Accreditation Function

This report presents the findings of the Independent Evaluation on the GCF’s accreditation function. It examines the effectiveness of the accreditation function in supporting the objectives of the GCF’s Initial Strategic Plan, and whether the accreditation function is fit-for-purpose for GCF’s next strategic period. The report is broken down into 10 chapters and of particular relevance to the readiness program are chapters 2 (context for governance of the accreditation function in the GCF), 4 (assessments on benchmarking with other international agencies), 5 (accreditation process), and 7 (relationship between accreditation and country ownership).

The accreditation function follows the stipulation in paragraph 45 of the GCF’s Governing Instrument that “Access to Fund resources will be through national, regional and international implementing entities accredited by the Board” and in paragraph 49 that “The Board will develop, manage and oversee an accreditation process for all implementing entities based on specific accreditation criteria that reflect the Fund’s fiduciary principles and standards and environmental and social safeguards.” Guidelines based on decisions B.08/02 and B.08/06 state that “the accreditation process will take into account the scale of funding that the entity intends to access, its track record in undertaking climate-related projects and activities, as well as the nature of its intended activities.” The accreditation process follows a three-stage standard process and aims to be completed within six months after the submission of all required documentation.