Which of the following is a web development tool that has been pre-approved for use on abp-3?

Announcement

86. Social and Environmental Standards, June 30th, 2022

A minor update to the Social and Environmental Risk Screening Template Question 6.3 has been implemented, modifying the presumption of risk significance. The change guides the screener to assume that affirmative answers to the question should rate the project at least as Moderate risk instead of Substantial, as was previously the case. This modification is based on lessons learned and aimed at streamlining the environmental and social assessment process.

85. Project Risk Register Template, June 28th, 2022

The project risk register template has been updated to align with the updated Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) policy which has been harmonized with the Social and Environmental Standards (SES) policy. The risk sub-categories in the Quantum + corporate planning system (capturing programme level risks) and in the Atlas project risk registers are now fully aligned with the project-level social and environmental standards. The offline project risk register template (Annex 2) is aligned with the risk entry system in the Quantum + corporate planning system and with the risk appetite to risk significance in the risk matrix (Annex 3). 
The updated project risk register template has been published as follows: (a) in steps 1 and 2 of the Social and Environmental Standards procedures; (b) in step 3.3. of the Formulate Development Projects procedures; (c) in step 2.4 of the Monitor procedures.

84. Close and Transition, June 17th, 2022

The policy has been updated to align with the UNDP Evaluation Guidelines’ mandatory criteria for the terminal or final evaluation of projects or programmes. Expected mandatory criteria and thresholds were added to the section.

83. Report, June 17th, 2022

The policy has been updated to add a new section on “Evaluation Report” (paragraphs 11-15). This section provides guidance on objective and use of evaluation reports along with guidance on review and finalization of reports like Inception report, final report, Management Response to evaluation.

82. Manage Change, June 17th, 2022

The policy has been updated to add a new section on “Making changes to the evaluation plan” (paragraphs 26-30). This section provides the process of making any adjustments to the plan including date changes, deletions and additions that need to be clearly supported with a detailed rationale validated and approved by the regional evaluation focal point as per UNDP Evaluation Guidelines.

81. Monitor, June 17th, 2022

The policy has been updated to add a new section on “Monitoring of Evaluation Plan implementation” (paragraphs 25-28). The updated guideline includes the process and content of annual and mid-year review of the evaluation plan; guidelines on the expected timeline for oversight; and monitoring roles and responsibilities of the country office, the regional bureau,the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support and the Independent Evaluation Office.

80. Deliver Results, June 17th, 2022

The policy has been updated to incorporate UNDP evaluation guidelines on the annual and mid-term review of the annual evaluation plan in paragraph 3.

79. Annual planning, June 16th, 2022

The policy has been updated to incorporate UNDP evaluation guidelines on the annual and mid-term review of the annual evaluation plan in paragraph 3.

78. Appraise and approve, June 16th, 2022

he policy has been updated related to Programme Assessment and Appraisal to add references (1) a review of UNDP’s comparative strengths and mandate that effectively integrated into the Cooperation framework Theory of Change (paragraph 12); (2) to the importance of learning from any past evaluation results into the formulation of the new country programme design (paragraph 14).

77. Performance-based Payments, June 16th, 2022

The policy was updated with links to UNDP Evaluation Guidelines (paragraph 16) and UNDP Evaluation Policy (paragraph 27).

76. Formulate Programmes and Projects, June 16th, 2022

 The policy has been updated to reflect the roles and responsibilities in the development and oversight of the evaluation plan as a part of project implementation. June 29, 2021 – Procedure step 3.0 of the Deliver Results chapter has been updated to align with the January 01, 2021 HACT changes. Additionally, the Partner Capacity Assessment Tool (PCAT) has been updated to align with the HACT updated thresholds and also includes procurement capacity assessment for GEF & GCF-funded projects.

75. Quality Standards for Programming, June 13th, 2022

The policy has been updated to incorporate evaluation aspects in programming quality standards as follows: (1) Specific guidelines on CPD evaluation plans have been added to the section on “Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation” in accordance with UNDP’s Evaluation Guidelines; (2) UNDP’s accountability to the Executive Board for the evaluation function has been reflected in paragraph 15 and (3) a link to the IEO’s mandate has been added to paragraph 8.

74. Quality Standards for Programming, June 9th, 2022

The Programme Quality Assurance Design Stage Rating Tool has been updated to include criteria to assess digitalization and volunteerism. The new tool is applicable to Country Programme Documents submitted to the Board from June 2023.

