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Policy Areas

Language Allowance

Effective Date

Jan 09, 2025

Summary of Changes

The Language Allowance policy is technically revised for gender neutralization, alignment with the numbering of the revised UN Staff Regulations and Staff Rules, updated links, improved formatting for clarity, and/or removal of transitional measures, as applicable.

Rest and Recuperation

Effective Date

Jan 09, 2025

Summary of Changes

The Rest and Recuperation policy is technically revised for gender neutralization, alignment with the numbering of the revised UN Staff Regulations and Staff Rules, updated links, improved formatting for clarity, and/or removal of transitional measures, as applicable.

Solicitation

Effective Date

Jan 08, 2025

Summary of Changes

The Solicitation policy has been updated in paragraph 47 to provide clarity on how to manage alternative bids in the solicitation process.

Direct Payments

Effective Date

Jan 03, 2025

Summary of Changes

The Direct Payments policy has been updated in paragraphs 2, 4 and 6 to clarify the funding requirements for the full costs of processing direct payments and providing support services.

UNDP ICT Standards

Effective Date

Jan 02, 2025

Summary of Changes

The UNDP ICT Standards policy has been updated to reflect the following revisions:

  • Operating Systems: Windows 11 is now standard; Windows 10 is discontinued. Mac OS requirements updated to Ventura 13.
  • Hardware Requirements: Minimum RAM is increased to 16GB. Battery life requirement is set to 4 hours. Laptops now require a warranty.
  • Mobile Devices: Updated Android and iOS minimum requirements.
  • Software and Applications: Opera added as an acceptable browser. Zoom removed for instant messaging and calls.
  • Cloud and Network Security: Resources must meet Microsoft's cloud security benchmarks. Separate VLAN for third-party network services.
  • Printers and Connectivity: New devices must support cloud-based print management. Starlink added as backup connectivity option.
  • Server Infrastructure: Emphasis on Zero-trust architecture. Local servers must be declared in the ICT Registry portal.
  • ICT Standards for UN House Set-ups: Lead ICT agency to set up a VLAN for UNDP use.
  • Staff and ICT Staff Ratio: More flexibility for larger country offices on staff-to-ICT staff ratio.

Application Development Standards & Scaling Framework

Effective Date

Jan 02, 2025

Summary of Changes

The Application Development Standards & Scaling Framework policy has been updated to reflect the following revisions:

  • Removed all references to the ITM Centre of Excellence (COE) as this group of 3 developers was never implemented.
  • Strengthened paragraph 24 on the purchase of Software as a Service (SaaS) and cloud services subscriptions by Business Units highlighting the need to consult with ITM.
  • Added two paragraphs on integration of AI in in-house application development (paragraphs 28 and 29).
  • Strengthened paragraph 31 on the consultative process prior to application development.

Cost Recovery from Other Resources - GMS

Effective Date

Dec 19, 2024

Summary of Changes

The Guidance Note on GMS (Indirect Costs) for International Financial Institutions (IFIs) has been revised to reflect that the GMS cost recovery rate applied for IFIs is based on the configuration of parties that enter into financing agreements with UNDP (and not on the ‘form’ or agreement template used). The revised guidance note further details that IFI preferential rates (5%) are applicable to financing agreements signed between UNDP and an IFI (or a tripartite agreement concluded by UNDP, IFI and the Government), where both of the following criteria apply:

- UNDP anticipates signing financing agreements of $50m or more in a calendar year with funding provided by the respective IFI, including through respective national governments; and

- The financing agreement is mainly to support the government’s implementation of sovereign loan or credit guarantees.

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