PIF

While Concept stage ensures a project idea is viable (e.g. supported by government, OFP, WWF offices, is GEF-able), at PIF stage the idea must be elaborated into a technically sound project framework. Ensuring quality project design at PIF stage is important, as it sets the stage for detailed design and articulation (see ProDoc stage). 

The processes/steps to ensure quality project design at this PIF stage include:

• Finalize the project objective
• Develop project strategies (link: components, outcomes, outputs) to achieving that objective, including a theory of change
• Provide a high-level budget for the project, and identify indicative co-financing
• Identify key stakeholders, inform them of the project, and gather early input to inform project design
• Conduct a Gender Assessment and integrate the results as much as possible into the project design

The Project Development Team should ensure frequent input from the relevant government technical departments. Once the processes to ensure a quality project framework have taken place, the project should be described in the PIF. 

What is the PIF?

The Project Identification Form (PIF) Template is the first document submitted to the GEF. It provides initial information about the project, including: the amount of GEF funding for the project, confirmed by a the GEF OFP endorsement letter (link to Engage OFP Office), and; the project strategies (objective, components, outcomes, and outputs). 

Depending on the type of modality selected (FSP, MSP, Programmatic), different templates must be completed describing the project proposal for its review and approval (templates can be found here).

Full Sized Project (FSP) v Medium Sized Project (MSP) v Programmatic Approach

• Full sized projects are categorized as projects that cost over US$2 million. FSPs must go through a two-step process to receive GEF funding: 
  • Step 1: A Project Identification Form (PIF) is completed and submitted for GEF technical clearance, and then for Council Approval. 
  • Step 2:  After a PIF is approved by the Council, there is a maximum of 18 months for full project design and preparation of documentation, within which the ProDoc and CEO Endorsement must be submitted for GEF CEO Endorsement. 
     
• Medium sized projects are less than US$2 million, and a ProDoc and CEO Endorsement Request can be submitted directly for endorsement/approval in a “One-step” process. In this process, there is no need to develop and draft a PIF.   Alternatively, in what is called the “two-step process” (see FSP steps above), a MSP PIF can be completed to earmark GEF funds, after which the project team has 18 months for full project design and submission of documentation for CEO Endorsement. Discuss with the WWF GEF Project Manager which option is best for the project. 
• The Programmatic Approach is a collection of projects with a common theme or geography occurring under a coordinated umbrella. A Program Framework Document (PFD) is submitted for Council Approval, and is accompanied by a child project annex (similar to a PIF) for each proposed sub-project. Child projects contribute to a program’s overall objective, and can be thematic or geographic scope (for example, a geographic approach could be interventions within the Amazon, a thematic approach could be interventions around specific commodities). Advantages of a Programmatic approach includes: Increased integration and systemic level of interventions; a focus on measuring program results, beyond the outputs at the level of individual projects; enhanced scope for catalyzing action, replication and innovation.

Overview of timeline

FSPs and Programmatic Approaches: Once a PIF/PFD is submitted it must be (a) technically cleared by the GEF Secretariat, and then (b) approved by the GEF Council through a Work Program (the work program consists of cleared and selected PIFs). GEF Council takes place biannually, although there are occasionally intersessionals that will take place to approve PIFs at a sooner interval. **Please note that PIFs are not always included in the next Work Program, depending on when the project was submitted and available funding. 

MSP: If submitting a PIF for a MSP, the PIF may be submitted by the WWF GEF Agency at any time for technical clearance by the GEF Secretariat, and subsequent CEO Endorsement approval.

Responsibilities 

Roles and responsibilities for PIF/PFD development are identified and agreed upon at Concept Stage. It is recommended that teams use the PIF Development Grant (link to Concept: PDG grant) to recruit a GEF expert consultant to facilitate the proposal process and write the PIF/PFD. It is key that the relevant government ministries are involved in workshops, meetings, and PIF/PFD reviews.