Definitions
These are the common UNDP-specific acronyms and terminology.
Administrator: The organization's highest-ranking official, overseeing its worldwide operations, strategic direction, and administration.
ASL(Authorized Spending Limit): The Country Office spending allocation of Core Resources for programming. If these resources are not spent, they do not typically carry over automatically to the next year.
BERA (Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy): Responsible for UNDP's partnerships, communications, and advocacy efforts. It aims to enhance the organization's visibility, mobilize resources, and build strategic alliances with member states, civil society, the private sector, and other development partners.
BMS (Bureau for Management Services): Provides operational support to UNDP's worldwide operations, including administrative services, human resources, finance, procurement, information technology, and legal support, to ensure efficiency, risk management, and compliance.
BPPS (Bureau for Policy and Programme Support): Offers leadership and technical expertise in the development of policies, guidance, and tools for service delivery in UNDP's thematic areas, such as sustainable development, democratic governance, climate change, and disaster resilience.
Bureau: Refers to a specialized department or office that has a specific focus area or geographical remit. Bureaus within the UNDP oversee, manage, and implement various aspects of the organization's work, including policy development, program support, regional development initiatives, crisis response, and administrative functions.
CB (Crisis Bureau): Drives UNDP's integrated response to crises and emergencies, working to ensure support for countries in crisis prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery, aiming to reduce vulnerability, strengthen resilience, and facilitate sustainable development.
CDO (Chief Digital Office): The Chief Digital Office is a specialized department within the Executive Office dedicated to leveraging digital technologies to advance organizational goals, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The office collaborates with governments, the private sector, NGOs, academia, and development partners globally to ensure that digital transformation is purposeful, inclusive, and sustainable.
CO (Country Office): A UNDP Country Office is essentially the organization's local branch in a given country, serving as the central hub for its operations there. These offices collaborate with the country's government, NGOs, community groups, and businesses to carry out development projects supporting the nation's goals and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their tasks include managing UNDP's projects on the ground, overseeing their progress, finding resources, and creating partnerships. Country Offices are crucial in tailoring UNDP's worldwide objectives to the specific needs and situations of the local area, making sure the development work is impactful, efficient, and lasting.
CDR (Combined Delivery Report): It's a report in Quantum that shows all the expenditures against the various expense codes.
Concept Note: A brief outline of a project idea. It summarizes the project's purpose, expected outcomes, and funding requirements. It's used to gauge interest or secure initial support before developing a full ProDoc (Project Document).
Consumption: This is a Country Office's disbursements plus advances and POs (Purchase Orders) in a given period for any type of funds. This is often called "Expenditure" or "Budget Utilisation".
Contributions: The financial resources provided by various donors to support the organization's activities and mandates.
Core Funding: Unrestricted financial contributions provided by member states to UNDP, enabling the organization to allocate resources flexibly across its various programs and initiatives. This type of funding supports essential services, innovation, and strategic priorities, offering stability and operational independence.
Core Resources:
CPD (Country Programme Document): The CPD is a key strategic document that outlines the planned support and initiatives of UNDP in a specific country for a set period, usually four to five years. UNDP works closely with the country's government and other groups to create a CPD, ensuring that the projects match the country's development goals. The CPD covers key cooperation areas and what it aims to achieve. It also details how to implement these plans, the resources required, and how to monitor and evaluate progress.
CPU (Corporate Performance Unit): A unit in the ExO (Executive Office) that monitors global performance across all Bureaus.
Data Cube: A data cube is a way to organize and view data from multiple perspectives or dimensions, similar to looking at a cube from different angles. This comes as an excel file as is linked to near-real-time financial and audit information
Data Warehouse: A centralized repository that stores and manages data from various sources within UNDP, such as financial management, project management, human resources, and results monitoring. It enables users to access consistent and reliable data for performance monitoring, donor reporting, and strategic planning.
Delivery: The disbursement of funds towards project/programme activities. More specifically, the sum of POs (Purchase Orders) and disbursements related to programmes for the current period. This does not include cash advances to partners.
