empleo

Quase metade dos países pôs em prática políticas anticíclicas: gastos nas épocas ruins e economia de recursos nas épocas boasOs observadores do mercado estimam que, neste ano, o crescimento médio da região voltará a ser positivoAs contas fiscais, no entanto, ficaram deterioradas depois de seis anos de desaceleração econômica WASHINGTON, 18 de abril de 2017 – Em um desdobramento positivo, hoje mais do que nunca, os países da América Latina e Caribe estão implementando políticas fiscais anticíclicas – gastando mais em épocas ruins e economizando nas épocas boas, de acordo com um novo relatório semianual do Banco Mundial sobre a região. O relatório "Apoiando-se contra o Vento: uma Perspectiva Histórica da Política Fiscal na América Latina e Caribe" argumenta que essa transformação é importante para uma região que, com frequência, lançou mão de gastos pró-cíclicos – aumentando o risco de superaquecer a economia em períodos de prosperidade e entrar em recessões mais profundas em períodos de baixa atividade econômica. De acordo com o Consensus Forecasts, o Produto Interno Bruto da região deverá crescer 1,5% este ano e 2,5% em 2018, pondo fim a seis anos de desaceleração econômica e à recessão dos últimos dois anos. Se essa previsão se concretizar, as recuperações esperadas no Brasil e na Argentina serão fundamentais para estimular o novo ciclo de crescimento na região. A previsão de crescimento para o México é de, aproximadamente, 1,4%; na América Central e Caribe, a previsão é de uma taxa de crescimento estável em cerca de 3,8%. No entanto, as contas fiscais de vários países sofreram com a desaceleração prolongada. Em 2016, 29 dos 32 países enfrentavam déficits fiscais, em grande parte decorrentes do aumento dos gastos. A média da dívida bruta na região é de 50% do PIB. Ainda assim – em uma importante ruptura com o passado – vários países agora se encontram em melhor posição para escapar dessa complexa situação fiscal, de acordo com o relatório. “Tradicionalmente, os países da América Latina e Caribe agem de forma pró-cíclica, seja por pressões políticas para gastar durante os períodos de prosperidade ou por falta de acesso a capital internacional durante os períodos de desaceleração”, afirma Carlos Végh, Economista-Chefe do Banco Mundial para a América Latina e Caribe. “O resultado é que, muitas vezes, esses países acabam presos na armadilha da pró-ciclicidade fiscal – com o aumento da dívida pública e dos déficits fiscais e rebaixamento da classificação de crédito – e ficam sem opções para reverter a situação.” Em resposta à crise financeira global de 2008, a parcela de países com políticas fiscais anticíclicas na região aumentou de 10 para 45%. Países como Chile, Colômbia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, México, Paraguai e Peru começaram a aumentar os gastos públicos e / ou baixar os impostos em uma tentativa de estimular a economia. Embora essas medidas tenham produzido déficits fiscais, elas fizeram parte de um esforço concertado para minimizar a desaceleração econômica. Por outro lado, afirma o relatório, os países que continuaram com políticas pró-cíclicas agora precisam consolidar ainda mais as suas contas fiscais para minimizar os riscos de rebaixamento da classificação de crédito e de encarecimento dos empréstimos. “Embora os países achem tentadora a ideia de gastar – em vez de poupar – no próximo ciclo de crescimento, os acontecimentos na política fiscal da última década nos trazem a esperança de que os países serão prudentes e optarão pelo caminho seguro,” afirma Végh. “Em um ambiente externo caracterizado por volatilidades e choques frequentes, esse comportamento prudente possibilitará aos países transformar a política fiscal em instrumentos para ajudar a atravessar a próxima crise e preservar os ganhos sociais.” — Para mais informações, por favor, visite: www.worldbank.org/lac Visite a nossa página no Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bancomundialbrasil Receba atualizações via Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bancomundialbr Visite o nosso canal no YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/bancomundiallac

Casi la mitad de los países aplicaron políticas contracíclicas: gastando en los momentos difíciles y ahorrando en los buenosLos analistas de mercado esperan que el crecimiento promedio de la región se torne positivo este añoDe todas manera…