73. Formulate Programmes and Projects, May 17th, 2022

The “Oversight Readiness Capacity Assessment” (ORCA) tool (previously called the VF needs assessment tool) has been completed and fully digitized. The tool was developed by BPPS-NCE in consultation with the BMS and Regional Bureaus, as well as the BPPS - Effectiveness Group. The objective of the ORCA tool is to help UNDP effectively manage risks across its Vertical Fund portfolio and perform its Quality Assurance (QA) function (as Accredited Entity to specific Funds). Accordingly, the tool has been designed to assess adequacy of current resources and/or provisions needed at the CO to effectively perform its ‘oversight responsibilities’ when deciding to take on additional programming requests related to VF projects. The ORCA assessment tool can be accessed through the CO dashboard in PIMS+ and detailed instructions on how to use and access the tool is provided in the User Guide and FAQ documents uploaded to under “Formulate Development Projects” in POPP.

72. Formulate Programmes and Projects, January 20th, 2022

The Country Programme Document (CPD) template has been updated to reflect the outcomes of the Strategic Plan 2022 – 2025 and includes references to the plan’s six signature solutions and three enablers. The updated CPD template is linked in Step 6.0 of the Formulate Programmes procedures.

71. Appraise and Approve, January 17th, 2022

 The Delegation of Authority Templates for GEF and GCF Programming have been updated to reflect minor revisions in page 1 to clarify the division of responsibilities and accountabilities as set out in the RACI. The updated templates are linked in Step 2.1 VERT of the Development Project procedures.

70. Formulate Programmes and Projects, December 15th, 2021

An updated version of the Project Origination SOPs, which now includes additional specific elements for GCF projects/programmes, has been provided which applies to all vertical fund programming. Furthermore, new PISC submission and assessment templates for GEF Enabling Activities (EAs) and Capacity Building Initiatives for Transparency (CBIT) have been developed and uploaded in POPP.

69. Formulate Programmes and Projects, December 14th, 2021

The project document template has been updated to reflect the following:

1. ‘Digital by Default’ is now embedded in project design ;

2. Additional text added to ensure consistency with the principles of the UNDP Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Policy.;

• Updated definition of sexual harassment;

• Additional text added to reflect the newly introduced Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) policy;

• Updated link to the United Nations Security Council Consolidated Sanctions List;

• In the option for DIM implementation, additional text has been added to address: a) Obligations on sub parties relating to SEA/SH; and b) Obligations of sub parties relating to SES;

• In the option for UN Agency implementation an additional sentence was added on SEA/SH, which goes as follows: “The Implementing Partner will ensure that its regulations, rules, policies and procedures are consistent with the principles of UNDP relating to SEA and SH requirements.”.

3. The Project Organization Structure has been updated to provide clarity on oversight and implementation, including the Project Board ToR (as annex to the project document) and FAQ;

4. Capacity Assessment has been specified to include the Partner Capacity Assessment Tool (PCAT) as an annex to the project document;

5. To include the On-Granting Provisions Applicable to the Implementing Partner (Grant Making Institution facilitating on-granting) as an annex to the project document, if applicable.

The updated Project Document template is included as hyperlink in Step 3.0 Develop a project document that adheres to UNDP quality standards and partner requirements of the Procedures.

68. Multi-Country and South-South Projects, December 14th, 2021

The project document template has been updated to reflect related to the following: 

1. ‘Digital by Default’ is now embedded in project design;

2.Updates in the Risk Management section as follows:

•Updated definition of sexual harassment;

•Additional text added to ensure consistency with the principles of the UNDP Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Policy;

•Updated link to the United Nations Security Council Consolidated Sanctions List;

•In the option for DIM implementation, additional text has been added to address: a) Obligations on sub-parties relating to SEA/SH; and b) Obligations of sub-parties relating to SES;

•In the option for UN Agency implementation, an additional sentence has been added on SEA/SH, as follows: “The Implementing Partner will ensure that its regulations, rules, policies and procedures are consistent with the principles of UNDP relating to SEA and SH requirements.”

3.The Project Organization Structure has been updated to provide clarity on oversight and implementation, including the Project Board ToR (as annex to the project document) and FAQ;

4.Specify Capacity Assessment has been specified to include the Partner Capacity Assessment Tool (PCAT) as an annex to the project document;

5.Inclusion of  On-Granting Provisions Applicable to the Implementing Partner (Grant Making Institution facilitating on-granting) as an annex to the project document, if applicable.

The updated Project Document template is included as hyperlink in Step 1.0 Prepare a project proposal and a multi-year workplan, and identify financial resources (including in-kind) for activities in Atlas.

New Project Board ToR and FAQ with generic guidance and standard text on the main duties and responsibilities of a project board have been added as hyperlinks to Step 1.0 Hold programme/project board reviews at least annually of the Procedures. The Project TOR includes rules on the composition of the project board and categories of board member representation; protocols for project board operations (including addressing conflicts of interest); suggested outputs for board meetings; support functions to the Board; and other key matters.

