empleo

Organization: Tetra Tech
Country: Colombia, Peru
Closing date: 31 May 2017

Tetra Tech is seeking to consider multiple candidates for a number of operations related proposal positions a 5-year USAID-funded biodiversity conservation initiative titled ‘Amazon Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Extractive and Infrastructure Activity’. The purpose of the project is to facilitate multi-stakeholder agreement on environmental and social Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the four priority infrastructure sectors (hydro-power, roads, oil and gas, and mining) in the Amazon Basin region, and then support the promotion, implementation, and monitoring/enforcement of these BMPs.

Tetra Tech is interested in recruiting candidates, with a strong preference for Peruvian and Colombian Nationals, for the following operations-related positions:

DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE:

• Undergraduate degree or certification in finance and/or administration.

• At least 5 years of experience leading a finance and administrative team for a USAID-funded contract (preferred) or an organization/business of similar size and complexity.

  ACCOUNTANT:

• Undergraduate degree or certification in accounting.

• At least 5 years of experience managing accounts for a USAID-funded contract (preferred) or an organization/business of similar size and complexity.

  HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER:

• Undergraduate degree or certification in human resources management.

• At least 5 years of experience as a human resource manager for a USAID-funded contract (preferred) or an organization/business of similar size and complexity.

• Knowledgeable of Colombian labor laws and practices.

  INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER:

• Undergraduate degree or certification in information technology.

• At least 5 years of experience designing and managing information technology systems for an organization/business of similar size and complexity.

• Knowledgeable of Colombian information technology context and resources.

  CONTRACTS/GRANTS MANAGER:

• Undergraduate degree in business administration, economics, finance or related field of study, Master’s degree preferred.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the management of grants and/or subcontracts funds (at least $2 million-$3 million annually) supported by international donor organizations (preferably USAID-funded).

• Experience designing grant procedures and manuals, training grantees on application/ response procedures and compliance issues.

• Experience monitoring and evaluating grantee performance.

  LOCAL SOLUTIONS CAPACITY BUILDER:

• Graduate level education in a field related to capacity building (education, business administration, knowledge management, etc.). At least 5 years of experience leading the development and implementation of capacity building plans/programs for institutions and individuals working in the field of development.

How to apply:

To be considered applicants must submit the following as part of the on-line process:

* Cover Letter – *please remember to indicate which of the positions you would like to be considered for in your application cover letter.*

* CV in reverse chronological format

* A list of at least 3 professional references including name, contact information, and statement of relationship to the reference.

Applications that do not meet the minimum requirements listed above will not be considered. Please ensure that all necessary documents are uploaded, as incomplete applications and/or corrupt files may delay processing of your application or remove you from consideration. No phone calls will be accepted.

Please indicate where you saw Tetra Tech ARD’s ad posted.

Apply on-line at:

https://careers.tetratechintdev.com/ARDCareers/App/InternationalPostingDetail.aspx?PostingId=2601

Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting, engineering, and technical services worldwide. Our reputation rests on the technical expertise and dedication of our employees—16,000 people working together across disciplines and time zones to provide smart, sustainable solutions for challenging projects. We are proud to be home to leading technical experts in water, environment, infrastructure, resource management, energy, and international development. Tetra Tech combines the resources of a global, multibillion dollar company with local, client-focused delivery in 400 locations around the world. We offer competitive compensation and benefits and are searching for innovative people to join our teams. We are an equal opportunity employer: EOE AA/M/F/Vets/Disability.

Organization: Tetra Tech
Country: Colombia, Peru
Closing date: 31 May 2017

Tetra Tech is seeking qualified Deputy Chief of Party candidates to participate in an upcoming 5-year USAID-funded biodiversity conservation project titled the Amazon Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Extractive and Infrastructure Activity. The purpose of the project is to facilitate multi-stakeholder agreement on environmental and social Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the four priority infrastructure sectors (hydro-power, roads, oil and gas, and mining) in the Amazon Basin region, and then support the promotion, implementation, and monitoring/enforcement of these BMPs.

Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)

The DCOP will serve a program management function to ensure effective coordination and integration across USAID’s Amazon BMPs’ project components and oversight of the M&E plan development and implementation.

