ASSURANCE ACTIVITIES
Assurance is the term that is used to describe the process of determining whether the funds transferred to IP were used for their intended purpose and in accordance with the established procedures. Assurance activities are the core of the HACT framework risk management approach. Planning assurance activities is critical to a successful implementation of the HACT framework. The type, number and frequency of assurance activities is determined based on the risk rating of the IP and volume of cash transfers, in line with agency guidelines.
The higher the risk rating, more assurance activities are required.
3 mechanisms to obtain assurance on transferred funds to IPs:
Programmatic monitoring – process of tracking progress against plans, identifying constraints to implementation and solutions to address them (site visit to the programme location and review of progress)
- performed by programme staff on an ongoing basis throughout the programme cycle per agency guidelines. A minimum of one programme monitoring visits should be completed each programme year
Spot checks – periodic on site review of financial records of an IP. Assess the accuracy of the financial records in relation to programme implementation status and any change in the internal control environment.
- Performed by qualified agency staff of by a third party service provider
Audits – to determine whether funds transferred to the IP were used for the intended purpose and in accordance with the work plan. Audits can be:
- Scheduled audit is systematic and independent review of data, statements and records of IP related to cash transfers received. A schedule audit can be internal control (reviews the effectiveness of internal controls and a sample of expenditures) or financial audit as per agency guidelines (provides independent opinion on the financial statements). One scheduled audit is required for all IPs that have received more than US$500,000 during programme cycle.
- Special audit is conducted when significant issue arises during the programme implementation. Both scheduled and special audit are conducted by a third party service provider. Audits cannot be performed by UN staff.
2. Click on the Menu icon in the top left corner of the screen to open menu
3. Click on Partnership Management
4. Click on Partners
5. A list of your partners will open
6. Click on the Vendor Number to open Partner details
7. Click on Assurance tab at the top of the page
