LIFE-AR core principles and benchmark
The core Principles and Benchmarks are designed as a reference guide for countries developing their National Platform Operating Procedures (NPOPs) and for any organisations or individuals delivering activities under LIFE-AR.
The Benchmarks provide the minimum standards against which each country’s National Platform Operating Procedures (NPOPs) will be assessed through Empowerment Due Diligence before LIFE-AR funds are released. Countries are encouraged to exceed those minimums.
Countries and implementing organisations can use this guide to:
- Understand the non-negotiable principles that underpin all LIFE-AR operations.
- Review each Benchmark area when designing or updating their National Platform Operating Procedures.
- Prepare for Empowerment Due Diligence assessments and support Risk Assessment.
- Identify areas for strengthening through an Empowerment Action Plan
- Build a track record toward Enhanced Direct Access to Global Climate Funds (e.g., GCF and the Adaptation Fund).
LIFE-AR complete standard operating procedures
The LIFE-AR SOP were designed for the LIFE-AR Facility and signed off by the LIFE-AR Board in 2023. These set the governance, fiduciary, and operational standards for the entire initiative.
It is an important principle of the SOP that LIFE-AR processes are streamlined and manageable. National Platforms and local partners’ feedback on how the SOP work in practice will be used to improve the LIFE-AR processes over time.
The SOP provide LIFE-AR with:
- The Standards necessary to enable the effective delivery of LIFE-AR. In particular with consistent and transparent financial controls supported by compliance, risk management and audit systems.
- The Benchmarks to allow LDCs to develop their own financial and compliance systems to deliver LIFE-AR funds; to undertake Empowerment Due Diligence on these systems and develop Empowerment Action Plans to strengthen these systems where required; and to develop the track record to secure Enhanced Direct Access to global climate funds (e.g. GCF and the Adaptation Fund).
The SOPs set the accountability framework between the LIFE-AR Facility and the National Platforms. The SOPs are to be reviewed every three years unless a particular component needs to be revised to ensure it is for purpose for LIFE-AR.
The LIFE-AR SOPs include the following:
- Code of Conduct
- Governance Policy
- Granting Policy
- Procurement Policy
- Financial Management
- Risk Management
- Audit and Compliance
- Reporting
- Communications and Engagement
- Guidance on developing National Platform Operating Procedures