66. Formulate Programmes and Projects, November 3rd, 2021

New PISC templates have been developed for vertical fund global/regional projects in line with the existing Project Origination SOPs and RACI. The new templates include: 1) a submission form for global or regional teams to use when preparing for the PISC; 2) an assessment template for global or regional projects that will be used to evaluate the project during the PISC meeting. In addition, to ensure consistency, the existing PISC CO submission form and the existing PISC CO assessment template have been updated to align with the new submission form and assessment template for global/regional projects.
The One Stop Shop for Vertical Fund Projects has also been updated with the latest links to documents related to vertical fund programming.

65. Formulate Programmes and Projects, October 21st, 2021

The GEF RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed) matrix for NIM projects has been updated. The GEF RACI clarifies the responsibilities and accountabilities of the various UNDP business units in overseeing GEF projects from origination to closure.

64. Formulate Programmes and Projects, October 11th, 2021

The regional programme document template in Step 6.0 ALT 1 of the Formulate Programmes procedure has been updated to its latest version of 2021.

63. Formulate Programmes and Projects, September 17th, 2021

GEF and GCF project document templates have been updated in Step 3.0 of Formulate Development Projects procedures and new Guidance on Governance Arrangements for Vertical Fund Programming has been added. The updated Project Documents and Guidance responds to a number of recommendations made by OAI in its report of December 2020 related to UNDP’s management of GEF resources. The main changes relate to the following:

• Project Governance Arrangements: The project document now provides clear guidance on the different implementation modalities, the roles UNDP can play in terms of execution versus oversight, the project board compositions and which office/unit/person can perform which function on the board, as well as conflict of interest provisions. In addition to the Project Document template, separate guidance has been prepared in the form of a PPT on the governance arrangements.
• -Co-financing: The project document contains updated guidance on the classification of co-financing, the management of risks associated with such financing and the responsibilities for due diligence and monitoring of co-financing commitments.

62. Programme and Project Management, June 29th, 2021

1. Select Implementing Partners (policy clause 7 and procedure step 2.0)
2. Select Responsible Parties and Grantees (policy clauses 6 and 17; procedure table 1, step 3.0)
3. Deliver Results (procedure step 3.0)
   

Additionally, the Partner Capacity Assessment Tool (PCAT) has been updated to align with the HACT updated thresholds and also includes procurement capacity assessment for GEF & GCF-funded projects. If you experience problems downloading the file please follow this guide

61. Programme and Project Management, June 17th, 2021

In order to assist offices in their costing and budgeting of project activities, PPM procedures "Prepare Fully Costed Budgets for Projects" have been added. These procedures provide guidance on how to budget direct and indirect costs including personnel and operating costs, as well services by UNDP offices to projects. They also provide a sample project budget template by activities and budget inputs and a sample timesheet template when estimating UNDP services to projects. Budgeting and costing requirements of the specific funding partners (EU, GEF and Global Fund) are also available here. These updates are reflected in the following PPM chapters:  

1. Formulate Programmes and Projects policy (clauses 41-42, 47 and 49)
2. Formulate Development Projects procedures (Step 3.2) 
3. Formulate Development and Institutional Effectiveness Projects procedures (Step 1.1) 
4. Engagement Facility procedures  (Step 3.1) 
5. Multi-Country and South-South Projects procedures (Step 3.1) 
   

60. Formulate Programmes and Projects, June 15th, 2021

Effective April 30, 2021, a new time tracking system has been developed to be applied by UNDP personnel designated to provide oversight services on the Vertical Fund (GEF Family of Funds, GCF, and AF) financed projects. The system is designed to track time spent on providing vertical fund-specific Project Cycle Management Services (PCMS) and vertical fund related Corporate Activities. These services are defined by the Council and Board of the GEF, GCF and AF, respectively and include oversight services to ensure that project execution (by the Implementing Partner) meets the standards and requirements of the respective vertical funds and UNDP Policies and Procedures. Details are further outlined in the Guidance Note, which is linked in step 1.1 ALT of the Formulate Development Projects procedures. 

59. Formulate Programmes and Projects, June 15th, 2021

Effective January 10, 2019, an updated template for the UNDP GEF Initiation Plan to programme the PPG received from the GEF has been uploaded and linked in step 2.2 OPT of the Formulate Development Projects procedures. This is effective for all PIFs approved as of GEF June work programme 2019.

58. Appraise and Approve, June 15th, 2021

Effective April 30, 2021, updated Delegation of Authority letter templates for GEF and GCF programming have been uploaded to POPP and linked in step 2.1 VERT of the Appraise and Approve Development Project procedures. These include: 

57. Formulate Programmes and Projects, April 30th, 2021

The Vertical Funds Needs Assessment Tool (VF-NAT), as well as a VF NAT user guide and an FAQ file have been added under Procedure No. 1.1 ALT of the Formulate Development Projects procedures of the Formulate Programmes & Projects policy. The VF-NAT has been developed as a part of the OAI GEF audit management actions. The VF-NAT will be piloted between May-Dec 2021 when new VF programming requests are received. After the pilot phase, following a review and refinement, the tool will be rolled out in support of VF programming, in conjunction with the IWP process for 2022.

