Azerbaijan | World Bank

Roma education to get crucial boost in funding

2009-11-12T20:18:19.000Z

Roma education to get crucial boost in funding

BRUSSELS, November 12, 2009―At an international donor conference hosted by the Open Society Institute, the World Bank and the European Economic and Social Coimmittee, donors swung their financial support behind education for the Roma, Europe ’s largest minority population. The €25.5 million in funding commitments announced by donors today is targeted for the Roma Education Fund (REF) and will provide the essential ingredients needed for children to succeed in school: scholarships, school meals, teacher training and academic support. The added financial support will also help governments develop stronger national policies for Roma inclusion.

“Roma want to contribute to society. They want to improve the lives of their children and give them a better life than they had. The most important factor that keeps so many Roma trapped in poverty is a lack of education; with increased political will and improved cooperation we can tackle this problem head-on,” said George Soros, chairman of the Open Society Institute and one of the founders of the Roma Education Fund.

The REF is a grant-making and policy analysis foundation established in 2005 that designs and supports programmes and projects to improve Roma education outcomes in Europe . With help from the Fund, last year alone over 30,000 students, from pre-school to university, showed improved test scores while more than 800 Roma students attended and graduated from university.
Roma continue to face discrimination and exclusion from opportunities available to most citizens. They often lack access to good quality education or other social services, holding low quality and low-paying jobs.

“The primary school completion rate among young Roma is similar to that prevailing in some countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. This strikes me as something that does not belong in the Europe of the 21 st century”, said the World Bank Managing Director Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The amount committed today will enable the REF to continue closing the gap in educational outcomes between Roma and non-Roma children by supporting quality education for Roma, desegregation of education systems, and improvement of Roma’s social inclusion. “The REF has identified what works in Roma education. The time has come to move to large scale interventions,” said Costel Bercus, chair of the REF governing board.

www.romaeducationfund.hu
www.refdonorconference.org

Contacts:
Luis Montero
luis.montero@osf-eu.org
Alexander Rowland
arowland@worldbank.org

Azerbaijan - Third Additional Financing Highway Project : procurement plan

2009-11-12T05:00:00.000Z

Status of projects in execution (SOPE) - FY07 : Azerbaijan

2009-11-11T05:00:00.000Z

The Status of Projects in Execution (SOPE) report for FY07 provides information on all International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)/International Development Association (IDA) projects that were active on June 30, 2007. The report is intended to bridge the gap in information available to the public between the project appraisal document, disclosed after the Bank approves a project, and the implementation completion report, disclosed after the project closes. In addition to the project progress description, the FY07 SOPE report contains project level comparisons of disbursement estimates and actual disbursements, and a table showing the loan/credit/grant amount and disbursements to date for all active projects.

Status of projects in execution (SOPE) - FY06 : Europe and Central Asia region - Azerbaijan

2009-11-06T05:00:00.000Z

The Status of Projects in Execution (SOPE) report for FY06 provides information on all International Bank and Reconstruction Development (IBRD)/International Development Association (IDA) projects that were active on June 30, 2006. The report is intended to bridge the gap in information available to the public between the project appraisal document, disclosed after the Bank approves a project, and the implementation completion report, disclosed after the project closes. In addition to the project progress description, the FY06 SOPE report contains project level comparisons of disbursement estimates and actual disbursements, and a table showing the loan/credit/grant amount and disbursements to date for all active projects.

Transition since Fall of Berlin Wall Shapes Today’s Crisis and Recovery

2009-11-03T17:05:11.000Z

Report on eve of 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall's fall says structural reforms are now necessary to protect hard-won gains

WASHINGTON, November 3, 2009―The economic policy choices made by some countries of Europe and Central Asia (ECA)* during the transition from centrally planned to market economies contained the seeds of vulnerability when facing the global economic crisis, and are also likely to shape the recovery, says a new World Bank report issued on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The report, Turmoil at Twenty: Recession, Recovery, and Reform in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, says many countries in ECA are well integrated today into global markets. While this integration brought many benefits and drove the region’s spectacular growth in the decade since the Russia financial crisis of 1998, it also exposed ECA countries to three channels through which the crisis has hit the region hard: financial, market, and labor.

Excessively rapid catch-up towards Western European living standards by countries that had suffered deep or double transition recessions in the late 1990s, enabled by bank lending at a time of unusually high global liquidity, led to rapid growth, but also created serious macroeconomic imbalances when facing the 2008-09 global crisis. Short-term maturing debt reached extremely high values. But not all financially integrated countries in the region were equally vulnerable. Their experience suggests that tighter fiscal policies, without necessarily insulating countries from the crisis, could have played a stabilizing role, even though the imbalances did not generally originate in the public sector.

The report says that international collective action comprising generous official financing and coordination by Western European parent banks to maintain their exposures in Central and Eastern Europe has allowed maturing external debt to be rolled over, at least so far. Those parent banks were crucial in hardening budget constraints and attaining macroeconomic stability during the first decade of transition.

“The outlook for economic growth in emerging Europe and Central Asia is considerably weaker than that in the years before the crisis,” said Pradeep Mitra, one of the authors of the report and former World Bank Chief Economist of the Europe and Central Asia Region. “If parent banks reduce exposures in countries of the region due to recognition of losses in their home market, continuing collective action will be necessary to make this process gradual and less disruptive.”

According to the report, the weak outlook for growth highlights the urgency of proceeding with bank, corporate, and household debt restructuring. Government should set up enabling frameworks for debt restructuring, but resist using public resources since household debt is typically not concentrated among the poorer households.

The poorer countries of the former Soviet Union that are financially less integrated are experiencing the crisis primarily as a result of a downturn in exports and decline in workers’ remittances due to the recession in the Russian Federation. Thus, in Tajikistan, the poorest country of the region, it is estimated that a 30 percent decline in remittances would reduce the consumption of the bottom fifth of households by around 20 percent. While some countries have safety net programs that deliver a substantial proportion of benefits to poorer households, more resources are necessary to scale up these programs where they exist, and introduce targeted programs where they do not. Official financing for a number of years will be necessary to support desirable social spending until a durable recovery is in place.

