Integrated Policy Knowledge Deployments: Frequently Asked Questions

➡️ Back to the Integrated Policy Knowledge Deployments project dashboard.

Co-led by UNDP, FAO, and UNICEF under the aegis of the Integrated Policy Practitioners’ Network (IPPN), the global project on "Integrated Policy Knowledge Deployments for SDG Acceleration" responds to the call for enhanced technical expertise and capacity to promote integrated policy approaches essential for addressing interconnected development challenges at the country level. 

By fostering systems thinking and collaboration, the global project will empower UNCTs and RCOs to align policies, programmes, and initiatives with national priorities, maximize synergies, and navigate trade-offs for accelerated SDG progress on topics related to the key Six Transitions and other important development challenges.

1. How and which UN Country Teams can access the project support?

The global project is expected to focus on six pilot countries using a phased approach (piloting in Phase 1, and scaling in Phase 2). Country selection is still under discussion among the co-signatories (UNDP, FAO, and UNICEF) in close consultation with the Joint SDG Fund and members of the Integrated Policy Practitioners' Network (IPPN). 

The main criteria for selection will be countries that demonstrate the greatest potential to align and commit to co-developing integrated, high-impact SDG transitions that build on existing efforts and ensure sustainable, scalable outcomes.

2. Which are the concrete types of tools/support offered? 

The support offered to UNCTs, RCOs and relevant national stakeholders will include:

• Demand-driven expert deployments: Facilitating expert support through targeted deployments that respond to specific national demands, providing access to a roster of vetted integrated policy experts, ensuring specialized support aligned with Joint Programme needs and key development transitions, for greater impact on programme design and delivery.
• Capacity development: Developing competency-building frameworks and structured learning pathways tailored to each pilot through design and co-creation workshops to embed integrated policy expertise within UNCTs, foster sustainability, and reduce reliance on external expertise.
• Network learning: Implementing a networked learning mechanism to continuously enhance expert advisory quality and service delivery. This will include expert coaching, peer exchanges, and real-time feedback loops, supporting UNCTs to adapt and refine their strategies as they progress with integrated policy deployment
• Systems monitoring & impact evaluations: Conducting Systems Change Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation workshops focused on practical approaches to assist UNCTs, Government and development partners in monitoring and evaluating progress in systems change, and co-learning in support of adaptive leadership and transformation pathways.

3. How are international and national experts identified?

To ensure UNCTs and RCOs have access to the right expertise for advancing integrated policy approaches, the project will establish a quality-assured roster of vetted internal and external experts, tailored to country-specific needs. For each deployment, UNCTs will review and rank expert profiles to ensure the best match for their needs. Where internal expertise is insufficient, vetted external experts will be engaged to fill capacity gaps. A quality assurance mechanism will validate expertise and track performance, ensuring high-impact, effective support.

4. How is the collaboration with UNCTs and RCOs defined and tailored to country needs?

Collaboration with UNCTs and RCOs follows a structured process to ensure integrated policy support aligns with country-specific priorities. The project facilitates consultations to identify critical entry points within Joint SDG Fund programmes and UNSDCF cycles, working closely with UNCTs to develop tailored support packages. These include initial roadmaps and collaboration agreements that define expert services based on country-specific needs.

UNCTs and RCOs will actively shape this process by articulating their policy and capacity-building priorities and validating proposed plans to ensure alignment with national strategies. Their input will inform the refinement of work plans and roadmaps, with structured mechanisms in place to maintain ongoing collaboration, ensuring clear commitments and sustained engagement.

5. Where can I get more information?

For any questions about the project and IPPN, please contact the Project Manager at [email protected] or reach out to [email protected]. 

⬇️ Download the concept note below for additional details