56. Quality Standards for Programming, April 19th, 2021 

The paragraph on programming principles has been updated to reflect UNDP’s five programming principles: Leave No One Behind, Human Rights, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, Sustainability and Resilience and Accountability.

55. Formulate Programmes and Projects, April 15th, 2021

The policy has been updated to include a clause for projects where UNDP plans to engage with the non-UN security sector that the UN's Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP) applies which aims to ensure UNDP does not provide support to entities committing grave violations of international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law. The Formulate Development Projects procedures have been updated to include the UNDP HRDDP Implementation Framework Tool as a risk assessment tool if UNDP plans to engage with the non-UN security sector.

54. Formulate Programmes and Projects, February 11th, 2021

A one-stop-shop link to all environmental vertical fund (GEF & GCF) templates, procedures and policies in the POPP (POPP-11-3484) has been added as a guideline under Procedure No. 1.1 ALT of the Formulate Development Projects procedures of the Formulate Programmes & Projects policy. The link is in response to audit and provides a one-stop shop guidance map on GEF & GCF templates, procedures and policies in the POPP.

53. Programme and Project Management, February 1st, 2021

1. Formulate Programmes and Projects
2. Select Responsible Parties and Grantees 
3. Appraise and Approve
   
4. Manage Change
5. Report
6. Close and Transition

52. Programme and Project Management, January 15th, 2021

1. Formulate Programmes and Projects (Development Projects, Step  1.1 ALT)
2. Appraise and Approve (Development Project, 2.1 VERT)
3. Deliver Results (Step 3.0)
4. Provide Oversight (Step 1.0)
5. Close and Transition (Projects, Step 2.0)

51. Social and Environmental Standards, January 1st, 2021

50. Appraise and Approve, December 18th, 2020

49. Select Responsible Parties and Grantees, July 22nd, 2020

48. Select Responsible Parties and Grantees, June 3rd, 2020

47. Development Services, June 2nd, 2020

Embedded template for Development Services agreement. (POPP-11-3241).

46. Formulate Programmes and Projects, February 4th, 2020

The Country Programme Document template is now available in the Formulate Programmes and Projects procedure table (Step 6). The CPD template has been updated to respond to changes brought by the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.

45. Programme and Project Management, December 4th, 2019

All PPM policies and procedures are now available in French except for those concerning Evaluation and Knowledge Product Production and Quality Assurance. To access translated content, click on the French language tab of the respective policy page.

Updates were made across the programme and project management chapter of the POPP to reflect the shift from the UNDAF to the UN Cooperation Framework. Updates were also made under programme appraisal to reflect the shift from the HQ PAC, which quality assured completed CPDs at the end of programme design, to the IPAC, which assesses the programme's theory of change closer to the start of the process as a learning function.

1. Social and Environmental Standards 
2. Formulate Programmes and Projects 
3. Development Services 
4. Select Implementing Partner 
5. Appraise and Approve
6. Monitor 
7. Provide Oversight 
8. Manage Change
9. Report 
   

43. Select Responsible Parties and Grantees, October 23rd, 2019

The French Standard Grant Agreement (Micro-Capital Grant) for Non-Credit Related Activities template is now available. To access the content, click on the French language tab. (Procedure table two, step four).

42. Select Responsible Parties and Grantees, April 4th, 2019

The Spanish Standard Grant Agreement (Micro-Capital Grant) for Non-Credit Related Activities templateis now available. To access the document, click on the Spanish language tab (Procedure table two, step four). 

41. Programme and Project Management, March 20th, 2019

All PPM policies and procedures are now available in Spanish except for those concerning Evaluation and Knowledge Product Production and Quality Assurance. To access translated content, click on the Spanish language tab of the respective policy page. 

40. Development Services, March 1st, 2019

Fund code 32050 has been issued for Development Services. This is noted in step 4 of the Development Services procedures, section 3.0 of the main policy page. Please note that GMS needs to be charged for Development Services at the same rate it is charged for regular development projects.

39. Knowledge Product Production and Quality Assurance, March 1st, 2019

The new Knowledge Product Production and Quality Assurance chapter has been published under the Programming Standards section of the PPM. The policy and procedures apply to all knowledge products produced by UNDP where UNDP is a co-author. They also introduce a new online process and requirements for the publication of knowledge products, while shortening the steps required for clearance. In addition to the policy and procedures, the related guidelines have been published in the POPP library ("Knowledge Product Production Guidelines" document # POPP 11-2969). These offer in-depth information on different knowledge product types, life cycle steps, production processes, and quality assurance standards.

