First Step: CEO Review of the PIF
In the new project cycles, GEF Agencies can submit PIFs to the GEF Secretariat on a rolling basis, endorsed by the country Operational Focal Point. GEF Secretariat review of a PIF focuses on the following elements:
- Country eligibility
- Consistency with GEF strategic objectives/programs
- Comparative advantage of GEF Agency submitting PIF
- Estimated cost of the project, including expected cofinancing
- Availability of resources for the GEF grant request within the Focal Area and under the Resource Allocation Framework
- Milestones for further project processing.
Once the GEF Secretariat has completed its review and has circulated the PIF among all GEF Agencies and relevant Convention Secretariats, the CEO will consider the PIF for inclusion in a work program. PIFs cleared for work program inclusion will be sent for Scientific & Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) screening and STAP comments will be posted on the Web together with the PIF.
All PIFs cleared for work program inclusion will be eligible for a GEF project preparation grant that may be approved by the GEF CEO for an amount based on financing the estimated incremental costs of project preparation. Agencies have now the option to request a fee advance on the amount of the preparation grant.
If the agreed –on milestones and agreements in the PIF and project preparation grant approval letters are not achieved, the CEO will consult with the recipient country and relevant GEF Agency, and may agree to revised milestones and understandings or decide to cancel the project concept.
If the agreed –on milestones and agreements in the PIF and project preparation grant approval letters are not achieved, the CEO will consult with the recipient country and relevant GEF Agency, and may agree to revised milestones and understandings or decide to cancel the project concept.
