Noticias de otros medios

Un municipio antioqueño recuperó su esencia con el retorno de su población desplazada por la guerra. Segundo capítulo de una serie sobre la paz y la resurrección del campo en Colombia

Un grupo de mujeres de Benín logran poner en marcha una serie de depósitos de agua que ellas mismas gestionan y que hoy da de beber a toda una comarca

El antropólogo David Le Breton explica por qué los jóvenes se automutilan, dejan de comer, beben hasta el coma o se enrolan en ejércitos lejanos

La llegada de desplazados o la formación de pandillas cuestionan el mantenimiento de la paz en las urbes

Organization: International Maize and Wheat Improvement
Country: Mexico
Closing date: 31 Jul 2017

We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, self-motivated, and service-orientated professional for the position of Postharvest Specialist, at the post-doctoral fellow or associate scientist level, depending on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate, to work at the Sustainable Intensification Program (SIP) in Latin America. The position is part of an ambitious strategic research program that generates knowledge to support CIMMYT’s Sustainable Intensification activities worldwide.

The position will be based at CIMMYT’s Main Campus (located 45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico) but will interact with all CIMMYT´s experimental stations and regional offices (particularly in Latin America) on a regular basis.

Specific duties:

• Develop research on postharvest management for cereals, focusing on the postharvest processes for optimal storage.
• Develop and coordinate a network of research platforms for post-harvest research with collaborators in Mexico and Central America to address research gaps and inform recommendations to farmers.
• Promote partnerships, facilitate dialogue and collaborative work with multiple stakeholders, including research institutes and private sector partners in order to develop and promote adequate post-harvest solutions and related public policies.
• Scope research on post-harvest and food loss prevention, identifying best practices that can be relevant to the work of SIP.
• Provide methodological support and quality control for on-farm validation of postharvest technologies.
• Analyze data from postharvest research in platforms and on-farm validations and communicate these results to diverse communities, including scientists, farmers, farm agents, change agents, policy makers and donors.
• Capacity building with researchers from the National Agricultural Research Systems, farm advisors and operators of small and medium storage facilities in Latin America.
• Integrate key learnings from the postharvest research in CIMMYT’s innovation systems or hubs.
• Support the development of project proposals and fundraising efforts related to postharvest.

Required academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field, or equivalent through experience.
• Significant and demonstrated experience in postharvest research and stakeholder management.
• Excellent data management and analysis skills and a record of high quality scientific publications.
• Computer literacy, with proficiency in the common software packages.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Ability to integrate and synthesize information from different sources.
• Commitment to advances in farm productivity and poverty reduction in the developing world.
• Willingness to spend time away from home (mostly travelling in Mexico).
• Competencies:
  • Problem solving
  • Innovation and creativity
  • Relationship management
  • Achievement orientation
  • Time management

The position is for an initial fixed-term for three (3) years or two (2) years for Post-Doctoral Fellow, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

How to apply:

Candidates must apply here for IRS17119 Postharvest Specialist. Screening and follow up of applications will begin on Friday, 19 May 2017. Incomplete applications (CV and Cover Letter) will not be taken into consideration. For further information on the selection process, please contact Diana Gomez, at d.gomez@cgiar.org.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

Organization: Winrock International
Country: Guatemala
Closing date: 26 May 2017

Program Summary:

Winrock is seeking Chief of Party candidates for an anticipated program in Guatemala on the Sustainable Forest Management and Water Activity. This position will be based in Guatemala. The anticipated project(s) will Support Guatemala to develop a comprehensive approach to mitigate and adapt to climate change by improving natural resource management, building technical and institutional capacity, and supporting the implementation of legal and policy frameworks. Position is contingent upon receipt of donor funding.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provide overall technical leadership and administrative oversight in order to achieve the results of the program.
• Serve as principal liaison to USAID/Guatemala.
• Oversee and be responsible for financial and administrative aspects of the project including managing the budget.
• Provide supervision, support, and direction to long- and short-term staff.
• Administer the project’s financial oversight and procedures, ensuring compliance with established Winrock accounting principles and USAID regulations.
• Monitor program indicators, evaluate program results and make recommendations for improvement in program implementation.
• Analyze project impact and challenges to adaptively manage the project to meet or exceed results.
• Ensure women and marginalized groups are beneficiaries of the project.
• Prepare annual work plans and progress reports, and monitor the implementation of these plans. Prepare and submit quarterly reports on progress of activities and achievement of program results to USAID.
• Interact directly and on a regular basis with USAID and other stakeholders.
• Participate in regular field visits to the project areas to assure project progress towards activity objectives and goals.
• Coordinate and communicate on a regular basis with Winrock’s Home Office.
• Manage relationships with complementary USAID and donor projects.
• Represent Winrock at meetings and events as required and keep HQ informed regarding new opportunities in the country and region.

Qualifications and Background:

Education:

• Master’s degree required in Earth Sciences, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture, Resource Economics, Public/Business Administration, Governance, or relevant fields of study related to the project. PhD in relevant discipline would be a distinct asset.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in fields required for the successful implementation of this program, natural resource management, climate change, agriculture, community development, and governance, as well as an understanding of policy, economics, and market issues in these sectors.
• Proven exceptional leadership in the design, management, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of similar size and complex international donor support programs with skills in strategic planning, management, supervision, and budgeting.
• Technical and managerial experience in Central America is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Technical understanding of forestry and water issues in Guatemala.
• Proven ability to develop and communicate a common vision among diverse public and private partners and the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to maintain the highest ethical standards at all times
• Knowledge of USAID policies and procedures as related to project management preferred.
• Knowledge of the political, social, cultural, environmental, and development context of Central America strongly preferred.
• Ability to diplomatically supervise staff and coordinate programs with partners from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to build coalitions and networks that can provide synergies and sustainable solutions.
• Must be comfortable in high-level representational role as well as interacting with beneficiaries.
• Strong communication skills, both interpersonal and written to effectively coordinate stakeholders.
• Fluency in written and oral English and Spanish is required.

How to apply:

https://www.appone.com/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=1575193

Organization: Winrock International
Country: Guatemala
Closing date: 26 May 2017

Program Summary:

Winrock is seeking Forestry and Climate Change Specialist candidates for an anticipated program in Guatemala on the Sustainable Forest Management and Water Activity. This position will be based in Guatemala. The anticipated project(s) will Support Guatemala to develop a comprehensive approach to mitigate and adapt to climate change by improving natural resource management, building technical and institutional capacity, and supporting the implementation of legal and policy frameworks. Position is contingent upon receipt of donor funding.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Contribute to program technical direction and activity implementation in areas agreed upon with the COP;
• Build on and identify successful practices in achieving improved climate change adaptation and mitigation through forestry and natural resource management at the community level;
• Facilitate relationship building with relevant government agencies and other local stakeholders;
• Organize and track meetings with stakeholders;
• Represent the project team at meetings and conferences as needed;
• Communicate and coordinate with program staff on technical questions related to forestry, watershed and rural development, work planning and program implementation;
• Provide management oversight to a range of program staff focused on forestry and rural development;
• Work closely with local NGO partners, providing technical oversight;
• Visit project areas regularly to assure project progress towards activity objectives and goals;
• Support annual work plan and progress report preparation, and monitor implementation;
• Closely follow the implementation plan and monitor each deliverable;
• Address and proactively identify problems and challenges, and adapt to evolving institutional, financial, and political realities on the ground.
• Carry out other tasks as assigned by the COP and Winrock
• Represent Winrock at meetings and events as required and keep HQ informed regarding new opportunities in the country and region.

Qualifications and Background:

Education:

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in forestry, natural resources management, agronomy, environmental policy, governance, or another relevant field.