PPM Updates, February 22nd, 2019

The following revisions have been incorporated into the PPM policies and procedures in alignment with updated guidelines:

1.      Removed all references to Country Director, in light of the RC/RR delinking.

2.      Revised evaluation content to align with new decentralized evaluation guidelines.

3.      Introduced the new Partner Capacity Assessment Tool and deleted references to previous capacity assessments.

4.      Introduced the new Atlas User Guide that aligns with the PPM re-write, including new project types and portfolio management.

5.      Engagement Facility policy: Removed limitation of equipment purchases as a percentage of annual expenditures, added a procedure that clarifies an Engagement Facility should be closed when it is no longer needed, updated fund code and receivable instructions.

6.      Development Services policy: Clarified distinction between development services and memorandum for the provision of services (MPS), added procedure to close the development service in Atlas after the service has been delivered.

7.      Clarified that in order for an implementing partner or responsible party to be selected as a pre-condition of funding, this must be received in writing from the donor.

8.      Under Select Implementing Partner, clarified that private and non-governmental academic institutions are considered civil society, and publicly owned academic institutions are considered government entities.

9.      Select Responsible Parties and Grantees:

1. Clarified that the same policies and procedures for selecting civil society partners as responsible parties are used for private and non-governmental academic institutions and foundations, as well as state-owned enterprises. I.e., these institutions are not classified as civil society organizations, but we use the same approach to select them.
2. Clarified that innovation challenge prizes are used in DIM projects or via CO support to NIM projects.
3. Aligned content on low value grants with new operational guidance.
4. Replaced micro-capital grant agreement template with new low value grant agreement template.
   

10.  Clarified low value performance-based payment reporting and assurance requirements.

11.  Added an exchange of letters as an acceptable method of documenting the programme board's agreement to changes.

12.  Increased maximum duration of bridging programmes form 18 months to 24 months.

13.  Clarified content on asset disposal under Close and Transition. Asset ownership after the project should be included in the project document. If this has not been done, asset transfer/disposal plans must be agreed with the government and donor (if relevant).

14.  Minor editorial adjustments and clarifications

---

36. Select Responsible Parties and Grantees, December 14th, 2018

The new Partner Capacity Assessment tool was added to steps 3 and 2.1 OPT of the Responsible Parties and Grantees procedures, replacing other assessments that are part of the new streamlined tool.

35. Performance Based Payments, December 14th, 2018

​The new Partner Capacity Assessment tool was added to step 3.0 of the procedures, replacing other assessments that are part of the new streamlined tool.

34. Launch of Bold New Changes to Programme and Project Management,June 8th, 2018

The Programme and Project Management (PPM) policies and procedures have been re-written from end-to-end. The changes help UNDP to be a more agile and responsive development partner in a world that is changing rapidly.

The new approach:

1. Reduces burden. Many requirements were streamlined. Country offices estimate that the changes will reduce time burden by approximately 33 days per year per programming staff person.

2. Improves flexibility. New ways to deliver results with diverse partners enable UNDP to work more effectively on cross-border solutions, in crisis settings and more. These approaches will also help staff to work in a more integrated manner.

3. Bolsters innovation. The changes make it easier to revise programmes and projects based on learning and experimentation. The PPM fully integrates new UNDAF guidance and delivering as one. It enables new partnerships with the private sector, IFIs and more, and introduces innovative financial instruments.

More information about the changes is available on the Programme Effectiveness Knowledge Network, and visual guides complement the policies and procedures in the POPP.

33. Implementing a Programme Policy,February 13th, 2017

Updated CPD Template has been added. This template guides how theories of change should be incorporated throughout the country programme document (CPD) to explain our programming choices based on evidence, learning and UNDP's comparative advantages. Clearer expectations on how support to SDG achievement in the country should be reflected within the theory of change and as a coherent programming strategy is also included. Finally, a standard required statement has been added on Direct Project Costing in the Programme and Risk Management section. 

32. Project Management: Implementing Policy,February 13th, 2017

The new project document template (2017) has been uploaded, reflecting new clauses on fraud prevention and accountability to strengthen risk management section. 

31. New Policy on Quality Standards for Programming,March 1st, 2016

Offices are required to assure quality of all projects. The new programme design stage quality assurance assessment form is available here.

For project quality assurance, UNDP offices are required to use the following forms: 

• Project Design Stage QA Assessment Form
• Project Implementation Stage QA Assessment Form
• Project Closure Stage QA Assessment Form

30. New Monitoring Policy, March 1st, 2016

Monitoring provides an opportunity to validate or adjust the theory of change and make evidence-based decisions to improve programming performance and results achievement. Evidence collected from monitoring is reviewed periodically to assess performance and inform actions and decisions. Such reviews focus on projects, programmes, the ABP/IWP, or the Strategic Plan.

29. Revised Programme and Project Management (PPM), March 1st, 2016

New Project Document Template

While the new project document template can be used immediately, it will be required for all new projects as of 1 March 2016. Country offices should take note of the strengthened resource planning requirements of the project document. All project inputs, including those provided by UNDP staff, are to be fully budgeted and included in the multi-year work plan.

