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UNDAF Programming Network
Terms of Reference
I.
Organizational context and background
On 18 December 2007, the General Assembly adopted resolution 62/208 on the TCPR. This
resolution represented a solid political consensus with regard to operational activities for
development.
The resolution recognized that, development, peace and security and human rights are interlinked
and mutually reinforcing. It also noted that the private sector and civil society, including nongovernment organizations can positively contribute to the achievement of the Internationally
Agreed Development Goals (IADGs), including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The resolution called for a more inclusive system-wide inter-agency collaboration at country,
regional and headquarters levels for an efficient and effective functioning of the United Nations
development system, including through further alignment of the United Nations Development
Assistance Framework (UNDAF) cycle with national processes.
To respond to the TCPR and global and national development priorities and to ensure the UN
development system becomes more effective, internally focused and coherent, the UNDG has
developed a set of strategic priorities for 2010-2011.
The UNDG strategic priorities for 2010-2011 were endorsed on 4 May, 2010; the UNDG work
plan for 2010-2011 on 1 September, 2010; and the UNDG working methods to drive the UNDG
strategic priorities and work plan on 6 October, 2010. Based on needs identified at the country
and regional level, the Network provides recommendations to the UNDG for programme related
policy with the aim of enhancing the coherence and effectiveness of the UNDAF programming
process by supporting the application of existing instruments and guidance and the availability of
up-to-date information on programming policies and practices at the country level. It also bases
its work in selected achievements of the former Working Group on Programming Issues,
especially those relating to UNDAF programming.
At a one-day retreat held on 27 October 2010, the conveners and co-conveners of each UNDG
Group and Network agreed to the following:
A. All Working Mechanisms will define and contact initial membership as soon as possible, and
seek a first meeting by the end of 2010 wherever feasible;
B. Each Working Mechanism will, as appropriate, invite participant(s) from the Regional
UNDG Teams as each Working Mechanism sees fit;
C. Each Working Mechanism will ensure that their Terms of Reference is related to the relevant
parts of the UNDG Work Plan and also refers to the existing principles on ways of working;
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D. All Working Mechanisms will review and refine the relevant UNDG Work Plan indicators
for their respective outputs, and establish ways of measuring performance on these
indicators, with support from DOCO.
II. Focus of the UNDAF Programming Network
The overall focus of the UNDAF Programming Network will be to provide value-added support
for high quality UNDAFs reflecting the UNDG Strategic Priorities and Programming Principles,
with coordination actions at country regional and global level, policy definition and guiding
principles.
II. Objectives of the UNDAF Programming Network
The UNDAF Programming Network will drive the programmatic priorities in the UNDG
strategic priorities and work by supporting the development, implementation and continuous
improvement of UNDAF processes for the achievement of high-quality outcomes.
Specifically, the UNDAF Programming Network will contribute to Outputs 1.1 and 1.2 of the
UNDG work plan, including supporting MDG/IADG achievement at the country-level, ensuring
this work is fully coordinated with HLCP, the UNDG MDGs Task Force and Regional UNDG
teams, and supporting the development and implementation of high quality UNDAFs focused on
MDG/IADG achievement. The Network will also, together with all the other UNDG working
mechanisms, contribute to Outputs 3.1 and 3.2 of the UNDG work plan, taking on the
responsibility for mapping, developing and deploying technical expert rosters in the context of a
UNDG approach to Knowledge Management.
The UNDAF Programming Network will:
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Providing coordination and support to UNDAF rollout countries, including guidance,
tracking of progress in cooperation with Regional UNDG Teams. ensuring effective
engagement in policy dialogue with partners and the development of high quality
UNDAFs;
Serve as a resource group on programming and any normative issues in collaboration
with other UNDG mechanisms and working closely with Regional UNDG Teams. The
Network will focus on knowledge generation and sharing on UNDAF development and
implementation, learning and good practice from the field. The Network will ensure that
existing UNDAF-related guidance and tools remain up-to-date.
Undertake desk reviews of UNDAFs based on the 5 UNDAF programming principles
(gender equality, environmental sustainability, HRBA, Results Based Management and
Capacity Development), alignment with national development priorities, MDGs and
IADGs, as well as reflection of good practices for South-South Cooperation and HLCP
JCIs. IADG, The UNDAF 2010 guidance package includes the key criteria for good
quality UNDAFs.
Based on quality gaps emerging from the desk reviews, oversee/facilitate capacity
development initiatives on issues related to UNDAF development. In addition, based on
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the review of the application of existing guidance, the Network will provide
recommendations to the UNDG on emerging needs.
III.
Membership and modality of the UNDAF Programming Network
Membership:
The UNDAF Programming Network will be open for participation by all UNDG member
organizations. UNDG members representatives will be senior representatives at the
Director/Deputy Director level or similar with decision-making authority. Each organization will
have one voice in the Network. Each participating organization will also designate a senior level
staff member as an alternate member to the Network.
Modality:
The working methods of the UNDAF Programming Network will be varied, innovative, and
consistent with the concept of a “network”. Modalities of interacting will include:
communications, meetings (face-to-face and virtual), and exchanges that effectively utilize
communications technology, including as appropriate with UNCTs and with Regional UNDG
groups. These modalities can be used to interact and collaborate with Regional UNDG Teams
and other UNDG working groups and networks, in particular the MDG Task Force.
A quorum will be achieved when at least two-thirds of Network’s member organizations are
represented, or have indicated in advance that they are unable to attend. In that case, they may
reserve judgment on a decision item until two working days (48 hours) after the draft note for the
meeting is issued. The Co-conveners will facilitate consultation with any organization reserving
judgment on a decision item. The co-conveners of the UNDAF Programming Network shall
report as and when required to the UNDG Chair on the activities of the Network, and will report
to the UNDG on the results at least once a year.
Members of the UNDAF Programming Network may decide to form time-limited and taskspecific working parties, in line with the principle of inclusiveness, and may request input on an
ad-hoc basis from experts or consultants whose expertise may contribute to the work of the
Network. Establishment of any new formal Task Team within the Network must be approved by
the UNDG.
The UNDAF Programming Network will serve as a forum for global analysis of UNDAF
processes and impact including strengths and weaknesses and policy recommendations for
continuous improvement. Recommendations will be achieved by consensus on a no-objection
basis. Where there is no consensus, decisions will be referred to the UNDG Advisory Group.
Participating organizations must allow adequate time for their representatives to contribute
effectively to the Networks' expected outputs. It is the responsibility of the Network members to
ensure that colleagues in their respective organizations are informed about the work of the
Network and ensure their representatives at the UNDG are fully briefed.
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An electronic work space is available for the Network’s use on the UNDG website. The duration
of the Network will be determined by the UNDG. The Network will have an annual work plan,
which will be related to the UNDG work plan. Key deliverables will be included in the
Workplan.
The UNDAF Programming Network will also work closely with the other networks, task teams
and working groups on their programme related work (HRM, UNDG-ECHA, Gender, MDG
Task Force, Aid effectiveness and others). The UNDAF Programming Network will work with
the Regional UNDG Teams and directly with UN country teams as needed. The Conveners will
also support UNDG’s continued coordination with the CEB’s High Level Committee on
Programmes (HLCP).
A tentative calendar of meetings, to assess /review progress and decide on particular will be
shared in advance with all participating Organizations, while ad hoc more operational meetings
can be called at short notice.
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