PERFORMANCE

UNCT-SWAP INDICATORS FOR

GENDER EQUALITY
GENDER AND THE EMPOWERMENT OF
WOMEN FOR UNITED NATIONS
EQUALITY COUNTRY TEAMS

SCORECARD
FRAMEWORK &
TECHNICAL GUIDANCE
2023
 TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
4 UNCT-SWAP INDICATOR FRAMEWORK
11 UNCT-SWAP ASSESSMENT PROCESS
19 UNCT-SWAP TECHNICAL GUIDANCE
20 1. PLANNING
28 2. PROGRAMMING, MONITORING,
EVALUATION AND LEARNING
40 3. PARTNERSHIPS
46 4. LEADERSHIP
AND ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
56 5. GENDER ARCHITECTURE
AND CAPACITIES
62 6. RESOURCES
66 7. RESULTS
69 ANNEXES
70 ANNEX 1 – Virtual Toolkit for the UNCT-SWAP Gender
Equality Scorecard assessment and action plan
implementation
71 ANNEX 2 – How-to-do toolkit for the UNCT- SWAP
Gender Equality Scorecard
72 ANNEX 3 – Sample Terms of Reference for consultant
to facilitate the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard
75 ANNEX 4 – Letter to personnel for organizational
culture survey
76 ANNEX 5 – Organizational culture survey
78 ANNEX 6 – Introduction to UNCT-SWAP Platform: new
user sign-up and introduction to reporting
84 ANNEX 7 – Relevant SG reports, UN Mandates and
Commitments
90 ANNEX 8 – Alignment UNCT-SWAP (2023) and UN-
SWAP 2.0 (2021)
91 ANNEX 9 – Sample message for staff data
92 ANNEX 10 – Gender parity tracking table

2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

United Nations Gender Equality Network (UN-GEN) Co-Chairs: Florence Basty-Hamimi, Deputy
Director, UN Women Coordination Division and Leyla Sharafi, Gender Advisor, UNFPA Gender and
Human Rights Branch Technical Division; Secretariat: Natia Cherkezishvili, Gender Advisor, UNDCO
Secretariat.

Lead consultant and coordinator: Andrea Lee Esser

This technical guidance was first developed in 2018 by the United Nations Development Group
(UNDG) Task Team on Gender Equality under the Results Group on Voice, Values and Norms led by
UN Women and the United Nations Development Programme.

The guidance was updated in 2023 to ensure coherence and alignment with UNDS reform and
strategic repositioning. The update was led by a dedicated UN-GEN Task Team comprised of gender
specialists from UN entities: Andrea Balzano (UNDP); Natia Cherkezishvili (DCO); Tahsin Islam
(UNEP); Esther Kirimi (UNHCR); Michelle Lau-Burke (ITC); Rosanne Wong (UNICEF); and Florence
Basty-Hamimi (UN Women).

Country and regional-level gender experts and focal points from UN Women, DCO and other
entities provided important feedback to the update of the guidance. These included UN-Women
regional offices and communities of practice in Asia Pacific, Central Asia and Europe, and West and
Central Africa along with DCO Africa regional office. Country level inputs were shared from Albania,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Senegal, Serbia and Turkey. Their experiences,
insights and comments helped significantly in finalizing the update, with special thanks to Hulda
Atieno Ouma and Denise Laaveri.

Personnel in UN Women HQ provided technical support and expertise that helped ensure accuracy
of updates and systemwide coherence. Thanks to Freya Larsen, Katja Pehrman, Louise Nylin, Elise
Dietrichson, Shinobu Sasaki, Cordia Chambers-Johnson, Tarini Wijisekera and Brenda Bakwesegha.
Roxane Sardi played a key role to support the update by leading the drafting and revisions to
annexes and resources as well as taking the lead role in editing and formatting, together with Javier
Romero. Victoria Diaz-Garcia provided the final review and ensured compliance of the document
with existing guidance.

Special thanks go to Sarah Murison and Katy Pullen for supporting this work by providing expert
advice and feedback to key performance indicators.

UN Sustainable Development Group

www.unsdg.un.org

3
UNCT-SWAP
SCORECARD
INDICATOR
FRAMEWORK

4
1. PLANNING

INDICATOR 1.1 | COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS INTEGRATES GENDER ANALYSIS

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

CCA includes: CCA includes: Meets minimum requirements

and
a) Gender analysis across at least 50 a) Gender analysis across at least 80
percent of sections including percent of sections including CCA includes:
underlying causes of gender inequality underlying causes of gender inequality
c) Targeted gender analysis of those
and discrimination in line with SDG and discrimination in line with SDG
furthest behind.
priorities including SDG 5; priorities including SDG 5;
and and
b) Some sex-disaggregated and gender b) Consistent sex-disaggregated and
sensitive data. gender sensitive data.

INDICATOR 1.2 | GENDER EQUALITY MAINSTREAMED IN UNSDCF OUTCOMES

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

a) Gender equality and the empowerment a) Gender equality and the a) Gender equality and the empowerment
of women is mainstreamed across the empowerment of women is of women is mainstreamed across all
majority of UNSDCF outcomes in line mainstreamed across all UNSDCF UNSDCF outcomes in line with SDG
with SDG priorities including SDG 5. outcomes in line with SDG priorities priorities including SDG 5.
including SDG 5. and
or
b) One UNSDCF outcome specifically
b) One UNSDCF outcome specifically targets gender equality in line with
targets gender equality in line with UNSDCF Theory of Change and SDG
UNSDCF Theory of Change and SDG priorities including SDG 5.
priorities including SDG 5.

INDICATOR 1.3 | UNSDCF INDICATORS MEASURE CHANGES ON GENDER EQUALITY

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

Between one-fifth and one-third (20- 33 Between one-third and one-half (33- 50 More than one-half of UNSDCF out-
percent) of UNSDCF outcome (and percent) of UNSDCF outcome (and come (and output) indicators measure
output) indicators measure changes in output) indicators measure changes in changes in gender equality and the
gender equality and the empowerment of gender equality and the empowerment of empowerment of women in line with
women in line with SDG targets including women in line with SDG targets including SDG targets including SDG 5.
SDG 5. SDG 5.

5
 2. PROGRAMMING, MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING

INDICATOR 2.1 | JOINT PROGRAMS CONTRIBUTE TO REDUCING GENDER INEQUALITIES

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

Meets minimum requirements

a) Gender equality is visibly main- a) Gender equality is visibly
and
streamed into at least 50 percent of mainstreamed into all JPs operational
Joint Programs (JP) operational at the at the time of assessment. c) A system is in place to ensure
time of assessment. and gender mainstreaming in JPs.
or
b) A JP on promoting gender equality and
b) A JP on promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women is
the empowerment of women is operational over current UNSDCF
operational over current UNSDCF period in line with SDG priorities
period in line with SDG priorities including SDG 5.
including SDG 5.

INDICATOR 2.2 | COMMUNICATION AND ADVOCACY ADDRESS AREAS OF GENDER INEQUALITY

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

Approaches requirements Meets minimum requirements

a) The UNCT has contributed
and and
collaboratively to at least one joint
communication activity on GEWE b) The UNCT has contributed d) The UNCT has contributed
during the past year. collaboratively to at least one joint collaboratively to communication
advocacy campaign on GEWE during or advocacy in at least one non-
the past year. traditional thematic area during
and the past year.
c) UN Communications Group (UNCG)
joint communications and advocacy
strategy or equivalent visibly includes
GEWE communication and advocacy.

INDICATOR 2.3 | UNSDCF MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING MEASURES

PROGRESS AGAINST PLANNED GENDER EQUALITY RESULTS

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

Meets one of the following: Meets two of the following: Meets all of the following:
a) UNSDCF Results Framework data for
a) UNSDCF Results Framework data a) UNSDCF Results Framework data
gender sensitive indicators gathered
for gender sensitive indicators for gender sensitive indicators
as planned.
gathered as planned. gathered as planned
b) UNSDCF monitoring/reporting/ b) UNSDCF monitoring/reporting/ b) UNSDCF monitoring/reporting/
reviews/ evaluations assess reviews/ evaluations assess progress reviews/ evaluations assess
progress against gender-specific against gender-specific results. progress against gender-specific
results. results.
c) The MEL Group or equivalent has
c) The MEL Group or equivalent has received technical training on gender c) The MEL Group or equivalent has
received technical training on sensitive M&E at least once during received technical training on
gender sensitive M&E at least once the current UNSDCF cycle. gender sensitive M&E at least once
during the current UNSDCF cycle. during the current UNSDCF cycle.

6
3. PARTNERSHIPS

INDICATOR 3.1 | UNCT COLLABORATES AND ENGAGES WITH GOVERNMENT ON GENDER EQUALITY
AND THE EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

Meets one of the following: Meets two of the following: Meets all of the following:
a) The UNCT has collaborated with at
a) The UNCT has collaborated with at a) The UNCT has collaborated with at
least two government
least two government least two government
agencies/entities/institutions on a
agencies/entities/institutions on a agencies/entities/institutions on a
joint initiative that fosters gender
joint initiative that fosters gender joint initiative that fosters gender
equality within the current UNSDCF
equality within the current UNSDCF equality within the current UNSDCF
cycle.
cycle. cycle.
b) The National Women’s Machinery or b) The National Women’s Machinery or b) The National Women’s Machinery or
equivalent entity participates in equivalent entity participates in equivalent entity participates in
UNSDCF consultations: CCA, UNSDCF consultations: CCA, UNSDCF consultations: CCA,
Cooperation Framework design, Cooperation Framework design, Cooperation Framework design,
implementation, M&E. implementation, M&E. implementation, M&E.
c) The UNCT has made at least one c) The UNCT has made at least one
contribution to substantively c) The UNCT has made at least one
contribution to substantively
strengthen Government participation contribution to substantively
strengthen Government participation
and engagement in gender related strengthen Government participation
and engagement in gender related
SDGs localization and/or and engagement in gender related
SDGs localization and/or
implementation. SDGs localization and/or
implementation.
implementation.

INDICATOR 3.2 | UNCT COLLABORATES AND ENGAGES WITH WOMEN’S/GENDER EQUALITY CSO

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

Meets one of the following: Meets two of the following: Meets all of the following:
a) The UNCT has collaborated with a) The UNCT has collaborated with a) The UNCT has collaborated with
GEWE CSO and women’s rights GEWE CSO and women’s rights GEWE CSO and women’s rights
advocates on at least two joint advocates on at least two joint advocates on at least two joint
initiatives that foster gender equality initiatives that foster gender equality initiatives that foster gender equality
and empowerment of women within and empowerment of women within and empowerment of women within
the current UNSDCF cycle. the current UNSDCF cycle. the current UNSDCF cycle.
b) GEWE CSO participates in UNSDCF b) GEWE CSO participates in UNSDCF b) GEWE CSO participates in UNSDCF
consultations: CCA, Cooperation consultations: CCA, Cooperation consultations: CCA, Cooperation
Framework design, implementation, Framework design, implementation, Framework design, implementation,
M&E. M&E. M&E.
c) The UNCT has made at least one c) The UNCT has made at least one c) The UNCT has made at least one
contribution to substantively contribution to substantively contribution to substantively
strengthen GEWE CSO participation strengthen GEWE CSO participation strengthen GEWE CSO participation
and engagement in gender related and engagement in gender related and engagement in gender related
SDGs localization and/or SDGs localization and/or SDGs localization and/or
implementation. implementation. implementation.

7
4. LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

INDICATOR 4.1 | UNCT LEADERSHIP IS COMMITTED TO CHAMPIONING GENDER EQUALITY

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

Meets two of the following criteria: Meets three of the following criteria: Meets all of the following criteria:
a) Gender equality is a topic of a) Gender equality is a topic of a) Gender equality is a topic of
discussion in at least 60 percent of discussion in at least 60 percent of discussion in at least 60 percent of
UNCT meetings during the last 12 UNCT meetings during the last 12 UNCT meetings during the last 12
months; months; months;
b) RC demonstrates external public b) RC demonstrates external public b) RC demonstrates external public
championing of gender equality championing of gender equality during championing of gender equality
during the last 12 months; the last 12 months; during the last 12 months;
c) RC demonstrates internal c) RC demonstrates internal c) RC demonstrates internal
championing of gender equality championing of gender equality during championing of gender equality
during the last 12 months; the last 12 months; during the last 12 months;
d) HOAs are seen by personnel as d) HOAs are seen by personnel as d) HOAs are seen by personnel as
committed to gender equality in the committed to gender equality in the committed to gender equality in the
workplace during the last 12 months. workplace during the last 12 months. workplace during the last 12 months.

INDICATOR 4.2 | ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE FULLY SUPPORTS PROMOTION OF

GENDER EQUALITY AND THE EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

Survey results of personnel perception Survey results of personnel perception Survey results of personnel perception
of organizational environment for of organizational environment for of organizational environment for
promotion of gender equality scored a promotion of gender equality scored a promotion of gender equality scored a
positive rating of 50-64 percent. positive rating of 65-80 percent. positive rating of over 80 percent.

INDICATOR 4.3 | GENDER PARITY IN STAFFING IS ACHIEVED

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

a) A system-wide plan is in place for the Approaches minimum requirements Meets minimum requirements
UNCT to achieve gender parity. and and
b) At least one Gender Focal Point is d) The UNCT can demonstrate positive
appointed (as per SGB/2023/3) trends towards achieving gender
parity.
c) The UNCT can demonstrate progress
in the implementation of the system- e) The Business Operations Strategy
wide plan on gender parity. (BOS) includes gender-specific actions
and indicators in at least one Business
Operation Area to foster gender
equality and women’s empowerment.

8
 5. GENDER ARCHITECTURE AND CAPACITIES

INDICATOR 5.1 | GENDER COORDINATION MECHANISM IS EMPOWERED TO INFLUENCE

THE UNCT FOR GEWE

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

Meets two of the following criteria: Meets three of the following criteria: Meets all of the following criteria:
a) A coordination mechanism for gender a) A coordination mechanism for gender a) A coordination mechanism for gender
equality is chaired by a HOA; equality is chaired by a HOA; equality is chaired by a HOA;
b) The group has an approved TOR and b) The group has an approved TOR and b) The group has an approved TOR and
annual work plan; annual work plan; annual work plan;
c) Members include at least 50% senior c) Members include at least 50% senior c) Members include at least 50% senior
staff (P4/NOC and above or staff (P4/NOC and above or staff (P4/NOC and above or
equivalent); equivalent); equivalent);
d) The group has made substantive d) The group has made substantive d) The group has made substantive
input into the UNSDCF including the input into the UNSDCF including the input into the UNSDCF including the
CCA, Cooperative Framework design, CCA, Cooperative Framework design, CCA, Cooperative Framework design,
results framework and M&E. results framework and M&E. results framework and M&E.

INDICATOR 5.2 | UNCT HAS ADEQUATE CAPACITIES DEVELOPED FOR GENDER MAINSTREAMING

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

a) At least one substantive inter-agency Meets two of the following criteria: Meets all of the following criteria:
gender capacity development activity for
a) At least one substantive inter-agency a) At least one substantive inter-agency
UN personnel has been carried out during
gender capacity development activity gender capacity development activity
the past 12 months.
for UN personnel has been carried out for UN personnel has been carried out
during the past 12 months. during the past 12 months.
b) A capacity development plan based on b) A capacity development plan based on
an inter-agency capacity assessment is an inter-agency capacity assessment is
established or updated at least once per established or updated at least once per
UNSDCF cycle and targets are on track. UNSDCF cycle and targets are on track.
c) UNCT induction material includes c) UNCT induction material includes
gender equality and the empowerment gender equality and the empowerment
of women commitments and related of women commitments and related
development challenges of the country. development challenges of the country.

9
6. RESOURCES

INDICATOR 6.1 | ADEQUATE RESOURCES FOR GENDER MAINSTREAMING

ARE ALLOCATED AND TRACKED

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

Meets the following criteria: Approaches minimum requirements Meets minimum requirements
and
a) The UNCT has carried out at least and meets two of the following criteria:
one capacity building event on the f) The UNCT has exceeded the common
c) The UNCT has met the common
UNCT Gender Equality Marker over global financial target for UNCT
global financial target for UNCT
the current Cooperation Framework allocations to GEWE.
allocations to GEWE.
cycle to ensure accuracy of coding.
and d) The sub-outputs coded UNCT-GEM
1,2 or 3 provide a ‘Gender Marker
b) The UNCT has applied the UNCT-
Narrative’ which accurately justifies
Gender Equality Marker to all sub-
the UNCT-GEM code selected
outputs in the Joint Work Plan
e) The Gender Theme Group (or
equivalent) has completed a quality
assurance review of UNCT-GEM
coding during the drafting of the Joint
Work Plan aligned with the GTG
Standards and Procedures.

7. RESULTS

INDICATOR 7.1 | UN PROGRAMMES MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION

TO GENDER EQUALITY IN THE COUNTRY

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

a) The UNCT has achieved or is on track b) The UNCT has achieved or is on track Meets minimum requirements
to achieve some gender equality and to achieve all gender equality and the and
the empowerment of women results empowerment of women results as
c) At least one outcome level UNSDCF
as planned in the UNSDCF outcomes planned in the UNSDCF outcomes in
result has contributed to
in line with SDG priorities including line with SDG priorities including SDG
transformative change in relation to
SDG 5. 5.
gender equality and the
empowerment of women.

10
UNCT-SWAP
ASSESSMENT
PROCESS

11
 gender mainstreaming also calling on the UN system to fully
BACKGROUND implement the UNCT-SWAP.
In response to the UN Chief Executives Board for Coordination
(CEB) system-wide Policy on Gender Equality and the
Empowerment of Women (CEB/2006/2) the UN has
developed a coordinated approach to strengthening “Gender equality and women’s empowerment are
accountability for gender, endorsed by the CEB in 2012: integral to realizing the 2030 Agenda and all of the
SDGs. To integrate a focus on these issues throughout
1. The UN System-wide Action Plan (UN-SWAP), the Cooperation Framework, UN development entities
which from 2012-2017 focused on corporate should put gender equality at the heart of programming,
processes and institutional arrangements at the driving the active and meaningful participation of both
individual entity level, extended in 2018 to cover women and men, and consistently empowering women
development and normative results tied to the SDGs. and girls, in line with the minimum requirements agreed
upon by the United Nations Sustainable Development
2. The United Nations Country Teams (UNCT) Group (UNSDG) in the UNCT System-wide Action Plan
Performance Indicators for Gender Equality and the (SWAP) Gender Equality Scorecard” (UNSDG
Empowerment of Women (UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Cooperation Framework Guidance 2019:11)
Scorecard, covered by this guide), was introduced in August
2008 focusing on joint processes and institutional
arrangements within the UNCT, extended in 2018 and The UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard is an
updated again in this document to align to system changes accountability framework that promotes improved planning,
in line with UNDS reform and strategic repositioning. coordination, programming and results for GEWE at the
country level, tied to support to Member States to achieve
The UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard (UNCT-SWAP) the SDGs. The UNCT-SWAP supports UNCTs in self-
is aligned with the UN-SWAP to ensure a coherent assessing and reporting on their standing with respect to a set
accountability framework at country, regional and HQ levels. of Performance Indicators drawn from inter-governmental
As the two mechanisms cover different parts of the UN mandates and based on review and analysis of UNCT
system, different Performance Indicators are used where processes.
appropriate.
Updated in 2023 to align with new UNDS guidance and
There are numerous UN inter-governmental mandates for protocols and to more fully incorporate guidance for online
Gen der Equality and the Empowerment of Women (GEWE). reporting requirements and procedures, the UNCT-SWAP
Refer to Annex 7 for full detailing related to the performance Scorecard draws upon reviews of UNCT experiences in
areas covered by the UNCT-SWAP. In 2015, UN Member applying the methodology as well as innovative ideas and
States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable lessons from other UN gender accountability frameworks,
Development with the Sustainable Development Goals notably UNDP’s Gender Equality Seal, ILO’s Participatory
(SDGs) at its core. The Agenda commits all countries and Gender Audit, and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee
stakeholders to work together to achieve sustained and Gender and Age Marker.
inclusive economic growth, social development, and
environmental protection. Seven Dimensions and Fifteen Performance Indicators: The
UNCT-SWAP is organized around seven dimensions that
Leaving no one behind and reaching the furthest behind first address key GEWE components: planning; programming, and
is at the core of the Agenda and further highlighted in the monitoring, evaluation and learning; partnerships;
Secretary General’s Report ‘Our Common Agenda’ that communications and advocacy; leadership and organizational
commits to place women and girls at the center of work to culture; gender architecture and capacities; resources; and
accelerate the achievement of the SDGs. This is results. Each dimension includes minimum requirements for
underpinned by the principle of GEWE, grounded in the Performance Indicators that UNCTs need to me
norms and standards the United Nations is tasked to uphold
and promote, including coherent and integrated system-
wide gender-responsive planning, implementation and
reporting.

The 2020 Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review

(QCPR) calls for enhancing and accelerating gender
mainstreaming through the implementation of the UNCT-
SWAP Scorecard, with consecutive ECOSOC Resolutions on

12
FIGURE 1 UNCT-SWAP GENDER EQUALITY SCORECARD

13
GUIDANCE LAYOUT UNCT endorsement under the leadership of the Resident
Coordinator is needed before launching the comprehensive
This guide lays out the UNCT-SWAP assessment process for assessment whereby Heads of Agencies should be briefed on
comprehensive and annual reporting followed by detailed the objective, scope and proposed timeline of the exercise.
guidance on how to score each Performance Indicator: Heads of Agencies should be asked to appoint members to
• Performance Indicator definitions and ratings; the IAT to ensure representation across entities including
• Step-by-step instructions on how to complete the those without a physical presence.
indicator rating;
• Example of completed indicator justification and rating;
• Information and tips on how to meet the requirements for The UNCT-SWAP self-assessment and action planning is
each indicator. driven by the IAT to ensure interagency collaboration in
measuring the UNCT’s performance against minimum
Annexes provide further supporting materials.
requirements. The exercise should be carried out in a highly
participatory fashion to promote internal dialogue and
WHO SHOULD USE THIS GUIDE? ownership of results. UNCT-SWAP findings feed into a
The assessment Coordinator(s) and Interagency Assessment structured action plan designed to improve performance.
Teams (IATs) are the primary users. The guide provides the IAT
with a step-by-step approach. Secondary users include other INTERAGENCY ASSESSMENT TEAM
members of the UNCT, including Gender Focal Points and
The IAT should include multidisciplinary representation,
members of key interagency groups that have distinct
ensuring diversity and inclusion with respect to gender,
responsibilities for UNCT-SWAP requirements, as well as staff
age, ethnicity, seniority, etc., and including members with
responsible for planning and quality control at Regional and HQ
gender expertise and management responsibilities. Teams
levels.
vary in size depending on the country context, but often
have 10-25 members. Representatives from the following
UNCT-SWAP SCORECARD IMPLEMENTATION inter-agency groups and offices are recommended:
The UNCT-SWAP assessment begins with comprehensive • Resident Coordinator Office
reporting of all 15 performance indicators followed by annual • Gender Theme Group or equivalent mechanism
progress updates. See section below ‘Comprehensive and • UN Communications Group
Annual Reporting’ for more details. • Monitoring,Evaluation and Learning Group
• Human Resources/Operations Management Team
The gender coordination mechanism plays a key role in
• Programme Management Team
spearheading UNCT-SWAP assessments. The chair(s) of
• Results Groups
GTGs/equivalent mechanisms, working closely with the RCO,
are responsible for convening meetings and coordinating and IAT members work in sub-groups to assess indicators.
consolidating inputs from members of UN coordination groups Suggestions for clustering of indicator groups are shared
represented in the IAT (UN Women Gender Theme Group below, but assignments and groupings may vary by country
Standards and Procedures 2021).
FIGURE 2. POSSIBLE DIVISION OF LABOUR FOR INTER
AGENCY TEAM ASSESSMENT OF INDICATORS
1.1 Common Country Assessment

1 AT LEAST TWO ASSESSORS 1.2 UNSDCF Outcomes

WITH GENDER ANALYSIS SKILLS 2.1 Joint Programmes

1.3 UNSDCF Indicators

2
AT LEAST TWO ASSESSORS 2.3 UNSDCF MEL
INCL. MEMBERS OF MEL GROUP AND RCO
7.1 Results
2.2 Communications & Advocacy
3 AT LEAST TWO ASSESSORS
5.1 Gender Coordination
INCL. MEMBERS OF COMMUNICATIONS GROUP & GENDER THEME
5.2 Capacity Development

4
AT LEAST TWO ASSESSORS 3.1 Engagement Government
INCL. MEMBERS OF OMT/HUMAN RESOURCES 3.2 Engagement GEWE CSO

4.2 Organizational Culture

5 AT LEAST TWO ASSESSORS 4.3 Gender Parity

WITH GENDER ANALYSIS
4.1 Leadership
6.1 Resource Tracking & Allocation
6
AT LEAST TWO ASSESSORS
INCL. MEMBERS OF RCO AND GENDER THEME GROUP
14
The IAT has a collective responsibility to provide evidence in Annual Progress UNCT-SWAP Reports require reassessment
the form of Means of Verification (MoV) and analysis to justify of a minimum of 5 Performance Indicators and an update on
ratings under the leadership of coordinator(s) for the the implementation of the UNCT-SWAP Action Plan. The IAT
assessment. Coordinators should bring the team together to should collectively decide which indicators to reassess,
brief members, establish timelines, and facilitate the focusing on those areas of performance where improvement is
distribution of responsibilities for specific indicators, ensuring most critically needed.
that at least two team members work together to score each
indicator. UNCTs may opt to employ a consultant to facilitate Annual reports take place in the fourth quarter of each
the exercise, but responsibility remains with the IAT for analysis calendar year following the completion of comprehensive
and justification under the leadership of the coordinator(s). See reporting. Teams only undertake one report per calendar year.
Annex 3 for sample TOR.1 If comprehensive reporting was completed at any time within
a calendar year, annual reporting will take place in Q4 of the
next calendar year.
Online Technical Support: UNCT-SWAP HelpdeskA
dedicated Helpdesk THE RATING SYSTEM
([email protected]) is available to
Ratings against minimum requirements allow UNCTs to self-
support quality assurance, answer any questions and
assess and report on their standing with respect to each
provide technical support throughout the process. Teams
indicator, and aspire towards higher levels of achievement. The
are encouraged to reach out to the Helpdesk throughout
four levels of the scoring system are:
the assessment process. UN Women Regional Offices also
• Exceeds minimum requirements
offer support on an ongoing basis from Coordination
• Meets minimum requirements
Specialists in each region. To get in contact with UN
Women regional offices, please reach out to the Helpdesk. • Approaches minimum requirements
• Missing minimum requirements

Refer also to the How-to-do Toolkit as detailed in Annex UNCTs score as ‘approaches’, ‘meets’, or ‘exceeds’ minimum
2, which offers online resources in French and English to requirements depending which criteria they meet for each
support the rolling out of the Scorecard by providing step-
indicator. Most indicators contain multiple criteria. If UNCTs
by-step guidance to support a common approach to
implementation. fail to meet the criteria under ‘approaches minimum
requirements’, then the indicator should be scored as
‘missing minimum requirements.’
COMPREHENSIVE AND ANNUAL PROGRESS
REPORTING
Teams must label clearly in the justification for each criterion
Comprehensive Reporting establishes the baseline ratings for whether it has been ‘met’ or ‘not met’ as per the examples
all Performance Indicators. Annual Progress Reporting is to provided for each indicator. The performance indicator
spur progress toward meeting and exceeding indicator reporting template requires a justification for why a particular
requirements. See Tables 1 and 2 for an outline of each stage score has been given, backed up by evidence. Examples
of the assessment process. throughout this Guidance indicate the level of detail that should
Comprehensive UNCT-SWAP Reports are required once per be provided, bearing in mind that the platform limits entry
UNSDCF cycle and are recommended in the planning phase of length so the descriptions need to be concise.
a new Cooperation Framework to enable the findings to feed
into the new Cooperation Framework programming cycle. As in all rating systems, there may be an element of
Comprehensive reports entail assessment of all 15 subjectivity in the rating process. To minimize subjectivity, the
Performance Indicators and the preparation of an Action Plan Performance Indicators have been piloted and are clearly
defined to reduce ambiguities. Disagreements concerning
PERFORMANCE INDICATOR: RATING: ratings should be discussed with the larger IAT to reach
consensus. The Helpdesk and UN Women’s Regional Offices
Findings and Explanation may also be contacted to provide technical advice.
List findings by criteria (a, b, c….), stating for each criterion whether it
has been ‘met’ or ‘not met’ and including relevant analysis and An electronic version of the Performance Indicator Reporting
justification. Template is available from the Helpdesk and in the online
Evidence or Means of Verification (MoV) Toolkit for UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard
List documents and sources used to verify findings. Assessment and Action Plan Implementation. Refer to Annex 1
for more information. The template can be found under the
to provide a baseline for Annual Progress reports. section “UNCT-SWAP Templates”.

