LFA - Local Fund Agent (LFA)

Swiss TPH has served as a Local Fund Agent (LFA) for the Global Fund since 2004. The LFA is an independent organisation contracted by the Global Fund – typically one per country – to provide assurance on grant implementation. Working closely with the Global Fund Secretariat’s Country Team, the LFA evaluates and monitors activities before, during and after grant implementation. The scope of work in each country is defined in an annual work plan agreed between the Global Fund and the LFA.

Core Responsibilities

Before grant signature
The LFA assesses the capacity of a nominated Principal Recipient and reviews key grant documents. This includes:
• Assessing the Principal Recipient’s previous track record
• Reviewing the effectiveness of internal controls and systems
• Examining the proposed grant budget, work plan, performance framework and related documentation
This assessment supports the Global Fund in determining whether the grant is ready to proceed. Implementing entities can range from the governmental organisations such as Ministry of Health or diseases programmes, to international organisations (UN agencies , non-governmental organisations), and local Civil Society Organisations.

During grant implementation
The LFA provides independent verification and oversight of grant performance and the appropriate use of funds. Activities typically include:
• Reviewing Progress Updates and Disbursement Requests
• Conducting implementation effectiveness reviews
• Visiting implementation sites to verify reported results and assess data quality
• Monitoring financial management and programme performance

Grant closure and risk advisory
At the end of a grant, the LFA advises the Global Fund on grant closure activities and associated risks.
The LFA may also undertake specific assignments at the request of the Global Fund, including reviews related to identified risks or concerns.

Since 2004, Swiss TPH has covered 32 portfolio countries (Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Costa Rica, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Guatemala, Guinea, Lao PDR, Liberia, Maldives, Mali, Myanmar, Namibia, Niger, Palestine/West Bank and Gaza, São Tomé & Príncipe, Senegal, Syria and four regional programs: Multicounty Americas (REDCA+) covering El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama; Middle East Response (MER) covering Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Jordan and Iraq and two in Senegal.