Accountability

The success of the BOS rests on the consultative and collaborative interaction between the RC and the UNCT. In line with the Management Accountability Framework:

“The RC and UNCT jointly (including with the Head of Mission in contexts where the RC is serving as the DSRSG) advance country-specific measures to promote UN common business operations including common premises and back-offices, to enable joint work and generate greater efficiencies, synergies and coherence and compliance with an improved Business Operations Strategy by 2021.”[1]

This is to be implemented through regular discussions between the RC and UNCT members to identify efficiencies through the pooling of assets locally or off-shore with decisions on common services.

Taking into consideration the collaborative nature of BOS, at country level, the RC is accountable to the Secretary-General for advances towards UN common business operations to enable joint work and generate greater efficiencies, synergies and coherence. The UNCT provides overall oversight of the BOS process, approval, and mobilization of necessary agency and joint resources. It is also responsible for endorsement of the final BOS and its annual reporting. The OMTs and its working groups are responsible to facilitate the development and implementation of the BOS at the country level.

The Development Coordination Office (DCO) is responsible for coordination, guidance, and support to RCs and UNCTs on the BOS.

Two key elements are essential for a successful BOS: the leadership of the RC and the active engagement by UN entities (both resident and non-resident) through the assignment of relevant human resources and common services budgets.

For detailed information on roles and responsibilities on the BOS, refer to Annex 2.

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[1] Management and Accountability Framework of the UN Development and Resident Coordinator System