1 You may also reach out to the Helpdesk for contact details of consultants with UNCT-SWAP expertise.

15
ACTION PLANS AND FOLLOW UP QUALITY ASSURANCE AND FINALIZATION ON
THE UNCT-SWAP PLATFORM
Action planning is an integral part of comprehensive reporting UN Women, as Secretariat for UNCT-SWAP, has created an
with updates on activities shared during annual progress online reporting platform that is accessed at
reporting. Action Plans should include: https://unswap.unwomen.org. All reporting takes place through
this platform. Access to the platform is provided by the
• Realistic timelines for improving performance for Helpdesk for 2 to 4 UNCT-SWAP Platform Focal Points per
targeted Performance Indicators; UNCT including at least one from the RCO and the GTG (refer
• Resources required to improve performance; to Table 1 Stage 4 and Annex 62 for more details).
• Responsibility for follow-up to encourage Draft Comprehensive and Annual Progress Reports must
decentralization of accountability for GEWE by be uploaded, quality assured and finalized on the
assigning actions to relevant interagency groups dedicated UNCT-SWAP platform before endorsement by
the UNCT. Allow up to two weeks for the finalization
Action Plans require endorsement at the UNCT level after the process.
report has been finalized. It is good practice to integrate key Once finalized on the UNCT-SWAP platform, final ratings
actions into the work plans of responsible interagency groups will be shared with DCO by the Helpdesk so that they can
while general monitoring of action plan progress may form part be reflected in UN INFO
of the responsibilities of the GTG, RC office or other inter-
agency groups..

An electronic version of the Action Plan Template is available

Emerging Models of Good Practice to
from the Helpdesk and in the online Toolkit for UNCT-SWAP
Integrate Gender, Youth and Disability
Gender Equality Scorecard Assessment and Action Plan
Scorecards
Implementation. Refer to Annex 1 for more information. The
template can be found under the section “UNCT-SWAP The UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard is one of
Templates”. several accountability frameworks that focus on
ensuring the principles of LNOB in UNCT operations,
together with the Disability Inclusion Scorecard and
UNCT-SWAP SCORECARD ACTION PLAN
the Youth 2030 Scorecard. While the three scorecards
TEMPLATE are distinct, processes may be integrated for efficiency
and combined focus. Good practice examples include:
• Responsibility for coordinated annual reporting of
the three scorecards sitting with the RCO to ensure
that results are brought collectively to the UNCT for
endorsement and decision-making to inform priority
actions ensure LNOB focus in annual work planning.
• Responsibility for coordinated implementation of
the three scorecards sitting with the gender and
human rights coordination mechanism whereby
individual agencies lead on different components of
an integrated action plan. This enables the UNCT to
draw on agency expertise and mandates while
identifying strategic opportunities to improve
performance across all three scorecards
simultaneously.
• Taking an intersectional approach to updating the
UNCT CCA by reviewing and adding data and
analysis on gender, disability and youth
simultaneously and enabling the UNCT to progress
towards meeting requirements across the three
accountability frameworks.

2 Annex 6: Introduction to UNCT-SWAP Platform, new user sign-up and introduction to reporting.

16
 Table 1 - COMPREHENSIVE UNCT-SWAP ASSESSMENTS
Comprehensive UNCT-SWAP reports are undertaken once per UNSDCF cycle and require the assessment of all 15
Performance Indicators, establishing a baseline for annual progress reporting.

Responsibility Activity Timing3

Stage 1 – Preparation of Comprehensive Assessment
Coordinator(s) 1. Brief Heads of Agencies (HOA) to ensure endorsement. 1-2 month(s) before
supported by GTG 2. Establish timing for exercise. assessment
where existing 3. Request HoAs to appoint assessment team members.
4. Optional – secure external consultant to support facilitation.

Stage 2 – Self-Assessment
IAT led by 1. Review UNCT-SWAP technical guidance. 4-8 weeks
Coordinator(s) 2. Participate in Briefing Meeting to launch the exercise.
3. Establish performance indicator groups.
4. Gather evidence, analyze data and rate indicators.
5. Present findings at team consolidation workshop to validate and
reach consensus on results and begin action planning.

Stage 3 – Action Planning

IAT led by 1. Develop an Action Plan to improve performance based on findings. 1-2 weeks
Coordinator(s) Note – development of the action plan can be included as part of the
consolidation workshop or as a next step after the consolidation
workshop.

Stage 4 – Quality Assurance

Focal Point(s) 1. Designate 2 to 4 IAT members as focal points and notify the On completion of
Helpdesk to ensure access to the UNCT-SWAP platform (see draft
Annex 6 for details on Focal Point Sign Up).
2. Upload the draft findings and action plan activities on the UNCT-
SWAP platform and submit for review (see Annex 6 for details).
3. Respond to any comments as needed to finalize report.

Stage 5 - Finalization
Coordinator(s) 1. Share assessment results and Action Plan with HOAs for On notification of
endorsement and management response. finalization on the
2. Ensure planned actions are integrated into the workplans of platform
relevant interagency groups.

3 Timing is provided to offer an indication of timelines. Timing can be adapted to each UNCT’s circumstances and needs.

17
Table 2 - ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT ASSESSMENTS
Comprehensive reports are followed by annual progress reporting to capture changes to Performance Indicator ratings and
on progress made in implementing the UNCT-SWAP Action Plan. A minimum 5 performance indicators should be
reassessed annually.
Responsibility Activity Timing
Stage 1 – Preparations for Annual Reporting

Coordinator(s) Brief HOAs to ensure endorsement. October of each year

supported by GTG Update membership of IAT as needed. except for a year when the
where existing Update designated Focal Points as needed and notify the Helpdesk UNCT has undertaken
to ensure access to the UNCT-SWAP platform (see Annex 6 for comprehensive reporting
details on Focal Point Sign Up).

Stage 2 – Re-assessment of Selected Indicators

IAT led by Review guidance for annual progress reporting. 2-4 weeks
Coordinator(s) Select at least 5 Performance Indicators to re-assess.
Establish responsibilities within IAT for sub-groups to re-assessing
selected indicators.
Gather evidence and analyze data for selected indicators.
Coordinate with relevant interagency groups to report on
implementation of Action Plan activities.
Share findings at team meeting or electronically to ensure
consensus/validation of results and to update and adjust the Action
Plan.

Stage 3 – Quality Assurance

Focal Point(s) Upload the draft findings and action plan activities on the UNCT- Upload draft by mid-
SWAP platform and submit for review (see Annex 6 for details). November (exact deadline
Respond to any comments as needed to finalize report. is determined and
informed each year)
Finalize report by mid-
December (exact deadline
is determined and
informed each year)

Stage 4 – Finalization
Coordinator(s) Share assessment results and updates with HOAs for endorsement Mid to end of December
and response.

18
UNCT-SWAP
TECHNICAL
GUIDANCE

19
1. PLANNING

INDICATOR 1.1 | COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS INTEGRATES GENDER ANALYSIS

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

CCA includes: CCA includes: Meets minimum requirements

a) Gender analysis across at least 50 a) Gender analysis across at least 80 and
percent of sections including percent of sections including CCA includes:
underlying causes of gender underlying causes of gender c) Targeted gender analysis of those
inequality and discrimination in line inequality and discrimination in line furthest behind.
with SDG priorities including SDG with SDG priorities including SDG
5; 5;
and and
b) Some sex-disaggregated and b) Consistent sex-disaggregated and
gender sensitive data. gender sensitive data.

Means of Verification: CCA documents

Resources
UNSDCF Guidance (2019)
UNSDG Consolidated Annexes to the Cooperation Framework Guidance (2022)
UNSDCF Companion Package (2020)
UN Women Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming for Gender Equality Results (2022)
UNSDG Operationalizing Leave No One Behind (2022)

20
STEPS TO SCORE THIS INDICATOR means that all available population-based data should be
disaggregated by sex wherever possible, especially
1. REVIEW population-based data in relation to the main
Review the CCA or equivalent, looking for evidence of development challenges highlighted by the CCA.
the presence or absence of information that meets the
indicator criteria. Scoring this indicator requires rigorous review of the
CCA. If gender sensitive and/or sex disaggregated data is
2. ANALYZE AND JUSTIFY not available, this should be noted in the CCA along with
Take notes that detail the evidence found for each of the any initiatives to facilitate use of GEWE-related data in
listed criteria (a, b, and c,). See tips below for elaboration the future. The onus is on the UNCT to either include sex
on each criterion. disaggregated and gender-sensitive data or explain why
this has not been included. Refer to the UNCT-SWAP
3. SCORE AND REPORT Good Practices Toolkit for country level good practice
Score the indicator based on findings. Fill in the results examples (see Annex 1).
template, providing details for each criterion to support
the rating (see sample).
The CCA should be rated as approaching requirements if a
HOW TO MEET REQUIREMENTS gender analysis is carried out in 50 per cent or more of the
“The CCA must place specific attention on the most sections (criterion a) and includes gender sensitive and/or sex
vulnerable populations and the factors affecting their disaggregated data in at least 50 per cent of the CCA sections
capacity to claim their rights and benefit from the (criterion b). If both of these criteria are met in the CCA, it
country’s development gains. It includes a rights-based should be rated as ‘approaching’. If only one of the criteria is
analysis of root causes and drivers, and a met, the indicator should be scored as ‘missing minimum
multidimensional analysis of interconnected risks driving requirements’.
people’s vulnerability. This must include in-depth gender
analysis on the structural causes of gender inequality and A CCA exceeds requirements if it meets the minimum
requirements and includes in-depth targeted analysis of groups
discrimination, using sex-disaggregated, gender-sensitive
that are marginalized based on their gender, in line with the SDG
data, and assessing women’s empowerment.” (UNSDG
focus on inclusiveness and leaving no one behind. Examples of
Cooperation Framework Companion Package 2020:16-
marginalized gender-specific groups may include rural
17).
women/girls, women/girls with disabilities, female heads of
households, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, male and female
To meet requirements for this indicator UNCTs need to do
school dropouts, etc.
the following:
• Include gender analysis for 80 percent or more of the Absent or low levels of gender analysis (less than 50 percent)
sections covered in the CCA commensurate with the
for criterion a) and/or b) in the CCA should be scored as
overall depth of analysis of the document. The
‘Consolidated Annexes to the Cooperation Framework ‘missing minimum requirements’.
Guidance’ (UNSDG 2022:9-11) identifies 10 elements
that CCAs must cover: WHAT DOES AN ADEQUATE GENDER ANALYSIS
1. Population groups at risk of being left behind and LOOK LIKE?
main drivers of exclusion;
2. Social development and exclusion analysis; Gender analysis in the CCA should follow the guiding principles
3. Economic transformation analysis; outlined in the ‘Consolidated Annexes for the Cooperation
4. Environment and climate change analysis; Framework Guidance’ (UNSDG 2019:9) including root cause
5. Governance and political analysis; analysis of development challenges, data disaggregation,
6. Multidimensional SDG risk analysis; integrated (causal) analysis, forward-looking analysis and
7. Prevention and humanitarian-development- consideration of institutional capacity gaps. Refer to Chapter 3
peace linkages; ‘Gender Analysis – an essential starting point for gender
8. National vision and development plan vis-à-vis
mainstreaming’ of the Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming for
the 2030 Agenda;
9. Financial landscape analysis; Gender Equality Results (2022) for further elaboration.
10. Stakeholder/partnership analysis Comprehensive gender analysis in the CCA provides the
foundation for improved planning, programming and results.
CCAs may have varying number of sections. Calculate the Gender analysis is central to reviewing accurately the national
percentage that include gender analysis based on the total situation, identifying systemic causes of gender inequalities, and
number of sections in your CCA. ensuring interventions address the principle of leaving no one
behind.
and Gender analysis is the process of assessing the implications for
• The CCA or equivalent should consistently use sex- women and men and girls and boys of any planned action by
disaggregated and gender sensitive data. “Consistent” highlighting inequalities to reveal how gender equality can be

21
promoted. Adequate gender analysis reveals gender information such as on gender-based violence, status of
differences in rights, roles and responsibilities in a particular CEDAW recommendations, and ratification of new laws
context and promotes alternative courses of action, for on gender equality. Where national gender-sensitive data
example, examination of: is lacking, the CCA may draw on other sources of
information including case studies and qualitative
• Country and local level gender inequalities in access research.
to control over resources such as income, time,
technologies, land, livestock, financial services, health, • A common issue in many countries is lack of sex-
education, employment, information and disaggregated data at the national level. When reviewing
communication. the CCA, remember that the onus is on the UNCT to
• Power and Decision Making such as women’s and include sex-disaggregated data consistently and wherever
men’s opportunities to influence decision making as available, and to note data gaps where these exist. The
well as the capacities of institutions and the impact of programming on data gaps should be noted. In
mechanisms in place to promote gender equality as well other words, where data is not present, the implications of
as assessing gender-specific capacities to make this should be discussed.
decisions freely and exercise power.
• Legal rights and status including assessing how the EXAMPLE
country meets international human rights
Indicator 1.1 CCA Score : Approaches
requirements/ frameworks such as CEDAW as well as Minimum
assessing how women and men are treated by Requirements
customary and formal legal codes and judicial systems.
• Women’s priorities, restraints and motivations
Findings and Explanation
including a review of the different needs and interests
of women and men; depictions of barriers faced by The CCA includes gender analysis and sex-
women in seeking to meet their practical and strategic disaggregated data in some sections, but it does not
gender interests; and an identification of opportunities meet the minimum requirements, as it does not include
for greater gender equality and women’s empowerment gender analysis or sex-disaggregated data across 80
for women. percent or more of sections.
• Customary and traditional beliefs and norms by a) Gender analysis is evidenced across at least 50
examining the role these have in shaping and percent of sections including underlying causes of
reinforcing gendered realities. gender inequality and discrimination line with SDG
• Strategies to mobilize women’s agency and address priorities including SDG 5. Met. Gender analysis is
present in 6 of the 9 sections in the CCA: populations
gender inequalities as a key catalyst for SDG
groups at risk of being left behind; social development
achievement including SDG5. and exclusion analysis; SDG risk analysis; governance
and political analysis; national vision and development
TIPS FOR ASSESSMENT TEAMS plan; and stakeholder partnership analysis. Gender
analysis was absent in the following three sections:
• The CCA should be updated periodically to inform UN
economic transformation analysis; environment and
work on a continual basis (UNSDCF Guidance 2019:17- climate change analysis; financial landscape analysis.
18). The Scorecard assessment should be based on the Prevention and humanitarian-development-peace
CCA that is current at the time of the exercise. linkages not part of the CCA due to country context.

• The assessment team should include members who b) Some sex-disaggregated and gender sensitive data.
have experience in gender analysis as well as Met. Some use of sex-disaggregated data where data
M&E/statistics/data. was deemed to be available. Disaggregated data was
provided to some extent in the six sections that
• The extent to which gender analysis should be included included gender analysis but inconsistencies were still
may be an area of uncertainty for UNCTs. There is a noted with a lack of data. No disaggregation was
tendency to discuss GEWE in relation to particular provided in the three sections that lacked gender
issues, e.g., health and education, but there is almost analysis and no mention was made about issues
always a gender dimension to all issue areas and around data availability.
development challenges. The UNCT-SWAP Scorecard
exercise therefore becomes an opportunity to discuss
Evidence or Means of Verification
how and where gender analysis is included in UNCT
planning. Common Country Analysis 2023

• Gender sensitive data includes gender-specific

22
 INDICATOR 1.2 | GENDER EQUALITY MAINSTREAMED IN UNSDCF OUTCOMES

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

a) Gender equality and the empowerment a) Gender equality and the a) Gender equality and the
of women is mainstreamed across the empowerment of women is empowerment of women is
majority of UNSDCF outcomes in line mainstreamed across all UNSDCF mainstreamed across all UNSDCF
with SDG priorities including SDG 5. outcomes in line with SDG priorities outcomes in line with SDG priorities
including SDG 5. including SDG 5.
or and
b) One UNSDCF outcome specifically b) One UNSDCF outcome specifically
targets gender equality in line with targets gender equality in line with
UNSDCF Theory of Change and UNSDCF Theory of Change and SDG
SDG priorities including SDG 5. priorities including SDG 5.

Means of Verification: UNSDCF document, Joint Work Plan in UN Info

Resources:
UNSDCF Guidance (2019)
UNSDCF Companion Package (2020)
UNSDCF Companion Piece on Guiding Principles (2020)
UNSDG Technical Note on Gender Mainstreaming in the UNCT COVID-19 Response (2021)
UN Women Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming for Gender Equality Results (2022)

23
STEPS TO SCORE THIS INDICATOR UNSDCF. At least one output4 and associated indicators should
demonstrate a focus on GEWE.
1. REVIEW
Read each outcome in the UNSDCF carefully and note whether
Criterion (b): To fulfill this criterion, UNSDCF should have at
gender has been visibly mainstreamed or not (criterion a).
least one gender-targeted outcome, which means that the
1. IDENTIFY principal purpose of the outcome is to advance gender
Identify whether there is an outcome that targets gender equality and the empowerment of women, with a clear link
equality and the empowerment of women in line with the ToC to the SDGs, including SDG 5. A gender-targeted outcome
(criterion b). Box below provides definitions of different kinds should demonstrate a focus on GEWE in the outcome
of gender related results. narrative and statement. At least 75 percent of the outputs
and associated indicators should target GEWE to qualify as
2. ASSESS a gender-targeted outcome.
Assess each outcome to see if it is aligned with SDGs, and if
there is a specific focus on SDG 5 (criterion b). TIPS FOR ASSESSMENT TEAMS

3. SCORE AND REPORT • A challenge for UNCTs may be in determining how and
Score the indicator based on findings. Fill in the results where to mainstream GEWE in UNSDCF outcomes. The
template, providing details for each criterion to support/justify CCA analysis should direct the UNCT on where GEWE
the rating (see example). should be included to address identified gaps or areas of
gender inequality. There should be a good connection and
HOW TO MEET REQUIREMENTS follow through between the gender issues identified in
the CCA and the outcome statements.
To score this indicator assessment teams need to review all
• Outcome statements sometimes include women as part
UNSDCF outcomes to understand whether some or all have
of a “vulnerable” group or add on a phrase such as “with
integrated gender as evidenced in the outcome narrative,
reference to women”. This does not constitute
statement, outputs and indicators. See box below for
mainstreaming, rather it is “lip service”. Gender
examples.
mainstreaming in outcomes requires evidence of gender
integration in the narrative, statement, outputs and
Score the indicator as ‘missing minimum requirements’ if
indicators for the outcome.
gender equality is integrated in less than 50 percent of the
outcomes.
• It is sometimes challenging to tell the difference between
an outcome where there is integration of gender and an
Score the indicator as ‘approaches minimum requirements’ if
outcome that has GEWE as a principal focus. For
there is no targeted outcome on gender equality, and 50
integration, gender will make up one part of the outcome
percent or more of the outcomes have integrated gender
and be evidenced in at least one output, while for a
equality.
targeted outcome, GEWE will be the principal focus and
To meet requirements there should either be a targeted be evidenced in at least 75 percent of the outputs.
outcome specific to gender equality, or gender equality should
be visibly mainstreamed across all UNSDCF outcomes.

Score the indicator as ‘meets minimum requirements’ if all

outcomes articulate GEWE and there is a clear link to the
SDGs, including SDG 5. Omission of gender integration in
even a single outcome area falls short of meeting the minimum
requirements.

To exceed requirements, there needs to be one targeted

outcome on gender equality, and gender equality should be
integrated in all other outcomes.

Criterion (a): All UNSDCF outcomes should visibly integrate

gender equality, even though gender equality is not the core
purpose of the outcome. Evidence of gender integration should
be seen in both the outcome narrative and statement in the

4 If your UNSDCF does not include outputs, refer to JWP in UNINFO to score this criterion.

24
 EXAMPLE
Score:
Gender Integrated and Gender Targeted Indicator 1.2
Meets
Outcomes: Understanding the Difference
UNSDCF Outcomes Minimum
Gender Mainstreaming is ‘...the process of Requirements
assessing the implications for women and men of
any planned action, including legislation, policies Findings and Explanation
or programmes, in all areas and at all levels. It is a
strategy for making women’s as well as men’s The 2022-2026 UNSDCF has four outcomes, one of
concerns and experiences an integral dimension of which focuses on women’s empowerment and two of
the design, implementation, monitoring and which have visibly integrated GEWE.
evaluation of policies and programmes in all
political, economic and societal spheres so that
women and men benefit equally, and inequality is a) Gender is mainstreamed across all outcomes in
not perpetuated. The ultimate goal is to achieve line with SDG priorities. Not met. Gender was
gender equality.’ (ECOSOC Agreed Conclusions mainstreamed in three of the four outcomes
1997/2) (two integrate gender and one outcome is
gender-targeted). Outcomes are aligned with
Gender Integrated outcomes visibly address SDG 5.
gender equality within a broader objective or o Outcome 1 Inclusive Economic
thematic area. For example: Development has a strong focus on gender
equality and women’s empowerment in the
• By 2027, youth, women and vulnerable groups narrative and outcome statement. Four of
benefit from improved access to livelihoods, the six outputs and associated indicators
decent work and expanded opportunities mainstream GEWE.
o Outcome 2 Social Justice outlines
generated by inclusive and equitable.
collaboration with the national partners on
• Strengthened inclusive, people-centered, women and girl empowerment as well as
gender-responsive and human rights-based working on maternal health and family
policies and national systems contribute to planning issues in the narrative and
gender equality, the promotion of social outcome statement. Two of the outputs
protection, cohesion and peaceful societies, and associated indicators target GEWE.
with a focus on the most vulnerable o Outcome 3 Environment and Climate
populations, including women, youth and Change mentions gender differences in the
minorities. narrative, but not in the outcome
statement, outputs or indicators.
Gender Targeted outcomes have gender equality
o Outcome 4 Women’s Empowerment is
as the principal objective. For example:
gender-targeted (see below).
• By 2026, women and girls have improved and
equal access to resources, opportunities and
b) One outcome in the UNSDCF clearly
rights, and enjoy a life without violence and
articulates how gender equality will be
discrimination. promoted and specifically targets gender
• Women and girls have greater access to socio- equality with a connection to SDG 5. Met.
economic opportunities. economic and Outcome 4 Women’s Empowerment states that
technological services for their empowerment, by 2022 women are fully contributing to the
and prevention and management services in country’s development and all women’s and
response to all forms of violence, including girls’ rights set forth in the constitution are
harmful traditional practices. respected, protected and responded to with no
discrimination. This supports SDG5 target 5.1
end all forms of discrimination against all
women and girls. All outputs and indicators are
gender-targeted.

Evidence or Means of Verification

UNSDCF 2022-2026

25
 INDICATOR 1.3 | UNSDCF INDICATORS MEASURE CHANGES ON GENDER EQUALITY

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

Between one-fifth and one-third (20- 33 Between one-third and one-half (33- 50 More than one-half of UNSDCF out-
percent) of UNSDCF outcome (and percent) of UNSDCF outcome (and come (and output) indicators measure
output) indicators measure changes in output) indicators measure changes in changes in gender equality and the
gender equality and the empowerment gender equality and the empowerment empowerment of women in line with
of women in line with SDG targets of women in line with SDG targets SDG targets including SDG 5.
including SDG 5. including SDG 5.

