Toward More Efficient and Effective Public Social Spending in Central America

While sharing many differences, including the history of violent civil conflicts, the Central American countries also share many similarities including their relatively small size and a common history and culture. A pressing issue for the set of the six Central American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama – is how can they improve public budget allocation, and, in particular, the efficiency of spending in the social sectors. These are essential ingredients towards promoting a better standard of living for current and future citizens, especially those who are poor and vulnerable. This WBG report analyzes recent trends and composition of public spending in the social sectors – Education, Health, and Social Protection & Labor -  between 2007 and 2014. It also reviews the quality of selected institutions and sector governance arrangements that influence public social spending. The report addresses three crucial policy issues: (a) how to improve coverage and within country incidence of public social spending, (b) how to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of public social spending, and (c) how to strengthen the institutions governing public spending in the social sector.  For this report, new spending data were collected, harmonized, and analyzed, focusing not only on overall social spending but also going into more detail on the education, health, and SPL sectors. The aggregate social spending data used correspond to the budget executed by centralized and decentralized government entities and follow the International Monetary Fund (IMF) classification.  Spending data were harmonized to capture the same items in a consistent and systematic manner across countries. The conclusions are rich in concrete policy recommendations for education, health, and social protection and labor across the different countries. However, the Central America region also shares important common areas for improvement. First, strengthen the monitoring and evaluation systems within and across the social sectors would promote more cost-effective human development spending. Only with more and better data to track performance in social outputs and outcomes, as well as financial resources, at the country and subnational levels can the sub-region plan, monitor and evaluate programs and the effectiveness of public social spending. Second, using reforms to foster increased accountability in service delivery for public service providers, both at the national and subnational levels, for achieving human development outputs and outcomes. Finally, improving coordination in the design, implementation, and delivery across “social” interventions is critical for achieving more effective human development results, as well as to supporting the availability of more qualified human resources in the social sectors.  

Medellín, laboratorio mundial sobre desarrollo urbano

Hace tan solo tres décadas, Medellín era conocida como una de las ciudades más violentas del mundo. Frecuentemente la tasa de homicidios superó los 300 homicidios por cada 100 mil habitantes. Los nombres de Pablo Escobar y su cartel de Medellín, o las bandas de sicarios y los “Pepes” eran de fama internacional. Nadie quería viajar a Medellín. Hoy ese pasado se ve remoto, o a través de famosas series de televisión. Hoy Medellín es una ciudad modelo en muchos aspectos: redujo su índice de violencia en forma significativa en los últimos 20 años; la tasa de homicidios es hoy cercana a los 20 homicidios por cada 100,000 habitantes (menor que el promedio nacional de Colombia en 24) y ha ganado premios internacionales importantes, como el de la ciudad más innovadora en 2013 cuando fue ganadora del concurso City of The Year, organizado por el diario estadounidense Wall Street Journal y Citi Group. Estamos en 2017 y Medellín es considerada como una ciudad modelo de desarrollo urbano. La Comuna 13, fue considerada uno de los barrios más peligrosos de la ciudad,  enclavada en una de las montañas que rodea a la ciudad, se ha convertido en un destino turístico. Con sus escaleras eléctricas que la recorren y los murales que la decoran, el espacio público que antes estaba en manos de delincuentes ahora es propiedad de la comunidad. En cada parada de una escalera a otra se encuentran desde los mejores helados de mango hasta venta de churros y camisetas con los símbolos de la Comuna. Las escaleras eléctricas son únicas en el mundo y se han convertido en la solución más innovadora para la necesidad de la comunidad, quienes deben ascender el equivalente a 28 pisos, según datos de la Alcaldía. Como lo dice su alcalde Federico Gutierrez, Medellín ha logrado el éxito gracias a la resiliencia; al sentido de pertenencia; a la articulación del sector privado, público y académico; al trabajo con la ciudadanía; a la creatividad, innovación y capacidad de asumir riesgos; y a la continuidad de programas, proyectos y política pública. ¿Cómo crear comunidades de ciudades? ¿Se podría replicar este ejemplo en otras ciudades de América Latina?