Nearly half of the countries followed counter-cyclical policies: spending in bad times and saving in good timesMarket watchers expect that the region’s average growth will turn positive this yearYet fiscal accounts have deteriorated after six years of economic slowdown WASHINGTON, April 18, 2017 – In a positive development, today more than ever before, Latin American and Caribbean countries are pursuing counter-cyclical fiscal policies – spending more in bad times and saving in good times, according to a new World Bank semiannual report for the region. "Leaning against the Wind: Fiscal Policy in Latin America and the Caribbean in a Historical Perspective" argues that the transformation is significant for a region that has often pursued pro-cyclical spending – increasing the risks of overheating economies during boom times and making recessions deeper during the bad times. According to the Consensus Forecasts, Gross Domestic Product in the region is expected to grow by 1.5 percent this year and 2.5 percent in 2018, putting an end to six years of an economic downturn, including recession over the past two years. If they materialize, recoveries expected in Brazil and Argentina will largely fuel the return to growth in the region. Mexico’s growth is expected to hover at around 1.4 percent, while Central America and the Caribbean will maintain steady growth of around 3.8 percent. However, the fiscal accounts of many countries have suffered due to the prolonged slowdown. As of 2016, 29 out of 32 countries were facing fiscal deficits, largely due to higher spending. The median gross debt for the region stands at 50 percent of GDP. Still – in a significant break with the past – many countries now find themselves in a better position to escape this difficult fiscal predicament, according to the report. “Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have traditionally been pro-cyclical, either because of political pressures to spend during good times or lack of access to international capital during bad times,” said Carlos Végh, World Bank Chief Economist for Latin America and the Caribbean. “As a result, they often found themselves caught in a fiscal procyclicality trap, leading to higher public debt and fiscal deficits as well as lower credit ratings that left them few options to turn things around.” In response to the global financial crisis of 2008, the number of countries with a countercyclical fiscal policy increased from 10 to 45 percent of the region’s economies. Countries such as Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, and Peru begun to increase public spending and/or lower taxes in an attempt to stimulate the economy. While such measures produced fiscal deficits, they were the result of a concerted effort to minimize the downturn. On the other hand, countries that continued with pro-cyclical policies must now further consolidate their fiscal accounts to minimize the risks of a deterioration in their credit ratings and an increase in borrowing costs, the report argues. “While countries may still find it tempting to spend rather than save in the next boom cycle, the events of the last decade in fiscal policy give us hope that countries will play it safe instead and be prudent,” said Végh. “In an external environment characterized by frequent shocks and volatility, such prudence will allow them to turn fiscal policy into instruments to help cope with the next downturn and preserve social gains.” — For more information, please visit: www.worldbank.org/lac Visit us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/worldbank Be updated via Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BancoMundialLAC For our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/worldbank

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2017 – The World Bank Board of Directors approved US$100 million in additional financing for productive rural partnerships, which will benefit nearly 33,500 households. In this new phase, the Rural Partnerships II Project (PARII) seeks to improve incomes of more rural inhabitants and thus contribute to reducing poverty in Bolivia. With the additional financing, the project will reach nearly 28,000 new households in rural areas throughout the country through the establishment of approximately 768 productive partnerships. The financing will also be used to support 48 sub-projects of municipal, productive and service infrastructure, with more than 21,000 direct beneficiaries, or some 5,500 households. The PAR II will continue to finance small-scale farmers and their access to markets. Additionally, it will support the strengthening of climate change resilience in rural production systems. To this end, about 75 percent of the additional resources will be invested in irrigation and efficient water usage, as well as in technical assistance in these areas during the preparation and implementation of business plans. "We are supporting the climate-resilience efforts of the Bolivian government by incorporating this new approach in the project, which also responds to the global need to reduce vulnerability to climate change, especially in agriculture, on which food security depends. We believe that in the future, productivity will have improved, and consequently, the incomes of small-scale producers. Additionally, the capacity of this segment to respond to climate shocks will have been strengthened,” said Alberto Rodríguez, World Bank director for Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. During implementation of the PAR Project, which began in 2006, more than 1,300 rural partnerships were financed, generating investments of some US$98 million and benefitting nearly 68,000 people. The project impact evaluation demonstrated that it is inclusive and that it has considerable impact on poverty reduction because it significantly increases farmers’ incomes. “In keeping with the approach of this initiative, the project will continue to encourage rural youth and women to play a leading role, acknowledging their value as dynamic actors in the country’s development agenda,” said Nicola Pontara, World Bank representative in Bolivia. The US$ 100 million in additional World Bank financing covers 76.6 percent of the total cost of the project. Counterpart resources will cover the remainder: Beneficiaries will contribute 20.8 percent (US$27.2 million) while municipal governments will provide 2.6 percent (US$3.4 million). This financing is a loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development with a maturity date of 21 years and a grace period of 3.5 years. — Learn more about the work of the World Bank in Latin America and the Caribbean: www.worldbank.org/lac   Visit us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/worldbank Be updated via Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BancoMundialLAC   For our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/BancoMundialLAC  

