Neutrality

In any political situation in a country the UN System has the mandate of being neutral. UNDP's neutrality and impartiality, along with the resulting close relationship with programme country governments, is the most important comparative advantage the organization brings in as a partner. In certain sensitive areas in which some organisations do not want to, or cannot intervene directly, partnering with UNDP could be viewed as a way to influence decision-making.

Convening power

UNDP has the ability and credibility to convene communities and institutions to enter into discussions and agreements on development and political issues. This is an instrument that allows UNDP and partners to clarify the national priorities and conditions and that puts UNDP at the head of the institutions leading and servicing sustainable development.

Seed funding

UNDP has its own funding that allows our country office to finance/co-finance the launch of activities, which can later on end up being co-financed by other donors.

Transparency

UNDP has the ability and mechanisms to guarantee transparency in the management of resources and processes. This is a must in the development world. As an honest broker UNDP can make sure that the resources of bilateral and multilateral donors are well managed, from the technical and the administrative points of view.

High efficiency for low overhead

UNDP charges low overhead rates in the implementation and administration of projects. There is no other organization that provides the quality and quantity of services that UNDP does at modest overheads. The current rates charged by UNDP Azerbaijan are in the range of 5 to 8 percent.

Country Office capacities

• Knowledge about the national situation and civil society
• Good relationships at the donor and government levels
• Effective and flexible administrative rules
• Technical and managerial expertise
• Quick response mechanisms