The report recommends that with capital flows likely to be considerably lower than pre-crisis levels, and financial markets already differentiating across countries, policy makers need to address the most binding constraints to growth in order to improve their business environment and remain competitive.

“It is remarkable that business surveys show infrastructure and labor skills – formerly the main assets of transition countries – not only to be the tightest bottlenecks to the operation and growth of firms, but also more constraining than in non-transition economies at similar income levels. These sectors require urgent reforms,” said Mitra. “However, the surveys also show significant progress after two decades of transition in building institutions of the market economy. For example, tax administration and customs regulation which have traditionally ranked high among constraints to the operation and growth of firms are now seen as less constraining and indeed in line with non-transition economies at similar income levels.”

* The ECA countries include Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, FYR Macedonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, the Kyrgyz Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, the Russian Federation, Serbia, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

Contacts:
In Washington:
Elena Karaban 202-473-9277
Ekaraban@worldbank.org
Michael Jones 202-473-2588
Mjones2@worldbank.org

Status of projects in execution (SOPE) - FY05 : Europe and Central Asia region - Azerbaijan

2009-10-30T04:00:00.000Z

The Status of Projects in Execution (SOPE) report for FY05 provides information on all International Bank and Rural Development (IBRD)/International Development Association (IDA) projects that were active on June 30, 2005. The report is intended to bridge the gap in information available to the public between the project appraisal document, disclosed after the Bank approves a project, and the implementation completion report, disclosed after the project closes. In addition to the project progress description, the FY05 SOPE report contains project level comparisons of disbursement estimates and actual disbursements, and a table showing the loan/credit/grant amount and disbursements to date for all active projects.

Vacancy Announcement - Resource Management Assistant

2009-10-21T13:18:15.000Z

The World Bank Office in Azerbaijan is seeking for Resource Management Assistant

The World Bank Office in Baku is seeking candidates for the position of Resource Management Assistant for a two-year term with the possibility of being extended. This is the entry level position in the Resource Management family which handles financial accounting, administration and resource management work programs in the country offices. The incumbent in this position works under the guidance of senior team members, on detailed issues, using accuracy and attention to detail in order to meet the country office’s need for timely processing and reporting of day-to-day RM work program.

Financial Accounting:

• Process accurately and promptly all accounting transactions, including, operating expenses, procurement, travel, consultant payments, vendor payments, and other office running expenses;

• Maintains accounts reconciled at any given point in time. Regularly reviews the open item accounts and resolves any outstanding items; keeps relevant documents and invoices systematically to fully support the accounts;

• Reviews cash flow and replenishment needs;

• Interact with clients both inside and outside the Bank, e.g., staff, consultants, vendors, etc., to effect timely payments and resolve accounting related issues;

• Assist in planning and monitoring budget and expenses linked to country office work program;

• Provide references to Bank financial and administrative policies and procedures in administrative expense related subject areas;

• Ensure compliance with institutional and regional policies and guidelines.

HR Administration:

• Manage the CO’s local personnel system and liaises with the Headquarters based personnel team on local and expatriate personnel issues.

• Handle hiring process for new staff from advertisement till orientation training. Conduct interviews for short-listed candidates together with the selection committee members. Issue LOAs for locally recruited staff; liaises with the HR Service Center with regard to follow-up actions on contract expirations, extensions, salary increases, etc;

• Issue and process STT/STC contracts and do relevant SAP entries. Maintain filing system, follow-up on payments to STC/STTs and any other pending issues;

• Perform as LARS primary coordinator. As a back-up, verify and process loans to staff, enroll new staff and family members in the medical plan;

• Supervise daily work of GSD staff, balance the workload, anticipate and solve resource conflict to effectively and efficiently provide support services to the needs of the CO; do OPEs for GSD staff and receptionist, organize regular meetings both individually and in group;

General Administration:

• Vendor registration, request UPIs, create POs, SESs and make other relevant SAP entries.

• Monitoring vehicle fuel and maintenance, keep filing of monthly fuel/maintenance expenditures for office vehicles, ensure annual local insurance for office vehicles and keep up-to-date data in the bank’s property database;

Free form description

Essential Specialized Skills/Knowledge Competencies:

• Basic ability to research, analyze, and synthesize information, interpret data, retrieve information from SAP or similar integrated systems and clearly and concisely prepare results.

• Basic knowledge and application of relevant Bank policies and practices as they relate to financial management (e.g., Administrative Manual, Controls Guide, and Procurement Guidelines, etc.).

• Basic knowledge of basic accounting theory and principles and understanding of COSO philosophy.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows applications, namely Excel, Word and Power Point. Demonstrated ability to learn new technology quickly and effectively use it for maximum productivity.

• Basic knowledge of Bank’s accounting systems and/or experience with accounting systems with a comparable level of complexity and high degree of integration.

Minimum Education: AA (A relevant Associate degree, e.g., Finance Accounting, Business, Economics

• Minimum Years of Relevant Experience: 2 years experience in a relevant field, e.g. Administration, Accounting or Finance

General Competencies:

• Strong communication skills with the ability to prepare, present, and discuss findings in written and oral form;

• Ability to function effectively in multi-disciplinary teams within a matrix management environment;

• Ability to provide guidance to less experienced staff, as needed.

Detailed Duties and Accountabilities, and Selection Criteria are available on vacancy announcement # 091887 at http:/www.worldbank.org/jobs.