Organization: UN Children’s Fund
Country: Brazil
Closing date: 08 May 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 supervision of the Chief, Education Section or Education Specialist, the Officer provides professional technical, operational and administrative assistance throughout the programming process for education programs/projects within the Country Program from development planning to delivery of results, preparing, executing, managing and implementing a variety of technical and administrative program tasks to facilitate program development, implementation, program progress monitoring, evaluating and reporting.

Key functions/accountabilities

1.Support to program development and planning

-Contribute to the preparation/update of situation analysis for the program sector/s for development, design and management of education related programs/projects. Research and report on development trends and (economic, social, health etc) data for use in program development, management, monitoring, evaluation and delivery of results.-Contribute to the development/establishment of sectoral program goals, objectives and strategies and results-based planning through research, collection, analysis and reporting of education and other related information for development planning and priority and goal setting. -Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes by executing/administering a variety of technical, program, operational and administrative transactions, preparing related materials/documentations and complying with organizational processes and management systems, to support program planning, results based planning (RBM) and monitoring and evaluating results.

2.Program management, monitoring and delivery of results

-Work closely and collaboratively with internal and external colleagues and partners to discuss operational and implementation issues, provide solutions, recommendations and/or alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level intervention and/or decision. Keep record of reports and assessments for easy reference and/or to capture and institutionalize lessons learned.-Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, program reviews and annual reviews with government and other counterparts to assess programs/projects and to report on required action/interventions at the higher level of program management.-Monitor and report on the use of sectoral program resources (financial, administrative and other assets), verify compliance with approved allocation/goals, organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity. Report on critical issues/findings to ensure timely resolution by management/stakeholders. Follow up on unresolved issues to ensure resolution.- Draft regular/mandated sectoral program/project reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of program progress.

3.Technical and operational support to program implementation

-Conduct regular program field visits and surveys and/or exchange information with partners/stakeholders to assess progress and provide technical support, take appropriate action to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for resolution. Report on critical issues, bottlenecks and potential problems for timely action to achieve results.-Provide technical and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office partners/donors on the application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes and best practices on education and related issues to support program implementation, operations and delivery of results.

4.Networking and partnership building

-Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge to facilitate program implementation and build capacity of stakeholders to achieve and sustain results on education programs.-Draft communication and information materials for CO program advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnership/alliances and support fund raising for education programs.-Participate in appropriate inter-agency (UNCT) meetings/events on programming to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNDAF operational planning and preparation of education programs/projects and to integrate and harmonize UNICEF position and strategies with the UNDAF development and planning process. -Research information on potential donors and prepare resource mobilization materials and briefs for fund raising and partnership development purposes.

5.Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

-Contribute to identifying, capturing, synthesizing and sharing lessons learned for knowledge development and capacity development of stakeholders.-Apply innovative approaches and promote good practice to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable program results.-Research and report on best and cutting edge practices for development planning of knowledge products and systems. -Participate as resource person in capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Education

A University Degree in education, psychology, sociology or other social science field is required.

Experience

-A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in social development planning and management in education and related areas at the international and/or in a developing country is required. -Relevant experience in education and related areas, program/project development and management in a UN system agency or organization is an asset.

