empleo

Organization: UN Children’s Fund
Country: Brazil
Closing date: 04 Jun 2017

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world’s leading children’s rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children’s survival, protection and development. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Purpose of the Position

Under the direct supervision of the Telemarketing Officer, Fundraising Assistant (Telemarketing Implementation), will assist in the implementation of the Telemarketing operation, by following up the services delivered by two or more outsourced agencies and providing complementary training to the outsourced agents on UNICEF content. Also be the focal point to implement the telemarketing component in UNICEF and/or partners´ call centers, aiming at recruiting new pledge donors, contributing to the organization´s national and global goals.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities

1. Assistance to the Telemarketing campaigns implementation

– In accordance with UNICEF fundraising guidelines, provide effective support to the supervisor on the implementation of the Telemarketing operation activities;- Ensure service delivered by outsourced Telemarketing specialized agencies and corporate partners´ call centers are duly followed up both quantitative and qualitatively; – Periodic visits to the field where the campaign is being implement to monitor calls, identifying and addressing the problems.

2. Attend to meetings and report back to the Supervisor

– Attend to periodical follow up meetings with the agencies in Belo Horizonte, Salvador or any other required location and interact with the Supervisor and RM&P team to report about the operation progress;- Receive guidance on the strategies and suggest necessary adjustments;- Provide reports on a weekly basis.

3. Implement Telemarketing component in corporate partners´ call centers

– Interact with partners´ agencies in order to develop the telemarketing activity, training and monitoring supervisors and agents or leading and coordinating those who do it; – Deal with logistical arrangements for events as necessary.

4. Prepare and deliver trainings

– Implement timely and effective training and/or refreshing sessions to outsourced or in house agents, inspiring agents and assuring they understand and retain information on UNICEF global and local work, and become able to successfully transfer this information to the prospects or donors; – Act as a backup for trainings for F2F teams whenever necessary.

5. Prepare and implement motivational dynamics

– Implement timely and effective motivational dynamics, aiming at retaining the outsourced talents working for UNICEF campaigns, and reducing the turn over that jeopardizes Telemarketing results.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Education

– Completed secondary education is required. Having attended or being attending university courses inthe related fieldis an advantage.

Experience

– Five (5) years of working experience in Telemarketing,as a directmarketing activity, be it for sales or fundraising purposes,is required.

Language

– Fluency in Portuguese and English is required. Knowledge of an additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) is considered an asset.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

Core Values

Commitment

Diversity and Inclusion

Integrity

Core competencies

Communication (I)

Working with People (II)

Drive for Results (I)

Functional Competencies

Analyzing (I)

Applying TechnicalExpertise(I)

Planning and Organizing (I)

Following Instructions and Procedures (I)

To view our competency framework, please click here.

In relation, please note that all candidates who wish to apply to this Vacancy Announcement are requested to prepare and submit their respected UNICEF applications in English language.

Note:Non-citizens of Brazil must be in possession of a work permit authorizing them to work throughout the Country.*Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious and ethnic backgrounds, representing the diversity of Brazil, such as black and indigenous people, to apply to become a part of our organization. Candidates will be treated equally regardless of gender, sexual orientation, special needs, social and HIV/aids status. UNICEF is a smoke-free environment.

How to apply:

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=504835

Organization: Gruppo di Volontariato Civile
Country: Nicaragua
Closing date: 15 Jun 2017

Through the EU Aid Volunteers initiative, financed by the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department (ECHO), you can apply for a unique experience in the humanitarian aid field in different countries.

GVC has opened selection procedures for volunteers who will work in different local organisations.

The initiative is open to all European Citizens who wish to work as:

· junior volunteers: who want to increase their skills and their professional and life experience;

· senior volunteers: professionals who have already had 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector.

DEADLINE JUNE 15TH:

· Nicaragua: Senior Volunteer in Disaster Preparedness and Urban Resilience

More information: http://www.euvolunteerportal.org/it/blog/new-vacancies-for-eu-aid-volunteers/

How to apply:

The complete list of vacancies and requested profiles are published on the ECHO platform where you can fill-out the online application form and a self-assessment questionnaire, as well as attaching your Europass CV and cover letter.

Join our team in Nicaragua by applying before June 15 2017.

FILL-OUT YOUR APPLICATION FORM, CLICK HERE

Organization: Gruppo di Volontariato Civile
Country: Nicaragua
Closing date: 15 Jun 2017

Through the EU Aid Volunteers initiative, financed by the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department (ECHO), you can apply for a unique experience in the humanitarian aid field in different countries.

