UNDP has different management arrangements, units and tools to help with the procurement
process in support to EMBs. The following is a short introduction to these topics.
The choice of implementation modality assigns the policies and procedures to be followed
when implementing UNDP-supported programmes and projects. UNDP can arrange for
its support to programmes/projects in one of the following four ways, using the following
implementing partners (or institutions):
-
Government or national entities: National Execution/Implementation (NEX/NIM), refers to overall responsibility and assumption of accountability by the host
government for the formulation and management of UNDP - supported programmes and projects. NEX/NIM for UNDP should be the norm, taking into account the needs and capacities of recipient countries, although it is not the norm for electoral projects (see DEX/DIM below)
-
Non-governmental organisations: NGO Execution, refers to national and
international NGOs to carry out activities on behalf of UNDP
-
UN agencies: Agency Execution refers to management by UN agencies, where
activities require technical sector expertise
-
UNDP itself: Direct Execution/Implementation (DEX/DIM) in special development situations,15 DEX/DIM refers to full responsibility by UNDP for project
implementation, where:
- there is a situation which calls for speed of delivery and decision-making
where UNDP management is necessary for mobilizing resources
- national authorities lack the capacity to carry out the project
- the project cannot be carried out by another United Nations agency
- the UNDP Country Office has adequate capacity to manage, report and
achieve the expected outputs of the project
UNDP will always continue to pursue national capacity development under DEX/DIM which
is the default modality in electoral assistance. However, UNDP can, if it deems it necessary,
engage with other implementation partners under DEX/DIM. The use of ‘implementing
partners’ is initially identified during the formulation of the project.
Upon the appropriate implementation modality, the implementing partner to undertake
the programme/project arranges for the procurement of inputs and is fully responsible for
further implementation in compliance with international practices.
Regardless of whether management arrangements are fully DEX/DIM or partly NEX/NIM,
UNDP can engage NGOs/CSOs for specific sub-components in three possible ways:
- NGO/CSO as implementing partner
- NGO/CSO as contractors/vendors or
- NGO/CSO as grantees
In short, if a UNDP project is identifying an NGO/CSO as an implementing partner, this is a
programming decision made on the basis of a vetting process/recommendations of UNDP’s
LPAC (Local Project Appraisal Committee) at the project formulation stage. Whilst, if the NGO/
CSO is a contractor of a UNDP project, this is a procurement decision made later on the basis
of a competitive bidding exercise. Finally, UNDP can fund, through grants, proposals prepared
and submitted by CSOs. This modality is different from contracts as it provides an opportunity
to CSOs to design proposals themselves, in the form of micro-capital grants up to $150,000.
