Finalize project governance / Institutional arrangements

Project governance encompasses the reporting and financial arrangements, management, and decision making structure between the GEF Agency, the Project Management Unit, the Executing Agency, the Project Steering Committee, and any sub grantees that will be receiving GEF funds. If the project is part of a larger program, the links to program level governance should also be detailed.

The diagram below is a generic example of an execution arrangement, including lines of reporting in blue and cash flow in green (as part of an agreement). Discussions regarding specific project arrangements with the WWF GEF Project Manager will help determine the final execution framework that should be included in the CEO Endorsement Request Document. Final agreements will reflect this framework once the project commences execution.

Please note: If the project is part of a larger program, the Program Steering Committee should also be described.

Project Steering Committee (PSC). The PSC is the highest decision-making authority of the project. Members of the PSC typically include government representatives, key project partners, and the WWF GEF Agency. The PSC will ensure that adaptive management throughout project execution is in conformity with the CEO Endorsement Request Document and grant agreement. The PSC will ensure that necessary political and coordination conditions are in place for the project execution as committed in the CEO Endorsement Request Document. It is also responsible for troubleshooting and resolving key issues as they arise.

Program Steering Committee. The Program Steering Committee is responsible for high-level decision making at the program level. It is also responsible for coordination throughout program execution.

Executing Agency (EA). The Executing Agency is the primary recipient of the GEF Project funds and signatory to the WWF-GEF Grant Agreement. The EA is responsible for strategic guidance and operations of the project, and must ensure compliance with WWF.

Project Coordinator. The Project Coordinator will typically be an existing high-level staff sitting in the Executing Agency. He/she is the primary representative, and is responsible for high level decisions and any significant troubleshooting.

Project Management Unit (PMU). The PMU is responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of project activities and fulfillment of its goals. The PMU often includes a Project Manager, a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting Officer, and a Finance and Operations Manager.

Executing Partners. Executing partners are responsible for executing specific activities under the project, per sub-grant agreements.

WWF GEF Agency. The WWF GEF Agency represents the donor (GEF), and is responsible for overall supervision and oversight of the project. WWF-US was accredited by GEF for this role.