Qualified candidates may apply on-line at http:/www.worldbank.org/jobs and choose vacancy # 091887. Please note that you will need to register before submitting your application. The closing date is 6:00 PM November 3, 2009. Questions may be directed to Ms. Gamar Usifova at Gusifova@worldbank.org Ref: 091887. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Azerbaijan - Highway Project

2009-10-21T04:00:00.000Z

Ratings for the Highway Project for Azerbaijan were as follows: outcomes were satisfactory, the risk to development outcome was low, the Bank performance was satisfactory, and the Borrower performance was also satisfactory. Some lessons learned included: the design and implementation of projects in the road sector should give equal or more weight to the issues of improving the effectiveness of the government's investment program than to the issue of quantity of expenditures. There appears to be a marked emphasis during project implementation on funding issues, disbursement rates and contract execution of the civil works under the project. This is clearly reflected in supervision reports and letters to the Borrower. However, improvements to the effectiveness of investments generally did not receive the same attention and were mostly relegated to the discussions of delays in implementing a contract in the technical assistance component. The project is an excellent example of the benefits derived from a high level of flexibility in project implementation. The Bank´s decision to include in the project the construction of the Tovuz by-pass involved a higher level of risk in terms of the complexity of the civil works financed under the project. Nevertheless the risks were approached with the utmost conviction and professionalism by both the Borrower and the Bank and the result was not only a substantial improvement to the country's road network but also to the legal and regulatory framework of land acquisition. Similarly, the use of further savings to finance the preparation and supervision of a follow-on project ensured not only an effective use of the available funds, but facilitated implementation of future projects.

World Bank Managing Director to Visit Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia (in Azerbaijani)

2009-10-19T14:51:12.000Z

Dünya Bankının sərəncamçı direktoru Azərbaycan, Ermənistan və Gürcüstana səfər edir

Bakı, 16 oktyabr 2009-cu il – Dünya Bankının sərəncamçı direktoru xanım Nqozi Okonco-İveala 17 -21 oktyabr tarixlərində Ermənistan, Gürcüstan və Azərbaycana səfər edəcək. Onun səfərinin məqsədi maliyyə böhranının Cənubi Qafqaza təsiri məsələlərini müvafiq hökumətlər, inkişaf tərəfdaşları və vətəndaş cəmiyyəti ilə müzakirə etmək, və böhrandan çıxış və davamlı iqtisadi artımın təmin edilməsi yollarını müəyyənləşdirməkdən ibarətdir. Dünya Bankı bu ölkələrin qarşısında duran vəzifələrin həllinə yardım göstərməyə çox fəal şəkildə cəlb olunmuşdur.

“Böhranın ön plana çıxardığı məsələlərdən biri bizim qarşılıqlı asılılıqda olmağımızdır. Bu qarşılıqlı asılılıq böhranın sürətlə yayılmasına rəvac vermişdir, amma o eyni zamanda bizim investisiya və artım gücümüzün mənbəyidir. Hökumətlərə, inkişaf tərəfdaşlarımızla, vətəndaş cəmiyyəti ilə birlikdə işləyərək Bank Cənubi Qafqazda və dünyanın hər bir yerində insanların həyat şəraitinin yaxşılaşdırılmasına kömək edir. Biz birlikdə böhranının təsirini yumşalda və ölkələri yeni artım, inkişaf və sosial tərəqqi trayektoriyasına istiqamətləndirə bilərik” – xanım Okonco-İveala söyləmişdir.

Cənubi Qafqazın hər üç ölkəsində xanım Okonco-İveala ölkə rəhbərliyi, yüksək səviyyəli hökumət rəsmiləri, vətəndaş cəmiyyəti və özəl sektorun nümayəndələri ilə görüşəcək və Dünya Bankının layihə yerlərində baş çəkəcək. Ermənistanda o, Dünya Bankının maliyyələşdirdiyi layihələrin benefisiarları ilə görüşəcək. Gürcüstana səfərinin çərçivəsində o, məcburi köçkün qəsəbəsinə səfər edəcək, yol tikintisi və ibtidai səhiyyə xidmətləri müəssisəsinə baş çəkəcək. Azərbaycanda isə xanım Okonco-İveala yüksək səviyyəli İqtisadi Siyasət Forumuna həmsədrlik edəcək, mədəni irs abidəsinə baş çəkəcək və aparıcı qadınlar qrupu ilə görüşəcək.

Dünya Bankı bu yaxınlarda Ermənistanla (iyun 2009) və Gürcüstanla (sentyabr 2009) Ölkə Tərəfdaşlıq Strategiyalarına (ÖTS) start vermişdir və hazırda Azərbaycanla yeni strategiya üzərində çalışır. Ermənistanla strategiyanın məqsədi ölkədə iqtisadi artımın bərpa olunmasına və maliyyə böhranının yoxsullara təsirinin yumşaldılmasına yardım göstərməkdən ibarətdir. Bu günədək Dünya Bankı Ermənistana 54 layihə üçün təxminən 1,3 mlrd ABŞ dolları ayırmışdır. Gürcüstanla ÖTS ikiqat böhranın – 2008-ci ilin avqust münaqişəsi və onun ardınca qlobal iqtisadiyyatın tənəzzül – fonunda hazırlanmışdır və münaqişədən sonrakı aktual problemlərin həllinə, rəqabət qabiliyyətinin və gələcək artımın gücləndirilməsi mövzularına yönəlmişdir. Bu günədək Gürcüstana ayrılmış vəsaitin həcmi 46 layihə üçün təxminən 1,2 mlrd ABŞ dolları təşkil edir. Azərbaycanla yeni ÖTS cari proqramın nəticə və nailiyyətlərinə əsaslanacaq. Hazırkı strategiya 2,2 mlrd ABŞ dolları məbləğində investisiyaları nəzərdə tutur. Yeni strategiya hökumət və vətəndaş cəmiyyəti ilə sıx məsləhətləşmə şəraitində hazırlanacaq və ölkənin qısa və uzunmüddətli prioritetlərinə nail olunması məqsədini güdəcək.

______________

Məlumat üçün:
Azərbaycan: Səidə Bağırlı sbagirli@worldbank.org +994 12 92 19 41

World Bank Managing Director to Visit Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia

2009-10-16T14:45:00.000Z

Media advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

World Bank Managing Director to Visit Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia

Baku, October 16, 2009 - The World Bank Managing Director, Ms. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will travel to Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan on October 17-21. The aim of her visit is to discuss with the respective governments, development partners and civil society the impact of the financial crisis in the South Caucasus and to find ways to help ease the crisis and enable sustainable economic growth. The World Bank is actively engaged in helping these countries address the challenges facing them.

