The Toolkit provides a comprehensive set of tools that build on available sources (UNDAF guidance and other guidance provided by UNDG) to support countries conducting new initiatives, including Common Premises (where feasible), Joint communications, etc.

The Toolkit is built around a framework that recognizes the major elements of a more coherent, effective and relevant UN system and corresponds to workstreams in the change management process. All of these workstreams do not need to be implemented to enhance the effectiveness of the UN system; they are dependent on the country situation. For example, common premises (where feasible) may not be interesting given the country’s security situation.

Exhibit 1: Workstreams toward increasing coherence, effectiveness and relevance of the UN system

Workstream A: UN Programme

This workstream refers to integrated planning and implementation of all UN development assistance at the country level through the development of common country programming processes and tools. These processes and tools may already have been adopted by UNCTs globally as part of the UNDAF process.

Workstream B: Common Services and Harmonized Business Practices

Common Services refers to the cost-reducing/service-quality-improving experiences of UNCTs in the areas of common facilities and services such as security, ICT, banking and travel services. Under Business Practices come the administrative efficiencies gained through the reorganization of UN administrative and operational functions such as HR and procurement.

Workstream C: Joint Communications

This workstream focuses on strengthening the overall impact of the process to enhance coherence, effectiveness and relevance of the UN system through coordinated and integrated communication.

Workstream D: Common Premises (where feasible)

The development of a common premises can allow for greater gains from common services than would be feasible if agencies were separately located. Under the CER process, the ‘where feasible’ is regularly added in parenthesis to emphasize that a common premises may not be interesting or feasible in all situations.

Workstream E: Joint Resource Mobilization

This workstream relates to the coordination of, and in some circumstances direct and joint mobilization of, resources by agencies at the country level. The variance of these activities will depend upon the level and nature of joint programming by the UNCT at the country level.

Workstream F: Common Budgetary Framework

This workstream relates to the development of mechanisms that allow for the joint management of financial resources by the UNCT at the country level. This includes various fund management arrangements including the experiences of DaO Pilots Countries with ‘One Funds’ at the country level. It also covers the development of financial monitoring and reporting tools for greater transparency and accountability of UN resources at the country level.

Workstream G: Organizational Change

This workstream covers how the CER process should be led and managed at the country level. This includes the specific responsibilities that arise from the application of the Framework and UNDG toolkit.

Tools and explanations of processes are available to help UNCTs improve their coordination in many of the above areas. This Toolkit builds on existing tools where relevant and combines them with new ones—often developed by the “Delivering as One” pilot countries—to provide comprehensive support to spur a thorough change process.