1.2. Definition of Common Premises

Common Premises*

Common premises entail the co-location of two or more United Nations entities present in a country. Common premises can be established at national and sub-national level, usually supported by a range of common services enabled by agency co-location.

Common premises are a key enabler for common services and shared services [1] between agencies and form an integral part of the United Nations efforts to harmonize common operations at the country level. The objectives are reflected in the local Business Operations Strategy (BOS). There can be more than one common premises at the national and sub-national level.

The primary objectives for establishing common premises is to achieve greater utility of available resources;

  • Cost efficiency through reduction of operational costs

  • Effective utilization of shared resources

  • Enhanced security

  • Unified presence at the national and sub-national level

One United Nations House*

Common premises may be designated as a One United Nations House (One UN House) if it meets the following criteria:

While there can be several common premises, there can only be one, One UN House in any given country.

[1] Shared Service is defined as two or more resident United Nations entities present in a country, whether or not co-located in a Common Premises that may engage in bi-lateral agreements with similar objectives to those for establishing a Common Premises.

*Official definitions from the TTCP+FS

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