Means of Verification: UNSDCF results framework, Joint Work Plan (JWP) in UN INFO

Resources
UNSDCF Guidance (2019)
UNSDCF Companion Package (2020)
UNSDCF Companion Piece on Programming Principles (2020)
UNSDG Technical Note on Gender Mainstreaming in the UNCT COVID-19 Response (2021)
UN Women Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming for Gender Equality Results (2022)

26
STEPS TO SCORE THIS INDICATOR acceptable). Ideally these two types of indicators should
be used together to provide different perspectives on
1. COUNT the progress towards achieving the result.
Count the total number of UNSDCF outcome indicators. For
UNSDCFs that include output indicators, count the total • Developing appropriate gender sensitive indicators may be
number of both outcome and output indicators if it’s decided to challenging for UNCTs. The analysis should help point out good
include output indicators.5 examples and promote a dialogue about how to better measure
4. ASSESS gender-related changes. Assessors should look at each
Read each indicator and decide whether or not it tracks outcome area separately to reveal which areas perform
progress toward GEWE. Refer to tips below. Do not exclude strongly and which require more focus to improve gender
any outcome indicators (or output indicators if you chose to sensitivity as per the example. This can help inform action
review them too) in the assessments.6 Count the total number planning and improve results in subsequent UNSDCFs.
of indicators that are gender sensitive.
5. CALCULATE EXAMPLE
Perform a calculation by dividing the number of gender
Indicator 1.3 Score :
sensitive indicators by the total number of indicators to give
UNSDCF Indicators Meets Minimum
the percentage of gender sensitive indicators (e.g., 100 Requirements
indicators; 40 are gender sensitive; 40 divided by 100 equals
40 percent). Findings and Explanation
Between one-third and one-half (33-50 percent) of
6. SCORE AND REPORT
UNSDCF outcome indicators are able to measure changes
Score the indicator based on findings. Fill in the results
to GEWE. Met.
template, providing details to support the rating (see example).

Total of 52 indicators at outcome level. 19 out of 52

HOW TO MEET REQUIREMENTS (36.5%) indicators track progress toward gender equality
results and/or are sex disaggregated.
‘Cooperation Frameworks must help turn our collective promise to leave
Gender sensitive indicators are more apparent under the
no one behind into tangible action for people on the ground, especially
those furthest behind. UN country teams will need, more than ever, to three outcomes of the priority areas tackling economic
move beyond national averages to look at more specific data, with a development, social justice, and women empowerment,
strengthened focus on inclusion and tackling inequalities.’ (UNSDCF whereas they are absent from the environment priority
Guidance 2019: 4). area so that tracking is gender blind.
Outcome 1 – Inclusive Economic Empowerment 2/11
Assess whether or not each indicator is able to track gender sensitive indicators (18%)
progress towards GEWE. Indicators track progress towards Outcome 2 – Social Justice – 7/20 gender sensitive
GEWE when they are able to measure gender-related indicators (35%)
changes in relation to the results statement. Refer to the Outcome 3 – Environment and NRM – 0/11 gender
UNCT-SWAP Good Practices Toolkit for country level good sensitive indicators (0%)
practice examples (see Annex 1). Outcome 4 – Women’s Empowerment - all 10 indicators
All outcome indicators should be included in the analysis. are gender sensitive (100%)
Some UNSDCFs include outputs and teams may choose to
include output-level indicators. If both outcome and output Seven of the 52 indicators were written in a gender
sensitive manner, noting that data would be disaggregated
indicators are included, then the combined total of the two
by sex (Indicators 1.1, 1.2, 2.7, 2.11, 2.13, 2.17 and 2.20).
sets of indicators should be taken to carry out the scoring.
However, for all seven of these indicators, the targets and
baselines were not disaggregated, presenting a risk that
TIPS FOR ASSESSMENT TEAMS the data will not be disaggregated as planned. The
• Assessors should work in consultation with the MEL availability of disaggregated data was not certain. Failure
Group to conduct the analysis and share findings, to track disaggregated data as planned would reduce the
enabling stronger ownership and action planning. score for this indicator to ‘approaches minimum
requirements’.
• Sex-disaggregation is one way of tracking progress
toward gender equality. Gender sensitive indicators can
be quantitative (looking at numerical change such as Evidence or Means of Verification
numbers of laws) or qualitative (looking at people’s UNSDCF 2022-2026
perceptions of change such as number of men and
women who believe violence against women is

5 If output indicators are included in the published UNSDCF, the IAT is strongly advised to cover or number of medical facilities. The minimum requirements take this into account by
include them in the count. setting targets that allow that some indicators will not be gender sensitive.
6 Some indicators cannot and should not be gender sensitive. For example, hectares of forest

27
 2. PROGRAMMING, MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING

INDICATOR 2.1 | JOINT PROGRAMS CONTRIBUTE TO REDUCING GENDER INEQUALITIES

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

a) Gender equality is visibly main- a) Gender equality is visibly Meets minimum requirements.
streamed into at least 50 percent mainstreamed into all JPs operational and
of Joint Programs (JP) operational at the time of assessment. c) A system is in place to ensure
at the time of assessment. and gender mainstreaming in JPs.
or b) A JP on promoting gender equality
b) A JP on promoting gender equality and and the empowerment of women is
the empowerment of women is operational over current UNSDCF
operational over current UNSDCF period period in line with SDG priorities
in line with SDG priorities including SDG including SDG 5.
5.

Means of Verification:
JP documents; IMS, Resident Coordinator Annual Report, screening tool or other documentation of internal review process for JPs

Resources:
UNSDG Guidance Note on a New Generation of Joint Programs (2022)
UNSDG Annexes: Guidance Note on a New Generation of Joint Programs (2022)
UN Women Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming for Gender Equality Results (2022)
UNSDCF Guidance (2019)

31
 Score the indicator as ‘approaches minimum requirements’ if
STEPS TO SCORE THIS INDICATOR 50 percent or more of the assessed JPs have effectively
mainstreamed gender. If less than 50 percent of JPs have
1. COUNT AND GATHER mainstreamed gender, score the indicator as ‘missing
Ascertain the total number of JPs operational at the beginning minimum requirements’.
of the assessment and gather the project document for each
active JP. Review all JPs if there are fewer than six. If there are To fulfill criterion b), at least one JP should focus specifically on
six or more, review only 50 percent of JPs to ensure a reliable GEWE. The JP can address, for example, women’s eco- nomic
sample size. empowerment, gender-based violence, girls’ education or
another area of gender inequality. It should show specific
2. REVIEW AND NOTE linkages to SDGs including SDG 5.
Review each project document to assess whether gender has
been mainstreamed (see below for tips), taking notes as need- If both criteria are met and there is a system in place to ensure
ed (criterion a); and if there are JPs that are dedicated to GEWE systemic integration of gender equality across JPs, the UNCT
(criterion b). exceeds requirements. Examples of quality control systems
include: screening mechanisms and/or checklists; GTGs
3. SCORE AND REPORT systematically review JP drafts to provide guidance and ensure
Score the indicator based on findings. Fill in the results mainstreaming; internal peer review or other quality control
template, providing details for each criterion (see example). process that screens for gender as well as other critical cross-
cutting issues.

HOW TO MEET REQUIREMENTS

TIPS FOR THE ASSESSMENT TEAM
To meet requirements for this indicator both criteria (a) and (b)
should be achieved.
• Visible mainstreaming means that the contributions to
GEWE should be clearly outlined in the JP document. It
A Joint Program (JP) is a set of activities contained in a joint
cannot be assumed that there will be a focus on GEWE
work plan and related Funding Framework that involves two
unless this is explicit in the JP document. Including women
or more UN agencies contributing to the same Cooperation
and girls or men and boys as a list of ‘vulnerable’ groups
Framework outputs (UNSDCF Guidance 2019:28). A JP
does not constitute visible mainstreaming.
produces a higher or close level of joint work than can be
delivered from regular joint programming under a UNSDCF
• The system in place to ensure gender mainstreaming in
(Guidance Note on a New Generation of Joint Programs
JPs should be systematic and integrated into UNCT work
2022:1).
practices. Ad hoc systems such as one-off reviews are
not adequate. Refer to the UNCT-SWAP Good Practices
JPs are a valuable means by which the UN and partners
Toolkit for country level good practice examples (see
address gender inequality. All JPs should visibly mainstream
Annex 1)
gender in line with UN policies and guidance.

• If there are an odd number of JPs, round up to ensure that

For criterion a) on visible mainstreaming in JPs, the following
at least half mainstream gender. For example, if there are 5
should be included to meet requirements:
JPs, at least 3 should mainstream gender.

• Situation analysis: present a relevant analysis of gender

equality dimensions that identify and analyze the causes
of inequalities.
• Programme priorities: make clear how the JP will sup- port
changes in relation to gender equality in at least one
intervention area and mainstream gender consistently in
the other areas.
• Results based framework: GEWE should either be main-
streamed across outcomes in the JP or there should be a
specific high-level result on GEWE. For details on how this
should be reflected in the JP results framework, see the
guidance under Indicator 1.2 and 1.3.

32
EXAMPLE
Score:
Indicator 2.1
Meets
Joint Programs Minimum
Requirements

Findings and Explanation

a) Gender equality is visibly mainstreamed into all JPs

operational at the time of the assessment. Met.
There are two Joint Programmes operational at the
time of the assessment. One is gender-targeted
(see criterion b) and the other visibly mainstreams
gender.
‘Promoting Productive Employment and Decent Work
for Women’ is implemented by ILO and UN Women.
The 3 outcomes and 12 outputs all visibly mainstream
gender, and the situation analysis contains explicit
reference to SDG5. There is consistent use of sex-
disaggregated and gender-sensitive data, and the
country’s Female Employment Profile is included. 20
out of 30 outcome and output indicators are gender
sensitive.
A JP promoting gender equality and empowerment
of women is operational over the current CF period
in line with SDG priorities including SDG5. Met.
‘Promoting Women’s and Girls’ Health and Wellbeing’
is jointly implemented by UNFPA, UNICEF and UN
Women. The programme focuses all of its
interventions on female refugees and vulnerable
nationals, in particular SGBV survivors. The principal
focus is GEWE with a Gender Equality Marker code 3.
b) A system is in place to ensure gender
mainstreaming in JPs. Not met. There is no
system in place.

Evidence or Means of Verification

Joint Programme Document: Promoting Productive
Employment and Decent Work for Women (ILO, UN
Women)
Joint Programme Document: Promoting Women’s and
Girls’ Health and Wellbeing (UNFPA, UNICEF, UN
Women)

33
 INDICATOR 2.2 | COMMUNICATION AND ADVOCACY ADDRESS AREAS OF GENDER INEQUALITY

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

a) The UNCT has contributed Approaches requirements Meets minimum requirements

collaboratively to at least one joint and and
communication activity on GEWE b) The UNCT has contributed d) The UNCT has contributed
during the past year. collaboratively to at least one collaboratively to communication or
joint advocacy campaign on advocacy in at least one non-traditional
GEWE during the past year. thematic area during the past year.
and
c) UN Communications Group
(UNCG) joint communications
and advocacy strategy or
equivalent visibly includes GEWE
communication and advocacy.

Means of Verification:
UNCG communications and advocacy strategy; knowledge products; media coverage; advocacy materials and background evidence
of joint planning or funding (meeting minutes, evidence of joint funding commitments in meeting minutes or accounting files).

Resources:
UNSDG Fulfilling the Promise: Best Practices for UN Advocacy to Promote Implementation of the 2030 Agenda (2022)
UNSDG Communicating Together: Guidelines for UNCT Communications on the SDGs (2022)
UNSDG Guidelines for Communications and Advocacy Strategy for Cooperation Framework (2022)

34
 Score the indicator as ‘missing minimum requirements’ if there
STEPS TO SCORE THIS INDICATOR have been no joint GEWE communication activities over the
1. LIST past year.
Make a list of all GEWE communication and advocacy initiatives
that have been undertaken jointly over the year preceding the To score the indicator as ‘exceeds minimum requirements’ UNCTs
assessment. Note whether actions qualify as communication must meet criteria a, b, c and d. Traditional fields of gender
activities (approaches minimum requirements), or advocacy communication and advocacy for the UN can vary by country
campaigns (meets minimum requirements) based on the context, but typically include education, political participation
definitions below (criterion a). and leadership, economic empowerment, violence against
women, health and nutrition, legislation and governance. Less
2. REVIEW
Review the UNCG (or other relevant group) most recent strategy traditional gender fields, which are also context and country
or equivalent to identify whether GEWE communication specific, may include, but are not limited to, trade and macro-
activities are visibly included (criterion b). economy; infrastructure; climate change adaptation and/or
3. ASSESS disaster risk reduction; violent extremism; gender identities,
Review the list created in Step 1 to ascertain whether activities masculinities and sexual orientation.
fall under traditional or non-traditional thematic areas, using the
definition provided below (criterion c). Assessment teams may also review campaign strategies in order
4. SCORE AND REPORT to recognize innovative approaches to GEWE communications
Score the indicator based on findings. Fill in the results and advocacy. Teams may take this opportunity to consider
template, providing details for each criterion to support the whether work has been done to reach non-traditional partners
rating (see sample). or actors on GEWE issues such as religious/faith leaders, social
media influencers, private sector, as well as male-dominated
HOW TO MEET REQUIREMENTS fields such as industry and sports.

Coordinated communication and advocacy on GEWE is an

COMMUNICATIONS ACTIVITIES AND ADVOCACY
important aspect of UNCT work. The guiding principles for
CAMPAIGNS: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE
communicating together at the country level include
emphasizing the shared norms and values of the UN system. Communication Activity: A singular event or initiative
Joint UN communications strengthens results by promoting such as the production of jointly produced informational
linkages with the realization of gender equality, human rights materials or a speakers forum. It may be to raise
and other principles of the UN Charter (UNSDG awareness of an issue (such as dissemination of a
‘Communicating Together’ 2022). knowledge product) or to celebrate an event (such as
International Women’s Day). At a minimum, it is expected
To meet requirements the UNCT should contribute jointly to that the UNCT website and social media presence
a GEWE advocacy campaign in the 12 months preceding the demonstrate joint communication activity in support of
assessment (criterion b). A ‘joint’ activity or campaign involves GEWE.
at least two UN agencies working together providing
Advocacy Campaign: A series of activities over a
technical and/or financial support. See boxed definition and
sustained period of time with the goal of influencing
examples. social/political/behavioral change. GEWE advocacy
campaigns typically work in partnership with local
In addition, the UNCG joint communications and advocacy
stakeholders (e.g., private sector, media, academia, civil
strategy should visibly include GEWE communication and
society and government actors). A sustained campaign
advocacy (criterion c). Teams should assess the strategy that is
could, for example, be related to the 16 days against GBV.
current at the time of the UNCT-SWAP Scorecard
Single events such as a workshop or media event do not
assessment. Lack of evidence of plans for joint GEWE
count as advocacy campaigns. Advocacy campaigns may
communication and/or advocacy falls below the minimum be unique to a specific country or may be a part of a
requirements. Absence of a joint strategy also fails to meet wider regional or global initiative.
minimum requirements. The assessment may look beyond
the existence of the strategy to discuss actual
implementation and funds availability. Refer to the UNCT-
SWAP Good Practices Toolkit for country level good practice
examples (see Annex 1). Score the indicator as ‘approaches TIPS FOR THE ASSESSMENT
minimum requirements’ if the UN does not meet the
minimum requirements but has conducted a joint GEWE
• Include at least one member of the UNCG in the
communication activity in the 12 months preceding the
assessment team. If possible, seek to involve the broader
assessment (criterion a). See boxed definitions and examples.
UNCG in the assessment, briefing members and asking
for inputs to strengthen the findings and contribute to

35
 action planning. This offers communication teams an EXAMPLE
opportunity to look more deeply at whether or not
Indicator 2.2 Score:
communication and advocacy on GEWE has been an
effective mechanism for change as well as whether Communications Meets Minimum
focus has moved outside of traditional themes and and Advocacy Requirements
approaches.
• Ensure when rating this indicator that there is Findings and Explanation
agreement among the assessment team as to what a) The UNCT has contributed to at least one joint
constitutes a one-off communication event, and what communications activity on GEWE during the past year.
constitutes a systematic campaign. See boxed Met.
definitions. 1. UNCG and GTG: International Women’s Day
2. UNCG: Media for SDGs Workshop series, one
workshop dedicated to SDG5.
3. UNCT website includes a tab on GEWE-related
activities and messaging that is updated regularly.

b) The UNCT has contributed to at least one joint advocacy

campaign on GEWE during the past year. Met. There are
many examples of joint GEWE advocacy.
1. UNFPA/UNDP/UN Women: national campaign
on women’s empowerment
2. UNFPA/UNICEF: campaign against Female
Genital Mutilation
3. UN agencies contributed to “16 Days of Activism
for GBV’ campaign 2023; UNCG developed
unified messages to unite agencies under a
common theme.
c) Interagency Communication Group joint communications
and advocacy strategy visibly includes GEWE
communication and advocacy. Met. Two elements
reflected activities that had a strong gender focus (Media
for SDGs and International Women’s Day) and GEWE was
also highlighted as a critical cross-cutting area requiring
concerted efforts to challenge negative stereotypes and
promote equality. A number of joint GEWE campaigns took
place through coordination outside of the strategy as part
of joint programs.
d) The UNCT has contributed collaboratively to
communication or advocacy in at least one non-traditional
thematic area during the past year. Not met. Individual
agencies are tackling non-traditional fields such as
masculinities, yet no evidence yet of joint initiatives on
these topics. The national campaign on women’s
empowerment is considered an innovative approach for a
campaign; it includes a masculinity engagement component
that can be further developed in upcoming phases for the
UNCT to take a joint advocacy initiative. There is an
opportunity for the UNCT to move toward more innovative
approaches in new thematic areas for GEWE advocacy in
the future.
Evidence or Means of Verification
- UNCG Communications and Advocacy Strategy
- UNFPA/UNICEF FGM Programme Document and
campaign materials
- National Campaign on Women's Empowerment.
- Document and Final Progress Report
- Media for SDG5 Workshop including participant list,
presentations and links
- International Women's Day Joint Statement
- 16 Days of Activism HOA messages and themes (UNCG)

36
INDICATOR 2.3 | UNSDCF MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING MEASURES PROGRESS AGAINST
PLANNED GENDER EQUALITY RESULTS

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

Meets one of the following: Meets two of the following: Meets all of the following:
a) UNSDCF Results Framework data a) UNSDCF Results Framework data a) UNSDCF Results Framework data for
for gender sensitive indicators for gender sensitive indicators gender sensitive indicators gathered as
gathered as planned. gathered as planned. planned

b) UNSDCF monitoring/reporting/ b) UNSDCF monitoring/reporting/ b) UNSDCF monitoring/reporting/ reviews/

reviews/ evaluations assess reviews/ evaluations assess evaluations assess progress against
progress against gender-specific progress against gender-specific gender-specific results.
results. results.
c) The MEL Group or equivalent has
c) The MEL Group or equivalent has c) The MEL Group or equivalent has received technical training on gender
received technical training on received technical training on sensitive M&E at least once during the
gender sensitive M&E at least once gender sensitive M&E at least once current UNSDCF cycle.
during the current UNSDCF cycle. during the current UNSDCF cycle.

Means of Verification:
UN Country Results Reports, UN-INFO Results Framework monitoring data, UNSDCF mid-term and/or final evaluation; training
schedule and outline of contents, list of participants.
Resources:
UNSDCF Gender Equality and big data: Making gender data visible (2018)
UNSDCF Guidance (2019)
UNSDCF Companion Package (2020)
UNSDCF Companion Piece on guiding Principles (2020)
UNSDCF UNCT Results Report Guidelines for UN Country Teams (2021)
UNEG ‘Integrating Gender Equality and Human Rights in Evaluation – UN-SWAP Guidance, Analysis and Good Practices’
UN Women Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming for Gender Equality Results (2022)

37
 Criterion (b): To fulfill this criterion, UNSDCF country results
STEPS TO SCORE THIS INDICATOR reports, evaluations and other reviews (e.g., mid-term review)
should assess progress against UNSDCF GEWE results as
1. REVIEW
Read the MEL Plan as set out in the UNSDCF. Compare actual detailed in the UNSDCF outcomes (refer to Indicator 1.2) and
MEL activities undertaken within the current cycle to planned outputs (refer to joint workplans).
activities to see the overall status of UNSDCF MEL.
Criterion (c): To fulfill this criterion, at least one training on
5. ANALYZE
Review the relevant UNSDCF monitoring reports (country gender for the MEL Group or its equivalent should be carried
results reports, UN-INFO tracking and UNSDCF mid-term out during the current UNSDCF cycle. A targeted gender
training as well as broader programs that have dedicated
reviews and evaluations if available) to document findings and
analysis against criteria a and b. sections on gender sensitive M&E are both valid here.

6. VERIFY
Ascertain from the MEL Group or equivalent whether they To exceed requirements UNCTs need to achieve all three
have had any training on gender over the UNSDCF cycle criteria (a), (b) and (c). Refer to the UNCT-SWAP Good
(criterion c). If yes, verify findings with evidence as per Practices Toolkit for country level good practice examples (see
suggested Means of Verification. Annex 1).

7. SCORE AND REPORT

Score the indicator based on findings. Fill in the results Score as ‘approaches minimum requirements’ if only one
template, providing details for each criterion (see sample). criterion is met; score as ‘missing minimum requirements’ if no
criteria are met.

HOW TO MEET REQUIREMENTS TIPS

Gender sensitive monitoring is an essential means by which the

• At least one member of the assessment team should be a
UN system ensures it meets its commitment to leave no one
MEL specialist and a member of the inter-agency MEL
behind. To this end, MEL groups should have the required
group where this exists. If time allows, the MEL group
expertise to support gender sensitive MEL.
should be involved in scoring the indicator and
contributing action ideas based on the findings.
“SDG targets and indicators become the default monitoring
• The assessment team can make a distinction between
framework, informed by country-defined and disaggregated
qualitative and quantitative reporting methods that are
baselines. These indicators will be tracked online through UN
commonly used to track UNSDCF progress.7 The results
INFO at country, regional and global levels” (UNSDCF
framework generally tracks progress against quantitative
Guidance 2019:7).
indicators on UN-INFO while country results reports,
mid-term reviews and evaluations usually include both
The UN development system should develop a costed multi-
quantitative and qualitative tracking of UNSDCF
year joint MEL Plan for the Cooperative Framework period
progress.
supported by the MEL Group. Joint monitoring throughout the
• Refer to Chapter 7 ‘Monitoring and Evaluation for
Cooperative Framework cycle should help ensure the UN is
Oversight of Gender Equality Results’ of the Handbook
delivering on its commitment to leave no one behind (UNSDCF
on Gender Mainstreaming for Gender Equality Results
Guidance 2019:29). Annual reporting in the form of Country
(2022) and United Nations Evaluation Group ‘Integrating
Results Reports is mandatory, as is an independent evaluation
Gender Equality and Human Rights in Evaluation – UN-
of the Cooperation Framework at the end of each cycle.
SWAP Guidance, Analysis and Good Practices’ for further
elaboration.
To meet requirements, UNCTs should achieve two of criteria a),
b) and c):

Criterion (a): To meet requirements the monitoring system

should track gender sensitive indicators in the results
framework by gathering appropriate data and reporting in UN-
INFO. For example, if the results framework specifies that non-
communicable disease prevalence will be monitored by sex,
check that reported data is disaggregated as per plans to reveal
GEWE patterns.

7 Quantitative data is analyzed by comparing numbers; it assumes a fixed reality that can be assumes a dynamic reality that requires description and interpretation.
interpreted through numbers. Qualitative data is analyzed through themes and descriptions;

38
EXAMPLE

Indicator 2.3 Score:

UNSDCF MEL Approaches Minimum Requirements

Findings and Explanation

Meets one of the following three criteria.
a) The UNSDCF Results Framework data for gender sensitive indicators is
gathered as planned. Not met. The Cooperation Framework states that
“throughout the four-year cycle, the UN will continuously conduct data
collection, monitoring and analysis against the indicators defined in the
results framework”. This should happen through UN INFO but outcome level
tracking has been inconsistent. The UNSDCF is measured annually at the
output level. This assessment looked at some output level indicator
monitoring and found that actual tracking for some gender sensitive
indicators that were expected to be disaggregated were reported in
aggregate. This assessment found that monitoring systems are inconsistent
about collecting sex-disaggregated data (and/or gender-sensitive
information), which do not allow the full set of lessons to be learned from
gender results as planned in the framework. Better utilization of the online
monitoring platform (UNINFO) in the future should help to facilitate
disaggregation as planned.
b) UNSDCF reviews assess progress against gender-focused results. Met.
Progress against gender results was captured in the country results reports.
GEWE features strongly in the summary of highlight results and innovative
approaches, where reference is made to the effective collaboration between
UN agencies to support the development of a National Plan of Action to End
Violence against Women and Children, as well as the contribution of the UN
in advocating for gender responsiveness in the flagship social protection
programme. The country results reports also include a section on gender
analysis under the review of programming principles. Gender-related analysis
was strongly highlighted in the review of progress towards some of the
outcomes (Outcomes 1, 2 and 4), and was also reflected to some extent in
other outcomes (Outcomes 3, 5 and 6), though some lacked gender analysis
(Outcomes 7 and 8).
c) The MEL Group has received technical training on gender sensitive M&E
at least once during the current UNSDCF cycle. Not met. Targeted gender
training has not taken place, but some workshops have included a component
on the importance of gender in reporting and the use of gender tags. For
example, a Results-Based Management training for M&E staff included an
exercise that looked at Outcome indicators to assess contribution to
programming principles, including human rights, gender equality and women’s
empowerment. However, this analysis found that GEWE was not explicitly
reflected in the training and did not feature significantly. It would be useful
to treat gender-responsive M&E in a more focused way as a stand-alone item
in trainings and guidance documents to draw more attention to the
importance of conducting gender sensitive MEL.