GVC has opened selection procedures for volunteers who will work in different local organisations.

The initiative is open to all European Citizens who wish to work as:

· junior volunteers: who want to increase their skills and their professional and life experience;

· senior volunteers: professionals who have already had 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector.

DEADLINE JUNE 15TH:

· Junior Volunteer in Finance and Accounting in Nicaragua

More information: http://www.euvolunteerportal.org/it/blog/new-vacancies-for-eu-aid-volunteers/

How to apply:

The complete list of vacancies and requested profiles are published on the ECHO platform where you can fill-out the online application form and a self-assessment questionnaire, as well as attaching your Europass CV and cover letter.

Join our team in Nicaragua by applying before June 15 2017.

FILL-OUT YOUR APPLICATION FORM, CLICK HERE

Organization: Gruppo di Volontariato Civile
Country: Nicaragua
Closing date: 15 Jun 2017

Through the EU Aid Volunteers initiative, financed by the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department (ECHO), you can apply for a unique experience in the humanitarian aid field in different countries.

GVC has opened selection procedures for volunteers who will work in different local organisations.

The initiative is open to all European Citizens who wish to work as:

· junior volunteers: who want to increase their skills and their professional and life experience;

· senior volunteers: professionals who have already had 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector.

DEADLINE JUNE 15TH:

· Junior Volunteer in Communication in Nicaragua

More information: http://www.euvolunteerportal.org/it/blog/new-vacancies-for-eu-aid-volunteers/

How to apply:

The complete list of vacancies and requested profiles are published on the ECHO platform where you can fill-out the online application form and a self-assessment questionnaire, as well as attaching your Europass CV and cover letter.

Join our team in Nicaragua by applying before June 15 2017.FILL-OUT YOUR APPLICATION FORM,** CLICK HERE

Organization: Gruppo di Volontariato Civile
Country: Ecuador
Closing date: 15 Jun 2017

Through the EU Aid Volunteers initiative, financed by the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department (ECHO), you can apply for a unique experience in the humanitarian aid field in different countries.

GVC has opened selection procedures for volunteers who will work in different local organisations.

The initiative is open to all European Citizens who wish to work as:

· junior volunteers: who want to increase their skills and their professional and life experience;

· senior volunteers: professionals who have already had 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector.

DEADLINE JUNE 15TH:

· Ecuador: 2 Senior Volunteers: Architect in Ecuador

More information: http://www.euvolunteerportal.org/it/blog/new-vacancies-for-eu-aid-volunteers/

How to apply:

The complete list of vacancies and requested profiles are published on the ECHO platform where you can fill-out the online application form and a self-assessment questionnaire, as well as attaching your Europass CV and cover letter.

Join our team in Ecuador by applying before June 15 2017.

FILL-OUT YOUR APPLICATION FORM, CLICK HERE

Organization: Gruppo di Volontariato Civile
Country: Ecuador
Closing date: 15 Jun 2017

Through the EU Aid Volunteers initiative, financed by the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department (ECHO), you can apply for a unique experience in the humanitarian aid field in different countries.

GVC has opened selection procedures for volunteers who will work in different local organisations.

The initiative is open to all European Citizens who wish to work as:

· junior volunteers: who want to increase their skills and their professional and life experience;

· senior volunteers: professionals who have already had 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector.

DEADLINE JUNE 15TH:

· Ecuador: Senior Volunteer: Technical expert in volcanology or seismology or geophysics

More information: http://www.euvolunteerportal.org/it/blog/new-vacancies-for-eu-aid-volunteers/

How to apply:

The complete list of vacancies and requested profiles are published on the ECHO platform where you can fill-out the online application form and a self-assessment questionnaire, as well as attaching your Europass CV and cover letter.

Join our team in Ecuador by applying before June 15 2017.FILL-OUT YOUR APPLICATION FORM,** CLICK HERE

Organization: Trickle Up
Country: Costa Rica
Closing date: 09 Jun 2017

About Trickle Up:

Trickle Up’s mission is to empower people living on less than $1.90 a day to build sustainable livelihoods for a better quality of life utilizing the Graduation Approach to livelihood development, a proven strategy that combines elements of social protection, livelihoods, and microfinance to move people out of poverty. With programs in India, Central America and West Africa, Trickle Up has established expertise in livelihoods for difficult-to-serve populations. TU leverages this expertise by equipping large institutions to design and implement effective livelihood programs for people living in extreme poverty, and its largest client is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Working in over 125 countries, UNHCR’s mandate is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, displaced persons, and the stateless, and to seek lasting solutions to their plight. Together, TU and UNHCR have established the first-ever Graduation pilots working with displaced populations and work in urban areas.