DFP (Digital Fitness Programme): A training programme offered by CDO (Chief Digital Office) to UNDP Country Offices as units to understand human-centered design principles and how to be better product managers and implement digital products more effectively.
DIM (Direct Implementation Modality): This modality allows UNDP to directly manage and implement projects, ensuring control over financial management, procurement, and disbursements related to project activities.
Engagement:
Ethics Office: Promotes integrity, transparency, accountability, and respect for diversity within UNDP, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of conduct.
ExO (Executive Office): Provides strategic, policy, and leadership advice to support the Administrator and Associate Administrator, ensuring effective management and coordination across the organization. The ExO oversees the implementation of corporate strategies, manages the Executive Office's operations, and facilitates communication within the organization and with external stakeholders
Gender Seal: A corporate standard for gender equality that UNDP units can qualify for and be benchmarked against to receive certification in accordance with best practices on gender equality inside an organization.
GLOC (Government Local Office Cost): Expenses borne by the host government for operational support of UNDP's local country office. This can include rent, utilities, security, and other necessary operational costs, enabling the office to effectively function and support development projects within the country.
GMS (General Management Support): Refers to the administrative and operational services UNDP provides to manage and implement projects effectively. These services include financial management, procurement, human resources, and other support functions necessary to ensure the smooth execution of development projects and programs. The rate for UNDP is generally around 8%, although it can vary depending on specific conditions and agreements
Government Cost Sharing: Government Cost Sharing refers to financial arrangements where the host government contributes funds to cover the costs of specific UNDP projects or activities. These contributions are subject to cost recovery for costs incurred by UNDP in providing General Management Support (GMS) and implementation services
Greening Moonshot: An initiative by UNDP is a commitment to reduce its operational carbon footprint by 50% by 2030. Launched as part of its broader sustainability and climate action efforts, the initiative aims to demonstrate leadership in environmental stewardship. It includes measures such as increasing energy efficiency, adopting renewable energy, and enhancing sustainable practices across UNDP's global operations.
HACT (Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers): It is a common operational framework adopted by several UN agencies to manage cash transfers to Ps (Implementing Partners) more efficiently. There are three cash transfer modalities under HACT: A. Direct cash transfers B. Direct payments C. Reimbursements
HDI (Human Development Index): This is a composite statistic developed by UNDP to measure and rank countries' social and economic development levels based on health, education, and standard of living. It is available at the following link.
IEO (Independent Evaluation Office): A specialized unit within UNDP tasked with conducting evaluations independently from program management to ensure accountability, transparency, and learning. The IEO assesses the effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability of UNDP's projects and programs, providing insights and recommendations for improvement and informed decision-making.
IFD (Integrated Financial Dashboard):
Independent Country Programme Evaluation (ICPE): Conducted by the UNDP's Independent Evaluation Office (IEO), the ICPE assesses the effectiveness and strategic alignment of UNDP country programs with national development priorities and UNDP's overall mission. It aims to enhance accountability and support informed decision-making for future programming.
Institutional Resources:
IP (Implementing Partners): Organizations or entities responsible for carrying out project or program activities on behalf of UNDP. IPs can be government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), academic institutions, or private sector entities. They are in charge of implementing development projects or programs, which include delivering services, procuring goods, and managing project resources.
IRRF (Integrated Results and Resources Framework): The UNDP Integrated Results and Resources Framework (IRRF) sets out the development results, indicators and targets that UNDP aims to contribute to from 2022-2025 in alignment with the new Strategic Plan. In other words, the IRRF measures our results as an organisation.
ITM (Information and Technology Management): A unit within UNDP responsible for developing and implementing information and technology strategies. It manages IT infrastructure, systems, and services, supporting the organization's operational and strategic needs. ITM ensures secure, effective technology use and innovation to enhance UNDP's global mission.
IWP (Integrated Work Plan): Annual business planning process where UNDP units set their main activities for the year in line with corporate priorities.
LSO (Legal Support Office): Provides legal advice to the UNDP Administrator and the organization on various institutional, operational, and administrative matters.
LTA (Long-Term Agreement): A contractual arrangement between UNDP and a supplier to provide goods or services at predetermined prices for a specified period. LTAs streamline procurement, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability in accessing necessary resources for UNDP's operations and projects.