Evidence or Means of Verification

- Country Results Report 2021, 2022, 2023
- UNSDCF Results Framework and tracking UN INFO
- Results-Based Management (RBM) Training – Power Point Presentation
- Participants List RBM Training
- RBM Training for Trainers - Programme agenda

39
3. PARTNERSHIPS

INDICATOR 3.1 | UNCT COLLABORATES AND ENGAGES WITH GOVERNMENT ON GENDER EQUALITY
AND THE EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

Meets one of the following: Meets two of the following: Meets all of the following:
a) The UNCT has collaborated a) The UNCT has collaborated a) The UNCT has collaborated with at
with at least two government with at least two government least two government
agencies/entities/institutions agencies/entities/institutions agencies/entities/institutions on a
on a joint initiative that fosters on a joint initiative that fosters joint initiative that fosters gender
gender equality within the gender equality within the equality within the current UNSDCF
current UNSDCF cycle. current UNSDCF cycle. cycle.
b) The National Women’s b) The National Women’s b) The National Women’s Machinery or
Machinery or equivalent entity Machinery or equivalent entity equivalent entity participates in
participates in UNSDCF participates in UNSDCF UNSDCF consultations: CCA,
consultations: CCA, consultations: CCA, Cooperation Framework design,
Cooperation Framework Cooperation Framework implementation, M&E.
design, implementation, M&E. design, implementation, M&E. c) The UNCT has made at least one
c) The UNCT has made at least c) The UNCT has made at least contribution to substantively
one contribution to one contribution to strengthen Government participation
substantively strengthen substantively strengthen and engagement in gender related
Government participation and Government participation and SDGs localization and/or
engagement in gender related engagement in gender related implementation.
SDGs localization and/or SDGs localization and/or
implementation. implementation.

Means of Verification:
Documentation materials of UNSDCF processes including CCA contributors, participants in Cooperation Framework design
including visioning exercise/development of theory of change, and M&E reviews, JP project document; advocacy materials
that include contributors’ names and/or evidence from planning meetings such as minutes; gender knowledge product;
budgets, training or other capacity development documentation such as materials and participants lists.

Resources:
UNSDCF Guidance (2019)
DESA Handbook for the Preparation of Voluntary National Reviews (2022)

40
STEPS TO SCORE THIS INDICATOR Criterion (a): UNCT engagement with the government on a joint
initiative can take many forms including a joint program, advocacy
campaign, and the production of a knowledge product. Score the
1. LIST AND ASSESS indicator based on evidence of joint GEWE initiative(s) with the
Make a list of joint initiatives with government agencies, government during the current UNSDCF cycle.8
entities or institutions designed to foster gender equality
Criterion (b): To fulfill this criterion, evidence must show that the
undertaken within the UNSDCF cycle.
national women’s machinery or equivalent entity has been fully
engaged in all stages of the UNSDCF cycle: the CCA, Cooperation
2. DEFINE AND REVIEW Framework design, implementation and M&E. Look for evidence
Define what constitutes the National Women’s Machinery of involvement in key documents (e.g. CCA, UNSDCF, reviews
or equivalent entity in your country (following the and evaluations), often within ‘persons consulted’ or ‘contributors’
definition in the box). Review the evidence to assess the annexes. Invitee and attendee lists from strategic planning and
extent to which the women’s machinery was engaged in other design ‘events’ for the UNSDCF may also offer evidence.
key UNSDCF processes (criterion b).
Criterion (c): The UNDG approach for UN support to SDG
3. ASSESS implementation includes coordinated support to government to
Review the list created in Step 1 to see whether or not the mainstream the agenda in national plans and conduct Voluntary
National Reviews (VNRs). To meet criterion (c), the UNCT should
UNCT strengthened government participation in gender
have made at least one contribution to substantively strengthen
SDG localization or implementation activities conducted by government localization and/or implementation of gender related
the UN system (criterion c). SDGs. Examples of substantive contributions are: using the UN’s
convening role to bring together different ministries on multi-
4. SCORE AND REPORT sectoral programming related to GEWE; recruiting for, and
Score the indicator based on findings. Fill in the results advising on, gender-related SDG implementation; integrating
template, providing details for each criterion to support the GEWE into the Terms of Reference for VNR missions; support to
rating (see sample). preparation of national SDG reports with a gender lens;
supporting the organization of gender-responsive national
dialogues on the SDGs.
DEFINITION AND ROLE OF NATIONAL
WOMEN’S MACHINERIES Score as ‘exceeds minimum requirements’ if criterion (a), (b) and
(c) are achieved
The UN has played an important role historically
supporting women’s machineries, and their national Score as ‘approaches minimum requirements’ if only one criterion
knowledge and expertise should inform UNSDCF
a, b or c, is met.
processes.
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action Score the indicator as ‘missing minimum requirements’ if none of
(1995:201) defines a national machinery for the the three criteria have been met over the UNSDCF period.
advancement of women as the central policy
coordinating unit inside government whose main task is
to support government-wide mainstreaming of a gender TIPS FOR THE ASSESSMENT
equality perspective in all policy areas.
• Key documents may not always include the levels of
participation of government partners. If formal
documentation is lacking, institutional memory may serve as
HOW TO MEET REQUIREMENTS
one means of verification. Reliance on institutional memory
The Cooperation Framework is first and foremost a partnership is strengthened if more than one source can be identified.
with the Government. It represents a commitment to the people • It may be useful to assess not only the number of
of the country, particularly the most marginalized and vulnerable.
(UNSDCF Guidance 2019:7). Coordination with government partnerships but which government agencies, entities or
agencies/entities/institutions on GEWE should be well established institutions were involved and how, including non-
as a visible and integral component of UN country-level traditional GEWE partners such as, for example, Ministries
operations. of Finance, Transport or Infrastructure, as relevant.
A joint initiative requires at least two UN agencies working with
government partners. Refer to the UNCT-SWAP Good Practices
Toolkit for country level good practice examples (see Annex 1).
To meet requirements UNCTs need to achieve two of criteria
(a), (b) and (c):

8 Assessors should report in detail only on two initiatives to meet minimum requirements. Other government agencies/entities/institutions, and target of initiative).
initiatives may be included in list form with general information (e.g., participating UN agencies,

41
EXAMPLE
Score: Evidence or Means of Verification
Indicator 3.1
Joint Programme on Eliminating the Practice of Child
Approaches
Government Marriage (UNFPA and UNICEF);
Minimum
Engagement
Requirements Joint Programme on Technical Assistance to Health
Systems Strengthening (UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF
Findings and Explanation and WHO);
a) The UNCT has collaborated with the government Interviews with UN personnel from UNAIDS, UN
on at least two joint initiatives that foster gender
Women, RCO, UNICEF and UNFPA.
equality and empowerment of women within the
current UNSDCF cycle. Met. The UNCT
collaborated with several government partners on
joint gender initiatives. Examples:
• Through the Joint Programme on Eliminating
the Practice of Child Marriage (UNFPA and
UNICEF), the UN cooperates with the Ministry
for Women’s and Children’s Affairs, the
Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Local
Government, Rural Development and Co-
operatives, and other government entities.
• Engagement with the National Human Rights
Commission in the area of prevention of sexual
harassment has been ongoing since 2018 and
involves UNDP, UNFPA and UN Women.
• In the area of sexual and reproductive health,
HIV and prevention of mother-to-child
transmission, UN cooperates with the Ministry
of Health within the framework of the Joint
Programme on Technical Assistance to Health
Systems Strengthening (UNAIDS, UNFPA,
UNICEF and WHO).

b) The National Women’s Machinery participates in

UNSDCF consultations: country analysis, strategic
prioritization, implementation, M&E. Not met. The
National Women’s Machinery is defined as the
Ministry for Women’s and Children’s Affairs and
gender focal points appointed within each ministry.
The Women’s Machinery did not participate in the
Common Country Analysis or UNSDCF
prioritization. Some representatives of the Women’s
Machinery take part in the implementation of joint
UN programmes, however, there has been no
involvement in UNSDCF M&E.
c) The UNCT has made at least one contribution to
substantively strengthen Government participation
and engagement in gender related SDGs
localization and/or implementation. Not met. In
the process of preparation of 2020 Progress Report
on SDGs, UN Women and UNFPA provided
technical support to a staff member of the National
Women’s Machinery to draft a section on gender-
related issues. However, there is no evidence of
UNCT’s contribution to substantive strengthening of
the Government’s engagement in gender-related
SDGs localization and/or implementation during the
current cycle. There are opportunities to strengthen
Government’s SDGs-related engagement in the
future, for instance, within the National Plan of
Action to Eliminate Child Marriage, which
contributes to SDG 5.3 and through a planned VNR.

42
 INDICATOR 3.2 | UNCT COLLABORATES AND ENGAGES WITH WOMEN’S/GENDER EQUALITY CSO

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

Meets one of the following: Meets two of the following: Meets all of the following:
a) The UNCT has collaborated with a) The UNCT has collaborated with a) The UNCT has collaborated with
GEWE CSO and women’s rights GEWE CSO and women’s rights GEWE CSO and women’s rights
advocates on at least two joint advocates on at least two joint advocates on at least two joint
initiatives that foster gender equality initiatives that foster gender equality initiatives that foster gender equality
and empowerment of women within and empowerment of women within the and empowerment of women within
the current UNSDCF cycle. current UNSDCF cycle. the current UNSDCF cycle.
b) GEWE CSO participates in UNSDCF b) GEWE CSO participates in UNSDCF b) GEWE CSO participates in UNSDCF
consultations: CCA, Cooperation consultations: CCA, Cooperation consultations: CCA, Cooperation
Framework design, implementation, Framework design, implementation, Framework design, implementation,
M&E. M&E. M&E.
c) The UNCT has made at least one c) The UNCT has made at least one c) The UNCT has made at least one
contribution to substantively contribution to substantively strengthen contribution to substantively
strengthen GEWE CSO participation GEWE CSO participation and strengthen GEWE CSO participation
and engagement in gender related engagement in gender related SDGs and engagement in gender related
SDGs localization and/or localization and/or implementation. SDGs localization and/or
implementation. implementation.

Means of Verification
JP project documents; advocacy materials that include contributors’ names and/or evidence from planning meetings such as minutes;
gender knowledge product; budgets, training or other documentation of CSO engagement in GEWE SDG localization; documentation
materials of UNSDCF processes including CCA contributors, participants in Cooperation Framework design including visioning exercise/
development of theory of change, and M&E reviews.

Resources
UNSDCF Guidance (2019)
DESA Handbook for the Preparation of Voluntary National Reviews (2022)

43
STEPS TO SCORE THIS INDICATOR displaced/refugee/migrant women, rural women, men’s

groups, people identifying as LGBTQI+ and others relevant to the

1. LIST AND ASSESS
Make a list of joint initiatives with GEWE CSO undertaken within country context.

the UNSDCF cycle. Gather background data as needed to verify A joint initiative requires at least two UN agencies working with
and assess if the identified activities qualify as approaches or GEWE CSO. Refer to the UNCT-SWAP Good Practices Toolkit
meets minimum requirements (criterion a). for country level good practice examples (see Annex 1).

2. REVIEW To meet requirements UNCTs need to achieve two of criteria (a),

Review the detailed means of verification to assess the extent to (b), (c):
which GEWE CSO was engaged in key UNSDCF processes
(criterion b). Document findings. Criterion (a): To fulfill this criterion, the UNCT engagement with
GEWE CSO on a joint initiative can take many forms including: a
3. ASSESS
joint program; advocacy campaign; production of a knowledge
Review the list created in Step 1 to ascertain the level of
product; support to preparing the CEDAW Shadow Report; and
involvement of GEWE CSO in gender SDG localization or
a substantive training program. Ad hoc or one-off initiatives do
implementation activities conducted by the UNCT (criterion c).
not meet requirements; the joint initiative requires a framework
4. SCORE AND REPORT of collaboration agreed jointly by all partners. Score the
Score the indicator based on findings. Fill in the results template, indicator based on evidence of joint GEWE initiative(s) during
providing details to support the rating (see sample). the current UNSDCF cycle.

Criterion (b): To fulfill this criterion, evidence must show that

HOW TO MEET REQUIREMENTS
GEWE CSO have been meaningfully engaged through the
UNSDCF cycle: CCA, Cooperation Framework design,
The United Nations commitment to expand engagement with civil
implementation and M&E. Meaningful engagement means that
society must encompass the most vulnerable, paying special
CSO have not only been present, but their perspectives have
attention to gender equality and women’s rights advocates as
been taken into account through the UNSDCF cycle. Look for
representatives of marginalized segments of society.
evidence of engagement in key documents (e.g., CCA, UNSDCF,
“The Cooperation Framework must embody the spirit of partnerships reviews and evaluations).
that are at the core of the 2030 Agenda. That means partnerships
with host governments - but also partnerships with all stakeholders – Criterion (c): To fulfill this requirement, GEWE CSO should be
civil society, academia, parliaments, the private sector, bilateral engaged with the UNCT in coordinated initiatives aimed at
partners - to leverage strengths and drive transformative change” situating the GEWE agenda within local contexts, including
(UNSDCF Guidance 2019:4) engagement in gender related SDGs localization and/or
implementation. Look for evidence of GEWE CSO engagement
GEWE CSO includes local non-governmental and civil society in meetings and/or workshops minutes, events attendance lists,
actors focused on gender equality and/or women’s speakers’ or contributors’ lists, etc.
empowerment. Groups may represent women and girls as well as
the special needs of men or boys or those that are marginalized To ‘exceed requirements’ all three criteria (a), (b) and (c) need to
on the basis of sexuality or gender identity. Women’s rights be achieved.
advocates refer to activists, academics and experts or other
representatives of women/girls from marginalized groups. Score as ‘approaches minimum requirements’ if only one
criterion is met. 44
TIPS FOR THE ASSESSMENT
Score the indicator as ‘missing minimum requirements’ if none
• Key documents may not always include the levels of of the criterion have been met over the UNSDCF period.
participation of CSOs. If formal documentation is lacking,
• In order to ensure that key women are represented in
institutional memory may serve as one means of verification.
consultations, explicitly target and ensure the engagement of44
Reliance on institutional memory is strengthened if more than
groups that represent those who face most marginalization,
one source can be identified.
discrimination and inequality.
• It may be useful to assess which CSOs have participated, and
how representative they are of different groups such as
women with disabilities, indigenous women,

44
 EXAMPLE
Indicator 3.2
Score:
GEWE CSO
Exceeds Minimum Requirements
Engagement

Findings and Explanation

a) The UNCT has collaborated with GEWE CSO and women’s rights
advocates on at least two joint initiatives that foster gender equality
and empowerment of women within the current UNSDCF cycle.
Met. There were examples of individual agencies working
separately with GEWE CSO, but limited joint collaboration, and it
was noted that there are likely more opportunities for the UN to
expand engagement with CSOs for the implementation of gender
equality priorities and commitments.
b) The UNCG has collaborated with Editors Forum and with the Media
Women Association in advocating for gender equality through the
commemoration of International Days (e.g., Women’s Day,
International Youth Day, International Day of a Girl Child and 16
Days of Activism) to promote gender equality. Events are typically
led by specific UN Agencies in collaboration with the leadership of
UNCG. For example, for International Youth Day 2018 more than 25
CSO participated in making youth resolutions on promoting girl
power led by UNICEF and UN Women.
c) At the time of the exercise, discussions have started under the
UNSDCF Outcome Group on Women’s Leadership and Political
Participation on joint support (UN Women, UNFPA and UNICEF) to
CSOs through the Ending Child Marriage Network to develop a
comprehensive strategy towards ending child marriage.
d) GEWE CSO participates in UNSDCF consultations: country analysis,
strategic prioritization, implementation, M&E. Met. GEWE CSOs,
were well engaged in the CCA and strategic prioritization for the
UNSDCF including the Women Fund, Women Legal Aid Centre,
Women Lawyers Association and Women Media Association. The
participation of GEWE actors in the prioritization process helped to
influence the adoption of GEWE as a stand-alone outcome and a
mainstreamed approach in the UNSDCF. GEWE CSO are involved as
implementation and monitoring as implementing partners in gender-
targeted joint programmes including the Programme to End Child
Marriage (UNICEF and UNFPA) and Women’s Economic
Empowerment (UNIDO, ILO and UNDP) as well as in the evaluation
of the previous UNSDCF. GEWE CSO were engaged in the
evaluation of the previous UNSDCF as well.
e) The UNCT has made at least one contribution to substantively
strengthen GEWE CSO participation and engagement in gender
related SDGs localization and/or implementation. Met.
Representatives from GEWE CSOs participated in the “Forum on
SDGs Gender localization of SDG 5” conducted by the Ministry of
Health and the Ministry of Labour in collaboration with National
Bureau of Statistics and UNDP and UN Women.
Evidence or Means of Verification:
Key Policy Messages; gender statistics data revolution for gender
responsive SDGs localization (May 2020); UNCG AWP 2020; Report
on “SDG Forum on Gender Statistics Data - Revolution for Gender
Responsive SDG Localization” UN Women Country Office June
2020); Minutes of WLPP Results Group 14 May 2020; Interviews
with UN Staff from UNICEF, UN Women, UNCG.

45
4. LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

INDICATOR 4.1 | UNCT LEADERSHIP IS COMMITTED TO CHAMPIONING GENDER EQUALITY

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

Meets two of the following criteria: Meets three of the following criteria: Meets all of the following criteria:
a) Gender equality is a topic of a) Gender equality is a topic of a) Gender equality is a topic of
discussion in at least 60 percent of discussion in at least 60 percent of discussion in at least 60 percent of
UNCT meetings during the last 12 UNCT meetings during the last 12 UNCT meetings during the last 12
months; months; months;
b) RC demonstrates external public b) RC demonstrates external public b) RC demonstrates external public
championing of gender equality championing of gender equality championing of gender equality
during the last 12 months; during the last 12 months; during the last 12 months;
c) RC demonstrates internal c) RC demonstrates internal c) RC demonstrates internal
championing of gender equality championing of gender equality championing of gender equality
during the last 12 months; during the last 12 months; during the last 12 months;
d) HOAs are seen by personnel as d) HOAs are seen by personnel as d) HOAs are seen by personnel as
committed to gender equality in the committed to gender equality in the committed to gender equality in the
workplace during the last 12 months. workplace during the last 12 months. workplace during the last 12 months.

Means of Verification:
UNCT HOA meeting minutes for past 12 months; UNCT AWP; RC/UNCT Annual Reports; RC speeches or communications that
champion GE, RC internal communications or directives, Results from organizational culture and gender equality survey.

Resources:
UNSDG The RC Leadership Profile (2023)
UNSDCF Guidance (2019)
UNSDG Management Accountability Framework of the UN Development and Resident Coordinator System (2021)
UN Women Make Parity a Reality: Field-Specific Enabling Environment Guidelines for the UN System (2021)

46
STEPS TO SCORE THIS INDICATOR HOW TO MEET REQUIREMENTS

1. REVIEW Senior managers play a critical role within the UNCT for the
Review the UNCT HOA meeting minutes from the previous promotion of GEWE, as highlighted in the CEB-endorsed United
Nations Leadership Model whereby the CEB agreed to
12 months to assess how regularly GEWE is discussed. Score
“commit ourselves to providing strong leadership within our
criterion a) positively if GEWE was discussed meaningfully in
organizations to ensure that a gender perspective is reflected in
60 percent or more of the HOA meetings.
all our organizational, practices, policies and programmes”
(CEB/2006/2). The Management Accountability Framework
2. ASSESS (2021) further elaborates the roles of senior managers at the
Review relevant documentation such as statements, speeches country level to champion GEWE in practice and programs (see
and internal communications from the previous 12 months to text box).
assess if the RC has taken a visible position as a leader on
To score this indicator as ‘meets minimum requirements’ three
GEWE both internally and externally (criteria b and c). criteria should be met. Score as ‘exceeds minimum
3. CALCULATE requirements’ if all four criteria are met.
To score criterion d) you need to review the online survey
Criterion (a): To fulfill this criterion, review HOA meeting
provided to assess Indicator 4.2 and calculate the percent of agendas and minutes from the last 12 months and look for
positive responses to the question on personnel perception of evidence of substantive discussion about gender equality (e.g.,
HOAs demonstration of GEWE leadership (Q2 of the online related to CEDAW reporting; programming and JPs; key
survey – see Annex 5). Score criterion d) positively if 80 partners; relevant topics such as SDG 5, etc.). At least 60% of
percent or more of respondents strongly agreed or agreed the HOAs meetings should address GEWE, and there should
with the statement in the survey. be evidence of decision-making and follow through, rather than
general information sharing.
4. SCORE AND REPORT
Score the indicator based on findings. Fill in the results Criterion (b): Review documents from the past 12 months for
template, providing details for each criterion to support the evidence that the RC serves as a leader on GEWE. Evidence
rating (see sample). of leadership and public championing include substantive
references to GEWE messaging in official RC speeches and
other communications, and presence of the RC at key gender
events and occasions (e.g., GEWE campaigns, media launches,
interviews, policy and advocacy events). Speeches make up
one important element of demonstrating public championing,
and at least 33 percent of speeches over the last 12 months
should include references as to how the UNCT is promoting
GEWE. RC public championing may also be demonstrated in
‘no manels’ commitments whereby RCs and other senior
managers pledge not to participate as speakers in forums
without female representation on panels.

Criterion (c): Evidence of internal championing include acting as

a role model to combat gender discrimination; challenging
unconscious bias and active support to enforcement of
enabling environment guidelines and gender parity policies.
To meet this criterion UNCTs need to provide evidence that
the RC demonstrates internal championing of GEWE in the
workplace.

Criterion (d): Review the online survey provided to assess

Performance Indicator 4.2. To meet this criterion, at least 80%
of staff must either strongly agree or agree with the second
question on the organizational culture survey: “My Head of
Agency (and other Heads of Agencies in this UNCT if known)
demonstrate leadership and commitment to gender equality in
the workplace.” The data needed to score this criterion can be
requested from the coordinator and/or the members of the IAT
responsible for scoring PI 4.2. The Helpdesk can also share the
survey results again on request.

Achieving two of the criteria should be rated as ‘approaches

minimum requirements’. Failure to achieve two criteria scores as
‘missing minimum requirements’.

47
 EXAMPLE
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
Score:
FRAMEWORK: RC AND UNCT JOINT Indicator 4.1
ACCOUNTABILITY FOR GENDER Exceeds Minimum
Leadership
EQUALITY Requirements

The RC/UNCT promote and advocate Findings and Explanation

fundamental values, standards and principles of
a) Gender equality is a topic of discussion in at least 60
the UN Charter, including respect for and
percent of HOA meetings during the last 12 months.
protection of human rights and gender equality Met. UNCT meetings are held each month. Prevention
and advocacy on the commitment to ‘leave no of sexual harassment and abuse of authority has been a
one behind’ and reaching the furthest behind standing agenda item at UNCT meetings. Moreover, 8
first, ensuring a strategic and coherent approach, of the 11 meeting minutes from the past 12 months (72
with due regard to relevant roles and percent) contain substantive reference to UNCT
responsibilities of individual agencies. members discussing various gender-related issues, such
as gender awareness capacity needs assessment,
RC and UNCT members’ performance assessment gender-targeted legislation, HeForShe proposal,
systems include performance indicators relating approval of gender theme group annual priorities, and
to the following: communications and outreach on UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard exercise.
the SDGs, promoting norms, advocating for b) The RC demonstrates external public championing of
human rights and gender equality (drawing on gender equality during the last 12 months. Met. A
the UNCT SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard, the review of RC speeches given in the last year uploaded
Youth 2030 UNCT scorecard, the UNCT on UN INFO found that the RC included gender equality
scorecard on Disability Inclusion) and effective messaging in over 50 percent of the speeches. A total
of 14 speeches were analyzed; 9 were found to be
engagement with civil society and State
gender sensitive and 6 were found to be gender blind. It
institutions.
was further noted that the RC was present and actively
(UNSDG MAF 2021:16) participated at key gender events over the past year
including Women’s Day, GEWE SDG Reporting and
Conference of Police Gender Desk Officers. The RC is
also the HeForShe champion, and brings messaging
TIPS FOR THE ASSESSMENT about men’s role in combatting VAW to different
forums.
• For criterion (a) conduct a word search of the minutes for c) The RC demonstrates internal championing of gender
key words such as “gender”, “women” or “boys”. Use the equality during the last 12 months. Met. As a HeForShe
key words as a guide to look more deeply into the quality of champion, the RC has raised awareness and set
the discussion to ensure that it is substantive. standards among staff for combatting intimate partner
violence and PSEA, spearheading the development and
• When assessing whether the RC has publicly championed dissemination of new country-specific resources for
GEWE, communication teams have the opportunity to look staff. The RC has also taken a lead role to champion
for proactive engagement with GEWE on a consistent GEWE internally by monitoring gender parity annually
basis. Teams may review a smaller sample of RC speeches with the UNCT and leading discussions to move toward
in cases where all speeches are not available, or a large common standards for creating an enabling
total number of speeches makes analysis challenging. environment.
d) HOAs are seen by personnel as committed to gender
• When assessing whether the RC has internally championed equality in the workplace. Met. Results from the survey
GEWE, assessment teams have an opportunity to make on gender and organizational culture found that 83
linkages with staff perceptions on the institutional percent of staff feel that HOAs demonstrate workplace
environment for GEWE based on results from the survey leadership and commitment to gender equality. Sex
conducted as part of PI 4.2 Organizational Culture. disaggregation showed that 73 percent of women
responded positively to the statement, compared to 88
• Refer to the UNCT-SWAP Good Practices Toolkit for percent of men. Reasons for differences in male and
country level good practice examples (see Annex 1). female perceptions would require more exploration.

Evidence or Means of Verification

11 UNCT meeting minutes from June 2021 to May 2022
2022 UNCT AWP
Results from staff survey on organizational culture (2022)
Copies of 14 RC speeches May 2021 to May 2022
Combatting PSEA and IPV staff guidelines and resource
book (Jan 2021)

48
 INDICATOR 4.2 | ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE FULLY SUPPORTS PROMOTION OF GENDER EQUALITY AND
THE EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

Survey results of personnel perception Survey results of personnel perception Survey results of personnel perception
of organizational environment for of organizational environment for of organizational environment for
promotion of gender equality scored a promotion of gender equality scored a promotion of gender equality scored a
positive rating of 50-64 percent. positive rating of 65-80 percent. positive rating of over 80 percent.

