Locations
By systematically evaluating risks based on their impact and the degree to which they can be influenced or managed, teams can make informed decisions about where to focus resources and interventions. This process is essential for a few key reasons:
The Risk Radar
We suggest prioritising the risks you have just identified using the Risk Radar. This Radar maps the risks based on ‘Impact’ and ‘Influenceability’. For simplicity we suggest classifying each risk on a ‘High-Moderate-Low’ scale.
Assess the severity of the risk’s consequences if it materializes. Does it threaten the programme’s objectives, credibility, or stakeholders significantly?
High Impact: Directly undermines the core objectives of the programme or damages UNDP’s reputation.
Moderate Impact: Affects secondary outcomes or creates manageable challenges.
Low Impact: Has minimal or localized effects on the programme.
Evaluate the extent to which UNDP can influence, mitigate, or control the risk.
High Influenceability: UNDP has significant levers to prevent or mitigate the risk (e.g., design adjustments, proactive communication).
Moderate Influenceability: UNDP can partially influence the risk by leveraging partners or modifying activities.
Low Influenceability: The risk is largely external or systemic, requiring adaptation or long-term monitoring rather than direct mitigation.
Download an empty Risk Radar template for your workshop
Managing Risk: Mitigate, Avoid or Develop Contingency Plans
Once risks have been mapped based on their impact and influenceability, it’s essential to develop strategies to mitigate, avoid, or manage these risks effectively. Through the mapping , we have identified the high-to-moderate impact risks, which we suggest focusing on for the CPD. The risk management strategies you will likely employ will depend on the influenceability of those risks. Below is a proposed template and approach to guide teams in crafting responses for each risk.
High/Moderate Impact and High/Moderate Influenceability Risks
For these risks, its important to ask, “What can UNDP do to mitigate or avoid this risk?”.
Some prompt questions could include:
- Can programme design be adjusted to eliminate the root cause of this risk?
- What specific actions or interventions can reduce the likelihood of this risk occurring?
- Are there resources or partnerships UNDP can leverage to strengthen its position?
- Are there operational safeguards (e.g., flexible programme structures) that can be built in?
High/Moderate Impact and Low Influenceability Risks
Since UNDP will not be able to exert much influence on these risks, its important to ask, “How can UNDP monitor this risk? And what contingency plans can be developed?”.
Some prompt questions could include:
- What data sources or indicators can provide early warning signals of this risk materializing?
- Are there external partnerships or collaborations that can help track relevant trends or risks?
- Can alternative programme approaches be designed to ensure continuity in achieving objectives, should this risk materialize?
Download an example risk mapping & managing workshop agenda