28. Revised Programme and Project Management (PPM), March 1st, 2016

The CPAP will no longer be required for countries with a signed UNDAF

Please make sure the standard legal clauses are attached to the UNDAF. If your country does not have an UNDAF, you must still sign a CPAP with the Government, establishing national ownership over the programme. 

27. Revised Programme and Project Management (PPM), March 1st, 2016

New Programming Instruments

To reflect new elements introduced by the Policies on Quality Standards for Programming and Monitoring, most references to the Country Programme Action Plan (CPAP) has been eliminated. When the reference to CPAP appears, it is alongside the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) as CPAP to serve as country programme document signed with government that established national ownership of the programme.

Annual Work Plans were replaced with Multi-Year Work Plans. The PPM chapter also updated links and references to the new project document template. It also removed references and links to old considerations of quality programming and project document check list, and replaced them with references to the new Quality Standards for Programming and the Quality Assurance rating tools at various stages. It also added pre-Project Appraisal Committee requirements for Country Programme Documents (CPD).

26. Revised Programme and Project Management (PPM), March 1st, 2016

The $500,000 threshold for the requirement to conduct the social and environmental screening procedure was replaced with an expanded list of risk-based exemption criteria. Projects that consist solely of any of the following components will be exempt from the screening requirement, to be documented as part of the QA process:

• Preparation and dissemination of reports, documents and communication materials [existing exemption]
• Organization of an event, workshop, training [existing exemption]
• Strengthening capacities of partners to participate in international negotiations and conferences [new exemption]
• Partnership coordination (including UN coordination) and management of networks [new exemption]
• Global/regional projects with no country level activities (e.g. knowledge management, inter-governmental processes) [new exemption]

25. South-South and Triangular Cooperation Project Instrument, December 18th, 2014

A new project instrument for South-South and Triangular Cooperation projects is now available. It is based on the principles of South-South Cooperation (SSC) and enables multiple countries to efficiently, effectively and accountably contribute to joint results on equal terms, enhancing opportunities for substantive and operational results to be achieved.

24. Engagement Facility: New Programming Tool for Achieving Upstream Results,February 28th, 2014

The Engagement Facility provides a rapid and flexible response mechanism to support upstream policy results and test innovations with scaling-up potential. It gives Resident Representatives the ability to finance upstream activities through approving an Annual Work Plan, without requiring the processes accompanying a traditional project (such as a project document, PAC, etc).  It replaces the funding facilities formerly known as Development Support Services (DSS) and Development Advisory Services (DAS).

23. Programme Management, February 25th, 2014

The Country Programme Document template and guidance has been further revised by implementing Executive Board decisions taken in the January 2014 session. The changes are: 

• incorporating how results contained in the results and resources framework relate to the strategic plan and organization-wide results framework; and 
• the inclusion of a standard statement of accountability for programme results under the Section III: Programme and Risk Management.

22. Revised CPD Template, December 4th, 2013

A new template for the Country Programme Document (CPD) has been issued for country programmes going to the Executive Board starting in June 2014.

21. Elaboration of Social and Environmental Safeguards Policy, March 26th, 2013

UNDP's social and environmental safeguard screening policies have been consolidated into the introduction of the programme and project management section of the POPP. The changes clarify that the design and implementation of programmes and projects should (a) take into account the impacts and risks related to social and environmental sustainability; and (b) adequately avoid, mitigate or minimize any potential adverse impacts.

20. Authorizations for direct implementation, February 7th, 2013

This revision updates existing procedures on how organizational units can obtain authorization for direct implementation. The update clarifies the criteria by which requests should be assessed, and provides options for a risk-informed approach to delegation. These procedures have been developed for direct implementation by country offices, as well as by hosts of regional and global projects. Further revisions are forthcoming in 2013 based on a review of practice.

19. Project-level environmental and social screening procedure, May 29th, 2012

The programme and project chapter of POPP has been updated with the project-level environmental and social screening procedure.  The screening procedure consolidates and harmonizes various safeguard standards that were proliferating across UNDP trust funds and other initiatives and were increasing the programming burden on country offices. The implementation of the procedure will be in phases, and initially it will apply to projects submitted to a project appraisal committee with a budget of US$500,000 or more.

18. Procedures for the review of Regional and National HDRs,May 8th 2012

The Results and Accountability chapter  has been updated with the following procedures for the review of Regional and National HDRs: i) Regional HDRs must be systematically submitted to HDR Office's review to ensure that they are technically sound, and  in congruence with the HDR template; ii) Relevant Bureaus' Senior Management must review all Regional HDRs and submit to the Administrator /Associate Administrator's perusal , with their recommendations, before publication; iii) National HDRs in politically sensitive contexts must also be reviewed by the relevant Bureaus' Senior Management and submitted to the Administrator/Associate Administrator's perusal.