Work Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience, including implementation of community-defined climate change, forestry and watershed management goals and engagement of government counterparts in coordination, planning, and monitoring.
• Experience working with relevant Ministries and Government Officials
• Proven ability to develop and communicate a common vision among diverse public and private partners and the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams.
• Technical and managerial experience in Central America is highly desirable.

Skills:

• Technical understanding of forestry and water issues in Guatemala.
• Knowledge of the political, social, cultural, environmental, and development context of Central America strongly preferred.
• Ability to diplomatically supervise staff and coordinate programs with partners from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to build coalitions and networks that can provide synergies and sustainable solutions.
• Strong communication skills, both interpersonal and written to effectively coordinate stakeholders.
• Fluency in written and oral English and Spanish is required.

How to apply:

https://www.appone.com/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=1575235

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

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  

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

WASHINGTON, 17 de abril de 2017 – Cerca de 33.500 hogares se beneficiarán de un financiamiento adicional por US$100 millones para alianzas rurales productivas, aprobado por el Directorio Ejecutivo del Banco Mundial. En esta nueva fase, el Proyecto de Alianzas Rurales II (PAR II) tiene el objetivo de mejorar el ingreso de mayor cantidad  de pobladores rurales y aportar así a la reducción de la pobreza en Bolivia. Con el financiamiento adicional el proyecto llegará a cerca de 28.000 nuevos hogares en áreas rurales de todo el país, a través del establecimiento de aproximadamente 768 alianzas productivas. También se apoyarán 48 sub proyectos de infraestructura pública municipal, productiva y de servicios, con más de 21.000 beneficiarios directos o cerca de 5.500 hogares. El PAR II continuará financiando a pequeños productores y su acceso a mercados, pero además, apoyará el fortalecimiento de la resiliencia climática en los sistemas productivos rurales, para lo cual se planea destinar cerca del 75 por ciento de los recursos del financiamiento adicional a inversiones en riego y eficiencia del uso del agua, así como a asistencia técnica en estos ámbitos durante la elaboración y ejecución de los planes de negocio. “Estamos apoyando los esfuerzos del Estado boliviano en resiliencia climática insertando este enfoque renovado al proyecto, que además obedece a la necesidad global de reducir la vulnerabilidad hacia el cambio climático, sobre todo en la actividad agrícola de la cual depende la seguridad alimentaria. Creemos que a futuro no sólo se habrá mejorado la productividad, y por ende, los ingresos de pequeños productores, sino que se habrá fortalecido la capacidad de respuesta de este segmento a los choques climáticos”, señaló Alberto Rodríguez, Director del Banco Mundial para Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Perú y Venezuela. Durante su implementación, que inició en 2006, el PAR ha financiado más de 1.300 alianzas rurales, generando inversiones de alrededor de US$98 millones y beneficiando a cerca de 68.000 personas. La evaluación de impacto del proyecto ha demostrado que es inclusivo y tiene un impacto significativo en la lucha contra la pobreza al mejorar de manera importante el ingreso de los agricultores. “Siguiendo el enfoque de esta iniciativa, se continuará promoviendo que jóvenes y mujeres rurales sean los protagonistas, reconociendo su calidad de actores dinámicos de la agenda del desarrollo en el país”, afirmó Nicola Pontara, Representante del Banco Mundial en Bolivia. El financiamiento adicional del Banco Mundial, por US$100 millones, equivale al 76.6 por ciento del costo total del proyecto, que será complementado con recursos de contraparte de los beneficiarios en 20.8 por ciento (US$27.2 millones) y de los gobiernos municipales en 2.6 por ciento (US$3.4 millones). Los recursos corresponden a un préstamo de Banco Internacional de Reconstrucción y Fomento (BIRF) con un plazo de vencimiento de 21 años y un periodo de gracia de tres años y medio. — Para conocer el trabajo del Banco Mundial en América Latina y el Caribe visite: www.bancomundial.org/alc Visítenos en Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bancomundial Manténgase informado via Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BancoMundialLAC Nuestro canal de YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BancoMundialLAC