Technical Review Panel

To support the Global Fund in financing effective programs, the Board relies on an independent panel of international experts of health and development. The Technical Review Panel (TRP) reviews eligible grant proposals for technical merit (soundness of approach, feasibility and potential for sustainability) for more detailed information please refer to the "Terms of Reference of the Technical Review Panel". Based on this review the TRP recommends proposals for funding to the Board.

The TRP consists of a maximum of 40 experts. Each expert is appointed by the Board for a period of up to four Rounds. The panel for Round 9 is chaired by Dr. Bola Oyeledun (Nigeria).

The composition of the TRP covers expertise in HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria and cross-cutting issues. Balances in terms of gender, regional representation and a mix of sectoral experience are taken into consideration in the composition of the panel.

TRP Recommendations

The TRP provides its comments in writing, in a document titled TRP Review Form. The TRP Review Form outlines the main strengths and weaknesses of the components, and the TRP recommendations to the Board. There are four (4) categories of recommendations:

Category 1: 
Recommended for approval without changes (and no or only minor clarifications); or

Category 2:
Recommended for approval provided that clarifications or adjustments are met within a limited timeframe; or

Category 3:
Not recommended for approval in its present form but strongly encouraged to resubmit following major revision; or

Category 4:
Rejected.

TRP Clarifications

The TRP Review process leads to a number of proposals being recommended for funding on the condition that adjustments be made and that clarifications be provided within a limited timeframe. This FAQ is therefore relevant to applicants whose proposal has been classified as Category 1, 2 or 2B in the Rounds-based Channel, Rolling Continuation Channel, National Strategy Applications and Affordable Medicines Facility malaria (AMFm).

Irrespective of the category assigned by the TRP, the Board's approval to fund a proposal is conditional on the provision of these adjustments and clarifications, and the TRP's satisfaction with such adjustments and clarifications, within the required timeframe.

A visual overview of the clarifications process is also available.

Appeals

Where the Board, following TRP recommendation, rejected the same application twice in consecutive rounds of proposals, the applicant may appeal the relevant decision. In this case an independent appeal panel will review the appeal. Grounds for appeals are limited to significant and obvious error made by the TRP regarding the information contained in the second submission of the proposal.