The United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) is the planning framework for the development operations of the UN system at the country level. It consists of common objectives and strategies of cooperation, a programme resources framework and proposals for follow-up, monitoring and evaluation.
The UNDAF lays the foundation for cooperation among the UN system, government and other development partners through the preparation of a complementary set of programmes and projects.
The ACC Network on Rural Development and Food Security can play a key role in the preparation for and launch of UNDAF in the country. The guiding principles and objectives of the ACC Network are compatible with and support UNDAF: both stress the importance of strenghening inter-agency cooperation; increasing information and knowledge sharing; promoting common programming and joint activities in the pursuit of common goals; and involving all the main development partners concerned.
Thematic Groups can assist in the various steps of the UNDAF process by: consulting with the government on national priorities; reviewing the country's response to global conferences; identifying and collecting key indicators and data; preparing the Common Country Assessment document; collaborating with civil society and donors; participating in UNDAF working groups; and preparing, implementing and monitoring agency programmes.
The Common Country Assessment (CCA) is a country-based process for reviewing and analysing the national development situation and identifying key issues as a basis for advocacy, policy dialogue and preparation of the UNDAF. The findings emerging from this exercise are described in a CCA document.
The Common Country Assessment is undertaken by the United Nations system with key partners; the government, civil society, the private sector and donors.
The objective of the Common Country Assessment is to achieve deeper knowledge of key development challenges among the partners involved in the CCA, based on a common analysis and understanding of the development situation of a country and a people-centered approach. The CCA also develops a common understanding of key internal and external risks to the development process, identifies contingencies and any recovery and rehabilitation needs as may be appropriate.
The ACC Network Thematic Groups can contribute to various phases of the CCA process by: collecting and compiling data and information; assessing the development situation and specific themes; analysing key issues for priority attention; drafting the CCA document and undertaking follow-up activities.
Many Thematic Groups are currently engaged in supporting the CCA in their countries. In Nepal, for example, the Thematic Group is finalizing input to the CCA, including indicators, for the country.