Means of Verification: Survey results

Resources
UNSDG The RC Leadership Profile (2023)
UN Women Enabling Environment Guidelines for the UN System (2019)
United Nations Website on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
Women Supplementary Guidance on Enabling Environment Guidelines for the United Nations System (2019)
UN Women Field-Specific Enabling Environment Guidelines (2021)

49
STEPS TO SCORE THIS INDICATOR includes three demographic questions, and 10 questions that
gauge perceptions of organizational culture within three
5. OPEN categories: gender equality; discrimination; and work-life
Select timeline to open the survey.9 Contact the Helpdesk balance. The survey is anonymous, and takes respondents
([email protected]) to obtain a hyperlink approximately five minutes to complete, using a 5-point scale
for the online survey on Survey Monkey. The survey is available in that ranges from ‘strongly agree’ to ‘strongly disagree’.
English, French and Spanish. Other languages can be made Responses are based on personal opinions. See Annex 5 for the
available if translation is provided by the requesting UNCT. complete survey.
6. INVITE The rating will be calculated based on the proportion of positive
The Resident Coordinator should send out an invitation to survey responses received, with the percentage ranges for
personnel10 with the hyperlink to the survey if central email lists ‘approaches’, ‘meets’ and ‘exceeds’ as indicated above.
are available. Alternatively, the RC may request HOAs to forward
the invitation to personnel. See Annex 4 for sample messages. Response rates should target a confidence interval of + or – 7.5
percent or lower to ensure generalizability of data at a 95
7. CALCULATE
Calculate the minimum number of responses required to ensure percent confidence level.11
the validity of results (see instructions on minimum sample size to
reach sufficient confidence interval below). The required sample size can be calculated online by using the
table below, found at
8. MONITOR
Request periodically the Helpdesk to share updates on the survey https://www.surveysystem.com/sscalc.htm.
response rate to ensure that the targeted sample size is met. Send
out reminders as needed to ensure a sufficient number of SAMPLE SIZE CALCULATION INSTRUCTIONS
responses. Surveys are typically open for two or more weeks.
9. CLOSE
Set the confidence level to 95 percent. Enter a confidence
Notify the Helpdesk to close the survey once a sufficient number
interval of 7.5 in the first field. Enter the population of the UNCT
of responses has been reached. The Helpdesk will close the survey
personnel in the second field. Click the ‘calculate’ button, and
and share the results.
the required minimum number of responses will appear in the
10. ANALYZE last field labeled ‘sample size needed’. See the completed table
The IAT will analyze the results. Shared results will include a
below for an example.
response breakdown for each question in graph form as well as the
full excel data sheet of all responses. Sex disaggregated responses
by question will also be provided to facilitate deeper analysis.
TIPS FOR THE ASSESSMENT
11. SCORE AND REPORT
Calculate the average proportion (%) of positive responses (“Agree”
• Though only the percentage of positive responses is
and “Strongly Agree”) for the full set of 10 core questions. Score needed to rate the indicator, the IAT is encouraged to
the indicator based on findings, providing details to support the utilize the disaggregated response data based on the
rating (see example below). demographic criteria to see differences in perceptions
based on gender and/or other criteria, in order to gain a
clearer understanding of organizational culture trends.
HOW TO MEET REQUIREMENTS
• In addition to the core standardized 10 questions, some
UNCTs add supplemental questions to the survey to
Organizational culture refers to values, behaviors and attitudes generate deeper understanding of staff attitudes,
that influence an organization’s working environment, including knowledge and capacities. Refer to the UNCT-SWAP
how an organization conducts work and treats employees. A Good Practices Toolkit for country level good practice
supportive organizational culture enables the promotion of examples and contact the Helpdesk for support if you
GEWE. The UN has worked to improve policies and practice for wish to add additional questions in the survey.12
GEWE in the workplace, with expanded mechanisms to end
gender-based discrimination and bias, and to enable the full and • Findings should be shared in feedback forums and used to
inform action planning. Findings should be understood as a
equal participation and empowerment of all personnel.
starting point that provides an opportunity to dig deeper
with some qualitative analysis to understand and address
system-wide issues around organizational culture including
An online survey has been designed to assess UNCT differences between the sexes in perceptions.
perceptions of organizational culture. The online survey

9 See Annex 5 for the organizational culture survey. survey answers. For example, if 50 percent of the population selects an answer and you have a
10 The survey is designed for UN staff in alignment with UN-SWAP indicator 13. Assessors may send confidence interval of plus or minus six, you can be 95 percent certain that if you had asked the
the survey more broadly to personnel in consultation with the assessment team and other question to the entire population between 44 percent (50-6) and 56 percent (50+6) would have
stakeholders(RC/RCO). chosen that answer.
11 The confidence interval (also called the margin of error) is the degree of certainty applied to the 12 Examples of additional questions can be found at the end of Annex 5.

50
• The Enabling Environment Guidelines for the UN System EXAMPLE
(UN Women 2019) offers guidance to increase inclusivity
and diversity within the UN under three thematic areas: 1) Score:
Indicator 4.2
flexible working arrangements; 2) family-friendly policies; Approaches
and 3) common standards of conduct. Organizational
Minimum
Culture
Requirements
• Refer to the Field-Specific Enabling Environment
Guidelines (UN Women 2021) for recommendations on
actions that may be taken to strengthen GEWE Findings and Explanation
organizational culture including 1) professional and
personal integration; 2) standards of conduct; 3) The survey link was shared by the RC with HOAs to
occupational safety, health and well-being; 4) safety and share with their respective staff. The total number of
security; 5) recruitment, talent management and retention; responses was 150 (95 women; 55 men). Based on
and 6) leadership, accountability and implementation. the population size of 867, responses yielded a
confidence interval of 7.3. Therefore, we can be
confident that responses are representative of the
larger population plus or minus 7.3 percentage points.
Survey results with a positive rating between 50-
64%. Met. Results scored an overall positive rating of
60% (19% negative and 21% neutral) as an average
across the 10 questions that deal with issues of
workplace gender equality, discrimination and work-
life balance. Refer to annexed charts for detailed
information.
Highest scores:
• UN efforts to fulfill its mandate to achieve an
equal representation of women and men at all
levels (71% positive)
• UN personnel demonstrating commitment to
gender equality in the workplace (68% positive).
The three questions focused on work-life balance
scored the lowest.
• Flexible work arrangements to support staff to
achieve adequate work-life balance (38%
positive)
• Entitlements to support adequate work-life
balance (53% positive)
• HOA support to staff to achieve an adequate
work-life balance (53% positive).
On average, male respondents were more positive
than females in all areas, with males as a group
providing an overall positive rating of 62% in contrast
to a female positive rating of 56%. The widest
disparity between males and females related to
perceptions of UN personnel commitment to gender
equality in the workplace as well as entitlements.
Reasons for differences in male and female
perceptions will require qualitative assessments.

Evidence or Means of Verification

Staff survey results October 2022

51
 INDICATOR 4.3 | GENDER PARITY IN STAFFING IS ACHIEVED

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

a) A system-wide plan is in place for Approaches minimum requirements Meets minimum requirements
the UNCT to achieve gender parity.
and and

b) At least one Gender Focal Point is d) The UNCT can demonstrate positive
appointed (as per SGB/2023/3) trends towards achieving gender parity.
c) The UNCT can demonstrate
progress in the implementation of e) The Business Operations Strategy
the system-wide plan on gender (BOS) includes gender-specific actions
parity. and indicators in at least one Business
Operation Area to foster gender equality
and women’s empowerment.

Means of Verification: Official communications; Data from existing country-level tracking systems/tools and/or UN System-wide
Dashboard on Gender Parity, UNCT gender parity plan; BOS.

Resources:
Secretary-General’s Bulleting on Terms of Reference for Gender Focal Points (ST/SGB/2023/3)
UN Women Field-Specific Enabling Environment Guidelines (2021)
UN Women Enabling Environment Guidelines for the UN System (2019)
UN Women’s booklet ‘How can we reach gender parity at the United Nations by 2028? A collection of good practices to mark
five years of the Secretary-General’s System-wide Strategy on Gender Parity’ (2022)
UN System-Wide Strategy on Gender Parity (2017)
UN Women The Power of Procurement: How to Source from Women-Owned Businesses (2017)
UNSDG Business Operations Strategy Guidance (2019)

52
STEPS TO SCORE THIS INDICATOR 3. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN
Check if at least one Gender Focal Point in UNCT has been
1. DEVELOPMENT OF A PLAN appointed (criteria b), assess whether the UNCT has a plan to
Develop a UNCT-wide implementation plan on gender parity achieve gender parity at all levels (criterion a) and describe
(criterion a). The implementation plan provides recommended whether it has demonstrated positive trends towards the
actions across a range of areas that may inform plans including implementation of the system-wide plan to achieve gender parity
leadership, accountability, recruitment, retention and creating an (criterion c). Assess trends and progress towards the achievement
enabling environment. The guidance on ‘how to develop an of gender parity at all levels (criterion d). If gender parity already
implementation plan on gender parity’ is also available from UN achieved, assess whether it has been maintained. Track the
Women. progress periodically, and seek for support from Office of the
Focal Point for Women in the UN System, UN Women.
Review data from UN System-wide Dashboard on Gender
Parity, and/or country-level tracking systems to analyze the 4. REVIEW
current status and identify gaps. If data is up to date in the Review the most recent BOS for gender-specific actions or
system-wide dashboard, you can access data on the current indicators (criterion e).
status of gender parity within the UNCT by entity.
5. SCORE AND REPORT
Follow the below steps to calculate results: Score the indicator on the basis of the findings, and fill in the
results template. See sample below.
1. Go to the UN System-wide Dashboard on Gender Parity
2. Click navigation button on the top left corner (tip: button
looks like three bars). HOW TO MEET REQUIREMENTS
3. Click on the icon ‘Representation of Women and Men by
UN Country Team’. As a standard setting institution, the UN has a particular
4. Go to the ‘UN Country Team’ drop-down menu in the top responsibility to achieve gender parity in staffing, thereby
left corner and select your UNCT. leading by example. To this end, most UN entities have policies
5. Consolidate the entity-level data to arrive at the overall for gender parity in staffing in place. 13
proportion of women and men in the country team (tip:
hover the cursor over the bar graph for each entity to see According to the Secretary-General’s Report on the
the number of women and men). Improvement in the Status of Women in the UN System,
more progress is needed towards advancing the
representation of women in the UN system and reaching
Dashboard data reveals country-level parity status by entity and
the goal of 50/50 gender balance at all levels across the
grade within a UNCT. UNCTs may need to look to internal tracking
system. Women remain overrepresented at entry levels,
systems, including UNDSS personnel database, to review parity
while gaps persist at the P-4 level and above, notably at P-5
status by level, contract type, etc and conduct a meaningful
and D-2. Representation of women continues to be lower,
assessment of parity at all levels and types of personnel. The table
or progressing at a slower rate of change, at non-
provided in Annex 10 can be sent to gender focal points or human
headquarters locations, especially in field operations and
resource officers in each entity to count the number by grade.
mission settings.
Include a message that outlines the purpose of the data and sets a
deadline for response (see example in Annex 9).
To meet minimum requirements, criteria a, b and c must be
met. Country teams must have in place a plan to achieve
Leverage key resources such as the Enabling Environment
gender parity at the country level, in alignment with the
Guidelines for the UN System and the Field-specific Enabling
SG’s System-wide Strategy on Gender Parity. This may take
Environment Guidelines. Decide the focus area for improvement
the form of a UNCT-specific gender parity strategy and/or
to create enabling environments to reach and maintain gender
implementation plan for monitoring and reporting on gender
parity.
parity at the country level UNCTs must have a plan in place
2. APPOINTMENT OF GENDER FOCAL POINTS (criterion a). The UNCT must also have at least one
Appoint at least one Gender Focal Point (defined by appointed Gender Focal Point (defined by ST/SGB/2023/3)
ST/SGB/2023/3) in the UNCT (criterion b). Multiple Gender Focal (criterion b) and demonstrate positive progress in the
Points including male Gender Focal Points are welcome. Ensure to implementation of the gender parity, for example, in the
support these Gender Focal Points to be part of the UN System- enabling working environment (criteria c), including to
wide network of Gender Focal Points, led and coordinated by the address regression as relevant.
Office of the Focal Point for Women in the UN System at UN
Women. If criterion a) is not satisfied, score the indicator as ‘missing
minimum requirements’.

13 Some entities track gender parity in personnel so UNCTs can decide whether to include relevant personnel categories and justify their inclusion when reporting.

53
 EXAMPLE
To exceed minimum requirements, UNCTs must meet
Score:
minimum requirements plus criteria d and e. Indicator 4.3
Meets Minimum
Gender Parity
Criterion (d): The UNCT can demonstrate positive trends towards Requirements
achieving gender parity (or maintaining if already achieved).
Criterion (e): the BOS Framework must include at least one specific Findings and Explanation
action and target to foster gender equality and women’s The UNCT met criteria a, b and c.
empowerment. Refer to the UNCT-SWAP Good Practices Toolkit
a) A UNCT-wide implementation plan on gender
for country level good practice examples (see Annex 1). Examples
parity is developed. Met. The UNCT has
of opportunities for gender mainstreaming within the BOS include: institutionalized annual monitoring of gender parity at
• Joint promotion of common work-life balance policies; all levels as part of the OMT AWP that requires
• Joint agreements on non-discrimination practice and zero reporting to the UNCT in Q4 of each year. The UNCT
tolerance for harassment; has approved a gender parity strategy designed by the
Human Resources Working Group of the OMT with
• Targets and common strategy for gender parity;
support from the Gender Theme Group that includes
• Targets for gender parity in consultancy contracts; minimum requirements for all entities to adhere to a
• Targets on female ownership in awards; common set of good practices during advertising,
• Targets and monitoring disaggregated data on male- and recruitment and selection processes.
female-led and/or –employed companies; b) One Gender Focal Point was appointed by the
• Induction and/or capacity development for GEWE UNCT as defined by ST/SGB/2023/3. Met.
targets.
c) The UNCT has demonstrated progress in the
implementation of the gender parity plan. Met.
TIPS FOR THE ASSESSMENT Awareness raising webinar on creating enabling
environment was held with all personnel, management
and human resources teams, in collaboration with the
At least one member of the team assessing this indicator should be
Office of the Focal Point for Women in the UN
part of the human resources team, including Gender Focal Points System at UN Women, and 80% of UNCT colleagues
(as per SGB/2023/3), and may also be a member of Gender were informed of the Field-specific Enabling
Thematic Group and/or a member of the Operations Management Environment Guidelines.
Team (OMT).
Evidence or Means of Verification
For further support on gender parity, reach out to the Office of Gender Parity Strategy (2022)
the Focal Point for Women in the UN System at UN Women at
[email protected] UN System-wide network of Gender Focal Point
record
For those countries that have regional offices as well as country OMT AWP (2022)
offices, data should be considered for country offices only. Multi-
OMT 2022 Report to UNCT (November 2022)
Country Offices should consider data from all country offices.
UNCT official communication on appointment of
Gender Focal Point

54
 Fostering Gender Parity at the Country Level
Country teams can work towards achieving gender
parity by breaking down the cultural barriers and
stereotypes that perpetuate workplace inequality.
Please refer to UN Women’s Field-specific Enabling
Environment Guidelines and Guidance on Creating
Inclusive Vacancy Announcements for key tips on
how to achieve gender parity in staffing. Good
practices include:

- Leaders closely work hand in hand with Gender Focal

Points

- Use the UN System-wide Dashboard on Gender

Parity or your internal tracking tools to review
disaggregated staff data during recruitment and
selection processes;

- Implement the Field-specific Enabling Environment

Guidelines

- Ensure to implement temporary special measures

(ST/AI/2020/5). Give preference to the candidate
from the under-represented sex when candidates are
equally qualified.

- Collaborate with the Office of the Focal Point for

Women in the UN System at UN Women, to address
the context-specific challenges and opportunities

55
5. GENDER ARCHITECTURE AND CAPACITIES

INDICATOR 5.1 | GENDER COORDINATION MECHANISM IS EMPOWERED TO INFLUENCE

THE UNCT FOR GEWE

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

Meets two of the following criteria: Meets three of the following criteria: Meets all of the following criteria:
a) A coordination mechanism for gen- a) A coordination mechanism for gen- a) A coordination mechanism for gen-
der equality is chaired by a HOA; der equality is chaired by a HOA; der equality is chaired by a HOA;

b) The group has an approved TOR b) The group has an approved TOR b) The group has an approved TOR
and annual work plan; and annual work plan; and annual work plan;

c) Members include at least 50% c) Members include at least 50% c) Members include at least 50%
senior staff (P4/NOC and above or senior staff (P4/NOC and above or senior staff (P4/NOC and above or
equivalent); equivalent); equivalent);

d) The group has made substantive d) The group has made substantive d) The group has made substantive
input into the UNSDCF including input into the UNSDCF including input into the UNSDCF including
the CCA, Cooperative Framework the CCA, Cooperative Framework the CCA, Cooperative Framework
design, results framework and M&E. design, results framework and M&E. design, results framework and M&E.

Means of Verification:
Gender Thematic Group (or equivalent) TOR and annual work plan, Meeting minutes, membership list, UNSDCF planning
and monitoring documentation, UNSDCF M&E, UN Country Results Report.
Resources:
UNSDG Gender Theme Group: Standards and Procedures (2021)

56
STEPS TO SCORE THIS INDICATOR Reviewing this criterion is a good opportunity to determine if
responsibility for GEWE is shared across the UNCT. It is good
1. IDENTIFY practice for lead responsibilities for AWP activities to be shared
Identify the gender coordination mechanism for the country amongst agencies with no single agency taking the lead for more
team and ascertain whether or not it is led by a HOA (criterion a). than 50% of planned actions. Refer to the UNCT-SWAP Good
2. ASCERTAIN Practices Toolkit for other good practice examples (see Annex 1).
Ascertain whether or not the group has a TOR and an approved Criterion (c): The gender coordination mechanism should include
annual work plan (criterion b). senior staff members to ensure that the group has expertise and
3. ASSESS decision-making powers to maximize effectiveness. To fulfill this
Assess group membership to understand whether or not the criterion, at least 50% of the members should be P4/NOC or
majority of members are senior staff (criterion c). equivalent and above.14 Review the group membership list to
4. REVIEW assess member levels. If levels are not clear, send out a short
Review relevant documents and conduct discussions or email explaining the focus of the assessment to ascertain the
interviews to ascertain the extent to which the gender seniority of members.
coordination mechanism has been engaged in key UNSDCF
processes (criterion d). Criterion (d): The gender coordination mechanism should play a
strategic role to mainstream GEWE in UNSDCF processes, including
5. SCORE AND REPORT
providing inputs into the key steps of the UNSDCF (common
Score the indicator on the basis of the findings and fill in the
country analysis, cooperation framework design, results framework
results template. See sample below for guidance on how to
and M&E). To fulfill the criterion, find evidence of substantive
report findings.
contribution through documents developed by the gender group,
such as emails and contributions in workshops. Institutional memory
HOW TO MEET REQUIREMENTS also may serve as a means of verification. Look to key documents
(e.g., CCA, UNSDCF, reviews and evaluations) for evidence of
Gender Theme Groups are a key mechanism for joint UN action
engagement.
and coordination at the country level. The key functions of a
gender coordination mechanism are programme support,
To score this indicator as ‘approaches minimum requirements’
integrated policy dialogue and advice and technical support.
UNCT should meet at least two criteria, Failure to meet at least two
(UNSDG GTG: Standards and Procedures). Gender Theme
criteria scores as ‘missing minimum requirements’.
Groups are sometimes combined with Results Groups on Gender
Equality or with other cross-cutting issue areas such as Human
Rights. The indicator requires that a gender coordination
mechanism exists in some form. If not, score the indicator as
‘missing minimum requirements’.

To score ‘meets minimum requirements’ three of the criteria

below should be met, and score ‘exceeds minimum requirements’
if four criteria are met.

Criterion (a): To fulfill this criterion, the gender coordination

mechanism should be chaired by a Head of Agency to ensure
that decision-making and communication with the UNCT is
facilitated. Two co-chairs may be appointed to lead the work of
the GTG in some countries. In addition, to fulfill the criterion the
gender coordination mechanism should meet at least four times
per year.

Criterion (b): To fulfill this criterion, there are two requirements.

First, the coordination mechanism should have a detailed annual
work plan in place. The AWP activities should be costed, available
resources identified, and responsibilities designated. Second, the
group should have clear Terms of Reference. Both documents
need to be endorsed by the UNCT.

14 The UNCT-SWAP is aligned with the UN-SWAP in defining senior staff. This definition should be of seniority must be specified clearly in the justification. Contact the Helpdesk for further guidance if
applied wherever possible. However, the definition may be adjusted in some countries to reflect the needed.
size of the UNCT and a context-specific designation of seniority. Adapted equivalent classifications

57
 EXAMPLE
TIPS FOR GTG SUPPORT TO ENSURING
A GENDER-RESPONSIVE Score:
Indicator 5.1
COOPERATION FRAMEWORK Approaches
Gender Coordination
Organize gender mainstreaming training for UN technical Minimum
Mechanism
staff involved in designing the Cooperation Framework, Requirements
highlighting UNCT-SWAP standards related to joint
planning, programming and MEL. Findings and Explanation

Support a review of the CCA before finalization to ensure Meets two of the four criteria.
the incorporation of substantive gender analysis across
a) A coordination mechanism for gender equality is
sectors and thematic areas.
chaired by a HOA. Met. The Gender Theme Group
Prepare a briefing note on key gender equality issues, (GTG) is chaired by the heads of UN Women and
including sex- disaggregated and gender-sensitive data, UNFPA, and meets at least once per quarter as well as
identified in the CCA and make this available as in ad hoc meetings as needed.
background for Cooperation Framework workshops and
discussions. b) The group has a TOR and an approved annual work
plan. Met. GTG has a TOR and AWP that describes
Ensure GTG members with sector-specific gender the group’s priority areas, activities, indicators, and
knowledge participate in Cooperation Framework budget estimations. In 2023, a GTG AWP planning
planning and prioritization workshops. workshop involved representatives from the UN
Programme Management Team (PMT) to ensure
Facilitate the participation of the National Women’s stronger alignment between GTG and PMT priorities.
Machinery and other gender experts and advocates in
Cooperation Framework planning and prioritization.
c) Members include at least 50% senior staff (P4/NOC
Incorporate GTG support to Cooperation Framework and above or equivalent). Not met. The GTG is
monitoring, evaluation and learning in the GTG work plan comprised of representatives of 18 UN agencies. Six
including a review of the results matrix for gender out of 18 members that regularly attend meetings are
sensitivity and sex disaggregation in line with UNCT- senior staff (NOC/P4 and above), which constitutes
SWAP minimum requirements. 33 per cent of GTG members.

Support the National Women’s Machinery’s engagement

d) The group has made substantive input into the
in the Cooperation Framework Joint Management UNSDCF including the country analysis, strategic
Committee (JMC), providing them with an annual update prioritization, results framework and M&E. Not met.
on UN support to GEWE in advance of meetings. The GTG did not exist in its current form at the time
the CCA was drafted. The Outcome Group that was
Adapted from UNSDG Gender Theme Groups Standards and
responsible for the gender-targeted outcome under
Procedures (2021) the previous UNSDCF was not involved in the CCA
development nor in the UNSDCF prioritization and
Results Framework design. The current GTG
contributes to UNSDCF monitoring by providing
inputs to the Country Results Reports.

Evidence or Means of Verification

GTG TOR
GTG AWP 2023
GTG membership list 2023
UNCT Annual Report 2023
Interviews and institutional memory regarding Outcome
Group role in UNSDCF planning (key staff from UN
Women, UNICEF, UNFPA, ILO)

58
 INDICATOR 5.2 | UNCT HAS ADEQUATE CAPACITIES DEVELOPED FOR GENDER MAINSTREAMING

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

a) At least one substantive inter-agency Meets two of the following criteria: Meets all of the following:
gender capacity development activity for a) At least one substantive inter-agency a) At least one substantive inter-agency
UN personnel has been carried out during gender capacity development activity gender capacity development activity
the past 12 months. for UN personnel has been carried out for UN personnel has been carried out
during the past 12 months. during the past 12 months.

b) A capacity development plan based b) A capacity development plan based

on an inter-agency capacity on an inter-agency capacity
assessment is established or updated assessment is established or updated
at least once per UNSDCF cycle and at least once per UNSDCF cycle and
targets are on track. targets are on track.

c) UNCT induction material includes c) UNCT induction material includes

gender equality and the empowerment gender equality and the empowerment
of women commitments and related of women commitments and related
development challenges of the development challenges of the
country. country.

Means of Verification:
Schedule and participants list from workshop/event; workshop report; capacity assessment; capacity development plan;
induction package materials, Gender Thematic Group (or equivalent) work plan.

Resources:
UNSDG Gender Theme Group: Standards and Procedures (2021)
UN Women Gender Equality Capacity Assessment Tool (2016)
UN Women Training Center Self-paced courses

59
STEPS TO SCORE THIS INDICATOR materials include a focus on key GEWE issues in the country, and
UN mandate and priorities around GEWE. Agency-specific
induction processes do not meet this criterion.
1. LIST
Make a list of joint gender capacity development activities To exceed requirements all three criteria (a), (b) and (c) need to
undertaken within the past year. Gather reporting data as need- be achieved. Score as ‘approaches minimum requirements’ if
ed to verify (criterion a). only criterion (a) is met. Criterion (a) is considered a foundational
2. ASCERTAIN criterion for this indicator. Failure to meet criterion (a) scores as
Ascertain whether or not an inter-agency gender capacity ‘missing minimum requirements’.
assessment and development plan has been undertaken within
the UNSDCF cycle (criterion b). TIPS:
3. VERIFY
• Assessing performance against this indicator is an
Verify the presence of absence of a country-level induction
opportunity to determine what capacities exist and what
process. If present, ascertain whether or not gender equality is
capacities are needed for the UNCT.
included as part of the orientation (criterion c).
4. SCORE AND REPORT • Consider disaggregating the different capacities required to
Score the indicator on the basis of the findings and fill in the focus on identified weaknesses within the system, and target
results template. See sample below. accordingly (e.g., how to carry out gender analysis, how to
develop strong gender-sensitive results statements and
HOW TO MEET REQUIREMENTS indicators, and how to integrate gender dimensions in
targeted thematic areas).
Lack of capacity in promoting gender equality and the • The Helpdesk can support teams to develop and launch
empowerment of women has been defined as one of the key online capacity assessment surveys through the Survey
constraints to better performance and leadership. UN staff need
Monkey platform on request. See Gender Equality Capacity
the capacity to fulfill the UN’s gender mandate. Numerous
resolutions include requests for the UN to ensure that all UN Assessment Tool (2016) for detailed guidance on how to
personnel, especially in the field, receive training for gender conduct a gender equality capacity assessment. Refer also to
mainstreaming, including providing ongoing capacity the UNCT-SWAP Good Practices Toolkit for country level
development for Resident Coordinators and the UNCT to good practice examples (see Annex 1).
achieve GEWE through development frameworks.

