Outcome CHL_O_4

Improved management of financial and human resources in pursuit of results

UN-Women in Chile has a programmatic presence office (PPO). Its management and operations are aligned with existing institutional strategies and with the guidelines of the Regional Office and Headquarters, contributing to the facilitation of conditions necessary for the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. In this context, it manages its resources in accordance with the financial regulations and rules approved by the Executive Board. In 2021, the HR structure of the Chile Office underwent modifications, incorporating the implementation of new projects such as MPTF. It is currently composed of a Country Office Coordinator and ten local SCs associated with the projects currently in place. Given the health crisis caused by the pandemic, the organizational structure, planning, management and accountability processes had to be strengthened to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Country Office during remote work. In addition, as a best practice, access to the Calm App was provided to increase the emotional well-being of the people working in the office. During 2021, the capabilities of the Operations team have been strengthened for a more efficient performance, through the participation of the following in the following trainings: RMS-Atlas mapping refresher training; 2021 YEAR END CLOSURE INSTRUCTION; Training Cycle 2021: Atlas - HR Module; Training Cycle 2021: UN Women RBM St; RO/CO IT Helpdesk demo; Training Cycle 2021: Donor Reporting - P; Training Cycle 2021: Donor financial reports; VGSC AC Project Closure Training cycle 2021; Micropurchasing; Atlas requests (User); Direct Contract; Procurement Management ; E - procurement; Small Grants; Atlas's Requester View (RO Training Plan 2021 is attached in ANNEX 1) In addition, the Operations team provided the following training: Training "How to process Funds to be Rendered", the training was held on June 16 and addressed to colleagues in the operations area, its purpose was to explain the administrative procedure associated with F10 processing, especially to the new Program Assistants who joined in 2021 to the UN Women Office in Chile. A link to the training is provided: https://unwomen-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/sofia_gallardo_unwomen_org/ES5reVVz2mdJnh9v1v36dYUBFSTEGIBRFVIaETUlSHlSgQ Also, on August 20, the Training Cycle 2021: RPC training was prepared by Operations personnel from the Chile Office, in support of the Regional Office Procurement team. A link to the training is provided: https://unwomen-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/eidy_molinar_unwomen_org/EckhetFAI6BEjJDVPzx28ZEBNgjWykzF5GnooxScyM_Rrg Additionally, Procurement staff obtained CIPS Level 3 certification (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply), ensuring a solid knowledge and application of solicitation processes focused on quality and technical evaluation of supplier bids and supplier performance, in accordance with industry standards and UN contract management best practices; Regarding finances, the UN Women Office in Chile, has experienced a budget increase with respect to the year 2020, of approximately 700,000 USD. In the year 2021 we had a budget of 2,869,246.1 USD, while for the year 2020 the budget was 2,153,640.11 USD. It is also important to note that budget execution was higher in 2021 (80%) compared to 2020 (73%), reflecting greater efficiency in the management and use of financial resources. In 2021, we utilized the operational capacities of UN partner entities in Chile, to benefit from economies of scale and retain agile operational structures. We will also maintain the incorporation, where and when appropriate, to UN common operational joint premises. From Procurement, 128 Purchase Orders were issued in 2021, joint bidding processes were encouraged among the programs, this allowed us to optimize times and obtain better prices by concentrating the requirements, specifically the contracts with Communication Agency- CORPO, Digital Design Agency- ATIPICA, and technological products- SPL. In addition, contracts were awarded to retainer consultants for Translation and Interpretation services. As a result of the above, there was a decrease in the number of micro-purchases compared to 2020. Among the best practices, and in order to safeguard the integrity and transparency of the bidding processes, during 2021 the inclusion of a third evaluator in RFQ processes was encouraged, even though it is not mandatory. Additionally, it has been ensured that the Committee participants do not have a hierarchical relationship. On the other hand, coordinated work has been carried out with the Communications Area to guarantee maximum dissemination of the processes, ensuring their competitiveness and contributing to the entry of new suppliers. Finally, it is worth mentioning that as of the last quarter of 2021, monthly reports will be sent to the Project Coordinators, with financial information on current contracts and Purchase Orders, so that they can take action on their administration. During the last quarter, Microsoft Planner was implemented, a tool that has made it possible to better organize the team's tasks, prioritize them and organize the distribution of tasks. Its increasingly fluid use has improved productivity and compliance with commitments in a timely manner. We expect to continue strengthening its use in 2022, and we expect to continue implementing internal training to strengthen its use. It is also important to note that coordination meetings are held periodically among the members of the Operations Area, and it is expected that in 2022 meetings will be held on a biweekly basis.

Increased engagement of partners in support of UN-Women’s mandate

During 2022, it was agreed with the UNCT to include a Gender Equality Pillar in the 2023-2025 Cooperation Framework. Twelve MOUs were also signed with the government. In conclusion, the commitment of the partners was expanded.