Background

Costa Rica's infrastructure is in a precarious situation following the onslaught of storm Bonnie, the Pacific Intertropical Convergence Zone, and hurricane Julia, which has left key infrastructure such as roads, bridges, sewers, housing, and educational centers at imminent risk. In response to this emergency, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) has approved the most significant financing in its history, allocating US$700 million. 

The project, called “Emergency Program for the Comprehensive and Resilient Reconstruction of Infrastructure” (PROERI), aims to carry out 502 infrastructure works that will benefit 3.8 million Costa Ricans. The actions planned under PROERI include 299 projects in imminent danger and 203 projects in emergencies. The CNE will directly execute the emergency projects.

These initiatives seek not only to restore the functionality of damaged infrastructure, but also to strengthen its capacity to withstand future adverse weather events. 

 

Role of UNOPS

UNOPS provides technical assistance by providing the services of a Project Management Office (PMO), including planning, monitoring, reporting and communication. In addition, through the National Emergency Commission, it will provide technical support services related to works monitoring, review and development of reference frameworks, specialized technical advice and project quality control services.

 

Overall Project Objective

The objective of the UNOPS project, as General Implementation Firm (FIG), is to provide technical assistance by providing the services of a Project Management Office (PMO) in the dimensions of planning, monitoring, reporting and communication, monitoring the physical and financial execution of the projects under the responsibility of the Portfolio Executing Agencies. In addition, as an implementation firm for the National Emergency Commission (CNE), UNOPS will provide technical support services related to works monitoring, review and development of reference frameworks, specialized technical advice and quality control services for the projects defined by CNE.

The project will contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 9, which means building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and supporting innovation, through Outcome 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and cross-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, focusing on affordable and equitable access for all.

Project scope: In two key dimensions:

Efficient and effective management: defined as a comprehensive approach to project planning, implementation and monitoring that maximizes the utilization of available resources and achieves established objectives in a timely and effective manner. In this sense, efficiency focuses on minimizing the waste of resources, optimizing processes and reducing costs without compromising quality. On the other hand, effectiveness refers to the fulfillment of project objectives in terms of scope, time, budget and quality, as well as the generation of value and the satisfaction of stakeholders,
including partners, suppliers, users and the community in general.

 

Inclusive and sustainable management: focuses on ensuring the equitable participation of all people, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability or other aspects, in every phase of a process or project. This approach is committed to making fair decisions, respecting human rights and promoting equal opportunities. Simultaneously, it strives to preserve natural resources and the environment in the long term, while promoting the social and economic well-being of the communities involved.

These projects implement concrete actions at all stages (diagnostics, implementation, evaluation) encouraging effective participation and minimizing negative impacts on the community and the natural environment. In addition to promoting inclusion through responsible procurement and the generation of decent employment, priority is given to communication that integrates a human rights perspective.