Designing a UNDP-GEF PURE Project

Preparing a Project Proposal

This page provides guidance on the key steps involved in formulating a PURE project proposal. It provides a set of questions that must be answered by project proponents in order to determine (a) whether a proposed project qualifies to receive funding through the GEF Operational Programme 6 (Promoting the Adoption of Renewable Energy by Removing Barriers and Reducing Implementation Costs); (b) required information in completing an initial project concept document to submit to UNDP for consideration (including criteria that the concept will be evaluated against); (c) subject to approval, links to continue to formerly submit a completed project initiation document for pipeline entry.

Key Steps in Formulating a PURE Project Proposal

Step 1. Define the problem and focus of the project ( More information )

• Define the focus of the project. What is the energy related problem and how can it be addressed? Does the proposed project aim to enhance the use of RETs based energy for productive (income generating) uses or for social services? Or, both and if so how?

• What barriers to RETs market development will be addressed? What measure(s) does the project include that directly promotes the RETs marked?

Step 2. Ensure the proposal satisfies criteria governing GEF OP 6 ( More information )

• The project aims at removing barriers to the successful deployment of the renewable energy elements; the project will include policy support for improved planning, establishment of standards, and sustainable financing mechanisms.

• The project builds on previous experiences and incorporates linkages with other sectors

• The project incorporates clear and effective strategies for ensuring sustainability and replicability

In addition, it is recommended that UNDP/GEF's Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) requirements are also reviewed. While details of the M&E framework are not required to be elaborated on at the early stage of project conceptualisation, proponents should be familiar with expected M&E components given the implications on the project budget.

Step 3 . Prepare a draft Project Initiation Document ( More information )

This is the very first step in screening a project. In order to assess whether a project idea(s) is (are) eligible for funding, proponents should submit a draft project initiation document (PID) to the climate change regional technical advisor at a relevant UNDP-RCU.

• Depending on the amount of funding that will be requested, prepare a draft PDF-A/Project Initiation Document or Concept (3 pages). The templates are available here.

Step 4. Contact the Climate Change Regional Technical Advisor ( More information )

• Contact the Climate Change Regional Technical Advisor at the relevant UNDP Regional Co-ordination Unit (RCU) to be advised on project design criteria, GEF procedures and other guidance relating to adaptation to climate change projects.

• Consult with the Government's GEF Operational Focal Point to ensure that the project (a) does not duplicate an existing initiative and (b) is based on the national priority needs.

At the stage of submitting the initial draft of the PID to the Climate Change Regional Technical Advisor at the relevant UNDP Regional Co-ordination Unit (RCU) at UNDP-RCU to determine eligibility for funding, it is not required that the draft project initiation document is endorsed by the government. However, the official government endorsement is necessary upon formal submission of the completed project initiation document for pipeline entry to GEF.

Step 5. Subject to approval by UNDP/RCU, complete the PDF-A/Project Initiation Document or Concept/PDF-B document and submit to UNDP/GEF (NY) for soft pipeline entry

Following the initial screening of the project concept by UNDP-RCU, and approval to proceed has been obtained, the Project Initiation Document should be completed with additional details as requested by the adaptation focal point at the RCU. The document should contain greater detail of the project design including a clear goal, objective, 3-5 outcomes/activities, draft implementation modalities and a draft monitoring and evaluation framework. Formal letters of endorsement, as per guidelines in UNDP/GEF's programming manual should be obtained.

• Subject to confirmation of eligibility for GEF OP 6 funds , complete a detailed PDF-A/Project Initiation Document or Concept/PDF-B template as per UNDP/GEF guidelines in consultation with the adaptation focal point at UNDP-RCU.

• Official government endorsement is required along with other UNDP/GEF procedures as outlined in the Programming Manual.

For additional information or further clarification, please contact Martin Krause ( martin.krause@undp.org ) at UNDP-GEF, Pretoria, South Africa.