“One thing that the crisis has taught us all is our interdependence. While this has added to the global nature of the current crises, it is also a source of strength for investment and growth. Working together with the governments, our development partners and civil society, the Bank is helping improve the lives of the people in the South Caucasus and elsewhere. Together, we can help ease the crisis and enable the countries embark upon a new trajectory of growth, development and social progress,” says Ms. Okonjo –Iweala.

In all three countries Ms. Okonjo-Iweala will meet with the country leadership, senior government officials, civil society and private sector representatives, and visit World Bank supported project sites. She will make a field trip to IDA Fast-Track Operation sites and meet with project beneficiaries in Armenia. As part of her program in Georgia, she will visit an IDP settlement, a road construction site and a primary healthcare facility. In Azerbaijan, she will co-chair a high level Economic Policy Forum, visit a cultural heritage site and meet with women leaders.

The World Bank recently launched Country Partnership Strategies (CPS) in Armenia (June, 2009) and Georgia (September, 2009) and is currently preparing one for Azerbaijan. The Strategy for Armenia is intended to assist the country in resuming growth and reducing the impacts of the financial crisis on the poor. It also aims to help Armenia lay the foundation for a more competitive economy for rapid post-crisis growth. The commitments to Armenia total approximately US$1.3 billion for 54 projects. The Georgia CPS prepared against the backdrop of twin crises – the August 2008 conflict followed by the global economic downturn – focuses on pressing post-conflict and vulnerability issues, and strengthening the foundations for competitiveness and growth in the future. The commitments to Georgia total approximately US$1.2 billion for 46 projects. The new CPS for Azerbaijan will build on the results and achievements of the current program that embraces investment operations for a total amount of US$2.2 billion. The new strategy will be prepared in close consultation with the government and civil society and designed to meet the country’s short and longer term priorities.

______________

For information:

Azerbaijan: Saida Bagirli sbagirli@worldbank.org +994 12 92 19 41

Status of projects in execution (SOPE) - FY09 : Europe and Central Asia region - Azerbaijan

2009-10-14T04:00:00.000Z

The Status of Projects in Execution (SOPE) report for FY09 provides information on all International Bank and Rural Development (IBRD)/International Development Association (IDA) projects that were active on June 30, 2009. The report is intended to bridge the gap in information available to the public between the project appraisal document, disclosed after the Bank approves a project, and the implementation completion report, disclosed after the project closes. In addition to the project progress description, the FY09 SOPE report contains project level comparisons of disbursement estimates and actual disbursements, and a table showing the loan/credit/grant amount and disbursements to date for all active projects.

Vacancy Announcement - Financial Management Analyst

2009-10-09T13:34:23.000Z

The World Bank Office in Azerbaijan is seeking for Financial Management Analyst

The World Bank Office in Baku, Azerbaijan is looking for a Financial Management Analyst (FMA) with a bachelor degree in accounting, business, finance, economics, or relevant areas, and at least 3 years of directly relevant experience in financial management (FM). The Financial Management Analyst will be assigned to the World Bank Office in Baku, on a two-year term appointment. The Financial Management Analyst is part of the Financial Management team of the Europe and Central Asia Region in Operations Policy and Services Department (ECSPS) of the World Bank Office in Washington, DC.

The Financial Management (FM) unit advises and supports Regional Management and staff on financial management in operations. Specifically, the Financial Management unit is responsible for: (i) the fiduciary aspects of the Region’s overall lending portfolio, especially operational support and sound management in the area of financial management; (ii) policy advice to Government on financial management and accountability issues (in both public and private sectors); and (iii) capacity building to improve borrowers' financial management systems, including support for lending operations that focus on FM reform/development.

The Financial Management Analyst will work under the close supervision of a Financial Management Specialist (FMS) and/or the Regional Financial Management Manager (RFMM). He/She will assist the FM team in all FM aspects related to the World Bank’s operations in Azerbaijan, or as assigned by the RFMM. The Financial Management Analyst will contribute to the preparation and supervision of the funds administered by the Bank including loans and credits, project preparation facility advances, grants, project-related trust funds and other funds administered by the Bank ensuring compliance with the Bank’s audit and fiduciary requirements; and ensuring that the projects operations are carried out in accordance with sound financial management practices. The FM Analyst will perform as a member of the various Task Teams of the World Bank financed projects, and in addition leads special purpose initiatives.
Detailed Duties and Accountabilities, and Selection Criteria are available on vacancy announcement # 091748 at http:/www.worldbank.org/jobs.

Qualified candidates may apply on-line at http:/www.worldbank.org/jobs and choose vacancy # 091748. Please note that you will need to register before submitting your application. The closing date is 6:00 PM October 31, 2009. Questions may be directed to Ms. Gamar Usifova at Gusifova@worldbank.org Ref: 091748. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Global Crisis Hits Home in Emerging Europe and Central Asia

2009-10-03T07:40:09.000Z

Contacts:

Kristyn Schrader (90) 530-929-45-35

kschrader@worldbank.org

Tunya Celasin (90) 533-285-18-21

tcelasin@worldbank.org

ISTANBUL, October 3, 2009—The global economic crisis has reversed the impressive economic growth of recent years in Emerging Europe and Central Asia, hitting families hard with higher unemployment and lost wages. Financially weaker governments will need to protect poor people while strengthening institutions and infrastructure to attract investors, the World Bank said today at a press briefing at the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings.

“The global financial and economic crisis has literally hit home in many parts of Emerging Europe and Central Asia,” said Philippe Le Houérou, World Bank Vice-President for Europe and Central Asia. “What started as a financial crisis has become a social and human crisis. The global crisis has come on the heels of the food and fuel crises, which had already weakened people in the region by reducing their purchasing power. Today, rising poverty and joblessness are pushing households into poverty and making things even harder for those already poor.”

For the past decade, many countries of Emerging Europe and Central Asia notched up impressive growth, moving them closer to the living standards of Western Europe and other advanced economies. But the crisis has hit them hardest and stopped that convergence. Growth has plummeted from a fast clip of 7.6 percent in 2007 to 4.7 percent in 2008, and is projected at negative 5.6 percent in 2009.