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 (II)-Working with people (I)-Drive for results (I)

Functional Competencies

-Formulating strategies and concepts (I)-Analyzing (II)-Applying technical expertise (II)-Learning and researching (II)-Planning and organizing (II)

To view our competency framework, please click here.

Note: Please note that this Vacancy Announcement is open for competition to Brazilian nationals only.

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.

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=504243

Organization: ACDI/VOCA
Country: Guatemala
Closing date: 21 May 2017

For over 50 years and in 145 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has approximately 49 projects in 30 countries and revenues of $151 million.

We are currently seeking a Chief of Party for an anticipated USAID funded Communities Building Peace Together Project (CBPT) project in Guatemala.

Responsibilities

• Provide the vision and overall leadership to the team
• Supervise technical implementation and program administration
• Implement activities in accordance with USAID rules and regulations
• Work with headquarters staff on development of budgets and pipelines analyses
• Coordinate with USAID/Guatemala, key governmental counterparts, regional governments, the private sector, community based organizations, and other nongovernmental partners
• Oversee and ensure timeliness of monitoring and evaluation activities. Develop necessary reports for donor and ACDI/VOCA management; manage final evaluation process.
• Coordinate activities and prepare annual results report, resource requests, quarterly reports and pipeline analyses; coordinate with HQ on development of profiles, success stories, etc.
• Assure that assistance provided under the award is technically sound and appropriate for the needs to be addressed and for adequately managing and supervising the work of all staff in country.

Qualifications

• Minimum of university degree in a related field such as Peace and Conflict Resolution, Political Science, Law, International Relations, Public Policy/Administration, Community Development required; a Master’s Degree or equivalent in human rights, political science, gender studies, international development, conflict and peacebuilding is highly desirable
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a progressively more responsible position with at least 5 years as a chief of party or equivalent role
• At least five years of experience providing technical advice and implementing large scale donor-funded in areas like: conflict-mitigation, violence prevention, community development, inclusion, human rights, and youth at risk programs
• Adequate knowledge and practical experience with conducting conflict analysis as well as adaptive context driven programming approaches highly desirable
• Experience in the use of alternative dispute resolution methodologies (including mediation), in the use of traditional dispute resolution methods, and in conforming such to modern human rights requirements, is required
• Experience engaging and building capacity of local and regional organizations on social inclusion issues and in civil society and government institutional building
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with high-level government officials, municipal authorities, the private sector, civil society organizations (CSOs), communities, donor, and project staff, is required
• Proven capacity to facilitate coordination amongst diverse sectors/actors, and strong experience with coalition building and collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including civil society, and government (local, state, national), is required
• Demonstrated experience in working with senior government officials and the private sector to support a program’s objectives
• Specific track record around social accountability, community driven development, championing the rights marginalized and vulnerable populations, and other related voice and empowerment initiatives in the context of conflict prevention is desired.
• Familiarity with USAID’s Collaborating, Learning and Adapting Framework highly desirable.
• Experience working in developing countries, preferably in Central America or Latin America.
• Demonstrated leadership, management, strategic thinking, and ability to lead diverse teams in major multi-year programs in conflict resolution, human rights, and governance.
• Prior experience managing large USAID-funded programs with large sub-grant components, and familiarity with USAID and US Government monitoring, evaluation, and reporting requirements.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required; excellent written and spoken Spanish and English skills – FSI IV.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the field work, project management, and monitoring and evaluation methods.
• Previous experience in Guatemala is highly preferred.

How to apply:

Please apply online at https://internationaljobs-acdivoca.icims.com/jobs/4816/chief-of-party%2c-guatemala/job?mode=view&mobile=false&width=758&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-300&jun1offset=-240. No phone calls please. Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted. ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and people from diverse groups are encouraged to apply. ACDI/VOCA will never solicit a payment from any applicant.

