient and/or family member/ medical escort 
- Forward the travel details to the HR Administrator of the receiving office and request logistical arrangements for the patient: hospital appointment, hotel accommodation and transportation

Responsible Party

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

In non-emergency cases, appointments with the hospital should be confirmed before the staff member or dependent leaves on MET; Cost estimate forms should be completed at least 10 days before hospitalization or no later than three days after hospitalization in cases of emergency 

All logistical arrangements should be put in place before departure and confirmed with the receiving UNDP office at the place of MET 

The following information should be forwarded to the receiving office: 
- patient’s name, date of birth and relationship to the staff member; 
- if applicable, name of accompanying family member and/or medical escort; 
- date of arrival, name of airline, flight number and estimated time of arrival for patient and, if applicable, accompanying family member and/or medical escort; 
- estimated date of departure, name of airline, flight number and estimated time of departure for patient and, if applicable, accompanying family member and/or medical escort; 
- whether hotel accommodation arrangements are required for the patient and, if applicable, accompanying family member and/or medical escort; 
- whether transportation arrangements to and from the airport are required for the patient and, if applicable, accompanying family member and/or medical escort; and 
- whether patient is covered under Cigna, MIP or any of the New York Insurance Plans.

If the staff member is unable to complete and/or sign the form, the staff member’s spouse or an adult family member may complete and sign the form on his/her behalf. If attempts to contact the staff member’s spouse or an adult family member have failed, the UNDP RR, Country Director or OIC may sign on the staff member’s behalf. This measure should only be taken under circumstances where there is supporting documentation to show that efforts to contact the staff member’s spouse or adult family member were unsuccessful and where further delay could jeopardize the staff member’s well-being. When using this measure, the UNDP decision maker is responsible for communicating all medical information to the staff member until such time as a spouse or adult family member is contacted.

9

Step

Approve the application for hospitalization and direct billing;
Forward Letter of Guarantee to the hospital/clinic

Responsible Party

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Insurance Company Cigna, MIP or any of the New York Insurance Plans

For local staff covered under MIP, please refer to MIP Rules

For international staff covered under UN WWP (Cigna), please refer to UN  Worldwide Medical Insurance Plan.

10

Step

Take MET

Responsible Party

Staff member,

Dependent

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

For local staff covered under MIP, please refer to MIP Rules.

For international staff covered under the UN WWP (Cigna),, please refer to UN  Worldwide Medical Insurance Plan

11

Step

For a patient covered under MIP, sign and forward the GMC Prior Agreement form completed by the doctor to GMC.

Responsible Party

Staff member,

Dependent

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

For local staff covered under MIP, please refer to MIP Rules

For international staff covered under Vanbreda, please refer to UN  Worldwide Medical Insurance Plan.

12

Step

Request completion of ‘Medical Evacuation’ form (MS.39) by the attending physician at the place of evacuation, together with a complete medical report to the Medical Service through the attending physician at the staff member’s duty station within two weeks of the evacuee’s return to the duty station

Responsible Party

Staff member,

Dependent

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

13

Step

Forward the ‘Medical Evacuation’ form (MS.39) and the medical report from the attending physician to the UN Medical Director when the staff member returns from MET

Responsible Party

Physician

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The local Medical Officer of the Regional Commission or 
the UN Dispensary Physician or 
local UN Examining Physician

A complete medical report delivered by the attending physician at the place of evacuation should be forwarded to the Medical Service within two weeks of the evacuee’s return to the duty station. 

The record will include all supporting documentation that may have been submitted to justify a request for MET in excess of 45 days.

14

Step

Maintain a complete record of the MET;
Forward the data on MET to the UN Medical Director each quarter

Responsible Party

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

A written record must be kept by the local HR/Operations Manager of each MET, setting out the following information (which should be forwarded to UNMS):
- the name of the staff member, index number, name of the organization, whether locally or internationally recruited; 
​ - the name of the dependant and his/her relation to the staff member, if the evacuee was not the staff member; 
- the name of the Head of Office who authorized the evacuation; 
- the place of evacuation authorized by the Head of Office; 
- the actual place of evacuation; 
- the total cost of the MET, including travel expenses and DSA; and 
- the total medical costs during MET.