Cómo la exclusión LGBTI obstaculiza el desarrollo en América Latina y el Caribe

Las personas LGBTI (lesbianas, gays, bisexuales, transgénero e intersexuales) siguen enfrentando exclusión, discriminación y violencia en todas partes del mundo, y América Latina y el Caribe no es la excepción. Si bien el volumen de datos fidedignos respecto al tamaño de la población LGBTI es escaso, un estudio de 2008 de la Universidad de San Pablo halló que el 19,3% de la población masculina en Río de Janeiro se identificaba a sí misma como gay o bisexual,  y el 9,3% de la población femenina se identificaba a sí misma como lésbica o bisexual. En el caso de individuos transgénero, el Instituto Williams calcula que el tamaño de la población alcanza el 0,7%, mientras que el informe Libres e Iguales de la ONU calcula que entre el 0,05% y 1,7% de la población nace con rasgos intersexuales. Clifton Cortéz, Asesor Global del Grupo del Banco Mundial en Orientación Sexual e Identidad de Género, explica cómo la exclusión y la discriminación derivan en violencia, acceso reducido a oportunidades, y obstaculizan el desarrollo. Pregunta: ¿Qué es la exclusión en base a orientación sexual e identidad de género? Clifton Cortéz: Al igual que la exclusión por raza o religión, la exclusión por orientación sexual o identidad de género se basa en una característica propia de tu persona. La discriminación, el estigma y la violencia actúan como barreras a la participación plena de las personas en varios aspectos de la vida, ya sea acceso a oportunidades educativas, al mercado laboral o atención a la salud. Todos tienen una orientación sexual, y todos tienen una identidad de género. La mayoría de las personas poseen una orientación sexual que es parte de la mayoría —heterosexual— pero no todos. Igualmente para la identidad de género, la mayoría de las personas se identifica con el género biológico en el que nacieron o fueron asignados al nacer. Sin embargo, una minoría de las personas se da cuenta, a medida que crecen, que, de hecho, se identifican con un género diferente al que se asumió tenían al nacer. Pregunta: ¿Hasta qué punto enfrentan esta exclusión las personas en América Latina y el Caribe? Clifton Cortéz: Si bien varía de país en país, las personas LGBTI enfrentan exclusión en toda la región y en forma significativa. En América Latina y el Caribe, esta exclusión muchas veces se asienta en creencias y principios religiosos, así como en las normas de género predominantes, muchas veces consagradas en leyes. Por ejemplo, las mujeres transgénero tienen    muy pocas opciones de ser empleadas en el mercado de trabajo formal dada la discriminación y el estigma al que se enfrentan. Independientemente del nivel educativo que tengan, muchas veces quedan reducidas a pedir limosna o al trabajo sexual. Este último normalmente es ilegal y está estigmatizado,  por lo que las trabajadoras sexuales se encuentran en un estado muy vulnerable,  y son objeto de violencia y de  homicidio. La Organización de Estados Americanos reveló que las mujeres transgénero en promedio no viven más allá de los 35 debido a la violencia y discriminación que enfrentan día a día. Pregunta: ¿La región está abordando este tema? Clifton Cortéz: Durante décadas, la sociedad civil organizada ejerció una posición de liderazgo en varios países de América Latina en cuanto a reclamar soluciones frente a la exclusión LGBTI. Algunos ejemplos son las organizaciones Red Lac Trans en Buenos Aires, Argentina, Letra S en Ciudad de México y Grupo Dignidade en Curitiba, Brasil. Más recientemente, algunos gobiernos también comenzaron a trabajar junto a la sociedad civil en el tema de la exclusión LGBTI, incluidas la criminalidad y la violencia, de varias maneras. Desde el aspecto legal, organizaciones regionales como la Organización de Estados Americanos y la Organización Panamericana de la Salud también están enfrentando la exclusión LGBTI en las Américas. Pregunta: ¿De qué manera la exclusión LGTBI obstaculiza el desarrollo? Clifton Cortéz: No podremos erradicar la pobreza y promover la prosperidad compartida sin incluir a las personas LGBTI. Las discusiones globales en torno a los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible reconocieron específicamente el principio de “no dejar a nadie atrás”, es decir asegurar que ese desarrollo llegue a las personas más marginadas, y esto incluye a los individuos LGBTI. Las consultas globales dirigidas por el Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo (PNUD) llegaron a un consenso generalizado respecto a las cinco áreas prioritarias que deben abordarse en términos de las personas LGBTI: bienestar económico, seguridad personal y violencia, educación, salud y participación política y cívica. Sin embargo, aún no tenemos datos sólidos respecto a la vida de las personas LGBTI como para medir su exclusión y orientar así políticas y programas, y es aquí donde el Banco Mundial puede jugar un papel importante a la hora de solucionar esta carencia de datos. El Banco Mundial está empezando a hacerlo, y ya ha o se encuentra generando nuevos datos en Tailandia, Serbia, Georgia e India, y lo seguirá haciendo a futuro en más países, incluida América Latina y el Caribe.

Pasar de las políticas a las acciones es clave para garantizar la seguridad hídrica en Panamá

PANAMÁ, 13 de junio de 2017 –  Autoridades, representantes del sector privado, académico, y de la sociedad civil, junto con el Banco Mundial, se reunirán a fin de debatir los retos y soluciones para una gestión integrada de los recursos hídricos, a partir de hoy y hasta el 15 de junio. La “Semana del Agua de Panamá: Plan Nacional de Seguridad Hídrica 2015-2050: Agua para Todos” es una iniciativa conjunta de Consejo Nacional del Agua (CONAGUA) y del Grupo Banco Mundial en el marco del apoyo de esta institución al Gobierno de Panamá, y tras diez años de compromiso de la organización con el sector agua en el país.  En medio de charlas y foros, se presentarán ejemplos internacionales de Chile, Ecuador, España, México y Perú; así como los resultados de estudios orientados a identificar retos y acciones para fortalecer la implementación del Plan. En respuesta a la declaración del estado de emergencia de 2015 por el fenómeno de “El Niño”, el Gobierno de Panamá creó la Comisión de Alto Nivel sobre Seguridad Hídrica, que posteriormente dio origen al CONAGUA, integrado por ocho instituciones gubernamentales como garantes de la implementación del Plan Nacional Seguridad Hídrica 2015-2050: Agua para todos. “El agua es un tema prioritario en la agenda de este gobierno y la creación del CONAGUA es un paso decisivo en el fortalecimiento de la gobernabilidad de los recursos hídricos del país. Representa la posibilidad de gestionar el multifuncional recurso de manera ordenada y con visión de Estado. De ahí que el intercambio de experiencias con países hermanos que comparten nuestra visión es oportuna y por demás enriquecedora”, dijo Emilio Sempris, Ministro de Ambiente. “Aprender de otros países nos ayudará a implementar el Plan Nacional de Seguridad Hídrica con una hoja de ruta que recoja las lecciones aprendidas. Contamos con las políticas, ya diseñamos el Plan y ahora estamos en la implementación de las acciones”, enfatizó Sempris. El Plan plantea cinco metas dirigidas al acceso universal y de calidad al agua y saneamiento, al uso del recurso hídrico para para el crecimiento inclusivo, a la gestión preventiva de riesgos, a tener cuencas saludables y a la sostenibilidad hídrica. “El agua es crítica para el desarrollo económico, el abastecimiento energético, la seguridad alimentaria y para garantizar el bienestar general de la población. El país ha hecho avances, sin embargo, persisten retos dada la creciente demanda de agua por los sectores productivos, y la necesidad de mejorar la provisión de servicios de agua potable y saneamiento particularmente en los grupos más pobres. Es por esto, que consideramos este diálogo de la Semana del Agua prioritario para el país”, dijo Anabela Abreu, Representante del Banco Mundial para Panamá. Durante la Semana del Agua, se tratarán temas como la gobernanza de los recursos hídricos y la importancia del agua para las ciudades. También el agua y sociedad, qué refiere a la necesidad de un acceso equitativo a los servicios de agua y saneamiento, especialmente para las poblaciones indígenas. Contactos: En Ciudad de Panamá: Cynthia Flores Mora, (506) 72899160, cfloresmora@worldbank.org Prensa del Ministerio de Ambiente Oficina de Relaciones Públicas, Ministerio de Ambiente, (507) 500-0855, ext. 6021 Para conocer el trabajo del Banco Mundial en América Latina y el Caribe visite: www.bancomundial.org/alc Visítenos en Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bancomundial Manténgase informado via Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BancoMundialLAC Nuestro canal de YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BancoMundialLAC Comunicado de Prensa 2017/002/Panamá 

