Simplification
and Harmonization ( S & H)
Key
Principles
>In April 2002 the UNDG
Executive Committee agencies agreed on some key principles to guide their work
on Simplification and Harmonization. A task force created to spearhead work on Simplification and Harmonization re-affirmed a
number of key principles during a consultative meeting held here in Nairobi
in October 2002 following a number of country visits. These are as follows:
- Put National Priorities
at the centre of the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) – It
was agreed that the national priorities should be at the centre of the UN
development framework planning.
- Enhance Programme Effectiveness
– The goal of all of Simplification and Harmonization is to increase both long and short term
programme efficiency, effectiveness (including capacity building and sustainable
development) and accountability (e.g., to beneficiaries) and reduce transaction
costs for governments and UN staff. Transformation of processes should focus
on national leadership, vision and commitment including accountability and
transparency keeping in mind the ultimate goal of improving programme effectiveness.
- Allow for Flexibility
–Simplification and Harmonization by its very definition allows for flexibility for the UN Country
Team and national partners to apply those Simplification and Harmonization measures that are appropriate
to their country situation and that take into account the financial management
capacities available for implementation and that empower recipient countries.
- Contribute to Capacity
Building – The Simplification and Harmonization must be an instrument towards increased national
capacities. It needs to be built around national systems and processes and
must complement the directions on aid coordination that governments in programme
countries are pursuing.
- Link with other Simplification and Harmonization
Initiatives – Simplification and Harmonization process envisages close collaboration with country
offices and national partners, and must factor in and mutually build on the
various efforts at Simplification and Harmonization, notably of the OECD-DAC, World Bank and Regional
Banks, the EU and others. This will ensure synergy and complementarity.
- Include other agencies
– while the various Simplification and Harmonization measures pertain largely to the four ExCom
agencies that have adopted a common Country Programme approach, a number of
the recommendations could apply to all the UN funds and programmes and specialized
agencies at the country level. The gradual adoption of some of the elements
of the programme approach by the various other agencies might enable them
to align with the other measures.
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Background