The code of conduct defines what is expected of all the suppliers with whom UNHCR does business. The full version of the “UN Code of Conduct Providers” is available online at: www.unhcr.org/supply purpose of the framework agreements between UNHCR and its suppliers is to set the conditions for notification of contracts to be signed for a specified period of time, including with regard to items, price, quality, quantity and delivery. 2. The Partnership in Action (PARinAC) process culminated in the 1994 Oslo Declaration and Action Plan between the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and between non-governmental organizations themselves, and set out a framework for joint humanitarian action for refugees. This Operational Partnership Framework Agreement (FAOP) is a follow-up and is an integral part of the partnership process in action, PARinAC. On the basis of the Oslo Declaration and Action Plan, FAOP discusses the need for a common approach to refugee protection and assistance. Across FAOP, the word “partner” is used to refer to UNHCR and NGOs, and refers to both parts of the partnership. 7. At the country level, partners, with the government, relevant UN agencies, local leaders and, where possible, refugee representatives (including men and women) will form or participate in a forum for regular discussion, consultation and cooperation between all stakeholders concerned with refugee protection and assistance. This will, among other things, help to understand the general policy and strategy of a given operation. This forum will include NGOs that are parties to FAOP, as well as those that are not parties to FAOP but are ready to work within this forum. (See also paragraph 10, which is an alternative forum for operational coordination on the ground). 11.
The partners will work together to define the mechanisms necessary to reach agreement on specific guidelines and standards necessary for a specific refugee operation. This may include the creation of one or more sector committees to ensure that operational standards meet and are met by international standards and standards. 24. This agreement does not affect UNHCR`s relationship with its executive committee or the office of the UN Secretary-General, nor does it affect the contractual relationship between UNHCR and an implementation partner. 23. This agreement reflects a broad framework in which partners will work. However, the partners agree that it is important for the implementation of this agreement that there will be local agreements at the operational level that reflect the reality of individual operations. These local operational agreements should address the issues exposed to Section IV. Consultations and co-surgery; V. Coordinated evaluation, planning and implementation; and VI.
Efficient use of resources. This does not exclude the partners from reaching agreements on other issues specific to an individual operation that will enhance the effectiveness of a common response to a refugee situation. For many commercial transactions, it is useful for UNHCR to sign a long-term agreement with a supplier, whether it is goods or services. These are known as “framework agreements” and we have signed them with a large number of companies for items used daily by UNHCR staff, including vehicles, radios, telecommunications equipment, generators and office equipment, as well as for assistance, including tents, blankets, bed mats and kitchen kits. These temporary agreements (usually 3-5 years) are usually falsified as a result of an open international tender. They ensure that UNHCR can quickly place fixed-price orders for its needs, but do not guarantee that the Agency will purchase a minimum or maximum quantity of goods for the duration of the agreement.