To meet requirements for this indicator, two of the three criteria

(a, b, c) should be met. CAPACITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
UN entities are mandated to enhance their capacity
Criterion (a): To fulfill the criterion, the assessment team should to promote GEWE. A capacity assessment provides
identify one capacity development initiative that aims at building
information on the strengths and weaknesses within
gender equality technical competencies of UN personnel. The
initiative should involve at least two agencies. Capacity the system as a first step to developing a targeted
development activities include trainings, seminars, learning capacity development plan.
sessions, mentoring, etc. A targeted gender training as well as The assessment provides a baseline against which
broader programs that have substantive dedicated sections on future capacity development interventions can be
GEWE are both valid. measured. The scope of a gender capacity needs
assessment is informed by:
Criterion (b): A capacity assessment analyses existing capacities
against desired capacities, providing a starting point for the
development of a capacity development plan (or learning needs Entry Points – organizational and individual level as well
plan) to address capacity gaps at all levels. To fulfill this criterion, as the enabling environment;
the UNCT should carry out a capacity assessment looking at the
CapacityLevels – knowledge and skills needed to achieve
UN as a system during the current UNSDCF cycle. The capacity
development plan needs to include activities, resources and a gender equality results, along with attitudes/behaviors
timeline. related to gender equality; and
– performance objectives and
Capacity development plans may build on mandatory agency
skills/ knowledge needed to perform roles related to
specific training such as “I Know Gender,” “UN Coherence,
GEWE.
Gender Equality and You” as a foundation, but plans must go
beyond this foundation to target country-specific needs. Adapted from UN Women “Gender Equality Capacity
Initiatives can move beyond traditional training formats to
Assessment Tool” 2016:7,26-27.
include mentoring and other forms of hands-on training such
women’s leadership circles.

Criterion (c): To fulfill this criterion UNCTs should ensure that

staff inductions processes and associated country-specific

60
EXAMPLE
Score:
Indicator 5.2
Approaches
Gender Capacities Minimum
Requirements

Findings and Explanation

Meets one of the following three criteria.

a) At least one inter-agency substantive gender
capacity development activity in the past year.
Met. There have been a number of inter-agency
capacity development activities for UN personnel
on gender:
• HeForShe training (September 2022)
• Gender in Humanitarian Action training for
National Food Security Cluster (24-25 April 2022)
• Joint Child Protection – Gender-Based Violence
Task Force Training Initiative (January 2022)
• UNSDCF Capacity Development Workshop on
Human Rights and Gender Equality (14-15 May
2022).

b) A capacity development plan based on an inter-

agency capacity assessment is established or
updated at least once per UNSDCF cycle and
targets are on track. Not met. There has been no
UN system-wide capacity assessment on gender
during the current cycle. An inter-agency capacity
needs assessment on Prevention of Sexual
Harassment, Harassment and Abuse of Authority
(PSHHA) was conducted and resulted in a UNCT
Action Plan for PSHHA in the Workplace, which is
not a capacity development plan, but demonstrates
a good modality for conducting a broader needs
assessment on gender capacities in the future.

UNCT induction material includes gender equality and

the empowerment of women commitments and related
development challenges of the country. Not met.
There is no induction package for new UNCT members.
Individual agencies handle induction without central
coordination.

Evidence or Means of Verification

HeForShe training list of participants
GiHA Concept Note, agenda, list of participants, training
report
Agenda of the UNSDCF Capacity Development
Workshop on Human Rights and Gender Equality
Concept Note and list of participants on the Joint Child
Protection – Gender-Based Violence Task Force
Training Initiative
UNCT Action Plan for PSHHA in the Workplace

61
 6. RESOURCES

INDICATOR 6.1 | ADEQUATE RESOURCES FOR GENDER MAINSTREAMING ARE ALLOCATED AND
TRACKED

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

Meets the following criteria: Approaches minimum requirements Meets minimum requirements
a) The UNCT has carried out at least and meets two of the following: and
one capacity building event on the c) The UNCT has met the common f) The UNCT has exceeded the common
UNCT Gender Equality Marker over global financial target for UNCT global financial target for UNCT
the current Cooperation Framework allocations to GEWE. allocations to GEWE.
cycle to ensure accuracy of coding.
d) The sub-outputs coded UNCT-GEM
and 1,2 or 3 provide a ‘Gender Marker
b) The UNCT has applied the UNCT- Narrative’ which accurately justifies
Gender Equality Marker to all sub- the UNCT-GEM code selected
outputs in the Joint Work Plan e) The Gender Theme Group (or
equivalent) has completed a quality
assurance review of UNCT-GEM
coding during the drafting of the Joint
Work Plan aligned with the GTG
Standards and Procedures.

Means of Verification:
UNCT Joint Work Plans on UN INFO, evidence of targeting and tracking, training agenda, participants list.
Resources:
UNCT-GEM Global Helpdesk: [email protected]
UN INFO Guidance on Applying the Gender Equality, Human Rights and Sustaining Peace Marker
UNSDG Gender Equality Marker Guidance Note (2023)

62
STEPS TO SCORE THIS INDICATOR
UNCT Gender Equality Marker Codes and Guidance
1. ASCERTAIN
Ascertain whether or not the UNCT has carried out any capacity The UNCT-GEM uses a four-point coding scale (0-3) and
applies specifically to the UNCT Joint Work Plan. It does not
development related to strengthening quality assurance and
replace entity-level gender markers or gender markers used
ensuring accuracy of coding when applying the UNCT-GEM in by UN Joint Funds.
UNCT Joint Work Plans (criterion a) and if the Gender Theme
Group has provided quality assurance of the UNCT-GEM during Code Definition Guidance
the JWP development (criterion e) 3 Gender equality and Gender equality objectives are
women’s the primary intended result(s) of
2. ASSESS empowerment is the the sub-output. Addressing the
Access the UN Joint Work Plan in UN INFO to assess principal objective. root causes of gender inequalities
performance against the targets to score against requirements (for example, by transforming
(criteria b, c, d and f). Explain data trends or variances in findings. harmful gender norms and
practices and/or contributing to
3. SCORE AND REPORT the equal distribution of power,
Score the indicator on the basis of the findings, and fill in the resources, or opportunities
results template. See sample below. between women and men in all
their diversity) and strengthening
the empowerment of women are
HOW TO MEET REQUIREMENTS the main reasons the initiative is
being undertaken.
Tracking financial allocations and expenditures on gender equality
and making them visible in UN INFO is important to show the
2 Gender equality and Though not the principal
extent to which financial commitments are aligned with gender women’s objective, the sub-output intends
equality policies and priorities, allowing UNCTs to direct and/or empowerment is a to make a significant contribution
mobilize resources for gender equality and the empowerment of significant objective. to gender equality and women’s
empowerment. This means
women and girls in critical areas. gender equality considerations
are integrated or ‘mainstreamed’
The UNCT Gender Equality Marker (UNCT-GEM) is a UNDS into the sub-output’s design,
implementation, and M&E
monitoring and accountability tool for tracking resources and
framework.
allocations at country level that support gender equality results.
The UNCT-GEM is mandatory and applied to sub-outputs in the 1 Contributes to There is limited consideration of
UNCT Joint Work Plan (JWP) to track resources allocated by the gender equality and gender equality and women’s
women’s empowerment. However, there
UNCT to activities with a gender equality focus (see text box for
empowerment in a are still some planned actions
codes and guidance). limited way. targeting women in light of
persisting gender inequalities
A dedicated UNCT-GEM Helpdesk is available to assist UNCTs in that put them at a disadvantage.
For example, there may be a
scoring this indicator at [email protected]. gender analysis or some
To approach requirements UNCTs need to fulfill all of the collection of sex-disaggregated
following criteria: data (but no or limited planned
gender equality results). In other
words, the sub-output's
Criterion (a): To fulfill this criterion UNCTs need to carry out at contribution to gender equality is
least one capacity development event on the UNCT-GEM in the minor compared to its overall
outcomes. initiative.
current UNSDCF cycle. The focus of building capacities across the
UN system should be to strengthen quality assurance, ensure the
0 Not expected to There is no consideration of
accuracy of coding, and confirm the reliability of data produced contribute to gender gender equality issues and there
by resource-tracking for gender equality.15 Capacity building equality and women’s are no expected results relating
events include trainings, workshops, and/or webinars that are empowerment. to gender equality or women’s
empowerment and/or results
typically timed to take place during the development of UNCT cannot be measured.
JWPs.

Criterion (b): Data completeness is a fundamental part of any data

quality assurance process. The UNCT should apply a UNCT- To meet minimum requirements UNCTs need to fulfill criteria
in UN INFO.GEM code (from 0-3) to all sub-outputs in the (a) and (b) and meets two of the three following criteria (c), (d)
Joint Work Plan in UN INFO. and/or (e):

15One of the biggest challenges for country teams when applying the UNCT-GEM to JWPs is incorrect coding, which leads to inconsistency. Common coding mistakes are ‘overcoding’ (sub-outputs being
coded at a higher level than they should be, based upon coding definitions and guidance) and ‘miscoding’ (sub-outputs being assigned a wrong code).

63
Criterion (c): As of 2021, the UN system has established a TIPS
common global financial target for UNCT allocations to GEWE.
The target sets a financial threshold of 70 percent of UNCT
▪ The UNCT-GEM is a mandatory field in JWPs. All sub-
Annual Funding Framework available resources to be allocated outputs must have a UNCT-GEM code applied, even if this
to sub-outputs with gender equality as a principal (UNCT-GEM code is zero. By incorporating the UNCT-GEM, the Joint
3) or significant (UNCT-GEM 2) objective.
Work Plan and Annual Funding Framework in UN INFO
To fulfill this criterion the IAT will need to assess current enables country teams to routinely track and report on
allocations to sub-outputs in the UNCT JWP with GEWE as a financial allocations to sub-outputs with a gender equality
principal (3) or significant (2) objective by downloading the focus. Since the JWP is a living document, UNCT-GEM
Excel file/use automated reports in UN INFO, of the JWP and codes in UN INFO can be regularly reassessed to reflect
highlighting available resources for sub-outputs coded UNCT- actual expenditures during implementation.
GEM 3 and 2. Calculate the total available resources coded
UNCT-GEM 3 and 2 as a percentage of total available ▪ The JWP should be reviewed for coding accuracy to ensure
resources. the data is reliable. To accurately track and monitor whether
existing budget allocations support gender equality results,
The UNCT-GEM Guidance Note (2023) details how the UNCT
country teams should assess based on available resources and
can access automated reports in UN INFO.
not resources yet to be mobilized.16
Criterion (d): For the UNCT-GEM, the JWP on UN INFO
includes a ‘Gender Marker Narrative’ comment box which ▪ Refer to the UNCT GEM Guidance Note (2023) for tips and
enables UN entities to briefly explain the sub-output’s planned guidance related to the UNCT GEM coding definitions and
contribution to gender equality and women’s empowerment in examples of gender marker narratives.
line with the UNCT-GEM code 1,2 or 3. To meet this criterion,
download the Joint Work Plan from UN INFO and check that ▪ Refer to Annex 1 for country level good practice examples
the GEM marker narrative is applied to at least 80% of the sub-
outputs code with UNCT-GEM 1,2,3.

Criterion (e): The gender Theme Groups have specific note

further elaborates on the role of the GTG in quality assurance. Gender Mainstreaming: the twin-track
Score this indicator as ‘exceeds minimum requirements’ if the approach to GEWE
UNCT has fulfilled criteria (a),(b), (c), (d), (e) and exceeded the
Gender mainstreaming involves both fully integrated and
common global target of 70 percent (criterion d) based on
targeted actions for achieving gender equality results. This
current UN INFO data.
is known as the ‘twin-track’ approach. The twin-track
Resource: (UNCT GEM Guidance Note) approach for gender mainstreaming is the UN system’s
official strategy for achieving transformative change and is
also the strategy adopted in the SDGs.

For the purposes of achieving gender equality results

under Cooperation Framework Outcomes, both UNCT-
GEM 3 and UNCT-GEM 2 have equal merit as they reflect
the twin-track approach to gender mainstreaming at sub-
output level, which includes both targeted and integrated
strategies for achieving gender equality.

16 The UNCT Joint Work Plan and associated Funding Framework include separate columns for total required resources, available resources, and resources to be mobilized.

64
EXAMPLE
Score:
Indicator 6.1
Approaches
Resources Minimum
Requirements

Findings and Explanation

a) The UNCT has carried out at least one capacity building

event on the UNCT Gender Equality Marker over the
current UNSDCF cycle to ensure accuracy of coding. Met.
A training on the application of the marker was presented
by the UN Gender Theme Group, with the support of UN
Women and the RCO for the Gender Theme Group and key
members of the Results Groups. Guidance for applying the
marker was also included as part of a “Guidance Note’ for
updating joint work plans, which was disseminated to
members of the PMT and the Results Groups.

b) The UNCT has applied the UNCT GEM to all sub-outputs

in UN INFO. Met: In 2022, a review of the JWP showed
that all of the 200 sub-outputs had a gender marker code
applied.

c) The UNCT has met the common global financial target

for UNCT allocations to GEWE. Not Met. In 2022, 67% of
sub-outputs of the JWP had a significant and principal
contribution to GEWE (GEM 2 and GEM 3), which is below
the 70% target. 12% of sub-outputs had a principal
contribution to GEWE (GEM3), 55% a significant (GEM2),
31% a limited one (GEM 1) and 2% had no contribution to
GEWE (GEM 0).

d) The Gender Theme Group (or equivalent) have provided

quality assurance review of UNCT-GEM coding during the
drafting of the Joint Work Plan aligned with the GTG
Standards and Procedures. Met: In 2022, the Gender
Theme Group received the draft JWP in excel and divided
JWP sub-outputs equitably amongst GTG members,
ensuring no-one reviews sub-outputs from their own entity
checking for miscoding or overcoding.

e) The sub-outputs coded UNCT-GEM 1,2 or 3 is provided

with a ‘Gender Marker Narrative’ to justify the UNCT-GEM
code selected. Not met. In 2022, the gender marker
narrative was only applied to 40% of sub-outputs coded
with UNCT-GEM 1,2 and 3.

Evidence or Means of Verification:

Guidance Note for the Revision and Update of the Joint
Work Plans - Annex 4 on Guidance for Applying the Gender
Equality Marker System.
Powerpoint Presentation by UN Women and RCO – UNCT-
GEM Overview (2022)2021-2022 JWPs with UNCT-GEM
coding at the sub-output level.
Gender
Theme Group meeting minutes.

65
7. RESULTS
INDICATOR 7.1 | UN PROGRAMMES MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO GENDER E
QUALITY IN THE COUNTRY

Approaches Minimum Requirements Meets Minimum Requirements Exceeds Minimum Requirements

a) The UNCT has achieved or is on track b) The UNCT has achieved or is on track Meets minimum requirements
to achieve some gender equality and the to achieve all gender equality and the
and
empowerment of women results as empowerment of women results as
planned in the UNSDCF outcomes in planned in the UNSDCF outcomes in c) At least one outcome level UNSDCF
line with SDG priorities including SDG 5. line with SDG priorities including SDG 5. result has contributed to transformative
change in relation to gender equality and
the empowerment of women.

Means of Verification:
UN Country Results Reports, UNSDCF, UNCT Joint Annual Work Plan, UN INFO Results Framework monitoring data,
UNSDCF mid-term and/or final evaluation.

Resources:
UN Women Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming for Gender Equality Results (2022)
CEB common principles to guide the UN system’s support to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
(2016)

66
 If the UNCT can demonstrate that it has achieved or is on track
STEPS TO SCORE THIS INDICATOR to achieving some of the planned outcome level GEWE
results, then the score should be ‘approaching minimum
1. REVIEW requirements’ (criterion a). If there is no progress toward
Review UNSDCF outcomes and results framework to ascertain GEWE results, the score should be ‘missing minimum
intended gender results including both gender-targeted and requirements’.
gender-mainstreamed targets drawing on findings from
Performance Indicators 1.2 UNSDCF Outcomes and 1.3 UNSDCF In exceptional cases, UNCTs may need to assess indicator 7.1
Indicators. during the first year of UNSDCF implementation before the
2. ASSESS first Country Results Report has been completed. In these
Assess the extent to which progress has been made to achieve cases, UNCTs may look to evaluation evidence from the
gender results drawing on Country Results Reports and UN previous UNSDCF. If uncertain, contact the Helpdesk for
INFO Results Framework monitoring data as assessed in advice.
Performance Indicator 2.3 UNSDCF MEL.
3. ANALYZE To exceed minimum requirements UNCTs must demonstrate
Analyze findings to assess whether any results qualify as that in addition to meeting requirements, at least one
transformative. UNSDCF outcome level result has resulted in transformative
4. SCORE AND REPORT change related to GEWE.
Score the indicator on the basis of the findings and fill in the
results template. See sample below. What constitutes a transformative result is dependent on
country context. The SDG Outcome Document 17 defines
transformative results as, “A world in which every woman and
HOW TO MEET REQUIREMENTS
girl enjoys full gender equality and all legal, social and
economic barriers to their empowerment have been removed.”
The ultimate test of UNCT performance is results on the
ground. UNCTs should be able to provide evidence to
demonstrate progress on GEWE in support of national The Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming for Gender Equality
governments and the SDGs, including SDG 5. Results (2022:42) explains that gender transformative results
promote changes in sociocultural norms, values, attitudes and
Criterion (b): To meet requirements UNCTs should demonstrate practices as well as formal and informal power structures and
that it has achieved or is on track to achieve all GEWE results processes.
–mainstreamed and targeted – as set out in the UNSDCF
Results Framework. UNSDCF MEL processes will necessarily The CEB includes tackling root causes as central to implementing
track the extent to which results are achieved, so tracking the SDGs: “Preventing and resolving crises, addressing root
gender-related results will make up one part of overall causes, managing risk, building resilience and sustaining peace
UNSDCF results tracking. are shared objectives of the entire UN system.”18

As the UNSDCF has a multi-year cycle, planned GEWE results To meet criterion (c) UNCTs need to demonstrate that they have
at the outcome level will often not be achieved for several contributed to gender transformative change in at least one
years. Depending on when the UNCT-SWAP Scorecard outcome level result.
exercise is carried out the assessment may only be able to
report on progress towards the outcome; hence the indicator is
phrased as either ‘on-track’ or ‘achieved’.

For example, if the outcome is to support development of

gender-sensitive national legislation, the first year may involve
planning with national counterparts concerning the legislation.
If the planning is progressing as intended, the UNCT is on
track to achieving the result.

17 Transformingour World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, A/ RES/70/1, para 8. Agenda for Sustainable Development. April 2016
18 CEB common principles to guide the UN system’s support to the implementation of the 2030

67
EXAMPLE

Indicator 7.1
Score: Approaches Minimum Requirements
Results

Findings and Explanation GEWE results achieved in the first year of UNSDCF
implementation are reflected in the 2018-2019 Joint UN
a) The UNCT has achieved or is on track to achieve some
Biannual Workplans progress reporting matrixes for 2018.
gender equality and the empowerment of women
Results are also evident when progress at the level of outcome
results as planned in the UNSDCF outcomes in line
indicators is analyzed.
with SDG priorities including SDG 5. Met. Results
from the first year of UNSDCF implementation show . Available data shows progress against the baseline for five
that the UNCT is on track to achieve the established gender-sensitive outcome indicators: 1) trust in public
gender equality and empowerment targets as governance institutions among women; 2) proportion of women
prioritized under three of the 2018-22 UNSDCF in elected or appointed positions; 3) overall employment rate
thematic areas. among women; 4) proportion of young women in employment,
• Outcome 1: Governance, Human Rights and Gender education or training; 5) adolescent birth rate. Although the
Equality, Outputs 1, 2 and 3 - capacity development overall employment rate among women increased, the
among national institutions to advance gender equality employment rate among women in urban areas decreased
as well as capacity and skills development among slightly. Data for one outcome indicator on gender pay gap
women to claim their rights in democratic governance. shows poorer performance in comparison to the baseline.
Aligned SDG Goals 5.1, 5.5, 5.C Tracking over the next years will reveal if the decrease is
• Outcome 2: Sustainable and Equitable Economic indicative of a negative trend or is a single occurrence
Growth, Outputs 1 and 2 -women’s economic
Given the overall positive progress registered toward GEWE in
empowerment through knowledge and skills
2018, the UNCT remains on track to making important
development support to public institutions, civil
contributions to the established targets. However, special
society and businesses to design and implement
attention needs to be given to potential areas of vulnerability
gender-sensitive policies in the field of economic
revealed by the initial negative figures for the gender pay gap
development. Aligned SDG Goals 5.1, 5.5, 5.A, 5.C
and the employment rate among women in urban areas.
• Outcome 4: Inclusive Social Development, Outputs 2
and 5 - access to quality education, health and social c) At least one outcome level UNSDCF result has contributed
services among women and the protection of women to transformative change in relation to gender equality and
from violence. Aligned SDG Goals 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 the empowerment of women. Not met. Although the
results achieved thus far make a considerable contribution
Progress is notable in the field of policy development. In
to gender equality and empowerment, none of them can be
2018, two important documents that will help foster GEWE
qualified as transformative under the ‘Handbook on Gender
were approved: National Strategy on Prevention and
Mainstreaming’ definition.
Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic
Violence 2018-2023 and the National Implementation Evidence or Means of Verification
Programme of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on 2018-2022 UNSDCF
Women, Peace and Security for 2018-2021 and its Action
Plan. Other results include central public authorities that Agency Inputs for the 2018 Annual Country Results Report
are better prepared to mainstream gender equality within under the 2018-2022 UNSDCF
public policies, a civil society that has increased knowledge 2018-2019 Joint UN Annual Workplans Progress Reporting
and understanding of how to analyze government budget
UNINFO data tracking
priorities and processes from a gender equality perspective,
more accessible referral and assistance services for victims
of gender-based violence through the establishment of
additional service locations, and improved skills among
women to participate effectively in political and public
decision-making processes.

68
Annexes

ANNEX 69
ANNEX 1
VIRTUAL TOOLKIT FOR THE UNCT-SWAP
Further resources are organized under the 15 tabs by UNCT-
GENDER EQUALITY SCORECARD ASSESSMENT
SWAP Performance Indicator, each of which includes models
AND ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION of good practice, checklists, guidelines and other materials to
assist UNCTs to take concrete steps toward meeting

The Virtual Toolkit for UNCT-SWAP Scorecard Assessment

and Action Plan Implementation was created by UN Women
Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and offers resources
for any UNCT in the world to support inter-agency collective
action and coordination to advance gender equality and the
empowerment of women throughout the UNSDCF cycle in
line with the minimum standards established by the UNSDG
in the UNCT-SWAP Scorecard.

The Toolkit offers a resource for UNCTs to support inter-agency

collective action and coordination to advance gender equality and
the empowerment of women throughout the UNSDCF cycle in
line with the minimum standards established by the UNSDG in the
UNCT-SWAP Scorecard.

The Toolkit offers a compilation of resources and materials to

support UNCTs to undertake comprehensive assessments as
well as to advance progress against the UNCT-SWAP 15
Performance Indicators.
Resources under the ‘UNCT-SWAP Comprehensive
Assessment’ tab include templates, presentations and country
level good practice models to help guide UNCTs to undertake
comprehensive UNCT-SWAP Scorecard assessments once
per Cooperation Framework cycle, followed by annual minimum requirements for each Performance Indicator.

The materials included in the Toolkit can be selected as

needed from within each tab and may be used independently
of each other. The Toolkit may also be used on an ad-hoc
basis by anyone within the UN system working to strengthen
coordinated action for Gender Equality and Women’s
Empowerment. New resources and materials will be included
in the Toolkit as they become available.

progress updates.

Users are also able to download electronic versions of the UNCT-

SWAP Scorecard Action Plan template and the UNCT-SWAP
Performance Indicator Reporting template.

