Allocation process

There are two types of allocations: Standard and Reserve allocations.

Standard Allocation

The majority of funding from NHF is channelled to priority activities within the HRP through standard allocations. A first standard allocation is released early in the year for projects included in the Nigeria HRP, based on strategies that identify highest priority needs underpinned by vulnerability data and needs analysis. Funding permitting, two standard allocation processes are conducted during a year, based on Allocation Strategy Papers formulated under the leadership of the UN Humanitarian Coordinator (HC), supported by the NHF Advisory Board.

The indicative process for a standard allocation includes the following stages:

Allocation strategy paper development
Development and launch of allocation paper at the request of the HC, in consultation with humanitarian partners using existing coordination mechanisms.
Stakeholders involved: 
HC 
AB
NHF
Sector coordinators Sector members
OCHA HQ/FCS 

Submission of project proposals
Call for proposals, disseminated through sectors. Eligible partners prepare project proposals that address priorities identified in the allocation paper and submit online in the Grant Management System (GMS).
Stakeholders involved: 
Partners
Sector coordinators

Preliminary review
Preliminary review of submitted proposals for completeness (compliance with application template), eligibility of partner, and non-duplication of proposals.
Stakeholders involved: 
NHF

Strategic review
Sector Strategic Review Committees (SRCs) review submitted proposals using scorecards in GMS focusing on: (i) strategic relevance, (ii) programmatic relevance, (iii) cost effectiveness, (iv) management and monitoring, and (v) engagement with coordination mechanisms.
Stakeholders involved: 
SRCs
NHF

Preliminary endorsement by Humanitarian Coordinator
SRC-recommended projects presented to the HC and AB for review and pre-approval. The presentation summarizes the expected outcomes/results of the recommended projects including the link to the priorities outlined in the allocation paper for the HC’s and AB’s consideration and comparison to the initial Allocation Paper.
Stakeholders involved: 
AB
NHF

Technical and financial review
Sector Technical Review Committees (TRCs) review pre-approved projects to ensure (i) they meet technical sector and NHF requirements, and (ii) budget provisions are appropriate and feedback to partners. NHF and OCHA HQ/FCS conduct financial review. Partners revise and re-submit their proposals - maximum 3 times after which, if the project still does not meet quality standards, it is rejected. Technically sound and financially cleared projects are recommended to the HC for approval.
Stakeholders involved: 
NHF
TRCs
OCHA FCS

Final approval by Humanitarian Coordinator
HC approves recommended projects, and signs grant agreements (GAs). Partners and OCHA FCS Finance counter-sign GAs.
Stakeholders involved: 
NHF 
Partners
OCHA FCS Finance

Disbursement
Fund disbursed to partners as per NHF operational modalities.
Stakeholders involved: 
OCHA FCS
Partners

 A Standard Allocation process usually takes about 4 - 6 weeks.

Reserve Allocation

This process is used for the rapid and flexible allocation of funds in the event of unforeseen emergencies or to address emerging humanitarian needs. It accommodates allocations which respond to specific humanitarian situations necessitating a coordinated response outside the standard allocations. Whenever a Reserve Allocation is activated under the ‘emergency response window’ (see, NHF Operational Manual), only pre-selected and directly invited partners are eligible to submit funding proposals.

The indicative process for a reserve allocation includes the following stages:

 Allocation strategy paper development
Development and launch of allocation paper in consultation with humanitarian partners through email and/or other fast means of communication.
Process will include definition, compilation and consolidation of sector priorities and requirements.
Stakeholders involved: 
HC
AB
NHF
Sector coordinators and members
OCHA HQ/FCS

Submission of project proposals
Call for proposal disseminated through sector co-leads.
Pre-selected eligible partners prepare project proposals that address priorities identified in the allocation paper and submit online in the Grant Management System (GMS).
Stakeholders involved: 
Partners
Sector coordinators

Strategical, technical and financial review
Sector Strategic Review Committees (SRCs) review submitted proposals using scorecards in GMS focusing on: (i) strategic relevance, (ii) programmatic relevance, (iii) cost effectiveness, (iv) management and monitoring, and (v) engagement with coordination mechanisms. Sector Technical Review Committees (TRCs) review SRCs recommended projects to ensure (i) they meet technical sector and NHF requirements, and (ii) budget provisions are appropriate and feedback to partners. NHF and OCHA HQ/FCS conduct financial review. Partners revise and re-submit their proposals - maximum 3 times after which, if the project still does not meet quality standards, it is rejected. Technically sound and financially cleared projects are recommended to the HC for approval.
Stakeholders involved: 
SRCs
NHF
TRCs
HQ/FCS

Final approval by Humanitarian Coordinator
HC approves recommended projects, and signs Grant Agreements (GAs). Partners and OCHA FCS Finance counter-sign GAs.
Stakeholders involved: 
NHF
Partners
OCHA FCS Finance

Disbursement
Fund disbursed to partners as per NHF operational modalities
Stakeholders involved: 
OCHA FCS
Partners

A Reserve Allocation process takes usually about 3 weeks.