MCO (Mult-Country Office): A UNDP office that oversees and coordinates the organization's activities across multiple countries within a specific geographical area. It aims to ensure efficient resource utilization, streamlined operations, and cohesive strategy implementation across the countries it serves. Each country that is part of a MCO may or may not have its own CPD (Country Programming Document)
NIM (National Implementation Modality): Also known as National Execution (NEX), this modality enables national governments or institutions to directly manage project activities, with UNDP providing support and oversight to ensure compliance with UNDP standards and procedures.
OAI (Office of Audit and Investigations): Offers independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve UNDP's operations by evaluating and enhancing the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.
ODA (Official Development Assistance): Refers to the flow of official financing from donor countries to developing countries, with the primary objective of promoting economic development and welfare in the recipient nations. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) maintains an official website dedicated to tracking and providing data called OECD Data Explorer.
OFRM (Office of Financial Resources Management): Responsible for managing the UNDP's financial resources and ensuring that they are managed efficiently, transparently, and in accordance with the UNDP's rules, regulations, and policies. It supports UNDP's global operations by providing financial expertise and guidance to various units and offices.
OHR (Office of Human Resources): Responsible for human resource management policies and practices, overseeing recruitment, development, and welfare of staff to ensure UNDP attracts, retains, and develops a talented, diverse workforce.
OPG (Organizational Performance Group): The second most senior management group, chaired by the Associate Administrator. The OPG is responsible for providing strategic guidance, policy development, and oversight to ensure the alignment of UNDP's activities with its strategic plan and international development goals
Outputs: Outputs refer to the tangible products, services, or immediate results that are directly produced through UNDP interventions. These are the direct deliverables of a project or program, such as training sessions conducted, policies developed, or infrastructure built. Outputs are typically within the control of the project or program and are designed to contribute to achieving broader outcomes.
Outcomes: Outcomes are the broader changes or benefits that result from the utilization of the outputs. They represent the medium-term effects of a project or program and indicate progress towards achieving the strategic goals and objectives outlined in the CPD. Outcomes are often influenced by multiple factors, including the actions of other stakeholders, and reflect changes in behavior, systems, or conditions that contribute to sustainable development.
Performance Audit
Pipeline A
Pipeline B
Pipeline C
Pipeline: This term refers to projects and initiatives in various stages of planning and development that have not yet been fully implemented.
PMD (Performance Management Document)
POs (Purchase Orders): Commercial documents issued by UNDP to a supplier, indicating types, quantities, and agreed prices for products or services.
PQA (Programme Quality Assurance): The processes and activities to ensure that programs are designed and implemented to the highest standards, achieving desired outcomes and impact.
ProDoc (Project Document): A detailed proposal for a development project, outlining objectives, strategies, budget, and implementation framework. It's used to secure funding and guide project execution.
Quantum+: Additional ERP functionalities via Salesforce
Quantum: UNDP's ERP, available at the following link, which uses Oracle ERP.
RBA (Regional Bureau for Africa): Responsible for UNDP's projects and initiatives across the African continent, focusing on poverty reduction, democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development.
RBAP (Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific): Oversees UNDP's work in Asia and the Pacific region, assisting countries in addressing development challenges such as poverty, inequality, environmental sustainability, democratic governance, and resilience to natural disasters.
RBAS (Regional Bureau for Arab States): Focuses on the Arab States region, supporting efforts towards sustainable development, governance, poverty eradication, and resilience to conflicts and natural disasters.
RBEC (Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States): Responsible for UNDP's work in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the Central Asian republics. It supports these countries in their transition to democracy and market economies with a focus on sustainable development, environmental protection, and governance.
RBLAC (Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean): Oversees UNDP's initiatives in Latin American and Caribbean countries, focusing on reducing inequality and poverty, supporting democratic governance, managing risk, and enhancing environmental sustainability
Regular Resources: These are part of Core Resources from member states that is allocated via the Integrated Budget to mostly go to LDCs (Least Developed Countries).
