The “Guidance for FRLD focal points” was adopted by the Board at its sixth meeting in decision B.6/D.3. Pursuant to decision B.7/D.3, adopted at the seventh meeting of the Board, the guidance was subsequently updated. The version published here reflects the guidance as updated following the seventh meeting of the Board. Nomination of FRLD focal point should be sent to frldsecretariat@frld.org.
Guidance for FRLD focal points
The Board:
(a) Adopts the guidance for FRLD focal points as contained in the annex to this decision, to apply to both national authorities and national focal points;
(b) Requests the Secretariat to provide focal points with relevant background and guidance to facilitate their entry into this role, and to maintain regular communication with them;
(c) Also requests the Secretariat to review the guidance for FRLD focal points at the conclusion of the Barbados Implementation Modalities and present updated guidance for consideration by the Board at B.12, and to review the guidance every three years thereafter to ensure they remain fit for purpose.1
I. Institutional framework for designation of a focal point
A. Designation authority
1. Countries may designate a national authority or national focal point (together referred to as “focal point(s)”) in accordance with paragraph 48 of the Governing Instrument, which states that, “Developing countries may designate a national authority or national focal point to be responsible for overall management and implementation of activities, projects and programmes supported by the Fund. (…)”. Countries are encouraged to designate a focal point following approval of this Guidance by the Board and before the launch of the call for proposals.
B. Selection of focal point(s)
2. Countries may select a focal point from within a government agency or entity of their choice taking into consideration already existing focal points relevant to loss and damage with a view to enhancing national coherence, coordination and synergies. The selected institution should have a clear mandate and capacity for cross-sectoral coordination to effectively manage loss and damage programming.
C. Contact and structure
3. Each focal point shall maintain:
(a) One primary senior-level signatory with the authority to sign official correspondence;
(b) At least one secondary technical-level contact for operational coordination.
II. Functions and responsibilities of the focal points
A. Communication and documentation
4. The focal point’s contact information should be kept up-to-date by the country and be readily available on the FRLD website.
5. The focal point will:
(a) Maintain regular communication with the FRLD Secretariat;
(b) Retain all relevant documentation related to proposals and/or funding requests;
(c) Ensure timely submission of required reports and updates;
(d) Be consulted on funding requests through any access modalities, including those referred to in paragraph 49 of the Governing Instrument;
B. Access modalities
6. The focal point’s role is to sign and submit to the FRLD the proposals and/or funding requests based on the access modalities available, consistent with paragraph 49 of the Governing Instrument.
7. The focal point shall indicate whether an access entity of the FRLD will access the resources for the funding request and thereby engage with the Secretariat through some of all stages of the funding cycle.
8. For the purposes of paragraph (2) above, and prior to approval of a funding request by the Board, a letter of endorsement signed by the national focal authority or focal point will be required prior to the Board’s consideration of the funding request
9. Access entities shall engage with countries in accordance with paragraph 46 of the Governing Instrument.
10. The simplified reporting referred to in step 10 in Decision B.7/B.3 (Funding cycle) shall be submitted by the national authority or national focal point.
