Assessing Project Alignment

The center of the diagram shows the ‘sweet spot’ for a WWF GEF project, where four quadrants come together: government priorities are met, the project idea is aligned with WWF office priorities and strengths, priorities of Global Practices as per their strategies and HIIs and ACAIs are met, and the project is eligible under the GEF Programming Directions which is responsible for defining priority areas of funding for the next replenishment cycle of the GEF.

Having an excellent concept that aligns with the GEF priorities is not enough. There are factors outside of the control of the WWF office team influencing whether a concept will move forward – such as the OFP’s process for creating a portfolio under the GEF STAR (national GEF allocation). This process may be transparent and inclusive, or be based on existing strong relationships with other GEF agencies. Without OFP sign off on a prospective national GEF project, there is no project. WWF country teams should identify whether there is good likelihood for support on a concept from the OFP before moving too far into concept development. The WWF GEF Agency is ready to assist offices in determining the right time to discuss this with the technical line and the OFP.