17. 2011 ROAR,December 8th, 2011

The Country Office ROARs are now online and accessible at https://intranet.undp.org/global/roar/SitePages/Home.aspx. The Results and Accountability chapter of the POPP has been updated with the revised ROAR guidance. The support documents have been uploaded onto the Teamworks ROAR Discussion Page. As a very first step in completing their ROARs, every office needs to check that their outcomes are correctly reflected in the system. The contact email for support requests is

16. POPP external access,December 1st, 2011

The external users can now access the pdf versions of POPP programme and project management and Corporate Guidance and Procedures for National Implementation of UNDP-supported Projects via UNDP internet link https://info.undp.org/global/popp/ 

15. Integrated Work Planning process, December 1st, 2011

Results and Accountability chapter has been updated with the detailed guidance on the revised Integrated Work Planning process. The amended IWP will link each unit's work to shared results in the ABP with the possibility of adding other results and actions that are important to that specific unit. The contents of the ABP and Bureau-level IWPs will provide the basis for performance agreements between the Administrator and Bureau Directors and this, in turn, will affect the RCAs of the next level of management and their teams. Progress towards the ABP and linked IWPs will be monitored on a regular basis, providing UNDP with a meaningful and much needed platform to have a periodic, collective conversation on strategic coherence and direction, as well as focus on results and performance.

14. Forthcoming changes in the Integrated Work Plan,October 31st, 2011

New IWP prescriptive content is forthcoming end November based on the AOC work on the corporate planning system.

13. Evaluation Policy,September 6th, 2011

The PPM chapter has been updated to integrate measures related to the new Evaluation Policy that was approved by the Executive Board in January 2011. The content is consistent with the Policy and the interim guidance that was launched in late 2010 and that was applied in the CPD evaluation plans submitted to the June 2011 Executive Board.

12. CPAP template,August 15th, 2011

Programme and Project Management section of POPP has been updated with the revised template for the Country Programme Action Plans (CPAP). The purpose of this update is to:  (i) Align the results and resources framework of the CPAP to the revised CPD format; (ii) Make reference to the use of Standard Annex: Supplemental Provisions to the Project Documents: The Legal Context) in countries where SBAA has not been signed; (iii) Include standard text for security plan in section 10; (iv) Include provision for fast tracking and Gender Marker; (v) Delink the CPAP template from FAQs. The above changes bring the CPAP Template into line with recent programming policy changes. Please note that country offices that plan to adopt the CPAP for country programme cycles beginning January 2012 are required to use this revised template.

11. Update of the programme and project management section of the POPP,January 5th, 2011

The updated version of the programme and project management (PPM) section of the UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) is now available through Microsoft SharePoint, a content management system with a better search function.  This update covers the following:

1. National implementation (NIM). Certain project management procedures have been clarified and simplified based on the preparation of a corporate manual for national implementation (which will be launched shortly).

2. Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation. Greater emphasis is given to preparing a monitoring and evaluation framework, aligning UNDP's programme monitoring to the UNDAF annual review process, as well as considerations for programme completion and transition to the next programme cycle.

3. Integration of relevant UN policies. The UNDAF roadmap and analysis processes has been integrated, the UNDAF and UNDP country programme preparation have been combined into a single strategic planning for a programme process, and the option to prepare an UNDAF action plan has been included.

4. User-friendliness. The PPM has been slightly reorganized to improve navigation. The procedures themselves have been simplified, the steps per process have been reduced and the graphics have been clarified. Furthermore, you can find many of the frequently asked questions in the PPM FAQs.

10. Gender Marker in Project Document Template,December 15th, 2010

The gender marker is included on the cover page of the project document template and the multi-year workplan to improve programmatic accountability and to track the marker through the monitoring and evaluation process. Staff are reminded to provide indicative Output(s) with gender marker, which measures how much a project invests in gender equality and women's empowerment.

9. Interim 2010 guidance for country programme documents and costed evaluation plans, November 29th, 2010

The interim guidance for preparation of country programme documents and costed evaluation plans being prepared for submission to the Executive Board in 2011 is now available. The interim guidance contains links to revised templates (including the format of country programme document itself, results and resources framework and evaluation plan), forms and deadlines posted on the RBM platform. Upon the approval of the revised Evaluation Policy in January 2011, the relevant sections of the POPP will be updated.

8. Support system for 2010-11 Integrated Work Plan,November 25th, 2010

The comprehensive support system for 2010-11 Integrated Work Plan has been put in place to assist units in preparing their annual reports and work plans. This support system includes updated prescriptive content, frequently asked questions, on-screen guidance, and links to Teamworks discussion forums. Importantly, units can also take advantage of the Help Desk, which can be accessed by contacting . A team stands ready to respond to queries and provide support. Similar to the ROAR, translated versions of the POPP and the additional guidance material will be made available in both Spanish and French. This is already in place for the ROAR, and will be ready for the integrated work plan by 5 February, 2010.