“For years now, Emerging Europe and Central Asia has roared along in high gear,” said Le Houérou. “But the global crisis and the drying up of external private financial flows are stalling the engine of growth, prompting many to downshift and some to even slip into reverse. The job now for the governments in the region is to speed up reforms. The role of the international community is to help countries get back in gear. For us at the World Bank, that means essentially focusing our support to governments in their efforts to clean up the banking sector so that banks can provide a lifeline for firms and businesses to grow and create jobs, improve the business climate to attract private capital flows, make public spending more efficient so that the benefits reach working families, and continue to finance key public investments in infrastructure.”

Unemployment and deficits on the rise

The global crisis has hit some countries worse than others but today there is a danger that the region faces a weak and jobless recovery. Some countries, such as Poland, have fared better than others. Still, the number of jobless in the region has jumped from 8.3 million in 2008 to 11.4 million in 2009. It has doubled in the Baltic countries, grown by 60 percent in Turkey, and by one-third in other countries in the region.

“Instead of the number of poor falling by 15 million in 2009, we now project poverty to increase by about 15 million,” said Indermit Gill, World Bank Chief Economist for the Europe and Central Asia Region. “There are already 145 million poor people in the region – or almost one-third of the total population. For them, the crisis has made an already tough existence even tougher. Much of the world is getting good economic news this autumn. But for workers and their families in Emerging Europe and Central Asia the news is not encouraging. To them, the talk of recovery may seem premature.”

In the face of the unprecedented crisis, governments in Emerging Europe and Central Asia will have many hard choices to make, given that government deficits will increase from 1.5 percent of GDP in 2008 to 5.5 percent in 2009, said Gill. This will put more pressure on governments to make spending more efficient.

“Social spending makes up more than half of government expenditures so governments will need to make education, health care and social security more efficient,” Gill said. “School systems need to be resized to fit shrinking enrollment numbers due to falling fertility. Health care has to be restructured because many countries now have the health problems of high-income countries with the fiscal resources of middle-income economies. And social security has to be restructured to recognize that many countries in the region have aged before they have become wealthy. Reforms will help make governments fiscally healthy, economies robust, and societies more fair. Every responsible policymaker should take a hard look at these reforms.”

Also, governments must continue to improve their business environment to attract investment. During the last decade, countries in Emerging Europe and Central Asia have made progress in improving the climate for doing business. The region has been the top performer in the World Bank’s Doing Business ratings for the last six years—led first by countries in central and southern Europe and more recently by those in the Caucasus and Central Asia. This year, five of the top ten reformers were from the region: Krygyz Republic, FYR Macedonia, Belarus, Tajikistan, and Moldova.

World Bank supporting reforms through lending and advice

While governments are in the lead, the World Bank is helping countries navigate their way through the crisis, Le Houérou said. For its part, the World Bank is providing budget support to countries to support promising reform efforts. During the past year, the World Bank has increased financial support to the region by 60 percent, from $8 billion last year to $12.5 billion this year with the aim of mitigating the impact of the crisis on the poor, stabilizing banks, and positioning countries for post-crisis recovery. In September 2009 alone, the Bank approved $2 billion in budget support to Hungary, Latvia, and Ukraine.

Along with funding, the Bank is offering analytical support and encouraging governments to expand selected social safety net programs. Currently, most countries in the region have good programs that could be expanded during the crisis, such as those in the Kyrgyz Republic, Albania and Georgia where benefits are most likely to reach the neediest people. At the same time, the Bank is advising governments on how to fix less efficient programs to ensure benefits are reaching the right target audiences. Although many countries in the region have excelled on improving the business environment, many countries have not improved social service delivery.

The World Bank’s client countries in Emerging Europe and Central Asia are currently using Bank funds for 53 projects spanning institutional reform, infrastructure and interventions to help the neediest. Also, through the World Bank’s private sector arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Bank has teamed up with the EBRD and EIB on a $31 billion fund to support the banking sector and to fund lending to businesses hit by the global economic crisis through equity and debt finance, credit lines, and political risk insurance. And the Bank’s political risk insurance arm, MIGA, has made up to $3 billion available for investments in the heavily hit economies of the region. Guarantees worth nearly half of a $1 billion were issued in support of shareholder loans made by parent banks to their subsidiaries in Ukraine and Russia.

For more information, please visit www.worldbank.org/eca

The project Education Sector Development Project has changed to Closed

2009-10-01T04:00:00.000Z

The project Education Sector Development Project has changed to Closed. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The Education Sector Development Project for Azerbaijan is committed to sectoral reforms in the education sector based on the Education Reform Program of 1999. The purpose of the reform program is to address key sectoral issues, some of which need to be prioritized on the basis of additional analytical work, to improve the quality of education, and to realign the entire sector. The project has 5 components: 1) Quality and relevance of general education through curriculum reform for grades 1-11, development and enhancement of teacher capabilities, and provision of reading materials for school libraries. Design and adopt the national curriculum framework, and prepare and implement new national standards. Establish strong links between education reforms and teacher professional development, textbook and reading materials to stimulate reading habits. 2) Reforms in financing and budgeting so as to gain efficiencies in the use of financial, human, and physical resources. 3) The proposed school grant program will supplement limited resources of specific schools in the three pilot districts to ensure that the poor are not discriminated from benefiting from quality education; 4) Management and planning capacity in the Ministry of Education to use available resources more effectively and efficiently. 5) Strengthening of coordination and monitoring mechanisms under the project.

Doing business 2010 : Azerbaijan - comparing regulation in 183 economies

2009-09-22T04:00:00.000Z

Doing Business 2010 is the seventh in a series of annual reports investigating regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it. Doing Business presents quantitative indicators on business regulations and the protection of property rights that can be compared across 183 economies, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, over time. This paper presents the summary Doing Business indicators for Azerbaijan. The paper includes the following headings: introduction and aggregate rankings, starting a business, dealing with construction permits, employing workers, registering property, getting credit, protecting investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, closing a business, and Doing Business 2010 reform.

