An Internal Purchase Order (IPO) is not a contractual instrument with a vendor, but an internal UN document solely used to obligate available funds. Internal purchase orders are issued internally within the UN to obligate funds against contracts for future payment for goods or services provided under a contract.

Issuing an Internal Purchase Order
			The Procurement Staff shall ensure that funds for a proposed contract have been approved and then obligate the funds by issuing an Internal Purchase Order.
			An original of the Internal Purchase Order shall be signed by the duly authorized Procurement Staff or other authorized official and placed in the procurement case file. A copy shall be transmitted to the Requisitioner and the Accounts Division, as applicable.
			If all procurement activities related to the acquisition have been conducted at HQ, but payment for such goods or services is to be arranged by another office, such as an OAH or a Field Mission, the Procurement Staff nevertheless must have received a certified and funded Requisition before the Internal Purchase Order is issued.