WASHINGTON, 13 de abril de 2017 –  Un millón de estudiantes de preescolar, primaria y secundaria de escuelas públicas en Nicaragua se beneficiarán de mejores prácticas docentes e infraestructura con la implementación de un préstamo por US$55 millones aprobado hoy por el Directorio Ejecutivo del Banco Mundial (BM). El proyecto “Alianza para la Calidad Educativa” (ACE) está alineado con la Estrategia de Alianza de País 2013-2017, en su objetivo de fortalecer las habilidades y el desarrollo integral de los nicaragüenses a través de una mejor calidad en la educación preescolar y básica. El proyecto también cumple con los objetivos planteados en la Estrategia del Sector Educativo 2017-2021. “El Gobierno de Nicaragua está firmemente comprometido con una educación de calidad que incluye el fortalecimiento de las capacidades pedagógicas de nuestros docentes de preescolar, primaria y secundaria; así como la mejora de los ambientes de aprendizaje de nuestros estudiantes, que contarán con escuelas más seguras y menos vulnerables a desastres naturales, avanzando así en una educación concebida como derecho y rutas educativas protagonizadas por la comunidad educativa”, dijo Miriam Ráudez, Ministra de Educación de Nicaragua. A fin de fortalecer las prácticas docentes, con este proyecto se darán cursos de formación continua y acompañamiento pedagógico a unos 52 mil educadores en servicio. Entre otros temas, se les impartirá entrenamiento enfocado en género y de desarrollo de habilidades socioemocionales en los estudiantes; reforzado con evaluaciones de aprendizaje y de desarrollo infantil. Además, estudiantes y docentes recibirán materiales didácticos, lo que asegurará la disponibilidad de instrumentos de trabajo en el aula. En cuanto a la mejora integral de los ambientes de aprendizaje, el proyecto incluye el desarrollo de infraestructura de calidad. Por un lado, se beneficiará directamente a casi 50 mil estudiantes con escuelas rehabilitadas o ampliadas. Por otro lado, se desarrollarán nuevas normas y protocolos para la construcción de escuelas a nivel nacional, que incorporarán los más altos estándares para reducir la vulnerabilidad ante inundaciones, marejadas ciclónicas y terremotos. “Este proyecto se enfoca en el fortalecimiento de la calidad educativa en Nicaragua, como un pilar clave para dar sostenibilidad a visibles progresos observados en los últimos años”, explicó Luis Constantino, representante del Banco Mundial en Nicaragua. “El proyecto contribuirá al Objetivo de Desarrollo Sostenible Nº 4 a través del fortalecimiento de la educación preescolar y el aumento del acceso a una educación básica de calidad. Asimismo, la resiliencia ante las amenazas climáticas y geofísicas es un paso vital para el desarrollo sostenible”, agregó. El crédito de US$55 millones por parte de la Agencia Internacional de Fomento (AIF), el fondo del Banco Mundial para los más pobres, es reembolsable a 20 años, incluyendo un período de gracia de cinco años. La duración del Proyecto está prevista para un período de cinco años. Contacto: En Washington: Marcela Sánchez-Bender, (202) 473-5863, msanchezbender@worldbank.org En Managua: Cynthia Flores Mora, (505) 2270-0000 x210, cfloresmora@worldbank.org 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/WorldBankLAC Nuestro canal de YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/worldbank Comunicado de Prensa 2017/209/LAC

IDA Credit: US $55 million equivalent Terms: Maturity = 20 years, Grace = 5 years Project ID: P161029 Project Description: The project’s objectives are to introduce innovative mechanisms for the improvement of teacher quality through in-servi…