Latinoamérica indígena en el siglo XXI

PRESENTACIÓN DEL INFORME EN ARGENTINA   Puedes ver acá la presentación del estudio Latinoamérica indígena en el S. XXI, a cargo de Ede Ijjasz Vásquez, director superior de la Práctica Global de Desarrollo Social, Rural, Urbano y de Resiliencia del Banco Mundial en FLACSO Argentina:Acceso al video de presentación

How LGBTI Exclusion is Hindering Development in Latin America and the Caribbean

LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex) persons face ongoing exclusion, discrimination and violence in every part of the world, and Latin America and the Caribbean is no exception. Although reliable data of population size of LGBTI individuals is scarce, a 2008 study by the University of Sao Paulo found that 19.3% of the male population in Rio de Janeiro self-identified as gay or bisexual, and 9.3% of the female population self-identified as lesbian or bisexual. For transgender individuals, the Williams Institute estimates the population size to be at 0.7%, and the United Nations Free and Equal report estimates between 0.05% and 1.7% of the population are born with intersex traits. Clifton Cortez, the World Bank Group’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity global advisor, explains how exclusion and discrimination results in violence, reduced access to opportunities, and hinders development. Question: What is exclusion based on sexual orientation and gender identity? Clifton Cortez: Similarly to exclusion because of race or religion, exclusion because of sexual orientation or gender identity is based on a characteristic of who you are. The discrimination, stigma, and violence act as barriers to people engaging fully in various aspects of life, whether it’s access to educational opportunities, the labor market, or health care. Everyone has a sexual orientation, and everybody has a gender identity. Most people have a sexual orientation that is part of the mainstream – heterosexual – but not everyone. Similarly for gender identity, most people identify with the biological gender they were born with or assigned to at birth. However, a minority of people realize as they come of age that they, in fact, identify with a different gender than the one they were assumed to have at birth. Question: To what extent do people in Latin America and the Caribbean face this kind of exclusion? Clifton Cortez: Although it varies from country to country, LGBTI people face exclusion throughout the region and to a great extent. In Latin America and the Caribbean, this exclusion is often grounded in religious beliefs and principles as well as prevailing gender norms, and sometimes even enshrined in the law. For example, transgender women are given little option to engage in official employment in the labor sector because of the discrimination and stigma they face. Regardless of educational level they often have to engage in begging or sex work. Sex work is usually illegal and stigmatized, and the sex workers are subject to great vulnerability, including violence and murder. The Organization of American States has found that transgender women on average don’t live past the age of 35 due to the violence and discrimination they face on a daily basis. Question: Is this issue being addressed in the region? Clifton Cortez: For decades, organized civil society has taken up leadership in various countries in Latin America to address LGBTI exclusion. Some examples are the organizations Red Lac Trans in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Letra S in Mexico City, and Grupo Dignidade in Curitiba, Brazil. More recently, some governments have also started to work with civil society to address LGBTI exclusion, including crime and violence, in various ways. From a legal level, regional organizations such as the Organization of American States and the Pan American Health Organization are also tackling LGBTI exclusion in the Americas. Question: In what way does LGBTI exclusion hinder development? Clifton Cortez: We can’t end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity without LGBTI inclusion. The global discussions around the Sustainable Development Goals specifically recognized the principle of “leaving no one behind”, which means making sure development reaches the most marginalized people, and that includes LGBTI individuals. Global consultations led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) gained global consensus on the  five highest-priority areas that need to be addressed for LGBTI people: economic well-being, personal security and violence, education, health, and political and civic participation. However, there is not enough solid data on LGBTI people’s lives available to measure the exclusion of LGBTI people to inform policies and programs, and the World Bank can play a leading role in addressing these data gaps. The World Bank is beginning to do this, and has or is currently generating new data in Thailand, Serbia, Georgia, and India, and will do so in more countries in the future, including in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

El Salvador: Project Director, Tertiary Violence Prevention Project

Organization: Catholic Relief Services
Country: El Salvador
Closing date: 13 Jul 2017

Job Title: Project Director, Tertiary Violence Prevention Project
Department/Country: CRS/El Salvador
Position Type: Full-time
Job Location: San Salvador, El Salvador
Band: E
Reports To: Country Representative

CRS/El Salvador (CRS/SV) is seeking a dynamic and visionary project director to lead a new, five-year Tertiary Violence Prevention Project. Building on CRS/SV´s existing tertiary prevention efforts, the Project Director will be empowered to lead a project focused on reforming and strengthening human rights-centered tertiary violence prevention for increased citizen security in El Salvador by working closely with government, civil society, private sector, and communities.

Introduction:

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and commitment to serving those in need.

CRS has worked in El Salvador for over 50 years, with signature programs in agriculture, water, and youth livelihoods and leadership.

CRS/El Salvador began its work in Tertiary Violence Prevention over 10 years ago by providing youth at risk with opportunities to transform their lives through programs focused on livelihoods and leadership.

In recent years, CRS/El Salvador has expanded our work to prisons, where we directly support inmates in their rehabilitation process through multiple interventions, as well as train prison staff in rehabilitation models and skills.