Position Overview:

Trickle Up will hire a Regional Livelihoods Specialist to be seconded to UNHCR’s office in San José, Costa Rica. The Regional Livelihoods Specialist will provide support to UNHCR livelihoods staff in the sub-region’s countries to achieve UNHCR’s Global Livelihood Strategy and to increase the adoption of the Graduation Approach, where appropriate.

Principal Functions:

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Senior Livelihoods Officer in UNHCR headquarters, the Regional Livelihoods Specialist will:

• Support the implementation of the UNHCR Global Strategy for Livelihoods in the region, and advise field operations on the design and implementation of their country strategies;
• Support the UNHCR operations in implementing livelihoods, and particularly the Graduation Approach;
• Support the adoption of good livelihoods models by NGOs, multilateral agencies, development actors, government and donors to enhance economic inclusion of refugees in the field;
• Ensure that livelihoods projects implemented by UNHCR operations in the region comply with UNHCR Minimum Criteria to achieve better impact on people of concern;
• Provide technical guidance to existing Graduation programs in the region;
• Support the development and implementation of Graduation projects, or the strengthening of existing livelihood projects using Graduation principles, Trickle Up and UNHCR best practices, and targeted capacity building;
• Compile lessons learned and best practices to share with UNHCR, TU stakeholders, and external audiences and ensure UNHCR monitoring and evaluation data is provided to Trickle Up.

Qualifications:

Education requirements

• Master’s degree in Development Studies, Socio-Economic Development, Economics/International Economics, Rural Development/Natural Resource Management, or other related fields.

Experience requirements

• At least 4 years of experience in international development, including experience in project management or capacity building for economic strengthening project(s)
• Experience with sustainable livelihoods, economic strengthening, and economic development for vulnerable populations (experience with refugees preferred)
• Experience as a technical advisor to capacity building/training/reform programs
• Experience working in large-scale donor or host government-led capacity building programs
• Experience with the UN is an asset

Knowledge and skills

• Excellent writing and speaking skills in English and Spanish
• Strong, developed leadership ability
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Excellent written and oral communications and presentation skills
• Excellent training skills
• Highly organized and analytical thinker
• Self-starter with strong initiative
• Proactive, creative problem-solver
• Flexible and productive under pressure

Behavioral competencies

• Responsible, dedicated, independent worker
• Proven ability to meet targets and deadlines
• Good interpersonal and diplomacy skills
• Cross-cultural sensitivity

Other requirements

• This position will be based in Costa Rica but requires frequent travel to other countries in the region.

Salary and Benefits:

We offer a competitive salary and benefits for this full-time position. The successful applicant will join a dynamic, passionate, multicultural team deeply committed to the alleviation of extreme poverty. Trickle Up promotes a collegial, high-performing organizational culture in which staff communicate clearly and openly, and are reflective, innovative, and mutually accountable.

How to apply:

To be considered, click the link and follow the instructions to upload your cover letter and resume. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until June 9. We are sorry we are unable to entertain phone calls related to this posting.

Trickle Up is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workforce and extend equal opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Organization: UN Children’s Fund
Country: Peru
Closing date: 03 Jun 2017

UNICEF PERU

Position Title: EDUCATION OFFICER

Country: Peru

Job Level: NO-A (National Officer)

Post No. 68607

THIS POST IS OPEN FOR NATIONALS OF PERU ONLY

PURPOSE FOR THE JOB

Accountable for professional technical contribution to education programmes/projects design, planning, administration, monitoring and evaluation, data analysis and progress reporting. Commitment for enhancement of teamwork and capacity building, in support of achievement of planned objectives of the work plan, aligned with country programme goals and strategy.

KEY END-RESULTS

1. Accurate, complete and up-to-date information made available for effective budget preparation, programme and project design, implementation, management and evaluation.

2. Project efficiency and effectiveness enhanced through effective implementation follow-on.

3. Progress reports and project work plans timely prepared, and effective technical assistance provided in the identification of required supplies and equipment, and in the drafting of Country Programme Recommendation and other project documentation.