Azerbaijan: Improving Social Assistance and Pensions

2009-09-14T04:00:00.000Z

Last Updated: Sept 2009

Links:
- What is IDA?
- Our Work in Azerbaijan

More on Azerbaijan:
- Borrowing History
- Data & Statistics
- Research
- Contact Us

Azerbaijan is a small, landlocked country of 8.6 million people, whose per-person income is about US$2,550, below the average of its neighbors in East Central Asia. For a long time, the country lacked an effective program to provide income support to very poor households. Existing social assistance programs were fragmented, not well targeted, and their impact on poverty was negligible. The pension and social assistance administration was extremely weak, with poor record keeping, manually performed business processes, outdated systems, and non-transparent decision-making. As a result, Azerbaijan’s social assistance programs were inefficient, characterized by an ineffective use of resources.

The IDA-financed Pension and Social Assistance Project was launched in 2004 to introduce a targeted social assistance program, including design and implementation arrangements, full automation of business processes, electronic data exchange and management in real time, electronic delivery of benefits, and comprehensive capacity building. For pensions, the approach was to reorganize business and decision-making processes and automate them in every office of the country, implement a client information system, and build staff capacity.

A targeted social assistance (TSA) program, introduced in 2006, reached 165,461 households with almost 760,000 members (9.2 percent of the population) by 2009.

Highlights:
- Excellent targeting. According to a monitoring survey of 2008, one half of all recipients come from the poorest 10 percent of the population indicating an excellent degree of targeting.

- Technology created efficiency. All local TSA offices (84 of them, covering the entire country) are now using adequate up-to-date technologies and most of them have a real-time connection with the Ministry’s central office and the TSA central database. Almost all beneficiaries received their benefits using ATMs.

- Technology helped policy-making. A centralized database of all applicants and project beneficiaries was developed, facilitating transparent policy-making. The database comprises comprehensive socioeconomic indicators enabling real-time updates of applicants, beneficiaries, and budget resources required to run the program.

- Pension systems fully computerized as well. The records for all 1.3 pensioners were computerized. This central automated registry includes: individual contributors, a registry of employers, a modern archive system, and a fully automated business back-end that handles human resources, accounting and collections.

- Pensions more reliable. Pensions are paid monthly (there are no arrears) and have increased significantly in real terms. According to several sources including a TSA survey, State Statistical Committee, reports of the Ministry of Economic Development and a Poverty Assessment, they have significantly contributed to poverty reduction.

- Information improved. Information on the Social Protection Fund’s activities became widely accessible via an outreach campaign related to the introduction of individual records, social insurance cards, and new links between benefits and contributions. The outreach campaign included a free weekly newspaper, “Pension,” as well as an interactive website which provides information about social insurance in Azerbaijan (www.sspf.gov.az).

The Pension and Social Assistance Project was launched in 2004. The total project cost was US$13 million, of which IDA contributed US$10 million and the government US$3 million. The project team has provided valuable technical guidance to policy-makers and staff involved in implementation.

The International Labour Organization helped the authorities prepare for implementation of the social assistance component. The United Nations Development Programme assisted in the preparation and implementation of the pension component.

Building on the Pension and Social Assistance Project, the Azerbaijan Social Protection Development Project launched in mid-2008, with a contribution from IDA of US$26.7 million. The project focuses on institutional development, service delivery, labor market policies, human resource capacity, and maintaining high-quality targeting. The project also aims to further improve the pension system.

Azerbaijan Pension and Social Assistance Project:
Project documents

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

Regional environmental review

2009-08-07T04:00:00.000Z

The objective of the Third Highway Project is to reduce road transport costs and improve access, transit and safety within Azerbaijan's east-west corridor, through the implementation of a number of sub-projects in relation to widening of the Baku-Shamakhi road. Negative impacts of the project include: water quality, air quality, noise and vibration, effect of natural environment and ecology, effect on cultural heritage, and borrow pits. Mitigation measures include: 1) the construction environmental management plan (CEMP) should specify detailed measures to reduce the risk of groundwater contamination during construction; 2) oil interceptors; 3) water sprinklers and wheel washing; 4) the CEMP will set out measures to reduce noise impacts during construction. Monitoring will also be carried out to ensure the levels remain below the noise standards for construction; 5) noise barriers should be provided at locations selected during the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) and environmental management plan (EMP); 6) the CEMP specifies that the nest of protected species will not be disturbed during construction. The national park will also monitor the construction works to ensure no disturbance occurs. Screening and timing of works; and 7) only licensed borrow pits will be used to source construction material. Furthermore, the project implementation unit (PIU) will have to monitor borrow pit locations and operations.

Executive summary

2009-08-07T04:00:00.000Z

The project Second Additional Financing Highway II is now in the pipeline.

2009-06-26T04:00:00.000Z

The project Second Additional Financing Highway II is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The objective of the Second Additional Financing Highway Project for Azerbaijan is 'to reduce road transport costs and improve access, transit, and road safety by upgrading and rehabilitating selected sections of the existing East-West (M4) and North-South (M3) corridors'. The project will finance the costs associated with scaling up the project's impact of developing regional economies and alleviating rural poverty. It will help reduce transport costs along the M6, one of Azerbaijan's transport corridors, by rehabilitating the road networks and removing transport bottlenecks to the socioeconomic development of the region. Major activities will include the rehabilitation of 116 km of the highway between Hajigabul and Bahramtapa and the rehabilitation of approximately 200km of local roads connecting villages with the M6. There will be no co-financing from other donors for this project.