As a result of our ongoing tertiary violence prevention efforts, and based on the needs and request of the Salvadoran government, CRS/El Salvador is embarking on a long-term project to transform tertiary violence prevention in El Salvador for both minors and adults, focused on strengthening effectiveness of government tertiary prevention models and processes, increasing the availability of quality rehabilitation and reintegration programs, and increasing the legitimacy of tertiary prevention policies.

CRS/El Salvador is seeking a project director to lead our efforts, working closely with government, civil society, private sector, and communities to improve citizen security and human rights through strengthening tertiary violence prevention.

Job Summary:

The Project Director will provide the vision and overall leadership to the Tertiary Violence Prevention Project Team. S/he will be responsible for overseeing the overall management of the project including the quality of programmatic implementation (including monitoring, evaluation and learning) and administrative elements of the project, including the coordination of all consortium partners, and monitoring the budget. S/he will also serve as the primary point of contact to donor as well as public, private and non-government stakeholders. He/she is responsible for ensuring compliance in donor grants including oversight of partner budgets, finance and administration, and donor reporting. The PD is responsible for ensuring that project results are achieved on time and on budget, including strategies for phase out and sustainability; and that the budget is consumed as planned.

The PD will be a senior leader from the human rights and/or criminal justice development sector responsible for leading all aspects of the development, implementation and consolidation of the project, including ensuring that it contributes to the thought leadership within tertiary violence prevention sector in Latin America and positions CRS as a leading agency in the field of tertiary violence prevention.

The PD will operate within the organizational structure of CRS while coordinating the roles and activities of staff from other consortium member organizations in the implementation of the program interventions. The successful candidate will also be responsible for representing the project to major stakeholders, especially the donor and key relevant ministries and agencies within El Salvador.

Job Responsibilities:

Program Quality

  1. Lead the design and implementation of the Tertiary Violence Prevention Project with an innovative program lens, designing pilot solutions to existing rehabilitation and reintegration issues.
  2. With key program staff and stakeholders, ensure the project’s strategic objectives and results are fully accomplished and meet expected technical quality standards through annual and quarterly activity planning and budget forecasts.
  3. Ensure that vision and plans for the project are innovative and are in line with CRS agency and country program strategies.
  4. Lead quarterly technical review of implementation plans for the project and ensure appropriate actions are taken to meet implementation timelines and commitments.
  5. In collaboration with project staff, provide guidance and technical oversight to partners and other collaborating agencies to ensure that best practices and lessons learned are documented and disseminated.
  6. Coordinate with the Monitoring and Evaluation department to oversee the design and implementation of the project’s monitoring and evaluation system, using appropriate forms, procedures, and tools for data collection and analysis as the basis for measuring, documenting and reporting of project performance and outcomes.
  7. Ensure that Monitoring and Evaluation lessons learned from results of project monitoring and evaluation are incorporated into the design and execution of program activities to meet stated objectives and needs of the beneficiary populations.
  8. Integrate project interventions with other CRS programs as appropriate through linkages with other service providers.
  9. Ensure that processes are anchored in CRS ProPack methodologies, Integral Human Development (IHD), the Justice Lens, the Gender Lens and CRS Partnership principles.

Management

  1. Ensure staff compliance with all CRS administrative and operational procedures and policies, as well as applicable donor regulations.
  2. Approve project expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost modification requests to donors.
  3. Carry out quarterly financial tracking and reporting systems, review the budget comparison report to ensure that spending and project implementation is aligned while analyzing the progress toward goals and against burn rates.
  4. Proactively identify and address financial issues and concerns in concert with other staff and partners to ensure adherence to financial guidelines and maintain transparent systems and records.
  5. Ensure accurate and timely reporting of project finances and progress status, review actual financial performance against the budget and take corrective action to ensure that project expenses match the execution of activity plans and accurate effort reporting.

Representation and Communication

  1. Oversee the development and implementation of program communication strategies that emphasize and maximize:

  2. Opportunities to represent CRS programming in international circles and highlight the innovative and evidenced based results of project interventions.

  3. The production and wide dissemination of project best practices and effective interventions.

  4. In collaboration with CRS supervisor, act as primary program contact to donor and other local and international stakeholders, and be responsible for addressing all program matters.

  5. Represent CRS at external meetings with international and domestic stakeholders.

  6. In specific instances, prepare and deliver presentations of the project ongoing activities, challenges/opportunities, and results achieved.

  7. Strengthen linkages with existing and potential partner and government agencies.

  8. Ensure that all communication materials developed are in compliance with donor’s branding and marketing requirements as well as CRS marketing and communication procedures.

  9. Collaborate effectively and regularly with regional/HQ management and technical advisors, especially with regards to sharing and reviewing important communication with the donor and other stakeholders.

Human Resources

  1. Manage recruitment portfolio for the project, in collaboration with Human Resources Department and CRS country program management, orient, and support the professional development of supervisees, providing timely, respectful feedback.
  2. Conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with CRS’ performance management system and mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork.
  3. Supervise and coach a team of CRS and consortium staff to meet program objectives.
  4. Oversee the management of the relationship with partner organizations, ensure regular communication and organization of review/planning workshops.
  5. With program staff, lead the identification of performance gaps and training needs of CRS and partner staff and ensure the design and delivery of high quality training, technical assistance, and administrative and financial support to all partner agencies, including the selection and coordination of consultants.

Scope: Supervises the Tertiary Violence Prevention Project team members including the Technical Manager, Policy Manager, MEAL Manager and Grants and Finance Manager.

Qualifications:

  • Master´s degree in the social sciences, law, governance, human rights, public policy or related fields.
  • Demonstrated understanding of tertiary prevention principles, theories, and concepts, and their application in Latin American settings.
  • Ten years of relevant international working experience in a management role, preferably with five years’ experience working in El Salvador, contributing to or managing complex, multi-component projects related to violence prevention.
  • Proven track record of successful program management, including management of multi-activity projects, complicated logistics and large budgets.
  • At least five years experience managing donor funds and supervisory experience, including performance evaluation, coaching and mentoring.
  • Demonstrated ability to engage and partner with a wide range of key actors, including private sector, national government agencies, academic and research entities, NGO peer organizations, grassroots organizations, and community members.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multi-year and multi-component budgets.
  • Experience with program monitoring including development of indicators, data collection tools and methodologies, data analysis, and data presentation.
  • Knowledge of CRS Partnership strategy and Partner management experience an advantage
  • Excellent report-writing skills.
  • Computer skills (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, SharePoint, SalesForce).