4. Appropriateness and completeness of financial and supply documentation as well as adherence to established allotments ensured.

5. Knowledge sharing with donors and media promoted.

6. Effective communication and networking achieved through partnership and collaboration.

KEY ACCOUNTABIILITIES, DUTIES AND TASKS

Programme/Project Management

Ensure the availability of accurate, complete and up-to-date information required for effective Education programme and project design, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation. Draft sound Education programme budgets for review by the supervisor.

Advocacy for education equity policies

Compliant, integrate and analyze data and evidence that contribute for develop strategies to advocate in equity policies in education area.

Project Efficiency and Effectiveness

Enhance project efficiency and effectiveness through implementation follow-on, including monitoring UNICEF inputs, local conditions and resources, flow of supply and non-supply assistance and Education project status.

Work Plan and Project Documentation

Analyze collected data and information and prepare progress reports; draft changes in Education project work plans and assist in identification of required supplies and equipment as well as in the drafting of Country Programme Recommendation and other project documentation, assuring accuracy and consistency with established rules, regulations and plans of action.

Project Implementation Information and Data

Ensure the appropriateness of financial, administrative and supply documentation; verify that Education project expenditures are within allotments and that data is consistent with the project information and database. Follow up on queries or initiate corrective action on discrepancies.

Knowledge Sharing

Compile Education project implementation training and orientation materials to promote knowledge sharing with donors and media.

Communication and Networking

Ensure the effective communication and networking developed and maintained through partnership and collaboration.

• Collaborate with Operations staff to implement internal controls systems and resolve day-to-day issues or discrepancies in financial or supply management.

• Team with local Government counterparts to exchange information on Education project implementation and status as well as movement and distribution of supplies.

• Support coordination with members of the development community, including NGOs, UN and bilateral agencies in the exchange of information relating to Education sector.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

University degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Education; Primary Education, Economics, Social Sciences, or a field relevant to international development assistance.

Work Experience

One year of professional work experience at national and international levels relevant Education programmes. Experience working in the UN or other international development organization an asset.

Background in Emergency programme an asset.

Language Proficiency

Fluency in English and Spanish is required.

HOW TO APPLY:

This is a National Officer post in Peru, opened only to candidates with Peruvian nationality.

If you are a National of Peru and your competencies match the requirements of the post, apply to:

https://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=504814

Application deadline: Friday, 2 June 2017 at 23:59 hours, Lima, Peru time

Unicef is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious and ethnic backgrounds (particularly indigenous people), as well as persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.

How to apply:

