SDG-F Joint Programmes

The Resident Coordinator (RC) will remain accountable for the overall objectives of the proposals and will be responsible for adherence to the SDG-F’s guidance for formulation and implementation. The experience of the MDG-F showed that the Resident Coordinator had a critical role in ensuring the effective functioning of the JP’s governance structure and, particularly, in promoting and applying the MDG-F’s principles at the country level.

To ensure proper checks and balances of programme activities the Resident Coordinator is called upon to establish committees at two levels: a National Steering Committee (NSC), and a Programme Management Committee (PMC).There should only be one NSC per country and one PMC per programme.

Programme proposals can be submitted both in English and in Spanish.

No, the programme should corespond to one of the three sectorial and policy areas established in the SDG-F’s Terms of Reference (inclusive economic growth for poverty eradication, food security and nutrition, and water and sanitation). However, in some cases one of the three cross cutting issues can be specially highlighted or relevant. For instance, within the inclusive economic growth sectorial area, women’s access to productive resources and economic opportunities can be selected as an outcome of the joint programme.

Eligible countries can submit concept note proposals until 16 June 2014, following the SDG-F Terms of Reference. United Nations country teams, formed by the UN Agencies’ representatives in the country and under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, have been invited to submit concept note proposals to be assessed by a committee of experts and approved by the SDG-F Steering Committee. Proposals may only be submitted after approval by the National Steering Committee

The SDG-F will not accept joint programme proposals with more than four UN Agencies as implementing partners. Based on the MDG-F’s experience, three is the preferred number of participating UN Agencies.

According to UN DOCO, the UN office that promotes coordination and coherence among UN Agencies, a “joint programme is a set of activities contained in a common work plan and related budget, involving two or more UN organizations and (sub-)national partners." It is the preferred mode of work if the development challenge to be tackled requires the collective expertise and action of different specialized agencies and national partners. The joint programme's governance structure is crucial for the success of its work.

The SDG-F will operate at the country level through joint programmes implemented by specialized UN agencies in collaboration with national counterparts and other stakeholders to bring integrated and holistic approaches to national and local development challenges.