Personal Skills:

  • Proven leadership, and ability to build and motivate diverse and talented teams
  • Proven experience in building and maintaining institutional linkages
  • Ability to work to meet deadlines in multiple tasking environments
  • Excellent organization, planning and analytical skills; detail oriented
  • Ability to think critically, effectively manage change and problem solve
  • Excellent communication and inter-personal skills, with demonstrated strength in relationship management
  • Ability to be flexible, persistent, and diplomatic and to gain respect among staff, local community leaders, church and secular partners, as well as local government ministries and donor organizations.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a multi- cultural team, yet be self-motivated and accountable for program implementation and work independently if needed.

Required/Desired Foreign Language:

Native fluency in English and excellent English writing skills especially with the ability to produce quality written reports for the donor in English on a timely basis. Fluency in written and spoken Spanish.

Travel Required:

Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required up to 25% of the time.

Key Working Relationships:

Supervisory: Technical Manager, Policy Manger, Grants and Finance Manager, MEAL Manager.

Internal: Country Representative, Head of Programs, Deputy Regional Director, Technical Advisors, HQ specialists.
External: All project partners, Government officials, public and private sector stakeholders, donors, industry experts, local/international NGOs, and local and international Catholic agencies.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

  • Serves with Integrity
  • Models Stewardship
  • Cultivates Constructive Relationships
  • Promotes Learning

Disclaimer:

This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

EOE

How to apply:

Apply online- https://recruiting.adp.com/srccar/nghome.guid?c=1161051&d=External&r=5000225603506

Colombia: Accounting Assistant, USAID/OTI Transforma Project, Colombia

Organization: Management Systems International
Country: Colombia
Closing date: 08 Jul 2017

Accounting Assistant, USAID/OTI Transforma Project, Colombia

Company Profile:

MSI, a Tetra Tech Company, is a Washington, DC metro area international development firm with a 35-year history of delivering development results across the world. Our core expertise is in the fields of monitoring and evaluation (M&E), institutional development, public sector management, governance and anti-corruption. MSI implements nearly 100 projects in 90 countries around the world such as Jordan, Morocco, Lebanon, Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Colombia, and Mexico. As one of the leading companies in our field, MSI has partnered with more than 80 organizations across all sectors of international development with clients ranging from large bilateral and multilateral donors such as USAID, the World Bank and the UNDP to national and local governments, NGOs, think tanks, foundations and universities. For more information on MSI, please visit our website at www.msiworldwide.com.

Project Summary:

Colombia Transforma is a program funded by USAID/OTI. Transforma provides strategically targeted support for sustainable peace in Colombia. The initial goal will be to improve Colombian ability to implement rapid response during the first 36 months after the signing of a peace accord.

**Please note: Only Colombian citizens are eligible for this position.

Position Summary:

The accounting assistant will support ass tasks and needs of the accounting team in the Colombia Transforma Program.

Responsibilities:

  • Support the inputting daily accounting information into Helisa Software for Colombian accounting.
  • Support the review of travel expense reports, and supporting documents, ensuring their accuracy, for accounting and payment.
  • Support the preparation and submission of monthly tax information.
  • Review and verify the invoices from vendors for the purchase of goods and services for the program.
  • Prepare and maintain files up to date for auditor visits.
  • Support with the preparation of vouchers as necessary.
  • Support the physical and electronic archiving of accounting files, ensuring that the information is kept up to date.

Qualifications:

  • Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in accounting.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in accounting processes and trecording of accounting transactions.

Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

MSI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer.

To apply: Please visit our website, [www.msiworldwide.com

](http://www.msiworldwide.com)

Asistente Contable, USAID/OTI Transforma, Colombia

Resumen del proyecto:

Colombia Transforma es un programa financiado por USAID/OTI. Transforma proporciona apoyo orientado estratégicamente para lograr una paz sostenible en Colombia. El objetivo inicial será el de mejorar la capacidad de Colombia para implementar una respuesta rápida durante los primeros 36 meses después de la firma de un acuerdo de paz.

Resumen del cargo:

El Asistente de Contabilidad apoyará todas las tareas y necesidades del área contable del Programa Colombia Transforma. El cargo reporta a la Especialista de Finanzas y administrativa.

*Tenga en Cuenta: Esta es una posición local. Solo candidatos Colombianos serán considerados.*

Responsabilidades:

  • Apoyar en el registro de información diario del Software Helisa para la contabilidad Colombiana.
  • Apoyará en la revisión de legalizaciones de gastos de viaje, asegurando su correcta liquidación y verificación para contabilización y pago.
  • Revisar documentación relacionada con solicitudes de pagos asegurando que se cumple con la normatividad local colombiana.
  • Apoyo en la preparación de liquidación de nómina del Programa.
  • Apoyar la elaboración y depuración de información para presentación de impuestos.
  • Preparar y mantener información actualizada para visitas de auditoria interna.
  • Apoyar en la elaboración de comprobantes de contabilidad cuando sea requerido.
  • Apoyar actividades de archivo físico y electrónico de la información contable manteniendo los archivos actualizados.

Competencias:

  • Tecnólogo o profesional en contabilidad.
  • Experiencia mínima dos años en cargos similares.

Solamente se contactarán a los candidatos que se hayan seleccionado para una entrevista. Favor de no llamar.