Qualifications:

* Proven staff management, project administration, and financial management skills are required, including ability to develop and manage relationships with a diverse set of officials and stakeholders;

* A minimum of a Master’s degree in environmental sciences or engineering, natural resources management, environmental impact analysis, forestry, biology, ecology, environmental science, policy or management, business administration, or other related fields;

* At least eight (8) years of exemplary professional experience in international program management, preferably including senior management experience at DCOP or equivalent level, and preferably including experience with conversation programs in the Amazon region; preferably with USAID;

* Experience with planning, coordination, communication, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and approaches;

* Proficient in Spanish and English. Portuguese is a plus.

How to apply:

To be considered applicants must submit the following as part of the on-line process:

* Cover Letter

* CV in reverse chronological format

* A list of at least 3 professional references including name, contact information, and statement of relationship to the reference.

Applications that do not meet the minimum requirements listed above will not be considered. Please ensure that all necessary documents are uploaded, as incomplete applications and/or corrupt files may delay processing of your application or remove you from consideration. No phone calls will be accepted.

Please indicate where you saw Tetra Tech ARD’s ad posted.

Apply on-line at:

https://careers.tetratechintdev.com/ARDCareers/App/InternationalPostingDetail.aspx?PostingId=2600

Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting, engineering, and technical services worldwide. Our reputation rests on the technical expertise and dedication of our employees—16,000 people working together across disciplines and time zones to provide smart, sustainable solutions for challenging projects. We are proud to be home to leading technical experts in water, environment, infrastructure, resource management, energy, and international development. Tetra Tech combines the resources of a global, multibillion dollar company with local, client-focused delivery in 400 locations around the world. We offer competitive compensation and benefits and are searching for innovative people to join our teams. We are an equal opportunity employer: EOE AA/M/F/Vets/Disability.

Organization: Tetra Tech
Country: Colombia, Peru
Closing date: 31 May 2017

Tetra Tech is seeking to hire a qualified Chief of Party to lead all technical and administrative aspects of a 5-year USAID-funded biodiversity conservation initiative titled the Amazon Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Extractive and Infrastructure Activity. The purpose of the project is to facilitate multi-stakeholder agreement on environmental and social Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the four priority infrastructure sectors (hydro-power, roads, oil and gas, and mining) in the Amazon Basin region, and then support the promotion, implementation, and monitoring/enforcement of these BMPs.

The COP will be responsible for leading all technical, financial and administrative aspects of the program and will coordinate closely with USAID in developing, implementing, and revising the project’s overall field strategy. The COP will be the principal link between USAID, Tetra Tech ARD, and other partners and provide overall strategic and technical guidance to subcontractors. The COP will provide comprehensive expert technical oversight and guidance in all aspects of the program, including monitoring and evaluation, and reporting to USAID. This would be a full-time position and likely be based in Peru or Colombia for the full life of project (anticipated five years).

Responsibilities:

*Provide leadership and technical expertise for the project, and supervise expatriate and local teams;

*Develop strategic objectives and confirm project compliance with USAID regulations;

*Manage the project’s implementation, including overall responsibility for personnel and efficient budgeting and financial management

*Oversee technical activities of the project and ensure that impact is achieving the results defined in the contract;

*Evaluate and document project progress and lessons learned;

*Assume responsibility for overall USAID contract management ensuring quality control and timeliness of deliverables.

Qualifications:

* Minimum of 5-7 years in director-level role leading and managing complex development programs and multi-disciplinary teams in the Latin America Region, preferably as a Chief of Party for a USAID-funded project.

* Not less than 10 years’ project experience working in one or more technical disciplines: biodiversity conservation; infrastructure development; environmental, economic and social impact assessment; environmental land-use planning; and/or other relevant technical areas.

* Proven track record managing multi-disciplinary development programs and teams, engaging effectively with stakeholders (multicultural and/or multi-country), fostering collaborative learning and adaptive management, and understanding and addressing the needs of the most vulnerable.

* Excellent communication skills in English and Spanish. Brazilian Portuguese a plus

* Strong familiarity with the policy, social, economic, environmental, and cultural context(s) in the Amazon basin region, and specifically issues related to the multi-sectoral impacts of infrastructure development in the region.

* Minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is required (biology, forestry, ecology, conservation, planning, anthropology, sociology, economics, and other relevant natural, environmental or social sciences).

* Familiarity with prior consultation processes, corporate social responsibility, and impact investing in the Amazon context is a strong plus.

To be considered applicants must submit the following as part of the on-line process:

* Cover Letter

* CV in reverse chronological format

* A list of at least 3 professional references including name, contact information, and statement of relationship to the reference.

