Sub-Regional Resource Facility for Arab States

Frequently Asked Questions

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the SURF for Arab States and its services.

General

Which UNDP Country Offices are covered by the SURF for Arab States?

The 18 countries covered by the SURF for Arab States are: Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and the Palestinian Programme

What are the main priorities of the SURF for Arab States?

The SURF for Arab States has two main priorities. The first priority is to provide UNDP Country Offices in the Arab States region with easy access to knowledge through high quality advisory services based on global applied research and UNDP lessons learnt. The second priority is to build partnerships and promote regional capacity building initiatives, which allow UNDP, governments and other development partners to identify, create and share knowledge relevant to solving urgent development challenges.

Which focus or practice areas are covered by the SURF for Arab States?

The SURF-AS covers Poverty Reduction within the overarching aim to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, Democratic Governance and Energy & Environment. It also supports UNDP Country Office efforts in capacity development and knowledge management. Specifically the SURF-AS team includes Policy Advisors in the areas of Poverty Reduction, Macroeconomics, Trade, Governance Institutions, Local Governance, Gender and Environmental Policies as well as specialists in knowledge management. SURF-AS is also joined by the regional offices of the Drylands Development Centre, the Global Environment Facility and Capacity 2015.

What kind of support can the SURF for Arab States provide to help UNDP Country Offices in the region?

UNDP Country Offices can benefit from the services of SURF-AS in its thematic areas. SURF-AS provides policy advisory, technical backstopping and knowledge management support to UNDP Country Offices and their country-level partners.

Expert Referrals

How to make a request for a referral?

UNDP Country Offices can make a referral request by sending an e-mail to the Knowledge Services Team with terms of reference of the specific assignment. The terms of reference are an essential part of the referral request that allow the team members to more accurately select appropriate and relevant profiles.

Does the SURF for Arab States contact the experts?

SURF for Arab States uses the global expert roster and its network of professional contacts to help Country Offices identify relevant short-term consultants. It is the responsibility of the Country Office to contact the experts to check their interest, availability and fees.

How have the experts currently in the roster been selected?

The experts in the roster are selected in two ways. First, SURF-AS staff systematically contacts leading think tanks, research institutions, universities and consulting firms to learn about their expertise in topics of relevance to UNDP in the region; and solicits professionals from these sources. Second, UNDP Country Offices and colleagues provide us with CVs of experts whom they have found to be of the highest quality. Significantly, experts are also removed if it is found that their performance is not satisfactory. To be included in the roster, references are checked thoroughly.

How can professionals register to become members of the SURF for Arab States expert roster?

A consultant, who is interested in short-term assignments, can register for possible inclusion in the expert roster by sending an email to the Roster Manager.

Can I contact other SURFs or Regional Centres to get expert CVs?

Yes, the federated nature of the roster allows you to contact any SURF and/or Regional Centre, and receive the same referral service. We, however, encourage you to contact the Regional Centre and/or SURF which best matches your request and geographical location.

Policy Advice and Technical Backstopping

What are the funding arrangements for a support mission requested by a UNDP Country Office?

A travel cost equalization scheme exists which ensures that all Country Offices are served equitably and fairly, whether they are close to Beirut or far.

Can SURF for Arab States assist us from Beirut without undertaking missions?

Yes, SURF-AS staff are at the disposal of Country Offices so if you need some support, even if via email or from a desk, let us know!

Add questions

If you have any additional questions you would like to see in this FAQ, please let us know. Email us at: surf-as@undp.org.lb