Para aplicar: Por favor visite nuestra página web, www.msiworldwide.com

PI98087402

Apply Here

How to apply:

Apply Online

Colombia: Administrative Assistant, USAID/OTI Transforma Project, Tame, Arauca, Colombia

Organization: Management Systems International
Country: Colombia
Closing date: 08 Jul 2017

Administrative Assistant,

USAID/OTI Transforma Project, Tame, Arauca, Colombia

Company Profile:

MSI, a Tetra Tech Company, is a Washington, DC metro area international development firm with a 35-year history of delivering development results across the world. Our core expertise is in the fields of monitoring and evaluation (M&E), institutional development, public sector management, governance and anti-corruption. MSI implements nearly 100 projects in 90 countries around the world such as Jordan, Morocco, Lebanon, Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Colombia, and Mexico. As one of the leading companies in our field, MSI has partnered with more than 80 organizations across all sectors of international development with clients ranging from large bilateral and multilateral donors such as USAID, the World Bank and the UNDP to national and local governments, NGOs, think tanks, foundations and universities. For more information on MSI, please visit our website at www.msiworldwide.com.

Project Summary:

Colombia Transforma is a program funded by USAID/OTI. Transforma provides strategically targeted support for sustainable peace in Colombia. The initial goal will be to improve Colombian ability to implement rapid response during the first 36 months after the signing of a peace accord.

**Please note: Only Colombian citizens are eligible for this position.

Position Summary:

This position, based in regional office in Tame (Arauca), manages the administrative needs and logistical support to ensure local operations of the Program in the field. This position supports the finance and administrative management team and provides overall administrative management in the regional offices and oversees local contracts and cleaning staff. This position reports to office manager (OM).

Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for the overall administrative operations of the office.
  • Welcome and attend to all office guests and answer the office phone.
  • Execute and monitor ongoing inventory and procurement of office, kitchen, and cleaning supplies; and maintain strong guidelines regarding appropriate use of project assets.
  • Organize, file, and send necessary financial and other Program information to Bogotá, related to project functions and administration in coordination with the OM.
  • Assists with coordinating arrangements for on-site meetings/events, also providing logistical organization support for visiting consultants.
  • Support administrative, financial, budgetary, and logistical activities, as required by the OM, including management of petty cash payments, reporting, and replenishment.
  • Track costs and approvals related to project travel for local staff, and coordinate travel arrangements with the Bogotá Administrative Assistant.
  • Support organization of event logistics and planning, as well as maintain a file of any related approval documentation.
  • Perform follow up calls to provide confirmation of receipt of official correspondence, reservations, and other important communications.
  • Organize supporting documentation for payments issued by the project.
  • Review travel expense reports for local project staff and provide comments to OM for review.
  • Maintain absolute discretion and professionalism towards all confidential matters discussed within the office, and which one might encounter in the execution of their duties.
  • Maintain a weekly calendar and daily tracking of field visits, keeping the Program’s security staff apprised of staff movements.
  • Travel locally o nationally as required.
  • Any other assignments which may be determined by the Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, or OM.

Qualifications:

  • One-two (1-2) years of experience in office administration, preferably with cooperation programs in the field.
  • Technical studies or degree in business administration.
  • Experience using Excel and MS Office.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communications skills (written and verbal).
  • Highly organized, strong work ethic, and attention to detail.

Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

MSI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer.

To apply: Please visit our website, www.msiworldwide.com

Asistente Administrativo, USAID/OTI, Tame, Arauca, Colombia

Resumen del Proyecto:

Colombia Transforma es un programa financiado por USAID/OTI. Transforma proporciona apoyo orientado estratégicamente para lograr una paz sostenible en Colombia. El objetivo inicial será el de mejorar la capacidad de Colombia para implementar una respuesta rápida durante los primeros 36 meses después de la firma de un acuerdo de paz.

Resumen del Cargo:

Esta posición, basada en la oficina regional en Tame (Arauca) , maneja las necesidades administrativas y proporciona ayuda logística para garantizar las operaciones locales del Programa en el campo. Esta posición apoya al equipo de Finanzas y Administración y proporciona gestión administrativa general en las oficinas regionales y supervisa el personal de limpieza. Este cargo reportará a la Gerente de Oficina (OM).

*Tenga en Cuento: Esta es una posición local. Solo candidatos Colombianos serán considerados.*

Experiencia:

  • Responsable por las operaciones administrativas de la oficina.
  • Atender a todos los clientes de la oficina y contestar el teléfono de oficina.
  • Ejecutar y supervisar el inventario y las adquisiciones en curso de suministros de oficina, cocina, y limpieza; mantener fuertes directrices sobre el uso adecuado de los bienes del proyecto.
  • Organizar, archivar, y mandar información financiera y del Programa necesaria a Bogotá, en relación con las funciones y la administración del proyecto, coordinando con OM.
  • Apoyar la coordinación de eventos/reuniones en la oficina, y proporcionar ayuda logística para los consultores visitantes.
  • Apoyar actividades administrativas, financieras, presupuestarias y logísticas, como lo exige el Gerente de Oficina, incluyendo la gestión de los pagos, informes, y reposición de la caja menor.
  • Supervisar los costos y aprobaciones relacionadas con los viajes para el personal local del proyecto, y coordinar con el Asistente Administrativo de Bogotá para hacer arreglos de viaje.
  • Apoyar la organización de la logística y la planificación de eventos, así como mantener un archivo de toda la documentación relacionada con la aprobación.
  • Hacer llamadas de seguimiento para proporcionar confirmación de la recepción de la correspondencia oficial, reservas y otras comunicaciones importantes.
  • Organizar la documentación de los pagos emitidos por el proyecto.
  • Revisar informes de gastos de viaje del personal local del proyecto y reportar comentarios a la OM para su revisión.
  • Mantener discreción y profesionalidad hacia todos los asuntos confidenciales discutidos dentro de la oficina, y que uno podría encontrar en la ejecución de sus funciones.
  • Mantener un calendario semanal y diario para el seguimiento de visitas al campo, manteniendo el personal de seguridad del Programa informado de los movimientos del personal.
  • Hacer desplazamientos a nivel local o nacional según sea requerido
  • Cualquier otra tarea que pueda ser determinada por el COP, DCOP u OM.