WASHINGTON, April 13, 2017 – One million preschool, primary and secondary students of public schools in Nicaragua will benefit from improved teaching practices and infrastructure thanks to a US$55 million loan approved by the World Bank Board of Directors today. The project “Partnership for Quality Education” is aligned with the 2013-2017 Country Partnership Strategy in its objective to strengthen the skills and comprehensive development of Nicaraguans by improving the quality of preschool and basic education. The project also works toward the objectives of the 2017-2021 Education Sector Strategy. “The Government of Nicaragua is solidly committed to a quality education that includes strengthening the teaching skills of our preschool, primary and secondary teachers, as well as improving the learning environments of our students, who will have safer schools that are less vulnerable to natural disasters. This will help advance the idea of education as a right and education paths led by the education community,” said Miriam Ráudez, Minister of Education of Nicaragua. With a view to strengthening teaching practices, this project will offer continuing education courses and mentoring to some 52,000 practicing teachers. Teacher training will include a gender-based approach, as well as one to develop students’ socioemotional skills. Learning and child development assessments will reinforce these activities. Additionally, students and teachers will receive educational materials to guarantee the availability of classroom learning materials. To contribute to the overall improvement of learning environments, the project includes activities to develop quality infrastructure. It will directly benefit some 50,000 students by remodeling and enlarging schools. Moreover, new construction standards and protocol will be developed for schools nationwide, including the highest standards to reduce infrastructure vulnerability to flooding, hurricanes and earthquakes.  “This project focuses on strengthening educational quality in Nicaragua, as a key pillar for sustaining the visible progress observed in recent years,” said Luis Constantino, World Bank Representative in Nicaragua. “The project will contribute to Sustainable Development Goal Nº 4 by strengthening preschool education and increasing access to a quality basic education. Moreover, promoting resilience to climate and geophysical threats is pivotal for sustainable development,” he added. The US$55 million loan from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the poorest, has a 20-year maturity date, including a five-year grace period. The project will be implemented for five years. Contacts: Washington: Marcela Sánchez-Bender, +1 (202) 473-5863, msanchezbender@worldbank.org San José, Costa Rica: Cynthia Flores Mora, (506) 88220956, cfloresmora@worldbank.org Learn more about the work of the World Bank in Latin America and the Caribbean: www.worldbank.org/lac   Visit us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/worldbank Be updated via Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BancoMundialLAC   For our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/BancoMundialLAC   News Release 2017/209/LAC  

Nearly half of the countries followed counter-cyclical policies: spending in bad times and saving in good timesMarket watchers expect that the region’s average growth will turn positive this yearYet fiscal accounts have deteriorated after six years of economic slowdown WASHINGTON, April 18, 2017 – In a positive development, today more than ever before, Latin American and Caribbean countries are pursuing counter-cyclical fiscal policies – spending more in bad times and saving in good times, according to a new World Bank semiannual report for the region. "Leaning against the Wind: Fiscal Policy in Latin America and the Caribbean in a Historical Perspective" argues that the transformation is significant for a region that has often pursued pro-cyclical spending – increasing the risks of overheating economies during boom times and making recessions deeper during the bad times. According to the Consensus Forecasts, Gross Domestic Product in the region is expected to grow by 1.5 percent this year and 2.5 percent in 2018, putting an end to six years of an economic downturn, including recession over the past two years. If they materialize, recoveries expected in Brazil and Argentina will largely fuel the return to growth in the region. Mexico’s growth is expected to hover at around 1.4 percent, while Central America and the Caribbean will maintain steady growth of around 3.8 percent. However, the fiscal accounts of many countries have suffered due to the prolonged slowdown. As of 2016, 29 out of 32 countries were facing fiscal deficits, largely due to higher spending. The median gross debt for the region stands at 50 percent of GDP. Still – in a significant break with the past – many countries now find themselves in a better position to escape this difficult fiscal predicament, according to the report. “Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have traditionally been pro-cyclical, either because of political pressures to spend during good times or lack of access to international capital during bad times,” said Carlos Végh, World Bank Chief Economist for Latin America and the Caribbean. “As a result, they often found themselves caught in a fiscal procyclicality trap, leading to higher public debt and fiscal deficits as well as lower credit ratings that left them few options to turn things around.” In response to the global financial crisis of 2008, the number of countries with a countercyclical fiscal policy increased from 10 to 45 percent of the region’s economies. Countries such as Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, and Peru begun to increase public spending and/or lower taxes in an attempt to stimulate the economy. While such measures produced fiscal deficits, they were the result of a concerted effort to minimize the downturn. On the other hand, countries that continued with pro-cyclical policies must now further consolidate their fiscal accounts to minimize the risks of a deterioration in their credit ratings and an increase in borrowing costs, the report argues. “While countries may still find it tempting to spend rather than save in the next boom cycle, the events of the last decade in fiscal policy give us hope that countries will play it safe instead and be prudent,” said Végh. “In an external environment characterized by frequent shocks and volatility, such prudence will allow them to turn fiscal policy into instruments to help cope with the next downturn and preserve social gains.” — For more information, please visit: www.worldbank.org/lac Visit us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/worldbank Be updated via Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BancoMundialLAC For our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/worldbank