Results-Based Management (RBM): A strategy focused on achieving outcomes through the systematic use of performance information to improve decision-making and accountability.
Resource Mobilization: The entire process and strategy of identifying, securing, and managing financial and non-financial resources from various sources to support UNDP's development programs and operations. This includes activities such as developing partnerships, conducting donor intelligence, negotiating agreements, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements
RFP (Request for Proposal)
RFQ (Request for Quotation)
ROAR (Result Oriented Analysis Report): A reporting mechanism by UNDP that goes beyond data collection to assess and learn from performance data over the year. ROAR aims to offer a detailed review of UNDP's progress and challenges, underpinned by evidence from reliable external sources. This process enhances decision-making and improves UNDP's effectiveness as a development partner.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030.
SESP (Social and Environmental Screening Procedure): This mandatory procedure identifies and assesses the potential social and environmental risks and impacts associated with UNDP projects and programs. It is conducted during the project design phase and helps ensure that UNDP-supported activities are socially and environmentally sustainable.
SECU (Social and Environment Compliance Unit): SECU is an independent accountability mechanism of the UNDP, ensuring compliance with its social and environmental commitments. It investigates complaints from communities and individuals affected by UNDP projects, checking for adherence to Social and Environmental Standards (SES), screening procedures, and other relevant policies. SECU conducts compliance reviews and suggests measures to address any non-compliance issues found.
SH & SHA (Sexual Harassment & Sexual Harassment and Abuse): These terms are used in policies and action plans related to the protection against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment within the UNDP and other UN entities. The policies aim to create a safe and respectful working environment by preventing and addressing incidents of sexual harassment and abuse
SP (Strategic Plan): The UNDP Strategic Plan for 2022-2025 focuses on poverty eradication, supporting countries towards SDGs and the Paris Agreement. It aims to transform millions of lives through initiatives targeting poverty, clean energy, electoral participation, and SDG investments. The plan prioritizes digitalization, innovation, and financing to enhance impact, striving for a more agile and anticipatory UNDP
TRAC (Target for Resource Assignment from the Core): A financial mechanism to allocate core resources for programmatic activities at the country level. This can be categorised as TRAC 1/2/3:
TRAC 1: This is the basic level of funding that every program country receives from UNDP's global core budget. The amount allocated is determined by a distribution methodology established by UNDP’s Executive Board, which considers factors like the national product per person and population size.
TRAC 2: Additional core funds are granted through a competitive mechanism based on the quality of the Country Cooperation Framework. A country office can receive up to 200 percent of TRAC 1 funds under this category. This funding supports specific projects that align with the strategic objectives of UNDP and the host country.
TRAC 3: This category is designed for immediate action in response to crises. TRAC 3 funds are used to address the development needs of countries affected by conflicts and other emergencies. They enable UNDP to respond quickly and flexibly, supporting countries in anticipating, preventing, responding to, and recovering from crises.
ToR (Terms of Reference): A document specifying the objectives, scope, and structure of a project, committee, negotiation, or any kind of collaboration. It includes details such as the purpose, methodology, and timeline, serving as a guideline for work and evaluation criteria for performance.
Third-Party Monitoring (TPM): The use of independent entities to monitor and verify project activities and results, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Turnover: The rate at which employees leave a company and are replaced by new employees.
UNALL: Ticketing system for UNDP using ServiceNow
UNBOA (United Nations Board of Auditors): An independent external body responsible for auditing the financial statements of the United Nations and its funds and programs, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the use of resources.
Unity: UNDP's pipeline management platform, which runs on Salesforce
UNOSSC (United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation): Hosted by UNDP, it promotes, coordinates, and supports South-South and triangular cooperation globally and within the United Nations system.
USG (Under-Secretary General): Third highest in the United Nations, after the secretary-general and deputy secretary-general. The Under-Secretary-General in UNDP often holds the position of Associate Administrator, responsible for providing strategic leadership and overseeing the implementation of UNDP's programs and policies
Vacancy Rate: A metric that measures the percentage of vacant positions within a specific period. It refers to the proportion of unfilled job positions compared to the total number of positions across UNDP.
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