Q&A Document – UNHCR Mid-Year Review Online Session

04 July 2023
This document summarizes the main questions and answers discussed during the online session on
the UNHCR Mid-Year Review on Tuesday 04 July 2023. For any additional questions or support, do
not hesitate to contact mathilde.garcialopez@nrc.no.

Q#1 When negotiating with UNHCR, is it possible to reach out to Geneva colleagues for support
during the process?

Answer: It is highly recommended that you reach out to Geneva IPAs for support in the process
of negotiating with UNHCR on contractual arrangements.

Do not hesitate to contact mathilde.garcialopez@nrc.no

Here are some examples of the type of information we can provide you with:

• The outcome of previous global-level negotiations between NRC and UNHCR.

• Details on UNHCR’s global guidelines.
• Information on upcoming UNHCR global reforms.
• Strategies that other COs have implemented when facing similar issues.
• If your CO needs further backup, Geneva IPAs can participate in any negotiation
meetings with UNHCR.

Q#2 When was UNHCR last round of reform updates? Since when have the more flexible rules
and regulations been applied?

Answer: UNHCR released important reforms at the end of 2021. The regulations we have
discussed in this presentation have been valid since then and are applicable to 2023 PPAs.

For more details on the current contractual requirements for UNHCR partnerships, please refer
to:
• Donor Rules and Regulations Database
• UNHCR Donor Page

Q#3 Given that UNHCR's next round of instalments will be after September 30th, what are we
able to do to mitigate the risk of running out of resources? Is it possible to pre-finance
expenses?

Answer: The Mid-Year review is an excellent opportunity to bring up this issue with UNHCR.

UNHCR is cautious about cash flow issues that partners may face and is making efforts to
prevent any related challenges. Pre-financing is usually not authorised and you should seek
UNHCR authorisation if you think it would be needed.

Q#4 How can we ensure that the 2024 Global Partnership Agreement (GPA) will not impose
additional burden on UNHCR country offices, and thus potentially damage our partnership? Can
we ensure that certain policies –such as fair share cost allocation– are embedded in the
agreements?

Answer: The GPA is meant to be a tool that will strengthen the NRC-UNHCR partnership. It will
not replace existing strategic agreements such as the Memorandum of Understanding. It should
facilitate your engagement. We advocate for NRC fair share cost allocation methodology to be
embedded in the GPA.