Competencias:

  • 1-2 años de experiencia en la gestión administrativa con programas de la cooperación en terreno.
  • Estudios técnicos o licenciatura en administración de empresas.
  • Experiencia usando Excel y MS Office.
  • Excelentes habilidades interpersonales y de comunicación (escrita y verbal).
  • Alto grado de organización, fuerte ética de trabajo, y atención a los detalles.

Solamente se contactarán a los candidatos que se hayan seleccionado para una entrevista. Favor de no llamar.

Para aplicar: Por favor visite nuestra página web, www.msiworldwide.com

PI98087298

Apply Here

How to apply:

Apply Online

Panama: Consultant Gender and Diversity in Emergencies

Organization: International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies
Country: Panama
Closing date: 26 Jun 2017

1. SUMMARY

The social relations between men and women, including their diverse characteristics (age, sexual orientation, skills, disabilities, mental and physical health) determine cultural practices in every community. The way they are defined creates differences in the roles and responsibilities of men and women. It also leads to inequalities in their access to, and control over, resources and decision-making. The combined effect of these differences and inequalities means that women and girls, and men and boys face different types and levels of exposure and vulnerability to natural hazard risks and disaster impacts. Gender-based behaviors and stereotypes can further contribute to gender differences, sometimes with devastating economic, social, cultural and political consequences[1].

Not all people affected by an emergency, experience it in the same way. Emergencies accentuate existing gender inequalities and the incidence of gender-based violence (GBV) often increases during and after emergencies. Gender and other social factors, including age, disability, health status, including HIV AIDS and other chronic illnesses, social status, ethnicity, etc. shape the extent to which people are vulnerable to, affected by, respond to and recover from emergencies[2]

From a gender-sensitive approach, understanding the differential risks and impacts of disasters on men and women is critical to achieving sustainable development and more effective recovery programs in communities affected by emergencies. Therefore, it is a mandate of the humanitarian organizations to adapt/modify their emergency services to consider the specific needs of the most affected, promote the empowerment of the stigmatized and discriminated populations, and the prevention, mitigation and response of sexual gender-based violence, among other key interventions to promote dignity, access, engagement and equality.

Following the IFRC Strategic Framework on Gender and Diversity 2013-2020 and the 2015 International Conference Resolution “Sexual and gender-based violence: joint action on prevention and response”, the IFRC Americas Regional Office (ARO) is committed to ensure its actions are non-discriminatory towards people of all ages and backgrounds, and to promote gender equality and respect for diversity, and integrate prevention and response to gender based violence across operations.

In 2013 the Canadian Government and the Canadian Red Cross formed a strategic partnership to strengthen local Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in targeted countries and improve the regional and international humanitarian response capacity of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The Capacity Building for Emergency Response in the Americas Project (CERA), the Strengthening Global Emergency Response project (SGER) and the Health in Emergency project are all part of this partnership and have three principal cross cutting themes – Gender Equality and Diversity (G&D), Violence Prevention and Protection (VP) and Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA).

The CERA project works to strengthen the emergency preparedness and response capacity of five Red Cross National Societies (NS) in the Americas: Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Haiti. The National Societies, with the support of Canadian Red Cross, have the aim to integrate the cross-cutting themes into their Disaster Risk Management (DM) policies, procedures, mechanisms and support systems, to save lives, promote respect for diversity, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity

With the support of the Strategic Partnership projects and in cooperation with the Canadian Red Cross the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies seeks to integrate gender and diversity in their Disaster Management actions.

2. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the guidance and direct supervision of CRC’s Cross Cutting Themes Regional Advisor and in close coordination with IFRC’s Operations Coordinator, Social Inclusion Senior Officer, and Program Coordinator, the Gender and Diversity Consultant is expected to perform the following activities:

CERA – 70%

  • Provide guidance, technical assistance, and training to staff and volunteers of the CERA Red Cross National Societies in Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Haiti to integrate gender and diversity sensitive strategies into the design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of their emergency programming
  • Support the CERA Red Cross National Societies to develop specific mechanisms and actions that consider the distinct needs and safety risks that females and males of all ages, including those from marginalized groups, face in emergency settings; and promote the empowerment of stigmatized and discriminated populations.
  • Develop informational, educational and communicative (IEC) materials for the CERA National Societies to guide and provide orientation to staff and volunteers on the IFRC’s Minimum Standards of Gender and Diversity in Emergencies and other related topics, and mainstreaming gender and diversity in emergencies including gender-based violence and sexual gender-based violence in emergencies
  • Support the CERA project in identifying appropriate and quality technical support from within the Red Cross Movement (IFRC, ICRC and National Society peers – including Canadian Red Cross) and from outside the Movement (public, private and non-profit sectors) for the NSs on mainstreaming gender and diversity in emergencies.
  • Support CERA National Societies in developing a policy on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse
  • Provide technical assistance and guidance to the CERA National Societies in planning, management, monitoring and reporting, mainstreaming gender and diversity into their Disaster Management activities.

REGIONAL – 30%

  • Support the IFRC ARO in rolling out the Minimum Standard Commitments to Gender and Diversity in Emergency Programming in the Americas Region and adapting the IFRC training module “7 moves: Minimum Standard Commitments to Gender and Diversity in Emergency Programming.”
  • Provide technical assistance, coaching and guidance to IFRC’s Americas Regional Office staff to integrate gender and diversity into IFRC operations in accordance with the Minimum Standard Commitments to Gender and Diversity in Emergency Programming, including DREFs and Appeals operations.
  • Provide technical support to incorporate gender and diversity in emergencies in the IFRC’s the Regional and National Intervention Team (RIT and NIT) training curriculum and other relevant training’s curriculums for emergency responders
  • Provide training to select IFRC and CRC staff on mainstreaming gender and diversity in emergency programming
  • Undertake other duties that may be assigned from time to time which are commensurate with the role of the Consultant.

