Management Response

: Uganda
: 2022 - 2023 , Uganda (CO)
: Prevention of COVID-19 Infections Among Women and Girls Displaced into IDP and Refugee Camps under LEAP II in Uganda
:
: Uganda
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Management has taken note of all the recommendations and will work towards ensuring that they are fully addressed. Some of the recommendations are already being addressed in similar existing programmes.
: Approved
Recommendation: Ensure timely disbursement of funds to implementing partners
Management Response: The recent delays were largely caused by UN Women’s transition to a new global enterprise resource management system. This transition has not been as smooth as expected but it is getting better as everybody learns the system. When fully exploited, the new ERP tool will significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our business processes. We are sure our processes will be more efficient in the coming year. The Uganda Country Office also continues to build the capacity of its implementing partners to be able to meet our quality standards. Cognizant of the fact that to some degree, the delays also stem from quality compliance gaps of our implementing partners.
More detail
Description: Ensure timely disbursement of funds to implementing partners to enhance efficiency in and time appropriateness in delivery of results more so in an emergency setting. The program was designed to respond to an emergency situation – a midst of a pandemic. Expedited provision of the necessary support and funds for the Implementing Partners to carry out activities is prudent.
Management Response Category: Partially Accepted
Thematic Area: Peace and security (SPs before 2018)
Operating Principles: Capacity development, Promoting inclusiveness/Leaving no one behind
Organizational Priorities: Humanitarian action
UNEG Criteria: Efficiency
Key Actions
Responsible Deadline Status Comments
Ensure timely disbursement of funds to implementing partners to enhance efficiency and timeliness Programme Specialist, Humanitarian Action 2024/03 Completed Timeliness in disbursement of funds to partners is still a challenge. Engagement with the program team to minimize delays will continue.
Recommendation: Documentation and implementation of an exit strategy
Management Response: For subsequent projects/programmes, the country office will prioritise the integration of exit strategy right from design throughout implementation.
More detail
Description: Documentation and implementation of an exit strategy should commence at the design and start of implementation. The strategy should spell out the roles of key stakeholders and synergies should be built from the onset.
Management Response Category: Accepted
Thematic Area: Peace and security (SPs before 2018)
Operating Principles: Promoting inclusiveness/Leaving no one behind, Capacity development, National ownership
Organizational Priorities: Humanitarian action
UNEG Criteria: Effectiveness, Sustainability
Key Actions
Responsible Deadline Status Comments
Document and implement an exit strategy at the project design and start of implementation. Programme Specialist - Humanitarian Action 2024/03 Completed The successive project had an exit plan that was discussed with partners and at project end.
Recommendation: Maintain the consortium delivery model
Management Response: The country office takes this more as a good lesson learnt. We will continue to improve our consortium delivery model, particularly by developing additional tools needed to effectively and efficiently manage partners in a consortium
More detail
Description: A consortium delivery model is highly recommended and worked well under this program and suited an emergency response scenario. Each partner in this case has designated roles that they play (aligned to areas of expertise) and hence creating efficiency in delivery and avoids duplication
Management Response Category: Accepted
Thematic Area: Peace and security (SPs before 2018)
Operating Principles: National ownership, Oversight/governance
Organizational Priorities: Partnership, Humanitarian action
UNEG Criteria: Effectiveness, Efficiency
Key Actions
Responsible Deadline Status Comments
Maintain the consortium delivery model Programme Specialist - Humanitarian Action 2023/09 Completed The successive project was implemented using the consortium model
Recommendation: Provision of start-up kits
Management Response: The country office will consider planning for these kits in subsequent similar programmes. However, it will first consult with the regional office and/or head quarters to establish if this fits within our programme strategy as an institution. More effort will also be put to linking the skilled beneficiaries to other development programmes that provide the start up kits.
More detail
Description: For interventions such as skills training, it is highly recommended that there is provision of start-up kits. Ultimately, these kits are the ones that make a difference in helping beneficiaries start businesses and improve their livelihoods. Skills formation as necessary as it is – may not be sufficient considering the low levels of incomes of refugees.
Management Response Category: Partially Accepted
Thematic Area: Peace and security (SPs before 2018), Women economic empowerment (SPs before 2018)
Operating Principles: Promoting inclusiveness/Leaving no one behind
Organizational Priorities: Humanitarian action
UNEG Criteria: Effectiveness, Impact
Key Actions
Responsible Deadline Status Comments
For interventions such as skills training, it is highly recommended that there is provision of start-up kits. Programme Specialist - Humanitarian Action 2024/03 Completed The successive project provided start up funds for the VSLA groups to boost their capital for lending. Under LEAP II, second chance education beneficiaries are to be supported with start up kits.