When strategic planning is done

Within the UN, strategic planning is undertaken in departments and offices in line with the
biennial budget
cycle. This planning feeds into “Strategic Framework” and “Programme Budget” documents for
each
Department. You can see the overview Strategic Framework document for all departments here
(within
the UN network). The key steps for and timing of the biennial budgeting process are found in the
Managers’ Toolkit.
Other strategic plans may need to be developed outside the timeframes and parameters of the
biennial
budget process. For example, if an office is suddenly faced with a new challenge or mandate, a
change in its operating environment, or other strategic change, it may be valuable to
undertake a
strategic planning exercise. When a new team or unit is to be established, it is imperative to
develop a
strategic plan at the very outset.