Applications that do not meet the minimum requirements listed above will not be considered. Please ensure that all necessary documents are uploaded, as incomplete applications and/or corrupt files may delay processing of your application or remove you from consideration. No phone calls will be accepted.

Please indicate where you saw Tetra Tech ARD’s ad posted.

Apply on-line at:

https://careers.tetratechintdev.com/ARDCareers/App/InternationalPostingDetail.aspx?PostingId=2599

Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting, engineering, and technical services worldwide. Our reputation rests on the technical expertise and dedication of our employees—16,000 people working together across disciplines and time zones to provide smart, sustainable solutions for challenging projects. We are proud to be home to leading technical experts in water, environment, infrastructure, resource management, energy, and international development. Tetra Tech combines the resources of a global, multibillion dollar company with local, client-focused delivery in 400 locations around the world. We offer competitive compensation and benefits and are searching for innovative people to join our teams. We are an equal opportunity employer: EOE AA/M/F/Vets/Disability.

How to apply:

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Organization: Rustic Pathways
Country: Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Peru
Closing date: 17 Apr 2017

As a Program Leader, you’ll work directly with students, community partners, activity operators, and Rustic Pathways staff to lead our summer programs for high school students. Employment is from June through August in Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Cuba, or Peru.

Expect to work long days in some of the most welcoming communities on the planet. Logistics lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, community service professionals, and globally conscious travelers are encouraged to apply.

Must be high energy and safety oriented, with a passion for experiential education.

This is a seasonal exempt position.

Responsibilities:

• Embody Rustic Pathways’ mission, vision, and values
• Act as a role model and mentor to students
• Follow Rustic Pathways’ safety protocols during interactions with students and program activities
• Facilitate discussions drawing from your own personal experience and RP Discussion Guides
• Deliver specialized curriculum related to the area of focus (select programs)
• Manage day-to-day program logistics, financial responsibilities, and administrative tasks
• Create positive and inclusive group dynamics
• Monitor and manage student well-being and respond calmly to issues as they arise
• Act as a liaison between Rustic Pathways and our community partners

• Demonstrate responsible leadership and judgment Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university OR equivalent work experience with some college

Experience:

• At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in service learning, tourism, outdoor leadership, youth mentorship, or experiential education.
  ​- At least 2 years of experience working with young adults and/or adolescents.
• At least 6 months of international living experience, such as study abroad, volunteering, or a work exchange OR 6 months of professional experience in a cross-cultural environment.

Requirements:

• Must be 22 years of age or older by May 30, 2017.
• Demonstrated maturity and leadership skills.
• Professional working proficiency in English and Spanish
• Basic CPR and First Aid certification from a licensed provider. NOTE: Certifications must be obtained through classroom or in-person training only. Online certifications are no longer acceptable. Certificates must be submitted to Rustic Pathways at least three weeks prior to start of program leader training.
• Professional working knowledge in the following areas and/or roles:
  • Outdoor Education
  • Leadership Instruction
  • Sociology or Anthropology
  • Marine Biology
  • Environmental Studies or Conservation
  • Mountaineering or Technical Climbing
  • TEFL or TESL
  • Middle School or High School Educator
  • Community Service Coordinator
  • Adventure Guide
  • Surf Instructor
  • Soccer Coach
  • Camp Counselor

Preferred Certifications (Including but not limited to):

• Wilderness First Responder
• Wilderness EMT
• Ocean Lifeguard
• Teaching Certifications (ex. TEFL/TESL)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Appreciation for diversity in cultures and experiences
• Excellent communication skills
• Patient, enthusiastic, analytical, flexible, and solution-oriented
• Passion for discussion-based learning and helping students make meaning of their experiences
• Understands the value of experiential education and travel for high school students
• Eager to learn from colleagues and enjoys open collaboration and teamwork
• Able to maintain excellence under pressure and ever-changing conditions

Location:

• Ability to work in one of our 4 Spanish-speaking country destinations (Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Cuba, or Peru) from June through August for at least 6-10 consecutive weeks at a time (some schedule requirements apply for program leader training in country).

