At UNOPS quality means continually getting better at the things our partners need from us. This means completing our partners’ projects on time, within budget and in line with their expectations.
We continue to strive for and achieve external certification, allowing our partners to benefit from business practices that reflect leading international standards.
In 2010, significant progress was made in providing partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost-effectiveness. An unqualified audit for the biennium 2008-2009 testified to our strengthened financial and management controls. And increased partner confidence translated into record levels of demand for UNOPS services. In line with the UNOPS strategic plan we continue to strive for external certification of core management functions, business processes and personnel.
ISO 9001 certification
UNOPS gained the prestigious ISO 9001 quality management system certification in June 2011 making it the first UN organization to have its global management systems ISO 9001 certified.As part of the process, UNOPS documented core business practices in our Practice and Quality Management System. During the ISO 9001 audit in 2011 UNOPS proved that we consistently follow and refine these processes.
Our project management processes relate to how we formulate agreements with partners on what UNOPS is going to deliver on their behalf. They detail how we communicate with partners on progress and the systems we have in place if plans change.
Our procurement processes allow us to evaluate suppliers for performance in past contracts before awarding new ones. Our human resources processes detail how we ensure that people have the right skills to succeed in their jobs. And all the while, our financial processes ensure that we remain financially sustainable while acting with accountability and transparency.
Procurement certification
UNOPS has been awarded the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply’s (CIPS) Certification in Procurement Policies and Procedures. UNOPS is currently the only UN body to hold this certification. The CIPS certification demonstrates that UNOPS has sound procurement policies, processes and procedures, verified and monitored by an independent body.
UNOPS is the first organization to have undergone the certification since a section on sustainable procurement was introduced.
New accounting standards
UNOPS is adopting International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) as of 1 January 2012. This change to full accrual accounting within UNOPS is in line with a General Assembly resolution that approved the adoption of IPSAS by the United Nations system organizations. UNOPS will strengthen transparency, accountability and overall financial management through its implementation of IPSAS.
New infrastructure contracts
Our new contracts for infrastructure works are based on those of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) and tailored for use in a United Nations context, providing clear, flexible mechanisms to suit all sizes of project. These have been developed with pro bono support from global business law firm DLA Piper.
Staff training and certification
In 2010, 736 people attended training activities organized by the Human Resources Practice Group. In project management, 252 personnel passed PRINCE2 exams, 200 at foundation and 52 at practitioner level. Eighty-three personnel are participating in external procurement certification with the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, and 37 with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.