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=504814

مع تكيف أمريكا اللاتينية مع هبوط أسعار السلع، يتجه صناع السياسات نحو أوثق السبل للنمو المستدام والمستمر وهو: الابتكار. تقول مارياليسا موتا، مدير قطاع الممارسات العالمية للتجارة والتنافسية بإدارة أمريكا اللاتينية والبحر الكاريبي، "عندما تبتكر أنشطة الأعمال، تزداد الإنتاجية ويصبح الاقتصاد أكثر قدرة على المنافسة."ولدى العديد من بلدان أمريكا اللاتينية سياسات تشجع على الابتكار، إلا أن أغلبها أقل كفاءة أو فعالية مما ينبغي أن تكون عليه. وتعمل مجموعة البنك الدولي على مساعدة الحكومات على تقييم برامجها وتحسينها.ويقول ألبرتو كريسكولو، الخبير الأول المتخصص في القطاع الخاص، إن الغاية هي "أن نرى القيمة المقابلة للدولار. هل الإنفاق العام على الابتكار يتسق مع أولويات السياسات بشأن الابتكار؟ ما مدى تأثير البرامج على الابتكار؟ هل هناك تداخل بين الهيئات والوزارات؟ ما الذي يمكن أن نتعلمه من تطبيق البرامج الحالية؟ هذه المراجعات للعلوم والتكنولوجيا والإنفاق على الابتكار تتم بدعم من مجموعة البنك الدولي في بيرو وكولومبيا وشيلي وبلدان أخرى.ويقول كريسكولو إن هناك "فجوة بين ما تحتاجه الصناعة وما تجريه الجامعات من بحوث. فكل منهما يعمل في واد آخر." تقييمات البنك الدولي يمكن أن تساعد في تحديد مجالات الابتكار التي تحتاجها الصناعة أكثر، وأن تشجع على تمويل البحوث المتصلة بها.تقييم المزيجوفي شيلي، قيمت مجموعة البنك الدولي مستوى جودة مزيج سياسات الابتكار والعمل الحر وعملت مع اثنتين من الهيئات الحكومية لرصد الممارسات الجيدة ومواطن الضعف في التصميم وفي ممارسات التطبيق. واستخدمت النتائج لتنوير عملية إعادة الهيكلة الحالية لأدوات الابتكار.وفي كولومبيا، قيمت مجموعة البنك الدولي أكثر من 120 أداة للسياسات، حيث قامت بقياس فعالية مزيج السياسات، ومدى تكرارها والفجوات بينها. والآن، تساعد مجموعة البنك الدولي الحكومة على تصميم استراتيجية وطنية للابتكار من خلال التوصية بانتهاج ممارسات جيدة تتعلق بأدوات الابتكار، مثل منح حوافز واضحة بشكل أفضل للبحوث والتطوير. والآن، تساعد المجموعة الحكومة على تصميم استراتيجية وطنية للابتكار بالتوصية بانتهاج ممارسات جيدة تتعلق بأدوات الابتكار، مثل منح حوافز أكثر وضوحا للبحوث والتطوير.ويقول الخبير الاقتصادي الأول ليوناردو ياكوفوني، الذي شارك في وضع التقييم الخاص بكولومبيا الذي غيرت البلاد نظامها الضريبي بعده، "لم يتجاوز عدد الشركات التي استفادت من الإعفاءات الضريبية في القطر كله العشرين شركة، أغلبها الشركات الكبرى في قطاعي التعدين والطاقة ."ويشارك ياكوفوني حاليا في جهود تقديم قرض قدره 600 مليون دولار لكولومبيا، تم إقراره في مارس آذار، من بين أهدافه تعزيز سياسات الابتكار.الإدارة والتكنولوجياويوضح ياكوفوني أن الابتكار أمر يتعلق بالإدارة بقدر ما يتعلق بالتكنولوجيا. "فالشركة التي تستطيع الابتكار هي أيضا تستطيع التعلم. والطريقة التي تنظم بها حياتك وتديرها مهمة للأسلوب الذي تتعلم به: أي تحديد الأهداف ومتابعتها. ربط عمليات الموارد البشرية والحوافز بالأهداف. وتلقي آراء العاملين عن كيفية مواصلة التحسين."ويقول مارك كروتس، الأخصائي الاقتصادي الأول، في البرازيل أيضا هناك مساحة كافية لتحسين أسلوب إدارة الشركات. وتظهر المسوح أن 18% من الشركات تدار بطريقة سيئة للغاية، مقابل 11% من الشركات في المكسيك، و% في الصين، و2% في الولايات المتحدة، وفقا للمسح العالمي للإدارات.بيد أن التكنولوجيا مهمة أيضا. ويقول دوتس إنه رغم خشية البعض من أن تبني تكنولوجيات جديدة سيؤدي إلى قتل الوظائف، "فإن تبني الشركات للتكنولوجيا يمكن في الحقيقة أن يكون اشتماليا، حيث يجلب وظائف أكثر وأفضل، ليس فقط للعمال ذوي المهارات العالية، بل أيضا للعمالة الأقل مهارة- شريطة أن يكون هناك زيادة كافية في الإنتاج."وقد اعتادت بلدان أمريكا اللاتينية، خاصة البرازيل، أن تكون مغلقة نسبيا أمام التجارة الخارجية، حيث لا تقدم للشركات إلا القليل مما يحفز على الابتكار والصمود أمام المنافسة في الأسواق العالمية- مما أدى إلى ارتفاع الأسعار على المستهلكين. إلا أن تحطيم تلك الحواجز يعني أن الشركات يمكنها أن توسع نشاطها ليمتد إلى ما وراء أسواقنا المحلية التقليدية. يقول دوتس، "عليهم أن يفكروا في العالم كقوقعة لهم."