How to apply:

http://jobs.rusticpathways.com/apply/FdTy4P/Program-Leader-Summer-2017?source=reliefweb+Spanish+Male

Challenge The conclusions of the Argentine Second National Communication (2008) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) identified core climate vulnerabilities through 2040, including increased water stress; intens…

Challenge Between early 2003 and May 2004, approximately 15 percent of the Dominican population (1.4 million people) became poor, and about 6.5 percent (600,000 people) fell into extreme poverty, due to an economic and financial crisis in 2003 that undermined real incomes. With a recently established Social Cabinet mandated to monitor and oversee all social assistance and protection programs, the Dominican government committed itself in early 2007 to important reforms of its social assistance programs. Central to this effort was locating and providing documentation to poor people who were excluded from social services because they lacked proper identification papers. Strengthening the targeting of social programs, particularly the cash transfer program, was another goal. The government identified approximately 400,000 poor individuals eligible for social assistance programs (subsidized health insurance, cash transfers, and others), but who had been excluded for lack of legal identity papers. Approach The objective of the Social Protection Investment Project was to improve the coverage, targeting, and effectiveness of social protection programs in the Dominican Republic. These programs combined preventive, promotional, and active measures with the goal of improving the education and health investment (that is, the human capital development) of the poorest Dominicans. The project used a multisectoral approach to document excluded individuals by financing an active search for poor undocumented Dominicans and then guiding them through the process of obtaining their identification documents. The active search included the coordinated participation of the Social Cabinet’s institutions, the Central Electoral Council, and the municipalities to ensure the services were delivered to beneficiaries. This component used output-based financing. In addition, the project facilitated the introduction of improvements in the cash transfer program by confirming conditionalities in education and health that had not formerly been verified. The project supported improvements in the monitoring capacities of the education and health ministries involved, and it supported the design of a pilot for a community-based social audit mechanism (Community Report Cards) that was successfully expanded nationally by 2015. Finally, the project supported institutional development and strengthened the monitoring and evaluation capacities of the Social Cabinet, leading to improved targeting, updating the poverty status of the families registered in the Unified Beneficiary Identification System, and consolidating social programs.  

Challenge The grasslands of the Pampa biome in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul State support high levels of biodiversity, and the area is considered one of the most globally significant for endemic birds. It occupies 176,496 square kilometers, 63 percent of the state’s total area (and 2.07 percent of Brazil’s total area). These natural grasslands provide forage for approximately 18 million animals, mainly cattle and sheep, and livestock production is a primary economic activity in the biome. In recent decades, the area has gone through a process of intense land use change and degradation as natural vegetation has been replaced by rice paddies, soybean fields, and forests of alien species. The Pampa consequently became the second most devastated biome in Brazil. In 2009, only 35.6 percent of its natural vegetation remained, leading to losses of both biodiversity and socioeconomic opportunities. Consequently, the Rio Grande do Sul government recognized the complex issue of the interaction between agriculture and biodiversity conservation to be a central development and conservation challenge. Approach The goal established for the Rio Grande do Sul Biodiversity Project was to contribute to the protection of natural habitats and biological diversity through the following activities: •  Strengthening state policies and the operational capacity of the institutions charged with environmental management and rural development. •  Strengthening the system of state protected areas. •   Promoting sustainable practices by rural producers in the cattle ranching and forestry sectors that, when integrated into agricultural activities, lead to reversion of marginal agricultural areas to forest. • Increasing knowledge about biodiversity conservation and sustainable rural production systems in the Pampa biome to provide a sound scientific basis for developing a strong regulatory framework for the control of invasive alien species and the restoration and conservation of relevant sites and indigenous species. Though this was a pilot project, the strategy intended to support a small number of landholdings and demonstration units as a basis for strong outreach and dissemination activities to educate potential beneficiaries on sustainable practices.

Challenge Despite advances in criminal procedural reform and more transparent processes, lack of access to justice was a fundamental challenge in Peru. The costs of accessing justice services was high, including formal costs such as attorneys’ and court fees and informal ones such as bribes paid and opportunity costs for time invested in the process. Another challenge was the limited technical capabilities and professionalization of staff at the judiciary and in the Attorney General’s Office, as no permanent system existed to select, evaluate, train, or remove judges and prosecutors. Related challenges to professional development were weak accountability mechanisms and inefficiencies in judicial processes. Finally, the gradual implementation of the new criminal procedural code (NCPC) required coordination and close cooperation among the central stakeholders, including the judiciary, the Ministry of Justice (MINJUS), the Attorney General’s Office, the Judicial Academy, and the National Judicial Council. Approach The World Bank’s 2007–11 Country Partnership Strategy for Peru identified as an essential pillar the modernization of state institutions, with special focus on improving justice and reducing corruption. Additionally, improving access to justice (understood as both having the opportunity to present claims before a competent authority and receiving a timely process) ­­was one of the government’s main priorities. The Justice Services Improvement II Project sought to improve the quality of service delivery of the institutions forming part of the Justice Service Administration System and to enhance access to justice services. Overall, project activities targeted improved justice services delivery, strengthened managerial capabilities of justice-sector institutions, and enhanced transparency and access to justice.   

