Immediate Response Facility (IRF)

The PBF Immediate Response Facility (IRF) is designed to jumpstart immediate peacebuilding and recovery needs. It is a flexible and fast funding tool for single or multiple projects. Projects submitted by the Senior UN Representative that meet the criteria receive funding within three weeks.

Applying for Assistance from the Immediate Response Facility (IRF)

Key features of the IRF:

• Rapid and agile response facility that provides funds for immediate peacebuilding and recovery needs.
• Project-based allocations, approved by the ASG/PBSO.
• Funding is disbursed to Recipient UN Organizations who implement projects together with national or locally-based Implementing Partners.

Which countries are eligible for IRF?

• Countries emerging from conflict or at risk of (re)lapsing into conflict – PBSO may refer to renowned public sources and publications to assess country fragility, including those produced by the UN.
• Countries already declared eligible for the PBF.
• Countries on the agenda of the PBC.
• Country eligibility for the IRF is determined by the Secretary-General, based on a recommendation from the ASG/PBSO (for single projects with a value less than $3,000,000, a formal declaration from the SG is not required).

Requirements:

• Projects should have a maximum duration of 12 months.
• Projects must be results-driven, using the PBF results framework as guidance.
• Project portfolios (multiple projects) must be needs-based: i.e. drawn from an ISF or immediate action plan that explicitly addresses peacebuilding needs. The total value of the projects submitted for IRF funding is typically limited to $US 15,000,000 OR 10% of the total funding requested in the Action Plan.
• Stand-alone projects must be targeted at preventing (re)lapse into conflict and/or promote sustained engagement in peacebuilding. Funding from the IRF for individual projects is limited to a maximum of $US 3,000,000.

Approval Process:

• The Senior UN Representative submits high-priority project or project portfolio in consultation with national authorities using applicable “project document template”, to ASG/PBSO.
• ASG/PBSO seeks relevant technical advice, reviews projects in consultation with UN Senior Peacebuilding Group (or delegated body) and approves projects.
• Individual project documents are signed by PBSO, the Recipient UN Organization(s) and national authorities.
• Upon receipt of a fully-signed project document and submission form, the UNDP MDTF Office (in its capacity as the Administrative Agent of the PBF) transfers the approved amount to the applicable Recipient UN Organization(s).

Useful Documents:

• PBF Application Guidelines
• PBF Project Document Template
• IRF Submission Note Template
• PBF Results Framework

The Head of the Peacebuilding Fund Support Office has approved the following projects for funding from the IRF: