Advisory tools

ADVISORY

Advisory tools leverage the UN's expertise to help guide private sector partners on strategy, operations, compliance, and systems related to business growth, sustainable development, and best practices.

Business Management & Operations Supports the streamlining of processes, managing resources, and providing essential services to help an organization run efficiently, meet goals, and enhance productivity. It focuses on internal workflows, data, budgets, and cross-departmental coordination to ensure smooth daily activities and strategic alignment. 

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CSR & Shared Value Optimization Advises the private sector partner on restructuring or enhancing ESG and CSR activities to evolve towards a 'Shared Value' approach. It identifies and integrates standards and social and environmental considerations directly into core business strategy to simultaneously create economic value for the company and value for society. It may also leverage partners’ marketing, communication channels, innovation, and expertise to generate impact.

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Data Management & Utilization Supports the partner in collecting, organizing, analyzing, and utilizing data related to their business and other performance, market trends, and project impact. It helps to organize and transform raw data into actionable insights for strategic decision-making, performance improvement, and transparent reporting to stakeholders.

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Policy Development Serves to translate partner experiences and challenges into informed, actionable, and broadly endorsed recommendations for consideration by government decisionmakers. It aims to create an enabling environment for private sector growth, equity, inclusion, and sustainable development by shifting the discussion from private input into legal and systemic change.

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Project Design and Due Diligence Involves providing specialized support in the early stages of a project to ensure its design is sound, feasible, and aligned with development goals. The service includes rigorous due diligence to assess risks, market viability, and expected impact, ensuring the project meets both commercial and sustainability standards. The goal is to maximize the effectiveness and potential for successful implementation and scaling.

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Project Preparation Facility (PPF) Dedicated grant mechanisms that support necessary expensive early-stage work (e.g., feasibility studies, environmental/social assessments, legal drafting) that is required to make complex but commercially-viable projects "bankable."

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Scaling Up Offers strategic guidance and technical support to partners seeking to replicate or expand pilot initiatives and business models. It involves developing a scaling strategy, planning necessary resources, and preparing for operational challenges of rapid growth while maintaining quality and resilience.

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Standards & Certifications Guides partners to adopt, implement, and achieve compliance with globally recognized environmental, social, and governance standards and industry-specific certifications. It helps to assess current practices, develop corrective action plans, and prepare for audits. Certifications refers to the UN's ability to facilitate or bestow a formal recognition on the partner for its adherence to specific best practices or impact achievement, providing an independent mark of quality and commitment.

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Systems Mapping & Network Analysis Provides a strategic understanding of the complex, interconnected systems and networks within which the partner operates (e.g., a specific market, regulatory environment, or sector). Mapping key stakeholders and dynamics helps the partner identify leverage points for influence, manage systemic risks, and collaborate.

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Technical Assistance Provides expert knowledge, skills, and support to help solve problems, build capacity, and improve specific practices. It is done through consulting, training, or direct guidance on complex tasks like program design, policy implementation, or technical systems. Technical assistance transfers know-how to achieve self-sufficiency and operational goals.

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Technology & Knowledge Transfer Delivers specialized, hands-on expertise and transfers specific skills, proprietary knowledge, or relevant technologies to the partner's teams. It is crucial for improving operational efficiency, strengthening resiliency and competitiveness, and integrating innovations into the partner's business model. It focuses on long-term capacity building for sustained results.

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Transaction Closure Support Provides dedicated advisors to resolve the complexities of highly technical deals. This may include the support for partners involved in complex negotiations with governments, local communities, or other stakeholders. This service facilitates necessary agreements, structures transactions, and helps bridge diverse interests to move projects forward. Advisors are hands-on and bring specific skills that are missing from the partner’s organization that help to close a transaction. 

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Value Chains Provides consulting to optimize a partner's core business processes, from supply chain management to operational efficiency, focusing on sustainability and inclusiveness. It analyzes and improves the value chain to create shared value, ensure ethical sourcing, and enhance resilience. It supports profitability and positive social/environmental impact.

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