Challenge The subsystems comprising Mexico’s upper secondary educational structure worked independently and without clearly defined national policies. Also lacking were adequate quality assurance mechanisms to guarantee the relevance of the education provided and to avoid excessive, ineffective, or inappropriate transfers of students between subsystems. These gaps in efficacy help explain the persistently high dropout rate (only about 60 percent of students enrolled in USE graduated) and the low levels of achievement and learning among Mexican students. In 2008 only 15.6 percent of the students in 12th grade scored at levels considered good or excellent on the mathematics portion of the census-based standardized test (ENLACE). Upper secondary education represented a major bottleneck in the education system: few students were graduating, leading to a lack of skilled workers. Preparing Mexico’s workforce for the knowledge economy required a different kind of education system — one that emphasized new competencies and analytical ability and responded to the demands of the productive sector. Approach Between 2010 and 2016, with the Series of Programmatic Development Policy Loans on Upper Secondary Education, the World Bank provided general budgetary support to back up reforms creating the institutional basis for the National Upper Secondary Education System (Sistema Nacional de Bachillerato, SNB).  The development policy loan (DPL) series supported key policy actions to improve the quality, relevance, and equity of upper secondary education in Mexico, and Bank engagement in the reforms proved essential to guaranteeing policy continuity through the changes in ruling party and administration in December 2012. In addition, the technical collaboration between the Bank and the government helped foster reforms based on evidence and international best practices. For instance, an impact evaluation provided information useful in better targeting scholarships to the poor. In addition, just-in-time technical assistance helped overcome some obstacles faced during reform implementation; for example, workshop recommendations on international best teaching practices led to critical design improvements in the Programa de Formación Docentes, the teacher-training program introduced with the reform. 

Desafío Los subsistemas que conforman la estructura de la educación media superior en México funcionaban de manera independiente y sin políticas nacionales claramente definidas. También faltaban mecanismos de control de calidad adecuados para garantizar la relevancia de la educación impartida y evitar transferencias excesivas, ineficaces o inapropiadas de estudiantes entre subsistemas. Esta falta de eficacia ayuda a explicar la elevada y persistente tasa de abandono (apenas se graduaba alrededor del 60 por ciento de los alumnos inscriptos en la EMS) y el bajo nivel de rendimiento y aprendizaje de estudiantes mexicanos. En 2008 apenas el 15,6 por ciento de los alumnos de 12.o grado obtuvo una nota considerada buena o excelente en la parte de matemáticas de la prueba estandarizada basada en el censo (ENLACE). La educación media superior se erigía así en uno de los principales cuellos de botella del sistema educativo: pocos estudiantes se estaban graduando, resultando en una falta de trabajadores capacitados. Preparar a la fuerza laboral mexicana para la economía del conocimiento demandaba un sistema educativo diferente —uno que hiciera hincapié en nuevas habilidades y capacidades analíticas y que respondiese a la demanda del sector productivo—. Enfoque Entre 2010 y 2016, con la serie de Préstamos Programáticos para Políticas de Desarrollo para la Educación Media Superior, el Banco Mundial brindó apoyo presupuestario general para el respaldo de reformas, creando la base institucional para el Sistema Nacional de Bachillerato (SNB). Esta serie de préstamos para políticas de desarrollo (DPL, por sus siglas en inglés) apoyó varias políticas clave tendientes a mejorar la calidad, pertinencia y equidad de la educación media superior en México, mientras que la participación del Banco en las reformas se tornó esencial a la hora de garantizar la continuidad de las políticas tras el cambio de administración y partido gobernante en diciembre de 2012. Además, la colaboración técnica entre el Banco y el gobierno ayudó a propiciar reformas basadas en evidencia y mejores prácticas internacionales. Por ejemplo, una evaluación de impacto proporcionó información útil para mejorar la focalización de las becas en los pobres. Asimismo, la asistencia técnica “justo a tiempo” ayudó a superar algunos de los obstáculos enfrentados durante la implementación de la reforma; por ejemplo, las recomendaciones de los talleres sobre mejores prácticas internacionales de enseñanza derivaron en mejoras cruciales en el diseño del Programa de Formación Docente introducido con la reforma. 

