UNCDF works directly with the private sector and local-level governments throughout the LDCs, but in all cases its ultimate client is the LDC national government. UNCDF’s relationship with each national LDC government is legally established and governed by a Standard Basic Assistance Agreement (SBAA).

UNCDF programmes in each country are developed in the context of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), prepared collectively by UN agencies in cooperation with host governments and other partners.

Within each country UNCDF’s counterpart for its Financial Services for the Poor work is usually the central bank. Its counterpart for its Public Finance for Local Development work is usually the ministry of local government (or equivalent).

UNCDF has a decentralized structure in which 43 country programme offices are the primary point of programming decision-making and partnering with national counterparts, who have overall responsibility for administration of development processes and programmes.