The Gender and Diversity in Emergencies Consultant will be contracted by the IFRC’s Secretariat Zone Office in the Americas but will work under the direction of the Canadian Red Cross’s Program Coordination Office in Panama.

3. DELIVERABLES

  1. Work plan for carrying out the activities of the consultancy (CERA and Regional).
  2. Roadmap for CERA NS with measurable actions to be taken to integrate gender and diversity sensitive strategies into the design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of their emergency programming and develop specific mechanisms and actions that consider the distinct needs and safety risks that females and males of all ages, including those from marginalized groups, face in emergency settings.
  3. Roadmap for IFRC’s ARO with measurable action to be taken to integrate gender and diversity into IFRC operations in accordance with the Minimum Standard Commitments to Gender and Diversity in Emergency Programming, including DREFs and Appeals operations.
  4. Guidance, technical assistance and training provided to CERA National Society Staff and volunteers on gender and diversity in emergencies.
  5. IFRC’s “7 Moves: Minimum Standard Commitments to Gender and Diversity to National Societies” training module adapted to the Americas context and a regional training delivered.
  6. Updated NIT and RIT curricula to reflect a gender-sensitive approach
  7. Guidelines and IEC materials for gender mainstreaming in emergencies.
  8. Development and implementation of a training plan for IFRC’s Disaster and Crisis Department and the Canadian Red Cross CERA team
  9. Monthly narrative reports.

SCHEDULE

The technical support to be provided by the Consultant should be for a period of 8 months starting in August 2017

4. EVALUATION CONSULTANT AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • University Degree, preferably Master Degree, in the field of women’s studies, gender and development, social sciences or related studies.
  • 5 to 7 years of strong technical knowledge and experience on gender-based violence, and gender mainstreaming in emergencies and complex situations.
  • Proven experience producing high-quality research on gender issues and ability to absorb, analyze and synthesize large amounts of complex information.
  • Experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of projects incorporating a gender and diversity approach.
  • 3 to 5 years working experience for a humanitarian aid organization in the Americas and/or the Caribbean. RCRC experience will be treated as an added value.
  • Experience with project planning, Results Based Management and project management. Ability to use Logical Framework approach.
  • Experience in development of educational resources (guidelines, IEC materials), curriculums, policies and procedures.
  • Proven leadership, mentoring, team building, relationship building, negotiating and influencing skills.
  • Working knowledge of computer software applications (Windows, Excel, Power Point)
  • Knowledge of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
  • Fluently spoken and written English and Spanish (essential). French (desired)
  • The consultant is expected to have flexibility to travel 50% of the time (required).

5. PAYMENT MODALITIES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Monthly payment upon submission of monthly report and validation of CRC’s Administrative and Financial Coordinator.

How to apply:

6. APPLICATION PROCESS

Recommended Presentation of Proposal:

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Brief description of approach to work and financial proposal (max 1 page each)

To be considered, please submit a complete application package by June 26, 2017 at 12:00 PM (noon) to evelyn.vallejosalcedo@redcross.ca. Any incomplete submission will not be considered.

Nicaragua: Director of Partnerships

Organization: JustHope
Country: Nicaragua
Closing date: 29 Nov 2017

JustHope, Inc.

Director of Partnerships Job Description

Primary Objective: The Director of Partnerships is responsible for developing, coordinating and nurturing partnerships between U.S. partners and one or all of the JustHope Nicaragua partner communities. This position reports to the Executive Director of JustHope.

Position Overview: The Director of Partnerships will work directly with the JustHope Partnership Coordinator in Nicaragua to provide excellent organizational service and support. This position will focus on partner relationships and communications, partner trips, program and project support and partner financial support of the organization. The Director of Partnerships will support operations and programming for JustHope and represent the mission, vision and core values of the organization. This position utilizes JustHope’s 4 Core Values: solidarity, sustainability, mutuality and collaboration in practical and efficient ways to ensure success.

Job Duties:

1- Administrative/Operational

  • Work with JustHope Partnership Coordinator on trip logistics and collaborate with JustHope Program Director on program aspects of partnertrips
  • Develop and implement partner trip follow-up program
  • Create and maintain resource development initiatives with trip partners, as assigned by the Executive Director
  • Supervise Partnership Coordinator and Staff Translators
  • Train and supervise partnertrip interns
  • Maintain network of contracts in government agencies including Customs, Health and Medicine, Education, Police, Municipal Government, and U.S. Embassy.

2 – Programming

  • Maintain, fine-tune and integrate JustHope’s Partnership program

    • Maintain and update Partnership curriculum at each level of the program
    • Collaborate with Executive Director to develop organizational requirements and expectations for partnership participation
  • Recruit and develop U.S. partner groups including;

    • Strengthening the service learning partnertrip program
    • Develop a program trip model to secure individual partners that are not associated with an official partner group
  • Create opportunities for partners to deepen, integrate, and embed their partnerships in authentic Nicaraguan community life

  • Develop and maintain partner trip evaluation process and data

  • Lead and/or Supervise leadership of PartnerTrips, other Interns, and Liasons

    • Build itineraries based on needs of partner
    • Create partner trip goals and budgets
    • Provide partner orientation and general education
    • Maintain trip budgets
    • Provide wrap-up programming
  • Responsible for Reporting

    • Write Partner-project reports
    • Provide regular community reports and updates

3- General

  • Represent JustHope and its core values with donors and other stakeholders
  • Collaborate with all JustHope staff and volunteers to achieve JustHope’s mission and vision
  • Other tasks as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications

  • Commitment to JustHope’s mission, vision and core values;
  • English and Spanish fluency required;
  • Bachelor degree in social service field;
  • Willingness to spend extended periods of time in Nicaragua and the U.S.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
  • Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Drive to create and file reports and presentations;
  • Ability to be self-directed, developing and implementing work plans independently;
  • Excellent teamwork skills, including supervisory skills.

How to apply:

Interested candidates please send your CV and a cover letter to leslie@justhope.org with «Director of Partnerships – LAST NAME» in the subject line of the email.