Se necesitan incentivos para que los resultados educativos se adecúen a las necesidades de estudiantes y países CIUDAD DE MÉXICO, 17 de mayo de 2017 – El número de estudiantes de programas de educación superior prácticamente se duplicó …

Challenge The economy of Latin America and the Caribbean countries has provided the means for an accelerated expansion of infrastructure construction in the region. In this context, promoting environmentally sustainable construction has become an essential element for achieving green growth. Sustainable infrastructure is fundamental for growth and inclusion, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as in Latin America and the Caribbean region. In these countries, a key to successfully developing environmentally sustainable infrastructure is sharing knowledge and experience among specialists and building their technical capacity. Furthermore, the need in the region for acquiring specific knowledge regarding the latest innovations and best practices on environmental sustainability in the construction industry, as well as strengthening capacities for their correct implementation, has become a priority. In the past years, the region has experienced a revolutionary technological advance, providing an ideal scenario for developing a web-based knowledge platform allowing easy and inclusive access to knowledge and experience exchange between concerned parties. The impact of increasing access to knowledge on best practices for sustainable construction activities will help support these countries in complying with international standards and will ensure that they reach their environmental and sustainability goals. Approach The objective of the grant for the project Knowledge Platform: Environmentally Sustainable Infrastructure Construction was to develop a bilingual (English and Spanish) web-based knowledge platform in Latin America and the Caribbean to enhance skills, knowledge, and capacity to perform construction in an environmentally sustainable manner. Principal objectives are to (i) increase the capacity to develop environmentally sustainable infrastructure projects, (ii) improve good practices and enhance project results and outcomes, (iii) provide a reliable source of information, and (iv) offer specialized knowledge services to technical specialists. This knowledge platform, known as KPESIC, encompasses within the term sustainable environmental management the sound management skills needed to mitigate negative environmental, social, and health and safety impacts and risks from infrastructure projects as well as the skills and approaches needed to improve positive impacts or benefits to achieve more sustainable projects. The focus is on infrastructure sectors of transport (roads, rail, ports, and airports), energy (generation, transmission, and distribution), water and sanitation (water supply and distribution and wastewater collection and treatment), and urban development. The intention behind the platform is to provide knowledge resources to technical specialists working at governmental agencies, construction companies, or universities who are charged with managing environment issues in infrastructure construction. KPESIC deals with the project construction phase but also with the planning, design, operation, and maintenance phases, all of which are crucial in establishing environmentally sustainable infrastructure. 

As Latin America and the Caribbean begins to emerge from six years of economic slowdown, including two of recession, it is essential to find ways to nurture and strengthen this budding recovery. Economic growth was the central factor behind the region’s striking social and economic achievements of the last decade, when Latin America cut extreme poverty by half, significantly reduced inequality, and greatly expanded the middle class. But we no longer enjoy the conditions that enabled all this. The drop in the prices of commodities and the slowdown in key economies, such as China, hit the region hard. In today’s very different scenario, it is crucial to rebuild the foundations for economic recovery. Infrastructure stands out as one of the main enablers to enhance productivity and sustainably boost our domestic growth engines. It is clear that Latin America and the Caribbean does not have the infrastructure it needs or deserves, and the accomplishments of the past decade make this contrast even starker. Low-quality roads keep people from jobs and public services and increase the costs of small farms and exporters alike, making them less able to compete. Over 100 million people, almost a fifth of the population, do not have access to improved sanitation, and two-thirds of sewage goes untreated, spreading disease and degrading our rivers. In 2012 alone, this caused Latin Americans to lose a combined 900,000 years of life because of disability, ill health or death. At the same time, much of our current infrastructure is not prepared for trends such as rapid urbanisation, or to face the extreme weather events associated with climate change, that result in tragic loss of life and massive rebuilding costs. The recent floods in Peru and Colombia caused over 300 deaths, and swept away more than 3,000 km of roads and almost 300 bridges in Peru alone, isolating scores of villages. The poor and vulnerable bear the brunt of these impacts. They are also the first to suffer when infrastructure is simply not present, having no option but to resort to costly alternatives such as water trucks and electrical generators. Traditionally, the region has tried to solve this by looking for more resources. There has long been talk about the investment gap in infrastructure — the difference between what we have and what is needed — with estimates around US$180 billion per year. However, this hides a very complex and varied reality across the region. While the region, as a whole, invests less than three per cent of GDP in infrastructure, compared to East Asia’s over seven per cent, some countries invest more than four per cent. In addition, significant increases in public investment are not realistic in today’s tight fiscal context. Two recent World Bank reports reveal that, rather than necessarily spending more, a lot can be done by spending better and by ensuring that the full potential of the private sector is tapped. The debate must shift from how much finance the region needs, and how to raise it, to what actually needs to be done, and finding the most efficient ways of achieving it. Addressing the inefficiencies will require interventions at the sectoral level as well as more systemic ones, including tackling lack of institutional capacity for planning, regulatory uncertainty, as well as budgeting and implementation issues.