Près de la moitié des pays ont suivi des politiques contra-cycliques: dépenser durant les périodes difficiles et économiser dans les bons momentsLes observateurs du marché s’attendent à ce que la croissance moyenne de la région soit positive cette annéePourtant, les comptes budgétaires se sont détériorés après six ans de ralentissement économique WASHINGTON, le 18 avril 2017 – Selon un nouveau rapport semi-annuel de la Banque mondiale pour la région, on observe un développement positif, aujourd’hui plus que jamais, les pays d’Amérique latine et des Caraïbes poursuivent des politiques budgétaires contra-cycliques, dépensant davantage dans les moments difficiles et économisant dans les bons moments. «A contre-courant: la politique budgétaire en Amérique latine et les Caraïbes dans une perspective historique» soutient que la transformation est significative pour une région qui a souvent poursuivi des dépenses pro-cycliques – augmentant les risques de surchauffe économiques en périodes de boom et rendant les récessions plus profondes durant les périodes difficiles. Selon les prévisions du consensus, le produit intérieur brut dans la région devrait croître de 1,5 pour cent cette année et de 2,5 pour cent en 2018, mettant fin à six ans de ralentissement économique, y compris une récession au cours des deux dernières années. Si elles se concrétisent, les recouvrements attendus au Brésil et en Argentine alimenteront largement le retour à la croissance dans la région. La croissance du Mexique devrait s’élever à environ 1,4 pour cent, tandis que l’Amérique centrale et les Caraïbes maintiendront une croissance régulière d’environ 3,8 pour cent. Cependant, les comptes budgétaires de nombreux pays ont souffert en raison du ralentissement prolongé. En 2016, 29 des 32 pays étaient confrontés à des déficits budgétaires, principalement en raison des dépenses plus élevées. La dette brute médiane pour la région s’élève à 50 pour cent du PIB. Toutefois selon le rapport, de nombreux pays se trouvent maintenant dans une meilleure position pour échapper à cette situation financière difficile, en rupture avec le passé. "Les pays d’Amérique latine et des Caraïbes ont traditionnellement été pro-cycliques, soit en raison des pressions politiques pendant les bons moments, soit du manque d’accès au capital international pendant les mauvais moments", a déclaré Carlos Végh, économiste en chef de la Banque mondiale pour l’Amérique latine et le Caraïbes. "En conséquence, ils se sont souvent retrouvés pris au piège dans une pro-cyclicité fiscale, ce qui a entraîné une dette publique et des déficits budgétaires plus élevés, ainsi qu’une note de crédit plus faible qui leur a laissé peu d’options pour faire avancer les choses". En réponse à la crise financière mondiale de 2008, le nombre de pays ayant une politique budgétaire contra-cyclique est passé de 10 à 45 pour cent des économies de la région. Des pays comme le Chili, la Colombie, le Costa Rica, le Salvador, le Guatemala, le Mexique, le Paraguay et le Pérou ont commencé à augmenter les dépenses publiques et / ou à réduire les impôts dans le but de stimuler l’économie. Bien que de telles mesures produisent des déficits budgétaires, elles ont été le résultat d’un effort concerté visant à minimiser le ralentissement. D’autre part selon le rapport, les pays qui ont continué avec des politiques pro-cycliques doivent maintenant consolider davantage leurs comptes budgétaires afin de minimiser les risques de détérioration de leurs cotes de crédit et une augmentation des coûts d’emprunt. «Bien que les pays puissent encore être tenté de dépenser plutôt que d’économiser dans le prochain cycle de croissance, les événements dans la politique budgétaire de la dernière décennie nous donnent espoir que les pays vont jouer la carte de la prudence », a déclaré Végh. «Dans un environnement externe caractérisé par des chocs fréquents et une volatilité, une telle prudence leur permettra de transformer la politique budgétaire en instrument pour faire face au prochain ralentissement et préserver les gains sociaux».  