ANNEX 70
 the whiteboard which offers direct access to all the
ANNEX 2 documents/tools for each specific phase.
HOW-TO-DO TOOLKIT FOR THE UNCT-SWAP
2. Toolbox: This is situated below the Framework, and
GENDER EQUALITY SCORECARD includes all the documents, tools and templates
mentioned in the Framework for each phase. They can all
INTRODUCTION be visualized directly on the board, or downloaded from it
(links to word documents, excel or PPTs).
The HOW-TO-DO TOOLKIT for the UNCT-SWAP GENDER
EQUALITY SCORECARD was developed by UN Women Regional 3. Dashboard: This is a repository for the WCA region's
Office for West and Central Africa to support the rolling out of the Gender Scorecards. Comprehensive reports and/or
UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard in the West and Central summary tables for the performance of the indicators in
Africa (WCA) region, but can be utilized by any UNCT globally. each country can be uploaded here by year of
implementation; and simple graphs showing the
The toolkit provides a step-by-step guidance on how to undertake
performance of the indicators by year and country can
the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard with concrete
later be added to the table.
documents, tools and templates identified as key to support the
understanding and implementation of the process in each of its 4. Indicators scoring: This section provides a
stages. They are practical resources made available to UNCTs, and
graphic presentation for the scoring criteria of each
which translate and substantiate each step in a set of easy-to-
indicator. It can be used at UNCT level as a virtual space
follow tasks for each activity.
to work jointly on indicators during the analysis phase: to
facilitate comprehension and a shared understanding of
The toolkit is designed as a capacity building tool for all UN
personnel contributing to the implementation of the Gender the work on each indicator; to upload means of
Scorecard and ensures a common approach to the Scorecard. verification for each indicator (instead of a shared folder);
to upload the scoring and action points for each indicator;
All materials included in the toolkit are available in two versions: to keep track of indicators’ performance year by year.
French and English.
HOW-TO-DO Toolkit List of Content:
The HOW-TO-DO Toolkit is an open toolkit therefore any feedback,
integration and additions are welcome and can be sent to the WCA 1. Preparatory phase
Regional Office, directly to the Regional Coordination and Strategic 1.1. Starter kit
Planning Unit. 1.1.1. Guidance
1.1.2. Scorecard ToR
The HOW-TO-DO Toolkit is complementary to the Toolkit for 1.1.3. Proposed Roadmap
PPT for the Briefing Meeting
UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard Assessment and Action
PPT for the presentation to the GTG
Plan Implementation (refer to Annex 1). 1.2. Launching the exercise
1.2.1. Consultant ToR
1.2.2. RCO mail for IAT set up
1.2.3. IAT member profiles work group
composition_MoV
HOW TO USE THE TOOLKIT? 1.2.4. Briefing meeting objectives & draft
agenda
The HOW-TO-DO Toolkit of the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality PPT for the IAT briefing meeting
Scorecard is accessible through the MIRO virtual dashboard and all 1.3. Organisational culture survey
documents are downloadable in the below list of content. a. Checklist preparatory phase
b. Essential glossary

CLICK HERE TO NAVIGATE THE 2. Analysis Phase

2.1. Reporting template
TOOLKIT 2.2. Action Plan template
(English and French versions) 2.3. Gender Parity Table
2.4. Indicators summary table
2.5. Indicators criteria overview table
2.6. Indicators criteria action points
2.7. PPT First work session with the workgroups
The Toolkit on MIRO board has been structured in four sections: 2.8. Feedback workshop objectives

1. Framework: This visualises each identified phase of the 3. Finalisation Phase

3.1. Final report proposed outline
Gender Scorecard with indicative timelines. For each 3.2. Indicators performance summary table
phase, the framework identifies the key steps and
milestones in their logical sequence and defines the role
of all contributors (consultant, coordinator, RCO, etc). It is
also visually linked to the toolbox appearing right below in

ANNEX 71
ANNEX 3
• To stimulate a constructive dialogue within the UNCT about
SAMPLE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONSULTANT the current status of support for gender equality and
TO FACILITATE UNCT-SWAP GENDER EQUALITY women’s empowerment, and how it can be improved.
SCORECARD
• To identify where technical assistance can support the
Post title: Consultant to support the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality achievement of minimum requirements.
Scorecard (indicate if the consultancy is international or national)
Country / Duty Station: • To share good practice in supporting national priorities to
Starting date of assignment: advance gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Duration of assignment: 15 working days (estimated, modify as
relevant) RESPONSIBILITIES/SCOPE OF WORK AND DELIVERABLES
Supervisor’s name and functional post:
The UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard methodology has
BACKGROUND been designed for in-country self-assessment as a means of
fostering deeper understanding and ownership of results. The
The UNCT System-wide Action Plan (SWAP) Gender Equality consultant will facilitate the exercise and apply participatory
Scorecard (UNCT-SWAP) has been developed as an accountability methods, promoting the leadership in and ownership of the
framework for assessing the effectiveness of gender process by the assessment team from the beginning of exercise.
mainstreaming by UN Country Teams. It supports the
implementation of the gender-responsive Cooperation Framework To guide and support the Inter-Agency Assessment Team (IAT),
and ensures better accountability of UNCT towards gender the consultant will conduct the following activities within the
equality and women’s empowerment, in line with UN corporative
stipulated timeframes:
policy.

The UNCT-SWAP assesses the status of gender equality Background document review (home-based, x working days):
mainstreaming across 7 dimensions and 15 indicators and identifies (Include relevant background documents here. Examples
the gaps in order to develop corrective actions. Two distinct groups include):
at the UNCT support the UNCT SWAP— the Gender Thematic
Groups (GTG) and an Inter-Agency Team (IAT). The latter is • UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard Technical Guidance
composed of representatives of GTGs, other Regional Groups, the and Framework
Resident Coordinators Office (RCO), OMT, and M&E groups. These •
two groups are responsible for completing the UNCT-SWAP • UNCT-SWAP global/regional trends and reports for the
process under the leadership of the Resident Coordination and countries in the regions and from other countries
Heads of Agencies, in a collaborative and timely manner, with the •
support of the consultant.
• Current endorsed CCA and UNSDCF or equivalent
• Most recent UNSDG United Nations Sustainable Development
The UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard Consultant will be
Cooperation Framework Guidance
responsible for facilitating the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality
Scorecard exercise and application of participatory methods to
ensure the assessment team is set up from the beginning of the • UNCT planning, budgeting, programming documents, meeting
exercise, leads and owns the process. Under the overall guidance minutes, communications documentation
of the GTG co-chairs, and support of UN Women Regional and
Country Offices in close collaboration with the IAT and UN • UN GTG Meeting Minutes, ToR, work plan and Annual Reports
Women staff. The consultant will follow the UNCT-SWAP
Technical Guidance. • CEDAW Reports, national Gender Plans and legislation, etc.

(update/insert information about country team, Cooperation Assistance and support for the IAT with the in-country
Framework process, etc) assessment: (x working days)

MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT • Support the collection of complementary data and
evidence to rate indicators.
The main objective of this consultancy is to facilitate the
UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard and assess the • Conduct gender analysis of verification documents
effectiveness of the UN Country Team in gender mainstreaming, required to help the IAT rate areas of performance.
promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment as • Facilitate working sessions with and provide technical
well as to provide a set of actions for improvements. Purpose support to key stakeholders such as the Resident
of the exercise: Coordinator; Heads of Agencies; key programme staff;
MEL/comms/operations teams, GTG, partners, etc. to
discuss and score areas of performance.
• To assist UNCTs in identifying areas in which they are
meeting or not meeting UNSDG minimum requirements on
• Complete the rating matrix based on IAT discussions and
gender mainstreaming practices and performance.

ANNEX 72
 agreements.
Functional Competencies:
• Facilitate a debrief with the UNCT HOAs to discuss
findings and proposed actions. • Strong commitment to and good understanding of
gender equality and women’s empowerment issues;
Reporting (x working days):
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Draft UNCT-SWAP narrative report, with inputs from
IAT. • Strong organizational skills and strong self-direction;

• Prepare Action Plan based on agreed follow-up • Strong research and communication skills;
action points identified through the assessment.
• Ability to prioritize and work under pressure with
• Complete the final draft of the UNCT-SWAP colleagues at all levels;
narrative report and Action Plan based on feedback,
including from the UNCT HOAs. • Knowledge of gender mainstreaming and desired
knowledge of the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Scorecard;

Consultant performance will be evaluated against such criteria • Development and Innovation: Take charge of self-
as: timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, development and take initiative;
and quality of the products delivered.
• Work in teams: Demonstrate ability to work in a
multicultural, multiethnic environment and to maintain
DUTY STATION AND TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
effective working relations with people of different
national and cultural backgrounds;
The consultant is expected to work [home based/in-
person] and conduct a minimum of X days in-person
• Communicating and Information Sharing: Facilitate and
meetings with UN agencies, partners and stakeholders as encourage open communication and strive for effective
per the agreed work-plan. communication;

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS • Self-management and Emotional Intelligence: Stay com-

posed and positive even in difficult moments, handle tense
Core Values: situations with diplomacy and tact, and have a consistent
• Respect for Diversity: Demonstrate cultural sensitivity behavior towards others;
and valuing diversity, appreciating difference in values
and learning from cultural diversity; • Conflict management: Surface conflicts and address them
proactively acknowledging different feelings and views and
• Integrity: Demonstrate consistency in upholding and directing energy towards a mutually acceptable solution;
promoting the values of the United Nations in actions
and decisions, in line with the UN Code of Conduct; • Continuous Learning and Knowledge sharing: Encourage
learning and sharing of knowledge.
• Professionalism: Demonstrate professional competence
and expert knowledge of the pertinent substantive areas Required qualifications and experience:
of work, including strong technical expertise in gender
issues. Education:
Core Competencies:
• A master’s degree in social sciences, Gender Studies,
Anthropology, Management, Public Policy, or related
• Awareness and sensitivity regarding gender issues;
social sciences. PhD is an asset.
• Accountability;
Experience:
• Creative problem solving;
• At least 5 years of professional experience working in one
• Effective communication; or more of the following areas: UN GEWE coordination
(GTG, UNCT SWAP, GEWE joint programs), gender
• Inclusive collaboration; equality and women’s empowerment programmes.
• Experience in gender research and data collection and
• Stakeholder engagement; analysis, including interviews, survey and focus groups is
an asset.
• Leading by example. • Previous experience with Gender Equality Scorecards,

ANNEX 73
 Gender Equality Markers, CCA and CF narrative report
and follow-up matrix is an asset.
• Excellent knowledge of gender responsive planning and
Results Based Management.
• Experience in the development and delivery of training
programmes, toolkits, evaluation and monitoring matrices.
• Knowledge on women’s human rights instruments
(international and national).

Language and other skills:

• Fluency in written and oral English is required, working level

of (add relevant language) is an asset;

• Good command of MS Office and data visualization tools is

an asset.

ANNEX 74
ANNEX 4
LETTER TO PERSONNEL FOR ORGANIZATIONAL
CULTURE SURVEY

Sample email from RC to HOAs to request personnel to complete

the survey:

Dear Heads of Agencies,

As you know, our UNCT is conducting a self-assessment using the

UNCT SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard to assess the status
gender mainstreaming within our country team. As part of the
methodology, the UNCT is requested to run a short staff survey
on gender and organizational culture. The survey takes just five
minutes to complete online and will give us useful insights with
regards to UN Staff perceptions of gender issues within the
working environment. All responses are anonymous.

I would appreciate if you could circulate this to your respective

personnel with a request to complete the multiple-choice
questionnaire byDayxxMonthto keep within the timeframe of the
assessment. The survey link is as follows:

Insert link provided by Helpdesk

Thank you in advance for your support and warm regards,

Sample email from RC to all UN Staff members to request to

complete the survey:

Dear UN colleagues,

The UNCT is conducting a guided self-assessment using the UNCT

SWAP-Gender Scorecard to assess the status gender mainstreaming
within our country team. As part of the methodology, it is requested
to run a brief staff survey on gender and organizational culture.

The survey takes just five minutes to complete online and will give us
useful insights with regards to UN Staff perceptions of gender issues
within the working environment. All responses are anonymous.

Kindly complete the multiple-choice questionnaire by Day xx Month

to keep within the timeframe of the assessment. The survey link is as
follows:

Insert link provided by Helpdesk

Thank you in advance for your support and warm regards,

ANNEX 75
 2. My Head of Agency (and other Heads of Agencies in this UNCT
ANNEX 5 if known) demonstrate commitment to gender equality in the
ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE SURVEY workplace.

Background Information □ Strongly agree

□ Agree
This short survey on gender and organizational culture is a part of a □ Neutral
larger “UNCT SWAP Scorecard’ country-level assessment that is □ Disagree
being undertaken in your country. Endorsed by the UNDG in 2008 □ Strongly disagree
in response to the CEB policy on gender equality and the
empowerment of women (CEB/2006/2), the assessment looks at 3. UN personnel in this country demonstrate commitment to
the effectiveness of gender mainstreaming by UN Country Teams. gender equality in theworkplace.

□ Strongly agree
This 10-question survey is being sent to all UN staff members in
□ Agree
the country. It should take approximately 5 minutes of your time □ Neutral
to complete. The results will help inform country-level action □ Disagree
planning. □ Strongly disagree

Kindly answer to the best of your knowledge and experience. 4. The UN system in this country adequately facilitates the
There are no wrong answers, and all answers are anonymous. equal participationof bothwomenandmenat alllevels of the
organization.
Thank you in advance for your participation. Should you have
any questions, please feel free to contact the UNCT-SWAP □ Strongly agree
Gender Equality Scorecard Helpdesk at □ Agree
□ Neutral
[email protected].
□ Disagree
□ Strongly disagree
Demographic Information
5. UN personnel in this country team are treated equally
1. Select your gender*:
irrespective of sex, gender identity or sexual orientation.
□ Female
□ Strongly agree
□ Male
□ Agree
□ Other
□ Neutral
□ Disagree
2. Select below*:
□ Strongly disagree
□ National personnel
6. The UN system in this country has adequate procedures in
□ International personnel
place to prevent and address sexual harassment, exploitation
and abuse of authority.
3. Select below*:
□ Strongly agree
□ My job includes personnel supervisory functions □ Agree
□ My job does not include personnel supervisory functions □ Neutral
□ Disagree
Survey
□ Strongly disagree
1. The UN system in this country makes adequate efforts to fulfill its
7. The UN system in this country has adequate procedures in
mandate to achieve an equal representation of women and men at
place to protect my personal safety and security.
all levels.
□ Strongly agree
□ Strongly agree □ Agree
□ Agree □ Neutral
□ Neutral □ Disagree
□ Disagree □ Strongly disagree
□ Strongly disagree
8. The package of entitlements (e.g., maternity, paternity,
breastfeeding) support staff to achieve adequate work-life
balance.

ANNEX 76
 □ Strongly agree
□ Agree
□ Neutral
□ Disagree
□ Strongly disagree

9. The package of flexible work arrangements (e.g., telecom-

muting, staggered hours, compressed work schedule) support
staff to achieve adequate work-life balance.

□ Strongly agree
□ Agree
□ Neutral
□ Disagree
□ Strongly disagree

10. My Head of Agency (and other Heads of Agencies in this

UNCT if known) are supportive of staff to establish an
adequate relationship between work life and home life.

□ Strongly agree
□ Agree
□ Neutral
□ Disagree
□ Strongly disagree

Example of additional questions that can be added to the survey

upon request:

11. My Head of Agency or senior manager has spoken

positively about and/or promoted flexible working
arrangements in the past 12 months.

❑ Yes
❑ No

12. I have taken advantage of flexible working

arrangements in the past 12 months.

❑ Yes
❑ No

13. I have experienced or witnesses sexual harassment in

the workplace in the past 12 months.

❑ Yes
❑ No

14. If yes, I reported the sexual harassment within my

agency’s established reporting mechanism.

❑ Yes
❑ No

ANNEX 77
 ❑ Once your account has been created and you sign in, you
will be asked for:
ANNEX 6
❑ Your Framework Name (e.g., UNCT-SWAP GE
INTRODUCTION TO UNCT-SWAP PLATFORM: Scorecard: Comprehensive Reporting).
NEW USER SIGN-UP AND INTRODUCTION TO ❑ Your UN Country Team name.
REPORTING
❑ A notification will be sent to The Helpdesk within 1-2
business days (you shall receive a copy). You will receive a
secondary email indicating that your access has been
Before signing up, contact the UNCT-SWAP Helpdesk, at granted. You can then begin the reporting process online!
[email protected], to provide the name(s)
of the Focal Points for the reporting platform for your UNCT. The
Helpdesk will thereafter update the contact list.

❑ If you have selected to submit a Comprehensive Report,

PART I: New User Sign-up you will be prompted to select the Comprehensive
Reporting
Step 1: Create an Account tab.

❑ Go to https://unswap.unwomen.org/

❑ Focal Points reporting for the first time, whether you are a
UN Women staff or not, click on the Sign up now button.

Note: Moving forward, once you have an existing

account, you can sign in using your email and
password.
❑ Please fill in all the required information.

❑ Do not forget to click on “Send verification code”.

Note: Be sure to check junk/spam mail for the code.

❑ Please fill in all the required information.

❑ Do not forget to click on Send new code, if you did not

receive the first code.

Note: Be sure to check junk/spam mail for the code.

❑ Once the verification code is sent to your email, make

sure to type it in and click on Verify code.

❑ Once all the boxes have been filled and the verification is
completed, you will be able to create your account.

Step 2: Signing in with a New Account

ANNEX 78
 ❑ If submitting an Annual Progress Report, select the Annual Progress Reporting tab.

Note: You can only gain access to a single report/framework at a time. So, if you have selected to submit a Comprehensive
report, to gain access to the Annual Report you must repeat the sign-up process.

❑ Instructions on how to use the platform and a direct link to the UNCT-SWAP Helpdesk will appear at the bottom of the page.

PART II: Introduction to Reporting

Reports should be uploaded in final draft format before they are endorsed by the UNCT. Reports are finalized in the platform after being
quality assured.

Getting to Know the Dashboard

❑ The dashboard on the left-hand side contains some helpful tabs.

❑ Country Report is where you will start editing your country data.

❑ Knowledge Hub is a resource-sharing tool for supporting documents uploaded by focal points during
reporting. Documents shared in the Knowledge Hub are available to focal points from other Country Teams. While
uploading supporting documents, please unselect “share to knowledge hub” in order to keep them private.

❑ The Resources tab contains helpful documents on the technical notes and other UNCT-SWAP-related issues.

❑ The Annual Report Cards tab will contain your Country Team’s Annual Letter.

❑ Following the reporting cycle, the Data Analysis Reports tab will showcase specific progress.

ANNEX 79
1: Key steps – Performance Indicator (PI) Reporting

❑ Once you select the tab for either comprehensive or annual reporting, you will see your Country Team report template appear.
❑ For Comprehensive Reporting, all 15 Performance Indicator (PIs) must be assessed and ratings with justifications entered into
the platform.
❑ For Annual Progress Reporting, at least five PIs must be reassessed, with a new rating and justifications for each of the
indicators’ criteria. Please note the platform does not allow for general updates to PIs. The indicator must be comprehensively
reassessed or data from the last report carried forward.
❑ Click on edit (pencil icon) to open the report and begin to enter your report. (If you are not seeing the pencil icon, scroll to the
bottom of the page and move the crossbar to the right of your screen.)
o You will be automatically directed to page with the first performance indicator.

❑ The next question will ask you if you reassessed the PI (click “no” if you did not). Once you select no, the page will be locked,
preventing any form of editing.

❑ If this is your first Annual Progress Report, for PIs not reassessed, please select “Previous Comprehensive Data” from the pop-
up screen on the top tight hand corner of your screen.

Please DO NOT select “yes” for indicators not being reassessed in order to edit the narrative in a report. Ratings and narratives can only
be updated when a PI has been reassessed.

❑ If this is your second or more Annual Progress Report, please select “Previous Annual Data”, since you would have carried
forward the data from the comprehensive report already.

❑ As you fill in the report, remember to:

❑ List key evidence that supports the ratings and justifications, stating clearly for each criterion whether it has been ‘met’
or ‘not met’ as per the examples in the technical guidance.

❑ Upload key evidence (uploaded documents will immediately be available on the Knowledge Hub unless you deselect
the checkbox under “Share with the Hub”). The platform allows for 5 key evidence documents at maximum. You are
not required to upload every piece of evidence, however, if you believe there is value in doing so, kindly visit the
Knowledge Hub to the left of your screen and proceed to upload additional evidence per indicator.

ANNEX 80
 ❑ “Save as Draft” at the bottom of each page before moving to the next PI. (Please ensure you have a word version of the
report, in the event that the page time-out e.g., Error 504 Gateway Time-out, unsaved data will be lost.)

How to select minimum requirements met

❑ Each PI rating has minimum requirements that must be met as per guidance note. For example:
PI 1.1 if you “Exceed minimum requirements”, under the dropdown menu you would select:
❑ Gender analysis across at least 80 percent of sections including underlying causes of gender inequality and
discrimination in line with SDG priorities including SDG 5;
❑ Consistent sex-disaggregated and gender sensitive data; and
❑ Targeted gender analysis of those furthest behind.
However, if “Approaches minimum requirement” you would select:
❑ Gender analysis across at least 50 percent of sections including underlying causes of gender inequality and
discrimination in line with SDG priorities including SDG 5; and
❑ Some sex-disaggregated and gender sensitive data.

❑ Each PI has specific requirements for:

❑ Approaches minimum requirements
❑ Meets minimum requirements
❑ Exceeds minimum requirements

Please check the guidance to ensure the correct requirements are selected.

Specific prompts included in the online UNCT-SWAP reporting system

In order to support trend analysis and verification of findings, the UNCT-SWAP platform incorporates the following specific prompts:

1) Performance Indicator 1.1: Common country analysis integrates gender analysis.

If you met requirements for criterion c), provide a list of

marginalised or vulnerable groups included in the targeted gender
analysis of those furthest behind

Criterion c = CCA or equivalent meets minimum requirements and includes c) Targeted gender analysis of those furthest
behind.

ANNEX 81
 2) Performance Indicator 1.2: Gender equality mainstreamed in UNSDCF outcomes

If you met the requirement for criterion b), please identify the
gender targeted Cooperation Framework outcome statement(s)

Criterion b = One UNSDCF outcome specifically targets gender equality in line with UNSDCF Theory of Change and SDG priorities
including SDG 5.

3) Performance Indicator 2.1: Joint programs contribute to reducing gender inequalities

If you met requirements for criterion b), list the title of the
relevant Joint Program

Criterion b = A JP on promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women is operational over current UNSDCF period in line
with SDG priorities including SDG 5.

2: Key steps – Process and Action Plan

❑ Once you have completed the entries for the Performance Indicators, click on the process and action plan tab and fill out the
required fields:
o Describe the process through which the assessment was conducted;
o List the coordinators and entities that participated on the Interagency Assessment Team (IAT).
❑ Action Plan – comprehensive report: List the action points from your Action Plan in the fields alongside the primary targeted
Performance Indicator.
❑ Action Plan – annual progress report: Enter any agreed adjustments and additions to the action points. Provide a brief report-
back on activities undertaking in the reporting year, vis-à-vis the action points.
❑ Upload your Action Plan (If you have revised your Action Plan as part of annual progress reporting, upload the revised version).
❑ Upload your final draft UNCT-SWAP Report.
❑ You may enter any additional comments, including on country context, in the final field.

3: Submitting your Report

❑ Green checkmarks will appear next to each performance indicator once all required information for that indicator has been
saved.

❑ Performance indicators without a green checkmark indicate that one or more fields have not been completed. These missing
fields will be highlighted when you click on the Performance Indicator.

❑ The “Submit Report” will only appear once the required information for all performance indicators has been filled in. Scroll to
the end of the page to see this.

4: Quality Assurance Process

❑ Once the report is submitted, the UNCT-SWAP Helpdesk will begin the quality assurance process, to ensure accuracy of the
ratings and the inclusion of required justifications and evidence.

❑ Analysis of the report quality and revision requests are captured and shared on the platform with the UNCT’s registered focal
points.

ANNEX 82
 ❑ You and other UNCT-SWAP focal points will automatically receive a message once the Helpdesk has reviewed and provided
feedback on your report.

❑ Kindly edit the report based on the comments from the Helpdesk and resubmit within 2 – 3 business days. Please note that
based on the quality of the report, there can be several iterations so allow up to two weeks for finalization before seeking
endorsement by the UNCT.

❑ If a yellow icon is displayed on the dimension and performance indicator, please review the report to ensure all the required
section is completed.

❑ When revising the report, you may “save as draft” until completing the revision. Once you have finished making changes to an
indicator, add a comment in the box at the bottom of the page (a brief summary of how you have responded to the feedback).
To complete your feedback response, click “Submit Review” for each indicator being revised. After this point you will no longer
be able to make changes to this indicator before resubmission. After successfully completing adjustments for each indicator
that requires revision, the “Submit Report” tab becomes active. This allows you to re-submit the overall report, returning it to
the Helpdesk for further review and finalization.

❑ If all the comments are addressed successfully, the report will be finalized by the Helpdesk and a notification will be sent to the
Focal Point.

Part III: Troubleshooting

1. Unable to access the platform after signing up and user access activated

❑ If you are unable to sign in; cannot access reports; user ID issues and you have multiple attempts at signing in or logged out of
the platform for extended period, please clear your cache.