The project Public Investment Capacity Building Project has changed to Active

2009-06-26T04:00:00.000Z

The project Public Investment Capacity Building Project has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The objective of the Public Investment Capacity Building Project for Azerbaijan is to improve the quality and efficiency of preparation and implementation of investment projects in key priority sectors especially infrastructure. There are four components to the project, the first component being thematic capacity building. This component will provide technical assistance, training, goods, and works to improve the capacity of Government ministries and agencies in the preparation and implementation of: (i) investment projects; and (ii) developing the environmental and social safeguards. The second component is the sector-specific capacity building. This component will provide technical assistance, training, goods, and works to improve technical knowledge and skills in: (a) the road sector; (b) the water supply and sanitation sector; and (c) other sectors based on demand. The third component is the activities in support of capacity building. This component will fund activities to enhance effectiveness of training and capacity development activities and will include: (1) capacity needs assessments; (2) activities to establish competencies for key staff positions; and (3) consultancy to develop accreditation and certification program. Finally, the fourth component is the implementation. This component will primarily cover project implementation costs of the Project Coordination Unit (PCU), including staffing, recurrent costs, audits, consultancy for program management firm for first-year activities, goods, and equipment for capacity-development activities.

World Bank Supports Public Investment Capacity Building Project in Azerbaijan

2009-06-25T12:53:57.000Z

Contacts:

In Baku:

Saida Bagirli

(+994 12) 492 19 41

sbagirli@worldbank.org

In Washington:

Michael Jones

(202) 473-2588

mjones2@worldbank.org

Baku, June 24, 2009 – The World Bank today approved an $8 million equivalent IDA Credit to the Republic of Azerbaijan for the Public Investment Capacity Building Project. The project’s key objective is to improve the quality and efficiency of preparation and implementation of investment projects in key priority sectors, especially infrastructure.

The Government of Azerbaijan is implementing an ambitious public investment program aimed at rehabilitating and improving all major public infrastructure. However, it is also concerned about the quality of human resources in government ministries, agencies and state-owned enterprises that are implementing critical public investment projects which often lack modern project management and technical skills.

“This Project will develop key skills and domestic capacity for implementing the public investment program,” said Mr. Asad Alam, World Bank Regional Director for South Caucasus. “This will help strengthen the efficiency of public investment spending.”

“The Project is designed to provide training in both modern project management techniques, and specialized technical skills in selected sectors,” said Ms. Elizabeth Wang, Task Team Leader for the Project. “Special attention will be paid to measuring the impact of the project activities.”

The project has four components which will provide Government ministries and agencies with training on general project management, technical knowledge and skills in selected sectors, make training more effective and cover project implementation costs.

Azerbaijan joined the World Bank in 1992. Since then, commitments to the country total approximately US$2.6 billion for 44 operations.

- ### -

For more information on the World Bank’s work in Azerbaijan, please visit: http://go.worldbank.org/9PI1WTVTE0

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

World Bank Approves Additional Financing for Azerbaijan’s Highway Program

2009-06-25T12:50:50.000Z

Contacts:

In Baku:

Saida Bagirli

(+994 12) 492 19 41

sbagirli@worldbank.org

In Washington:

Michael Jones

(202) 473-2588

mjones2@worldbank.org

BAKU, June 24, 2009 – The World Bank today approved a $62 million equivalent IDA Credit and US$113 million IBRD loan to the Republic of Azerbaijan as additional financing for the Second Highway Project. This financing will continue the Bank’s road program in the country to enable it to become a regional transit point and promote local development. Specifically, the financing will support rehabilitation of the Hajigabul – Bahramtepe road connecting an important agricultural region in the South West of Azerbaijan–home to significant portion of the country’s population–with the main urban centers. In addition to rehabilitating 116 km of highway, the project will support the improvement of about 200 km of local roads connecting the highway with nearby villages.

The Hajigabul – Bahramtepe road project has a very strong regional development dimension, as it integrates both highway rehabilitation, and village roads improvement. There is strong evidence from other projects in Azerbaijan, and elsewhere, that rehabilitation of roads significantly improves the mobility of goods and services between rural areas and urban centers, boosting businesses through a reduction in transport costs, increasing incomes, and reducing prices for the rural and urban poor.

“This Project will strengthen domestic connectivity. More than half a million Azerbaijanis will directly benefit from road improvements by being better able to trade with main urban centers and neighboring regions,” said Mr. Asad Alam, World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus.

“Projects like this one, by upgrading a network of main and secondary roads, will also benefit local communities and boost regional development, which is a major priority for the Government,” added Jacques Buré, Task Team Leader for the project.

The additional financing has two components which include the civil works for the above roads, consultancy services for the engineering design of connecting roads and the supervision of the works as well as the provision of technical assistance for project implementation and the design of future investments.

Azerbaijan joined the World Bank in 1992. Since then, commitments to the country total approximately US$2.6 billion for 44 operations.

- ### -

For more information on the World Bank’s work in Azerbaijan, please visit: http://go.worldbank.org/9PI1WTVTE0

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

Azerbaijan: Additional Financing for Second Highway Project

2009-06-24T21:17:05.000Z

WASHINGTON, June 24, 2009 - The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved the following project:

IDA Credit: US$62 million

Terms: Maturity = 20 years; Grace period = 10 years

IBRD Loan: US$113 million

Terms: Maturity = 20 years; Grace period = 4 years

Project ID: P100668

Project Description: This financing will continue the Bank’s road program in the country to enable it to become a regional transit point and promote local development. Specifically, the financing will support rehabilitation of the Hajigabul – Bahramtepe road connecting an important agricultural region in the South West of Azerbaijan–home to significant portion of the country’s population–with the main urban centers. In addition to rehabilitating 116 km of highway, the project will support the improvement of about 200 km of local roads connecting the highway with nearby villages.

Media Contact

Michael Jones

(202) 473-2588

mjones2@worldbank.org

For more project information, please visit: http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P100667

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

Azerbaijan: Public Investment Capacity Building Project

2009-06-24T21:14:07.000Z

WASHINGTON, June 24, 2009 - The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved the following project:

IDA Credit: US$8 million

Terms: Maturity = 20 years; Grace period = 10 years

Project ID: P115396

Project Description: The project’s key objective is to improve the quality and efficiency of preparation and implementation of investment projects in key priority sectors, especially infrastructure. The project is designed to provide training both in modern project management techniques, and highly specialized technical education in selected sectors. Special attention will be paid to measuring the impact of the project activities, and annual training plans will be realigned based on evaluation of training and capacity needs.

