A one-day training under the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfer (HACT) Framework was organised by the UNDP on 12 October 2023 at the Ravenala Attitude Hotel to help stakeholders better understand key elements of the HACT process such as Capacity Assessments and development, Assurance Activities and Cash Disbursements and Reporting. The workshop was attended by around 70 project implementing partners from the Government, the Civil Society, and NGOs who work with the UNDP to deliver development programs at community level. 

Since the signature of the Standard Basic Aid Agreement in 1974 for Mauritius, the UNDP has been sharing resources with the Government and other partners to support them in development programme delivery and to ensure a safe risk management system involving financial matters. This includes the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfer (HACT) Framework, which is a risk-based management approach adopted by the United Nations in 2005. The framework, which was revised in 2014, establishes common principles and process for managing cash transfers among UN agencies to government and non-government implementing partners. 

Familiarization with various UNDP’s cash transfer modalities allows partners to facilitate the implementing process and ensures timely delivery of project results. The training session covered a wide range of topics within the HACT framework including Micro-assessment practice, Funding Authorization and Certification of Expenditure (FACE) form, and risk assurance activities including spot checks, audits, and programme visits.  

During her opening statement, Ms. Fatuma Musa, Officer-in-Charge, UNDP Mauritius & Seychelles, highlighted the partnership between UNDP, the Government of Mauritius and other development partners. She also emphasized the crucial part the HACT framework plays in project implementation and how it contributes to development impact on the ground. 

During the workshop, Mrs. Sakinah Morris, Regional Specialist from the UNDP Regional Bureau of Africa, gave an overview of the HACT framework while Mr. Sameer Kudaroo, HACT Focal point in Mauritius, led the country office HACT team to deliver various presentations on the specifics of the framework. A practical session on the FACE form was also conducted for the implementing partners to be familiar with how the form should be correctly filled out under the three cash transfer scenarios. 

Positive feedback was received after the engaging and interactive session. More recurring training sessions are expected to be organised in the future, targeting additional development partners in the county.