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Core Commitments

for Children

are the core UNICEF policy and framework for humanitarian action

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

Commitment

Benchmarks

  • Financial accountability, internal governance, control mechanisms and risk management are in place and regularly updated

  • Appropriate levels of authority are delegated within the CO to facilitate rapid and flexible response at field level

1: Efficient use of resources

 

Programmes are delivered through transparent and efficient use of resources

  • Cash replenishment processes are in place and alternative options identified

  • Cash and funds transfer mechanisms are in place and cash availability is regularly assessed

  • Funds are disbursed in a timely manner, for intended purposes and in compliance with established procedures

2: Timely disbursement of funds

 

Cash is disbursed to partners and vendors in a timely manner and in compliance with established procedures

  • Staff are provided with adequate resources, office space, equipment, transportation, accommodation, security and logistics support which meet the duty of care principles and facilitate the delivery of programmes

  • Practical business continuity plans are in place and tests are conducted on a regular basis

3: UNICEF field presence

 

Safe and conducive working environments and appropriate accommodation are in place to enable UNICEF field presence and programme delivery

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Key Considerations

  • Apply emergency procedures, as well as preparedness minimum standards to improve the timeliness and effectiveness of UNICEF humanitarian response.

  • Based on programme and staffing needs and projected field presence adapted to most effectively access and address humanitarian needs of affected population, develop financial and human assets, office structures and a staff accommodation plan.

  • Ensure that UNICEF field presence and operations allow for adequate identification and response to the needs of affected populations, including those in hard-to-reach area.

  • Strive to stay and deliver in complex and high threat environments, and use humanitarian principles to guide UNICEF actions and decisions in complex operational environment

  • Prepare a robust business continuity plan based on context-specific emergency crisis scenarios to ensure that UNICEF and its partners can continue to deliver an emergency response at an acceptable level, and that staff can continue to operate and recover within an acceptable timeframe should key assets be unavailable or inaccessible.

  • Establish a robust Enterprise Risk Management system to ensure that analysis of risks, mitigations, action plans and other risk-related information are immediately accessible.

  • Optimize the delegation of authority to field and/or zonal offices.

  • Maintain an open dialogue and information-sharing with partners on risk management and support the capacity development of partners to prevent and manage financial risks, while respecting humanitarian principles, protecting child rights and complying with UNICEF’s Child Safeguarding policy.

  • Build the capacity of both UNICEF and partners’ personnel responsible for funds management, especially when scaling up partnerships and programmes.

  • Strengthen partnerships with other UN agencies to build on their systems, processes and knowledge.  Maximize collaboration through a Business Operation Strategy. As far as possible, identify options for common premises.

  • The Country Representative is ultimately responsible for ensuring that risk assessment and internal controls are in place to mitigate risks, including in cases where they delegate this authority. UNICEF managers are responsible for effective financial management.

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