Vision Paper: OCHA Country-Based Pooled Funds (CBPFs) and Beyond

• Vision: By 2017, OCHA will get relief to people affected by conflicts and natural disasters in a quicker and more efficient way through the Country-Based Pooled Funds (CBPFs) it manages. OCHA will be recognized for its leading role in humanitarian financing, in alignment with its Strategic Framework 2014-2017.
• Aim: CBPFs will remain fit for purpose, relevant and adequately funded by donors and accessed by a wider pool of partners. CBPFs will remain flexible, timely and inclusive funding mechanisms. CBPFs will expand funding availability by mobilizing further resources from non-traditional multilateral donors, the private sector and individuals. CBPFs will provide timely resources to new and ongoing humanitarian crises, expanding the scope of assistance through an increased participation of local actors. Risks will be well managed with appropriate risk management measures and proper accountability systems in place.

Introduction

1 . The new Global Guidelines for CBPFs will provide the framework for OCHA’s long-term vision on CBPFs as part of its humanitarian financing engagement. To ensure the realization of this vision, OCHA will embrace it on a corporate level and invest the resources required to deliver this core function of its mandate effectively. A clear vision for OCHA-managed CBPFs will guide the Organization’s positioning as to where and how it wants CBPFs to be four years from now and beyond. This vision will also reinforce commitments OCHA has made in its Strategic Framework 2014 – 2017 and align with its current Management Plan.

Background

2 . Humanitarian financing is one of OCHA’s core functions, tracing its origins to the passing of General Assembly Resolution 46/182 in 1991, which provides a broad framework for emergency relief within the UN system. This resolution stipulates that humanitarian financing is a key component of the coordination of humanitarian operations.

3 . The Humanitarian Reform of 2005 acknowledged challenges in responding to major crises, including humanitarian financing. The Reform (i) introduced the cluster system as an enhanced coordination mechanism in emergencies; (ii) strengthened humanitarian leadership; (iii) established new financing mechanisms; and (iv) strengthened partnerships.

4 . The Transformative Agenda (TA) initiative sought further improvements to the humanitarian reform process since December 2010. The TA is meant to result in more effective coordinated responses that meet the needs of and are accountable to affected people. In 2013, IASC agencies accelerated the TA roll-out, including some elements that reinforce accountability, such as reforms in system-wide planning: the launch of the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) and the Strategic Response Plans (SRPs). As elements of the Humanitarian Program Cycle (HPC), SRPs outline the HCT’s strategic vision, priorities and objectives, to which CBPFs should contribute and remain in alignment.

5 . CBPFs will remain relevant humanitarian funding tools through required operational adjustments OCHA will consider to have them evolving in parallel with the changing humanitarian context. CBPFs will continue operating as valuable tools for donors, implementing partners and beneficiaries in an aid landscape with multiple sources of funding.