7. The UNDP publication policy,October 23rd, 2010

The UNDP publication policy has been revised to align with the Quality Assurance Procedure for Global and Regional Products and Publications endorsed by the OG in 2008. Broadly, the changes include Ethics Office guidance and Quality Assurance Procedures for staff members writing in a personal capacity and information about the setting up of a UNDP Ad Hoc High-Level Quality Assurance Committee.

6. POPP content clearance process,July 4th, 2010

Pending OG discussion on POPP governance, the Associate Administrator has introduced revised minimum steps expected prior to publication of content in POPP as follows:

1. MPN consultation (plus other consultations as deemed appropriate by the content owner) for any new or substantially revised procedures [as per existing arrangements]
2. Sign off from other relevant content owners confirming their readiness to revise any other affected POPP section to ensure consistency across the board [new]
3. For procedures introduced by the UN at large and mandatory for UNDP: OG endorsement prior to approval on behalf of UNDP in inter-agency fora (if possible); or review of implications of policy/ procedures by OG immediately following approval at inter-agency level [new]
4. Sign off from RBx acknowledging their awareness of and readiness to implement content [new]. There are three possible routes for RBx sign-off:

• an e-round consultation with the Deputy Directors of the Regional Bureaus, sponsored by the content owner (minimum turn-around one week).  Procedural changes that follow this route will be reviewed for publication clearance by OSG on the recommendation of the content owner, upon submission of the completed template (attached).  Once cleared, OSG will simultaneously share the content with the Associate Administrator for information, along with the completed submission template
• an e-round sponsored by the OG secretariat, as may be called for by the OG on the basis of an earlier discussion, or by decision of the AA
• full discussion in the OG for material that must be very closely scrutinized because of its newness or particular sensitivity.

5. Guidance on 2009 ROAR, January 4th,2010                   

Guidance for preparation of  2009 Results Oriented Annual reports (ROARs) is now available in Results  Management and Accountability Chapter in POPP. The reporting platform can be accessed at http://home.undp.org/roar/. Offices will use the same format that was used in 2008 with a few small adjustments: First, a number of questions have been removed and some sections have been shortened. Second, the ROAR is linked with the "Success Stories" website. Third, the offices are encouraged to report on transformational results at the policy and institutional levels that have emerged through multi-year, long-term engagements, rather than focusing on the progress of interventions undertaken during the current year. Finally, a short section (3.2) has been added to capture data on joint programming.

4. Updates in the Programme and Project Management section,December 1st, 2009

A series of updates in the programme and project management section has been introduced: To simplify monitoring requirements by making activity results criteria, quarterly reporting and issues/lessons learnt  logs non-mandatory; To clarify the role of outcome board which can now be substituted by the relevant national structure; To harmonize terminology  and provide clarification on approval procedures for global and regional programmes; and to make navigation and access easier, by using an annotated table of content, updating resource center, simplifying the language and removing duplications with other sections (such as ERM, RBM etc.)

3. New Country Programme Document tool on the ERBM Platform,November 10th, 2009

OSG is pleased to introduce a new country programme document feature of the ERBM platform. This tool is available to country offices preparing a country programme document. Its use is entirely optional. The main elements of the tool are:

Guidance in English, French and Spanish, a list of focal points, references, templates and forms. Users will also find:

• An interface that allows users to directly type (or copy and paste) sections of the CPD online
• A preview mode
• A feature that allows users to upload supporting documents
• An archive and submission history, plus the final version of the document that will be submitted to the Executive Board 

2. Schedule for new country programme documents, October 9th, 2009

About 35 country offices will be developing new country programme documents in the next few months. This is taking place amid renewed pressure and interest in how UNDP is contributing to national priorities, focusing on mandated areas, mobilizing the right type of capacity at the country level, and applying learning from evaluations. These documents will, in most cases, be submitted to the Executive Board at its annual session in June-July 2010. The Programme and Project Management Cycles  sub-process has been updated to include the latest preparation and submission schedule. The Operations Support Group will shortly be introducing a feature within the ERBM platform that will help country offices develop country programme documents online. This tool will also support dialogue between RBx and country offices during the formulation process.

1. Handbook on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluating for Development Results,September 18th, 2009

The new Handbook on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluating for Development Results was launched by the Administrator on 15 September 2009. Recognizing the importance of managing for development results from the design stage onwards, the Handbook includes a section on planning. It also intends to help you support national capacity development in the areas of planning and evaluation, in close collaboration with national counterparts and institutions. Work is under way to integrate the Handbook into different sections of the POPP, including the chapters on programme and project management, and results management and accountability.