Attachments
Introduction
It is often assumed that “the UN” is a single unified organism. Even when offices and vehicles display multiple UN logos, many take it for granted that they represent one organization working towards a common goal. Only after engaging with separate UN agencies
at country level do outsiders realize that each also follows its own strategic plan, operates with its own budget and implements its own annual workplan.
The reality is that the concept of “One UN” has not yet fully materialized, and oftentimes the operational pillars of the United Nations still operate in separate “silos” instead of in close collaboration. This is why the UN operational system – which provides for the delivery of both development and humanitarian support – has been undergoing various reforms. The purpose of this handbook is to support those reforms and to help make them a success. This handbook is unabashedly “pro-UN”.
UN agencies can only deliver effective support for sustainable development and humanitarian assistance when they work together, are encouraged to do so and have the political and financial support from the Member States that give them their mandates. Member States, in their governance and oversight roles, and as in their role as funding partners, share responsibility for UN successes and challenges.
In order for the Member States and their embassies around the world to support and to hold the UN accountable for the implemen-tation of reform processes, the work of the “operational” UN at country level needs to be demystified.
This handbook is intended to make the inner workings of the UN more transparent. It explains the work of the UN in-country, including the reforms that guide it. A comprehensive guide to the work of the UN at country level, it is the first of its kind. It presents a single reference guide, providing a clear overview of the operational role of the UN. Designed for diplomats and others working where the UN has a presence, the handbook is also tailored to those who may not deal with the Organization on a daily basis but need a solid understanding of its mandates and operations.
How to read the Handbook: what it does and does not do
The handbook is not designed to be read “cover to cover”. Each chapter addresses a separate topic, including how UN agencies are organized at country level; how they are funded; and how programming processes work.
The handbook focuses on UN operational work at country level. It describes how UN agencies are meant to cooperate. In the real world there are many variations of the set-ups presented in the handbook, which uses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL) as the overarching policy framework for UN development and humanitarian efforts. It does not however, address how individual agencies address specific policy questions.
Source notes and an index are included at the end of the handbook.
The online version, understandingtheun.org, provides more information and links to relevant information. The online handbook will be regularly updated.
Note on word choice
The handbook simplifies concepts and minimizes the use of UN jargon. The following terms are used:
- UN agencies refers to all types of UN agencies providing development and/or humanitarian support in-country. It includes the “funds and programmes”, “specialized agencies” and so-called “other bodies”.
- UN entities generically refers to all components of the UN system, including UN agencies and offices and departments of the UN Secretariat, such as the Department of Safety and Security (DSS) and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as well as UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding components.
- UN intergovernmental system refers to the bodies where Member States meet to make decisions and pass resolutions, primarily the General Assembly, the Security Council, ECOSOC and the Human Rights Council, as well as international conferences held under the auspices of the UN.
- UN operational system refers to the network of UN agencies and entities delivering human rights, humanitarian and development assistance in-country. This term does not generally include peacekeeping and special political missions.
- Development partner/donor refers to a Member State, intergovernmental or other organization that commits funds to the UN. Alternatives include “funding partner”, “contributing Member State”, “donor government”, “Member State donor” or “bilateral donor”.
- Host country refers to a country where the UN carries out its operational work, also known as “programme country”, “recipient country” or, in the context of the World Bank, “client country” or “borrowing country”.
- In-country or at country level refers to the country or context in which operations are carried out. It replaces the terms “on the ground” or “in the field”.