Hubo un tiempo en que los guaraníes de la aldea Tekoa Marangatu, en el sur de Brasil, cazaban y recolectaban frutas para alimentarse. Hoy en día, la dieta es completamente diferente. La comida es comprada por los indígenas o donada por la población urbana. Frutas, verduras y carnes fueron sustituidos por enlatados, galletas y otros productos procesados. Pero este cambio en la dieta ha cobrado su precio. No hay estadísticas formales, pero líderes indígenas y los asistentes rurales y sociales que trabajan en la zona relatan casos de colesterol alto, diabetes, sobrepeso, problemas dentales y enfermedades de la piel. "Luego de tener contacto con las culturas no indígenas, empezamos a apreciar otros tipos de comidas", admite el cacique Ricardo Benete. "Queremos tratar de volver a ser como antes, comer lo que plantamos", continúa el líder guaraní mientras enseña los nuevos huertos y un pequeño colmenar cuidado por los indígenas. El nuevo emprendimiento del grupo es una panadería donde la comunidad horneará panes y pasteles sanos usando frutas, verduras y raíces (como la yuca y la batata) disponibles en la aldea. Los alimentos servirán inicialmente para el consumo de las 45 familias locales, tanto en los hogares como en la merienda de la escuela indígena. En el futuro, también quieren vender estos productos para obtener ingresos. Hoy en día, la principal fuente proviene de las artesanías vendidas en los pueblos cercanos, pero los recursos son insuficientes para satisfacer las necesidades de la comunidad. Esta historia muestra el estado de nutrición y salud de los indígenas luego del contacto con los blancos y también el impacto positivo que una iniciativa puede tener si nace en el grupo. La panadería se construyó con el apoyo del programa Santa Catarina Rural, del gobierno estatal, financiado por el Banco Mundial. La iniciativa beneficia a 40.000 pequeños agricultores, incluyendo más de 1.200 familias indígenas. “Fue importante incluir a las comunidades rurales indígenas en este trabajo por dos razones: porque ellas producen alimentos y porque la atención a las comunidades indígenas ahora se ofrece de manera integrada por el gobierno”, dijo Diego Arias, director del programa en el Banco Mundial. La iniciativa tiene otros resultados positivos, como en la tierra Xapecó, en Santa Catarina, donde la etnia Kaingang predomina entre las 1.350 familias. Desde 2008, los indígenas se han especializado en la crianza de ganado lechero. Setenta y nueve familias están en la actividad y han superado los prejuicios del mercado contra productos elaborados por los indígenas, de acuerdo con el informe del taller Pueblos Indígenas y Proyectos Productivos Rurales de América Latina.

Challenge As in most resource-limited settings, the health of the population depends on equity and efficiency and on overcoming access gaps in the provision of healthcare services. In 2010, Nicaragua was one of the poorest countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Between 2005 and 2010, the country experienced a slight reduction in maternal and infant mortality, with better control of transmissible diseases and improved immunization coverage. However, the health system continued to respond poorly to other health challenges, including the spread of H1N1 and dengue and the rise in non-communicable diseases, creating a double burden of disease. Through the introduction of health reform in the early 2000s, Nicaragua created a new Community and Family Health Model focused on universal access to basic health and nutrition services; health promotion and prevention; access to health services for vulnerable populations of indigenous residents, women, children, and the elderly; and community participation. Approach The Improving Community and Health Care Services Project (and its additional financing) was designed to support the Community and Family Health Model, and it aligned with Nicaragua’s 2009–11 National Human Development Plan (NHDP) and the World Bank’s 2008–12 and 2013–17 Country Partnership Strategies (CPS). The project’s interventions included introduction of the results-based financing mechanism in 66 municipalities; establishment of social contracts for well-being between administrative levels; results-based budgets at the hospital level; development and implementation of the National Strategy for Sexual and Reproductive Health; strengthened knowledge and skills bases for health workers; improved Ministry of Health (MOH) operational capacity at the central, regional, and local levels, including rehabilitation of health centers; maintenance and repair of medical equipment; and activation of a public health emergencies component. The project also effectively supported several policy goals articulated in the NHDP and CPS, including reducing maternal and child mortality and progressing toward the Sustainable Development Goals. It narrowed gaps in health service coverage and quality for vulnerable groups, and it implemented strategies for the better use of existing financial funds and health infrastructure.