15

Step

Repatriation of mortal remains

Responsible Party

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The funding source for the authorized expenses related to the preparation and transportation of mortal remains is the same funding source against which the staff member’s salary is charged. Please be guided by Annex D

All expenses related to the staff member’s medical treatment are charged to MIP in accordance with the rules. 

Expenses related to the MET (e.g. staff member’s air ticket, nurse’s air ticket, DSA, ambulances etc.) are charged to the same funding source against which the staff member’s salary is charged.

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.

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.

Facts Anterior

1

Step

Submission of the request for termination of appointment. 

Responsible Party

Bureau or Country Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

2

Step

Review of the request. 
 

 

 

Responsible Party

OHR Business Partner and Legal Office

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Review by Legal Office required in all cases. 
 

 

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

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Notify staff member and prepare Request for Personnel Action.

Receive notification.

Calculation of indemnities.

Implement termination decision.
 

 

 

Mobility Incentive

1

Step

Monitoring of 5 years of uninterrupted service with UNDP

Responsible Party

BES/JPOSC HR Focal point

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes
  • 5 years of uninterrupted service is counted as of the last entry on duty (EOD) with UNDP (hire/rehire) unless staff member has joined UNDP on transfer, secondment or loan from another agency.

2

Step

Activate Mobility Incentive in  Quantum for the assignment

Responsible Party

BES/JPOSC HR Focal point

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

3

Step

Payment

Responsible Party

BES/JPOSC HR Focal point

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes
  • Payment is automated and paid monthly through payroll.
  • The mobility incentive assignment count and start date is included on the Personnel Action form.Entitlement to the incentive ends upon 5 years in a duty station regardless of when the entitlement started to be accrued. 
  • The mobility incentive is activated per assignment in Quantum.



4

Step

Monitor and end entitlement to Mobility Incentive on the date of 5 years in duty station.

Responsible Party

BES/JPOSC HR Focal point

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes
  • Entitlement to the incentive ends upon 5 years in a duty station regardless of when the entitlement started to be accrued. 

5

Step

Reinstate mobility upon reassignment to a new duty station

Responsible Party

BES/JPOSC HR Focal point

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Development and Institutional Effectiveness Project

1.0

Step
Approve annual workplan and budget.
Responsible Party

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The workplan and budget must be approved annually by the programme manager, or staff with Delegated Authority.

Responsible Parties

1.0

Step

Identify project activities and/or portfolio interventions to be provided by a responsible party.

Responsible Party

Project Manager and/or Portfolio Manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

2.0

Step

Select a suitable responsible party using the appropriate method.
 

Responsible Party

Project Manager and/or Portfolio Manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

3.0

Step

Screen the selected responsible party and complete any required capacity assessments instructed by the PCAT.
 

Responsible Party

Project Manager and/or Portfolio Manager

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

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.
 

4.0

Step

Sign standard agreement with the responsible parties.

Responsible Party

Project Manager and/or Portfolio Manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Grantees

1.0

Step

Establish grant selection committee (if different from project board and/or portfolio board).

Responsible Party

Project Developer and/or Portfolio Developer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Low Value Grants Operational Guidance 
 



 

2.0

Step

Define grant selection criteria.

Responsible Party

Project Developer and/or Portfolio Developer

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Note that grant selection criteria are often determined or influenced by the funding source.

Low Value Grants Operational Guidance. 
 

2.1 OPT

Step

Conduct specific implementing partner capacity assessment for on-granting in line with the selection criteria.

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

Explanatory Notes

The partner capacity assessment tool has a worksheet for on-granting, which is enabled only when on-granting is used. (Quick Guide to Downloading the PCAT).  

3.0

Step

Solicit grant proposals in line with the project document and/or portfolio document.

Responsible Party

Project Manager

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

Both the overall project and/or portfolio purpose and the grant selection criteria should be referenced.

Low Value Grants Operational Guidance
 

Grant proposals to include the signed Self Certification (Programming Entities)
 

4.0

Step

Selection of grantees and award of grants.

Responsible Party

Grant selection committee or project board and/or portfolio board

Template/Guideline
Explanatory Notes

The process of selection is described in the terms of reference of the grant selection committee.
 

Low Value Grants Operational Guidance
 

Grantees’ capacities are assessed through the Partner Capacity Assessment Tool, which assesses the grantee management and other capacities. The PCAT is completed for low value grants. (Quick Guide to Downloadingthe PCAT).
 

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