Serbia

Joint Programming

A Joint Programme is a set of activities contained in a common work plan with a related budget implemented and funded by two or more UN Agencies in support of a common result.

Joint programming not only makes it easier to work with the agencies of the United Nations, but it also decreases transaction costs, avoids duplication, and increases the impact of development projects and of development support in general. Joint projects also help the UN system to support the achievement of national development goals more coherently, effectively and efficiently.

The United Nations reforms initiated by Secretary General Kofi Annan have led to a wide-reaching overhaul of UN systems. One of the commitments under these reforms is to enhance the overall effectiveness of UN agencies by increasing joint programming and pooling their resources.

In practice this means that at least two UN agencies work together with one or more national partners to deliver one project. A single project document with a common workplan and budget clarifies the roles and responsibilities of all partners in the joint project.

Overall, the most important consideration in joint programming is the value that will be added in employing such an approach to development programming.