Submit the PIF/PFD Package

The WWF GEF Agency will perform two reviews of the PIF/PFD package:

Upstream Review:

Ensures a) alignment with GEF objectives and policies; b) compliance with WWF GEF policies and procedures, and; c) quality and GEF ability of the document (see Resources: WWF GEF Agency PIF Review Questions). The upstream review will provide comments for detailed revisions of the PIF/PFD.

Formal Review:

The formal review takes place once all revisions are incorporated into the PIF/PFD, and the full PIF package is ready for submission. The formal review will typically consist of minimal changes, and ensures that all previous comments have been addressed. Formal Review is the final step before PIF/PFD submission.

GEF Secretariat and STAP Review:

Once both the PIF/PFD and Letter of Endorsement by the OFP are completed, the documents are formally submitted to the GEF Secretariat and STAP through the GEF Agency.

• The GEF Secretariat is responsible for reviewing the PIF, and decides that (a) the proposal is technically sound and ready for inclusion in the work program, or (b) the proposal requires further clarification or additional information. The PIF is reviewed based on a set of preformulated questions/categories (see GEF Review Sheet). There may be multiple reviews from the GEF Secretariat. Each comment must be addressed in the PIF/PFD in blue text, with a short description acknowledging the comment and the corresponding page numbers where adjustments were made.
• The Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) is an advisory body to the GEF, with the mandate to provide objective, strategic scientific and technical advice on policies, operational strategies, projects and programs. The STAP will review projects and provide recommendations to the GEF Secretariat. Depending on the level of comments, a report will need to be developed on how the project has responded to STAP concerns.

Questions asked during the review by both the WWF GEF Agency and GEF Secretariat include (for a full list of review questions, see resources below):

• Is the project consistent with the recipient country’s national strategies and plans or reports and assessments under relevant conventions?
• Are the components in the Indicative Project Overview table sound and sufficiently clear and appropriate to achieve project objectives and the GEBs?
• Is the project designed with sound incremental reasoning?
• Are socio-economic aspects, including relevant gender elements, indigenous people, and CSOs considered?

Once cleared by GEF Secretariat, final approval takes place.

• For a Full sized project, the project documents will be entered into the GEF Council Work Program for final approval (see timeline in PIF Introduction).
• For a Medium sized project, the project documents will go directly to the CEO for approval.

Once the PIF/PFD is approved, detailed project design can take place (ProDoc stage). All submitted GEF project documents are public.