WASHINGTON, April 18, 2017—The World Bank Group and Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) today awarded competitive funds totaling US$1.14 million to 10 teams from around the world for innovations to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 35 percent of women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. Beyond the devastating personal costs, gender-based violence inflicts a steep economic toll: estimates of resulting lost productivity run as high as 3.7 percent in some economies. The Development Marketplace Awards aim to help individuals, communities, and nations stamp out GBV. The idea for the awards, which first launched one year ago, honors GBV victims and survivors around the world, and is in memory of Hannah Graham, daughter of a longtime World Bank employee. The winners of this year’s awards range from efforts to reduce inter-partner violence among refugees in Ethiopia to community approaches to prevent gender-based violence in the Amazon of Peru. “Gender-based violence thrives on secrecy and indifference with devastating consequences,” World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim said. “We cannot stand by while so many women suffer harm that’s completely preventable. Through this competition we hope to shine a spotlight on gender-based violence and inspire innovative solutions. It is my honor to congratulate and thank the 2017 Development Marketplace winners for taking action to end GBV.” An expert panel reviewed more than 200 proposals submitted to the Bank Group and SVRI following an open call in July 2016 for innovations to prevent GBV in low- and middle-income countries. Winning teams, which received up to US$150,000 each, were chosen based on overall merit, research or project design and methods, significance, team expertise, and ethical considerations. “The efforts funded by this award will produce evidence which will enable policy makers to design effective policies and programs to prevent and respond to gender-based violence thus contributing to a world in which women and children are free of violence and able to reach their full potential,” said Alessandra Guedes, SVRI co-chair and Regional Advisor for Family Violence at the Pan-American health Organization/WHO. “The SVRI and World Bank Group have identified a global portfolio of superb innovators that we can learn from.” The SVRI Grant, a global innovation award started in 2014, previously awarded more than US$1 million to nine projects in seven countries. SVRI uses an innovative mix of evidence-based information, communication and technology media; capacity-building workshops; on-granting and hosts an international Forum every two years to advance and expand research on sexual and intimate partner violence globally. Through the Development Marketplace platform, the World Bank Group and its partners have awarded more than US$65 million in funding to more than 1,200 innovative social enterprises and raised awareness about the role of social enterprises in addressing challenges facing the poor. 2017 Winners:Sexual Harassment Among Jordanian College Students: Pilot Testing a Promising Primary Prevention Intervention (Jordan, Middle East/ NorthAfrica)Team: Information and Research Center – King Hussein Foundation and Emory UniversityGender Equity Model – Promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment and Fighting Gender-Based Violence (Egypt, Middle East/North Africa)Team: The American University of CairoGender-based Violence Prevention in the Amazon of Peru Project (Peru, Latin America)Team: University College London; and, DB PeruBuilding the Evidence Base for ‘Safe Families’ – a Comprehensive Community-led model for Violence Prevention in Solomon Islands. (Solomon Islands, East Asia) Team: The Equality Institute; Oxfam Solomon Islands;, Oxfam AustraliaCombatting  Sexual Violence in Kyrgyzstan through Innovative Education and Information Technology (Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia) Team: American University of Central Asia (AUCA)Building Research Capacity and Data Use for Gender-Based Violence prevention and Response in Adolescents/Young Adults (Nigeria, Africa)Team: Together for GirlsMapping for Policy (Pakistan, South Asia)                                            Team: The Urban Institute and, Information Technology University Data Science Lab in PakistanBuilding the Evidence to Understand and Prevent Campus Sexual Assault in Swaziland (Swaziland, Africa)Team: University of Swaziland and The Regents of the University of California, San DiegoDevelopment of Standard Measures to Support Gender-Based Cyber Violence (GBCV) Prevention (Uganda, Africa)Team: International Center for Research for WomenPiloting a Customizable, User-Designed Information and Communication Technology-based Approach to Reduce Intimate Partner Violence among Refugees (Dollo Ado refugee camps in Ethiopia, Africa)Team: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; and, Addis Ababa University School of Public Health