The country programme approach is used by the Executive Committee (ExCom) agencies of the UNDG: UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF and WFP. In most countries where these agencies are present, they support the government and other partners to develop a country programme (CP). The CPs follow a harmonized cycle, in line with the UNDAF, which is normally 5 years. CPs are implemented jointly by national partners and agencies, while the ownership of the CPs rests with the government. The results to be achieved by the CPs – agency outcomes and outputs - should contribute logically to the achievement of UNDAF outcomes. For this reason, the results must be identical to the results in the UNDAF results matrix.

These results, including implementation arrangements and a budget, are described in a Country Programme Document (CPD). The CPDs are finalized, following the completion of the UNDAF, and are submitted to the respective Executive Boards in the year before implementation. Approval of the CPD provides the financial resources for implementation.

The common structure for CPDs is offered here. Users should refer to their own agency guidance for specific details about the content, structure and submission deadlines for CPDs.

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