All new CERF allocations will now be managed online, from allocation request, to project development, feedback and approval, to interim reporting, on the same platform that already manages?Country-based Pooled Funds (CBPF).

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has?announced that Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) allocations are now fully supported by the , the IT backbone of CBPF operations since 2023.

This marks the completion of?efforts to create an all-in-one online platform for OCHA’s pooled funds, based on feedback and inputs from field and headquarters colleagues.

With CERF and CBPF now fully operational on the , OCHA is better equipped to effectively manage?the allocation of resources?and engagement with partners.

All new CERF allocations will now be managed online, from allocation request, to project development, feedback and approval, to interim reporting. By the end of 2024, the team expects to have other elements added, including project revisions, final reports, and financial reporting.

The expansion of marks a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance the transparency and user-friendliness of our pooled funds?for?internal and external stakeholders.

Today, more than 5,000 implementing partners, country focal points, and headquarters users are utilizing the OneGMS, with these numbers expected to grow further.

Thanks to OneGMS, OCHA can provide real-time information on the pooled funds through the , which has been greatly appreciated by Member States and partners.

Meet the team behind OneGMS

Within OCHA's Pooled Fund Management Branch, in the Guidance, Learning and Reporting Section?lies the management of the OneGMS.

The platform is managed by the Strategic Data-insights and Innovation?Unit, which was?established in 2017 to build a strong foundation for the management of the data component of each business process of OCHA Pooled Fund operations - limited to its Country-Based Pooled Funds.

Recognizing the critical importance of data, the Strategic Data-insights and Innovation?Unit plays a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency and decision-making in managing the grants management of the CBPFs.

Their responsibilities are essential to the continuous improvement of OCHA pooled funds operations, and they revolve around three main pillars:

  • OneGMS development and maintenance

  • Data analysis and innovation

  • Strategic planning, support and training

These talented, creative people?are always ready to support data needs and pooled funds information management solutions.

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