❑ How to clear the cache:

o Select Ctrl+Shift+Delete on your keyboard while in the browser
o Check “Cached images and files”
o Uncheck “Browsing history, “Cookies and other site data” and “Password and other sign-in data” if they are pre-
selected
o Select “clear data”, sign out of the platform, and close the browser, then re-open the browser.
o Please check to ensure you are signing into https://unswap.unwomen.org/ and sign in again.
o

ANNEX 83
ANNEX 7 1.2 UNSDCF Outcomes
RELEVANT SECRETARY GENERAL’S REPORTS, UN A/RES/62/208 Triennial comprehensive policy review of operational
MANDATES AND COMMITMENTS activities for development of the United Nations system calls upon the
organizations of the UNDS to further improve their institutional
1.1 CCA accountability mechanisms and to include intergovernmentally
agreed gender equality results and gender-sensitive indicators in
A/RES/62/208 Triennial comprehensive policy review of operational their strategic frameworks.
activities for development of the United Nations system calls upon the
organizations of the United Nations development system to further ECOSOC resolution 2022/18 Mainstreaming a gender into all
improve their institutional accountability mechanisms and to policies and programmes in the United Nations system (Para 7h) calls
include intergovernmentally agreed gender equality results and upon the United Nations system, … to increase the investment in
gender-sensitive indicators in their strategic frameworks. and focus on outputs and outcomes relating to gender equality and
the empowerment of all women and girls to support the
implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
A/RES/75/233 Quadrennial comprehensive policy review of including through enhanced common budgetary frameworks,
operational activities for development of the United Nations system gender-responsive planning and budgeting, common
calls upon all entities of the United Nations development system to methodologies for reporting on contributions to the mainstreaming
continue to promote gender equality and the empowerment of all of a gender perspective in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda,
women and girls by enhancing and accelerating gender joint funding mechanisms, including pooled funding, and joint
mainstreaming through the full implementation of the System-wide resource mobilization efforts.
Action Plan on Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women,
developed under the leadership of the United Nations Entity for ECOSOC resolution 2022/18 Mainstreaming a gender into all
Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women).. policies and programmes in the United Nations system (Para 9a) calls
in particular with regard to gender-responsive performance upon the United Nations system, … to ensure, where relevant, that
management and strategic planning, and to enhance the collection, corporate and country-level strategic documents, including the
availability and use of sex-disaggregated data, reporting and United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework,
resource tracking, and drawing on available gender expertise in the or equivalent planning framework in accordance with programme
system at all levels. countries’ priorities, are based on robust and systematic gender
analysis and data disaggregation, and mainstream a gender
ECOSOC resolution 2022/18. Mainstreaming a gender into all perspective, through a dedicated gender equality outcome as well
policies and programmes in the United Nations system (Para 9a) calls as the integration of gender equality and the empowerment of all
upon the United Nations system, including its agencies, funds and women across all other Sustainable Development Goal-related
programmes, within their respective mandates, to continue to work outcome areas (twin-track approach).
collaboratively to accelerate the full and effective mainstreaming of
a gender perspective in the United Nations system at the global, ECOSOC resolution 2022/18 Mainstreaming a gender into all
regional and country levels... including by ensuring, where relevant, policies and programmes in the United Nations system (Para 9b) calls
that corporate and country-level strategic documents, including the upon the United Nations system, … to support the application of a
United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, gender perspective in the preparation of organization-wide and
or equivalent planning framework in accordance with programme country-level documents, such as the strategic, programmatic and
countries’ priorities, are based on robust and systematic gender results-based frameworks and evaluations, and continuing to
analysis and data disaggregation, and mainstream a gender promote more coherent, accurate and effective monitoring and
perspective, through a dedicated gender equality outcome as well reporting on progress on gender equality, the impact of the
as the integration of gender equality and the empowerment of all promotion of gender equality and the use of common indicators on
women across all other Sustainable Development Goal-related gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.
outcome areas (twin-track approach).
1.3 UNSDCF Indicators
ECOSOC resolution 2022/18. Mainstreaming a gender into all
policies and programmes in the United Nations system (Para 9b) calls A/RES/62/208 Triennial comprehensive policy review of operational
upon the United Nations system, including its agencies, funds and activities for development of the United Nations system calls upon the
programmes, within their respective mandates, to continue to work UNDS to further improve their institutional accountability
collaboratively to accelerate the full and effective mainstreaming of mechanisms and to include gender equality results and gender-
a gender perspective in the United Nations system at the global, sensitive indicators in their strategic frameworks, as well as to
regional and country levels… including by supporting the further improve qualitative and quantitative reporting on gender
application of a gender perspective in the preparation of equality, including gender disaggregated data.
organization-wide and country-level documents, such as the
strategic, programmatic and results-based frameworks and ECOSOC Resolution 2008/34 Mainstreaming a gender perspective
evaluations, and continuing to promote more coherent, accurate into all policies and programmes in the United Nations system
and effective monitoring and reporting on progress on gender requests the United Nations system to promote a system-wide
equality, the impact of the promotion of gender equality and the common understanding of a results-based management framework
use of common indicators on gender equality and the with benchmarks and indicators for measuring progress to achieve
empowerment of all women and girls. gender equality; and to include clear gender equality results and
gender-sensitive indicators in their strategic frameworks.

ANNEX 84
A/RES/75/233 Quadrennial comprehensive policy review of work.
operational activities for development of the United Nations system
(para 12) calls upon all entities of the United Nations development ECOSOC resolution 2022/18 Mainstreaming a gender into all
system to continue to promote gender equality and the policies and programmes in the United Nations system (Para 7h) calls
empowerment of all women and girls by enhancing and upon the United Nations system… to increase the investment in
accelerating gender mainstreaming through the full implementation and focus on outputs and outcomes relating to gender equality and
of the System-wide Action Plan on Gender Equality and the the empowerment of all women and girls to support the
Empowerment of Women, developed under the leadership of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment including through enhanced common budgetary frameworks,
of Women (UN-Women) in particular with regard to gender- gender-responsive planning and budgeting, common
responsive performance management and strategic planning, and methodologies for reporting on contributions to the mainstreaming
to enhance the collection, availability and use of sex-disaggregated of a gender perspective in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda,
data, reporting and resource tracking, and drawing on available joint funding mechanisms, including pooled funding, and joint
gender expertise in the system at all levels. resource mobilization efforts.

ECOSOC resolution 2022/18 Mainstreaming a gender into all

policies and programmes in the United Nations system (Para 9g) calls 2.1 Communication and Advocacy
upon the United Nations system, including its agencies, funds and
programmes, within their respective mandates, to continue to work
collaboratively to accelerate the full and effective mainstreaming of ECOSOC Resolution 2007/33 Mainstreaming a gender into all
a gender perspective in the United Nations system at the global, policies and programmes in the United Nations system (paragraph 4a
regional and country levels…including by enhancing standards and and c) calls upon the United Nations system to share and
methodologies for the use of the United Nations system at the disseminate good practices, tools and methodologies electronically
global, regional and country levels in order to improve the and through regular meetings on gender mainstreaming, including
systematic collection, analysis, dissemination and use of accurate, through the Inter-Agency Network on Women and Gender
reliable, transparent and comparable data and statistics and, where Equality and its task forces, as well as the United Nations country
applicable and with due respect for confidentiality, open data and teams.
statistics related to achieving gender equality, disaggregated by,
inter alia, income, sex, age, race, ethnicity, migratory status, ECOSOC Resolution 2022/18, Mainstreaming a gender into all
disability, geographical location and other characteristics relevant policies and programmes in the United Nations system (Para 9j) calls
in national contexts upon the United Nations system to promote strategic advocacy
and coherent communications on gender equality issues within
ECOSOC resolution 2022/18 Mainstreaming a gender into all United Nations country teams.
policies and programmes in the United Nations system (Para 9c) calls
upon the United Nations system, including its agencies, funds and 2.3. UNSDCF M&E
programmes, within their respective mandates, to continue to work
collaboratively to accelerate the full and effective mainstreaming of A/RES/62/208 Triennial comprehensive policy review of operational
a gender perspective in the United Nations system at the global, activities for development of the United Nations system calls upon the
regional and country levels…continuing to strengthen results-based organizations of the UNDS to further improve their institutional
management and results-based budgeting to enable robust system- accountability mechanisms and to include gender equality results
wide reporting and aggregation of gender-related results, including and gender-sensitive indicators in their strategic frameworks, as
financial investments for the achievement of gender equality and well as to further improve qualitative and quantitative reporting on
the empowerment of all women and girls gender equality, including gender disaggregated data.

ECOSOC resolution 2022/18 Mainstreaming a gender into all A/RES/64/141 Follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women
policies and programmes in the United Nations system (Para 9d) calls and full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for
upon the United Nations system, including its agencies, funds and Action and the outcome of the twenty-third special session of the
programmes, within their respective mandates, to continue to work General Assembly encourages increased efforts by the UN system
collaboratively to accelerate the full and effective mainstreaming of to enhance accountability for the implementation of commitments
a gender perspective in the United Nations system at the global, to GEEW, including by improved monitoring and reporting on
regional and country levels…fully implementing the System-wide progress in relation to policies, strategies, resource allocations and
Action Plan 2.0 (UN-SWAP 2.0) and enhancing the consistency and programmes.
accuracy of reporting in order to achieve full annual reporting on
results by the entire United Nations system, and continuing to A/RES/75/233 Quadrennial comprehensive policy review of
promote the institutionalization of transparency and robust operational activities for development of the United Nations system
accountability systems. calls upon all entities of the United Nations development system to
continue to promote gender equality and the empowerment of all
2.1 Joint Programmes women and girls by enhancing and accelerating gender
mainstreaming through the full implementation of the System-
ECOSOC Resolution 2011/6 Mainstreaming a gender perspective wide Action Plan on Gender Equality and the Empowerment of
into all policies and programmes in the United Nations system Women, developed under the leadership of the United Nations
requests the United Nations system to continue working Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-
collaboratively to enhance gender mainstreaming, including by Women), as well as the United Nations country team performance
improving the application of a gender perspective in programming

ANNEX 85
indicators for gender equality and the empowerment of women
(the UNCT SWAP “scorecard”). CEB 2006/2 System-wide policy on gender equality and the
empowerment of women notes that members of the CEB “commit
ECOSOC Resolution 67/226 Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy ourselves to providing strong leadership within our organizations to
Review notes the development of the norms and standards for ensure that a gender perspective is reflected in all our
evaluation by the United Nations Evaluation Group as a organizational practices, policies and programs.
professional network, and encourages the use of these norms and
standards in the evaluation functions of United Nations funds, A/RES/59/184 General Assembly Resolution 2005 - Globalization
programmes and specialized agencies, as well as in system-wide and its impact on the full enjoyment of all human rights requests the
evaluations of operational activities for development. It encourages Secretary General and the executive heads of UN organizations to
the United Nations development system to institute greater ensure that recruitment strategies, promotion and retention
accountability for gender equality in evaluations conducted by policies, career development, justice, sexual harassment policies,
country teams by including gender perspectives in such work/family policies, management culture and mechanisms for
evaluations. managerial accountability accelerate the goal of 50/50 gender
distribution.
ECOSOC resolution 2022 in the United Nations system (Para 9b)
calls upon the United Nations system, … to support the application ECOSOC resolution 2022/18 Mainstreaming a gender into all
of a gender perspective in the preparation of organization-wide policies and programmes in the United Nations system (Para 7p) calls
and country-level documents, such as the strategic, programmatic upon the United Nations system, … to ensure that managers
and results-based frameworks and evaluations, and continuing to provide strong leadership and support to promote and advance
promote more coherent, accurate and effective monitoring and gender mainstreaming, and leveraging the leadership and
reporting on progress on gender equality, the impact of the convening role of resident coordinators, in accordance with the
promotion of gender equality and the use of common indicators on provisions of General Assembly resolution 75/233, to address
gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as an
integral part of the work of United Nations country teams,
including through common country programming processes, joint
3.1 Government Partnerships initiatives, collective advocacy and strengthening of the
coordination of gender-responsive operational activities across
ECOSOC Resolution 2022/18 Mainstreaming a gender perspective sectors.
into all policies and programmes in the United Nations system
reaffirms the central role and the importance of the active and full
participation of national Governments in the preparation,
4.2 Organizational Culture
implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the UNSDCF “in
order to enhance national ownership and achieve full alignment of A/RES/72/220 Report of the Secretary-General on the Improvement
operational activities with national priorities, challenges, planning in the Status of Women in the United Nations System recommends
executive heads of entities should place special emphasis on the
and programming” and call upon the UN system to (para 9)
promulgation and implementation of work-life policies and
“continue to work collaboratively to accelerate the full and
practices to support flexibility in the workplace, mitigate bias in
effective mainstreaming of a gender perspective in the UN at all
levels by “continuing to better align gender equality programming recruitment, strengthen response to and prevention of harassment,
with national priorities across sectors, including by supporting, discrimination and abuse of authority, and visibly demonstrate their
commitment to gender equality.
upon the request of Member States, capacity-building for
government institutions and the mainstreaming of a gender
A/RES/55/69 Improvement of the status of women in the United
perspective into legislation, policies and programes in relation to
national gender equality priorities” (para 9m). It also requests the Nations system requests the Secretary-General ...to intensify his
UN system to “continue and increase support to Member States, efforts to create, within existing resources, a gender-sensitive work
upon their request, in the implementation of the Beijing environment supportive of the needs of his staff, both women and
men, including the development of policies for flexible working
Declaration and Platform for Action and of national policies for the
time, flexible workplace arrangements and child-care and elder-
achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all
women and girls, inter alia, by providing support and capacity care needs, as well as the provision of more comprehensive
development to national machineries for gender equality and the information to prospective candidates and new recruits on
employment opportunities for spouses and the expansion of
empowerment of all women and girls and all national entities, in
gender-sensitivity training in all departments, offices and duty
accordance with their functions (para 11).
stations.
3.2 GEWE CSOs Partnerships A/RES/59/184 General Assembly Resolution 2005 - Globalization
and its impact on the full enjoyment of all human rights requests the
ECOSOC Resolution 2022/18 Mainstreaming a gender perspective Secretary General and the executive heads of UN organizations to
into all policies and programmes in the United Nations system calls ensure that recruitment strategies, promotion and retention
upon the United Nations system “to continue to include gender policies, career development, justice, sexual harassment policies,
equality networks in planning and programme implementation, as work/family policies, management culture and mechanisms for
well as continuing to build strategic partnerships with relevant managerial accountability accelerate the goal of 50/50 gender
actors, including civil society and women’s organizations, as distribution.
appropriate” (para 9n).
ECOSOC resolution 2022/18 Mainstreaming a gender into all
4.1 Leadership policies and programmes in the United Nations system (Para 12)

ANNEX 86
requests the Secretary-General and the executive heads of the posts, including, as appropriate, through the application of
organizations of the United Nations system to ensure that temporary special measures, giving paramount consideration to the
recruitment strategies, promotion and retention policies, career highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity in full
development, anti-harassment and sexual harassment policies, compliance with Article 101 of the Charter of the United Nations
human resources and succession planning, work/family policies, and keeping in mind the principle of equitable geographical
management and institutional culture and mechanisms for representation, with due regard to the representation of women
managerial accountability accelerate the achievement of gender from developing countries.
parity and, in this regard, to coordinate with the Office of the
United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services in addressing A/RES/75/233 Quadrennial comprehensive policy review of
these issues. operational activities for development of the United Nations system
(para 112) calls upon the entities of the United Nations
4.3 Gender Parity development system to continue efforts to achieve gender balance
in appointments within the United Nations system at the global,
A/RES/76/142 Follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women regional and country levels for positions that affect operational
activities for development, including appointments to Resident
and full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for
Action and the outcome of the twenty-third special session of the Coordinator and other high-level posts, with due regard to the
General Assembly (para 35) requests the Secretary-General to representation of women from programme countries, in particular
developing countries, while keeping in mind the principle of
further accelerate his efforts to achieve the goal of 50/50 gender
balance at all levels throughout the United Nations system, equitable geographic representation.
including in the field and in peacekeeping missions, with full
respect for the principle of equitable geographical distribution, in 5.1 Gender Coordination
conformity with Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the
United Nations, considering, in particular, women from the ECOSOC Agreed Conclusions 1997/2 Mainstreaming a gender
developing and the least developed countries, countries with perspective into all policies and programs in the United Nations System
economies in transition and unrepresented or largely calls on all UN entities to make full use of the expertise and
underrepresented Member States, and to ensure the support of gender units or focal points.
implementation of measures with clear targets and timelines,
including temporary special measures, as well as the strengthening ECOSOC Resolution 2004/4 Review of Economic and Social Council
of the implementation of policies and measures related to creating agreed conclusions 1997/2 on mainstreaming the gender perspective
enabling working environments, including for work -life balance, into all policies and programmes in the United Nations system
and to prevent and address all forms of discrimination, racism, requests all UN entities to enhance the effectiveness of gender
harassment, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority in the specialist/focal points and gender theme groups by establishing
workplace and sexual exploitation and abuse, so as to accelerate clear mandates and ensuring adequate training and resources; and
progress, and managerial and departmental accountability, inter by increasing the support and participation of senior staff.
alia, through leadership compacts and performance appraisal
systems, with respect to attaining gender parity within the shortest A/64/347 Report of the Secretary-General on the Improvement in the
feasible period. Status of Women in the United Nations System recommends that
Senior managers at all entities should be held accountable, in
A/RES/76/142 (para 38) calls upon the entities of the United accordance with the relevant and applicable procedures, for their
Nations system to significantly increase their efforts towards responsibility in the implementation of the prescribed measures
achieving the goal of 50/50 gender balance in all locations, through, inter alia, enhanced performance objectives; management
including at the United Nations country team level, through a compacts; appointment of focal points at appropriately high-levels,
comprehensive range of actions, inter alia, as outlined in the with terms of reference, access to management and minimal 20 per
Secretary-General’s system-wide strategy on gender parity, as well cent allocation of time to associated functions.
as the recommendations contained in the Enabling Environment
Guidelines for the United Nations System and the Field- specific A/RES/76/142 (para 39) requests the entities of the United
Enabling Environment Guidelines, to continue to collaborate with Nations, at both headquarters and non- headquarters levels, to
UN-Women and with the active support of system-wide gender continue to appoint gender focal points to provide support for the
focal points and to provide sufficient financial and human advancement of gender parity, led and coordinated by UN-
resources for organizational change and for overcoming identified Women.
impediments to progress on gender balance, including setbacks
from the COVID-19 pandemic. ECOSOC Resolution 2006/36 Mainstreaming a gender perspective
into all policies and programmes in the United Nations system (para
4d) calls upon all entities of the United Nations system, including
ECOSOC resolution 2022/18 Mainstreaming a gender into all United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, within the United
policies and programmes in the United Nations system (Para 9o) calls Nations Staff Development programme budget and other existing
upon the United Nations system to continue to achieve and, where United Nations training budgets, without prejudice to the
appropriate, strengthen efforts to achieve gender parity, including achievement of other training priorities, to create or expand
through the implementation of the Secretary - General’s system- electronic knowledge networks on gender mainstreaming to
wide strategy on gender parity, in appointments in the Professional increase effective support for and follow-up to capacity -building
and higher categories within the United Nations system at the activities; strengthen inter-agency collaboration, including through
headquarters, regional and country levels, inter alia, in the work of the Inter-Agency Network on Women and Gender
appointments of resident coordinators, humanitarian coordinators, Equality, to ensure systematic exchange of resources and tools
Special Representatives of the Secretary-General, Deputy Special across the system to promote cross-fertilization of ideas.
Representatives of the Secretary-General and other high-level

ANNEX 87
ECOSOC Resolution 2004/4 Review of Economic and Social Council promoting inter-agency mobility and facilitating a mobile and
agreed conclusions 1997/2 on mainstreaming the gender perspective flexible global workforce.
into all policies and programmes in the United Nations system (para
12) recommends that all entities of the United Nations system 6.1 Financial Resource
continue to promote cooperation, coordination, sharing of
methodologies and good practices, including through the Several ECOSOC resolutions have either called upon or requested
development of tools and effective processes for monitoring and the United Nations system, including its agencies, funds and
evaluation within the United Nations, in the implementation of programmes within their respective organizational mandates, to
agreed conclusions 1997/2, in particular through the Inter-agency continue working collaboratively to enhance gender mainstreaming
Network on Women and Gender Equality, and recommends further within the UN system, including by tracking gender-related
that all inter-agency mechanisms pay attention to gender resource allocation and expenditure, including through the
perspectives in their work. promotion of the use of gender markers.19

5.2. Gender Capacities ECOSOC Agreed Conclusions 1997/2 Mainstreaming a gender

perspective into all policies and programmes in the United Nations
A/RES/55/69 Improvement of the status of women in the United system states that clear political will and the allocation of adequate
Nations system requests the Secretary-General to intensify efforts and, if need be, additional human and financial resources for
to create a gender-sensitive work environment, including through gender mainstreaming from all available funding sources are
the expansion of gender-sensitivity training in all departments, important for the successful translation of the concept into
offices and duty stations. practice.

ECOSOC Resolution 2006/36 Mainstreaming a gender perspective ECOSOC Resolution 2022/18 Mainstreaming a gender perspective
into all policies and programmes in the United Nations system calls into all policies and programmes in the United Nations system
upon all UN entities to make specific commitments annually to (paragraph 9i) calls upon the United Nations system, … to
gender mainstreaming training, including in core competence harmonize gender marker systems to allow for comparability and
development, and to make gender training mandatory for all staff aggregation to set and meet financial targets on resources to be
and personnel. allocated for this purpose and to assess the resource deficits for
gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, also
ECOSOC Resolution 2011/6 Mainstreaming a gender perspective in the context of United Nations Sustainable Development
into all policies and programmes in the United Nations system Cooperation Framework common budgetary frameworks.
requests the United Nations system to continue working
collaboratively to enhance gender mainstreaming, including by ECOSOC Resolution 2022/18 Mainstreaming a gender perspective
improving the application of a gender perspective in programming into all policies and programmes in the United Nations system
work and enhancing a broader approach to capacity development (paragraph 7h) calls upon the United Nations system, … to increase
for all United Nations staff, and ensuring that all personnel, the investment in and focus on outputs and outcomes relating to
especially in the field, receive training and appropriate follow-up to gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls to
for accelerated gender mainstreaming including by providing support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, including through
ongoing capacity development for resident coordinators and enhanced common budgetary frameworks, gender-responsive
UNCTs. planning and budgeting, common methodologies for reporting on
contributions to the mainstreaming of a gender perspective in the
ECOSOC Resolution 2022/18 Mainstreaming a gender into all implementation of the 2030 Agenda, joint funding mechanisms,
policies and programmes in the United Nations system (paragraph 9k) including pooled funding, and joint resource mobilization efforts.
calls on the United Nations system to assess and address persistent
capacity gaps on gender mainstreaming and using existing ECOSOC Resolution 2022/18 Mainstreaming a gender perspective
resources to assist in the development and application of a range into all policies and programmes in the United Nations system (para
and combination of different measures, including unified training 9c) calls upon the United Nations system… to continue to
modules on gender mainstreaming and on results-based strengthen results-based management and results-based budgeting
management, in support of programming for gender equality. to enable robust system-wide reporting and aggregation of gender-
related results, including financial investments for the achievement
A/RES/75/233 The Quadrennial comprehensive policy review of of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.
operational activities for development of the United Nations system
(para 91) urges the United Nations development system to align its 7.1 Results
staff capacities to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development, including by building transformative A/RES/62/208 Triennial comprehensive policy review of operational
and empowered leadership, repositioning staff capacities to activities for development of the United Nations system calls upon the
respond to the cross-sectoral requirements of the 2030 Agenda, organizations of the UNDS to further improve their institutional
accountability mechanisms and to include gender equality results
and gender-sensitive indicators in their strategic frameworks, as

19ECOSOC resolutions 2011/6 para 7d, 2012/28 para 8d, 2013/16 para 10d, 2014/2 para 6f,
2015/12 para 14i, on Mainstreaming a gender perspective into all policies and programmes in the
United Nations system.

ANNEX 88
well as to further improve qualitative and quantitative reporting on
gender equality, including gender disaggregated data.

A/RES/64/141 Follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women

and full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for
Action and the outcome of the twenty-third special session of the
General Assembly encourages increased efforts by the UN system
to enhance accountability for the implementation of commitments
to GEEW, including by improved monitoring and reporting on
progress in relation to policies, strategies, resource allocations and
programmes.

ECOSOC resolution 2022/18 Mainstreaming a gender into all

policies and programmes in the United Nations system (Para 9a) calls
upon the United Nations system, including its agencies, funds and
programmes, … to support the application of a gender perspective
in the preparation of organization-wide and country-level
documents, such as the strategic, programmatic and results-based
frameworks and evaluations, and continuing to promote more
coherent, accurate and effective monitoring and reporting on
progress on gender equality, the impact of the promotion of gender
equality and the use of common indicators on gender equality and
the empowerment of all women and girls.

ECOSOC Resolution 2022/18 Mainstreaming a gender into all

policies and programmes in the United Nations system (Para 9c) calls
upon the United Nations system, to continue to strengthen results-
based management and results-based budgeting to enable robust
system-wide reporting and aggregation of gender-related results,
including financial investments for the achievement of gender
equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.

ANNEX 89
ANNEX 8
ALIGNMENT UNCT-SWAP (2023) AND UN-SWAP 2.0 (2021)

UNCT-SWAP Performance Indicators UN-SWAP Performance Indicators

PI-1 Strategic Planning Gender-related SDG Results

1.1 CCA
PI-3 Programmatic Gender-related SDG Results
PI-1 Strategic Planning Gender-related SDG Results
1.2 UNDSCF Outcomes
PI-3 Programmatic Gender-related SDG Results
1.3 UNSDCF Indicators PI-2 Reporting on gender-related SDG Results
2.1 Joint Programmes PI-3 Programmatic Gender-related SDG Results
2.2 Communication and Advocacy PI-16 Knowledge and Communication
PI-2 Reporting on gender-related SDG Results
2.3 UNSDCF MEL
PI-4 Evaluation
3.1 Government Partnerships
3.2 GEWE CSO Partnerships
4.1 Leadership PI-7 Leadership
4.2 Organizational Culture PI-13 Organizational Culture
4.3 Gender Parity PI-12 Equal Representation of Women
PI-11 Gender Architecture
5.1 Gender Coordination Mechanism
PI-17 Coherence
PI-14 Capacity Assessment
5.2 Gender Capacities
PI-15 Capacity Development
PI-9 Financial Resource Tracking
6.1 Financial Resources
PI-10 Financial Resource Allocation
7.1 Results PI-3 Programmatic Gender-related SDG Results

ANNEX 90
ANNEX 9 – SAMPLE MESSAGE FOR STAFF DATA.

Dear Colleagues,

The UNCT is embarking on a “UNCT SWAP- Scorecard” exercise

that assesses the effectiveness of gender mainstreaming
by country teams. This is not a performance assessment of
individual agency actions, but an assessment of UN overall in
relation to common programming and operations. You can find
the full set of UNCT SWAP-Scorecard Indicators attached to this
message.

One of the assessment indicators (indicator 4.3) looks at

Gender Parity for the UN system. This indicator is aligned to
system-wide commitments to gender parity. Assessing the
indicator at the country level requires consolidated staffing data
for the UN system.

I am writing to you as Gender Focal Points/the Human Resource focal point for your
Agency. I would be grateful if you would please provide the list
of staff in your agency by gender and grade as per the
attached template. This data will be consolidated with data from
other agencies to provide an overall picture.

Please also leverage the UN System-wide Dashboard on Gender Parity, and in case not reflected accurately
please contact your HQ for updating the data.

The deadline for submitting the HR data is [date, month].

Thank you in advance for your collaboration.

ANNEX 91
ANNEX 10 – GENDER PARITY TRACKING TABLE

Grade Number of Women Number of Mem % of women

D2/P7

D1/P6

P5

P4

P3

P2

P1

NOE

NOD

NOC

NOB

NOA

G7

G6

G5

G4

G3

G2

G1

Non-Staff (optional:
consultants, UNVs,
interns and all other
categories that may be
relevant for the country)

ANNEX 92
ANNEX 93