Media Contact

Michael Jones

(202) 473-2588

mjones2@worldbank.org

For more project information, please visit: http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P115396

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

Vacancy Announcement for Resource Management Analyst

2009-06-12T13:06:31.000Z

The World Bank Office in Azerbaijan is seeking for Resource Management Analyst

The World Bank Office in Baku is seeking candidates for the position of Resource Management Analyst for a two-year term with the possibility of being extended. Under the supervision of the Country Manager and the general directions of the CAO’s Office (Chief Administrative Office), the incumbent will perform a variety of duties described below and will act as the principal advisor to the Country Manager in the planning and execution of financial, budgetary, HR and administrative functions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Management of Country Office Expenses:

· Ensures proper financial management, coordination and control of the administrative budget and SAP system in strict adherence to Bank policy and procedures;

· Produces accurate and timely budget forecasts, monitors budget performance, identify variations, ensure cost effective use of financial assets;

· Responsible for effective financial management of country office expenses;

· Compiles and analyzes performance measurement data at the country office level; Measures cost effectiveness performance and proposes solutions to issues identified.

Financial Control and Fiduciary Responsibilities:

· Supports internal controls framework of country office financial transactions, including review of effectiveness of internal control systems;

· Works with Country Manager to ensure a strong control environment in the office, providing advice on control issues;

· Ensures that audit, quality assurance review and COSO recommendations are implemented;

· Coordinates year-end letter of representation exercise for the country office.

General Administration:

· Ensures smooth operation of office facilities;

· Ensures that Bank’s assets and inventories are appropriately recorded and safeguarded;

· Oversees the local procurement of supplies, goods and services.

· Helps in development of administrative policies and practices.

Human Resource Management:

· Support the day-to-day human resource activities e.g., recruitment, benefits administration;

· Maintains the HRBEN/local interface, with particular focus on financial assistance and HQ staff housing modules;

· Communicates staff rules and procedures to all staff on a regular basis;

· Participates in salary surveys;

Essential Specialized Skills/Knowledge Competencies:

· Knowledge and understanding of business planning, budgeting and financial management;

· Conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills.

· Relevant knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and understanding of COSO philosophy.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Windows applications, namely Excel, Word and Power Point.

· Knowledge of SAP accounting system and/or experience in accounting systems with comparable level of complexity.

Minimum Education/Experience at recruitment/Selection:

· Minimum Education: BA (a relevant BA degree, e.g., Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics);

· Minimum Years of Relevant Experience: 3 years experience in a relevant field e.g., Administration, Accounting or Finance.

The deadline for submission of applications is June 26, 2009.

Please deliver a detailed resume, three references and a completed WB Personal History form to the attention of Ms. Nigar Sadikhova at the following address:

World Bank Country Office in Baku

90A Nizami street, Landmark III, Baku AZ1010

WB Personal History Form is available from the World Bank Office reception or here.

Applications sent by e-mail or fax will not be accepted.

Europe and Central Asia Facing Significant Climate Change Threats, But Are In ‘Adaptation Deficit’

2009-06-02T14:25:40.000Z

Contacts:
In Brussels: Alexander Rowland +32-478-319939
Arowland@worldbank.org

In Washington: Kristyn Schrader +1-202-458-2736
Kschrader@worldbank.org

BONN, June 2, 2009—The World Bank today warned that the impact of climate change in the Europe and Central Asia Region* will be more significant than expected due to a lingering post-Soviet legacy of environmental mismanagement and the poor state of much of the Region’s infrastructure, leaving the countries poorly prepared to adapt.

“Europe and Central Asia suffers from an ‘adaptation deficit’ that is already challenged by recent climate variability,” said Marianne Fay, Director of the World Bank’s World Development Report 2010, and author of the new report ‘Adapting to Climate Change in Europe and Central Asia’, “which will only worsen with the consequences of projected trends in climate in the coming decades.”

Fay added that “While almost two decades have passed since the breakup of the Soviet Union and its partner countries in Central and Eastern Europe, the legacy of environmental mismanagement and oversized infrastructure in countries outside the European Union still remains a dangerous holdover from the past. It greatly worsens the countries’ vulnerability to even modest changes in the climate.”

Launched today during the UNFCCC Bonn Climate Change Talks and on the eve of ‘World Environment Day’ (June 5^th), the report says that, contrary to popular perception, the Region is significantly threatened by climate change and is already experiencing the consequences: increasing variability, warmer temperatures, changing hydrology, and more extremes – droughts, floods, heat waves, as well as windstorms and forest fires.

Average temperatures across ECA have already increased by 0.5ºC in the south to 1.6ºC in the north (Siberia) since the early 1900s and overall increases of 1.6 to 2.6ºC above are expected by the middle of the century, with the greater changes occurring in the more northern latitudes. The north is projected to see greater temperature changes in winter, with the number of frost days declining by 14 to 30 days over the next 20 to 40 years. Southern parts of the region are expected to see the greatest changes in the summer, with the number of hot days increasing by 22 to 37 days over the same period. This warming trend is significant: by mid-century, countries such as Poland or Hungary are expected to experience the same number of hot days (>30^oC) as today’s Spain or Sicily.

According to Fay, “Increases in temperature are affecting hydrology, with a rapid melting of the region’s glaciers and a decrease in winter snows. Many countries are already suffering from winter floods and summer droughts – with both Southeastern Europe and Central Asia at risk for severe water shortages. Summer heat waves are expected to claim more lives than will be saved by warmer winters.”

The report says that changes in sea level, another impact of climate change, will affect the Region’s four basins – the Baltic Sea, the East Adriatic and Mediterranean coast of Turkey, the Black Sea, and the Caspian – and the Russian Arctic Ocean. On the Baltic, Poland, with its heavily populated low-lying coast, is the most vulnerable. Along the Adriatic and the Mediterranean, storm surge and saltwater intrusion into aquifers threaten parts of the Croatian, Albanian, and Turkish coasts. Sea level rise in the Black Sea is already threatening numerous ports and towns along the Russian, Ukrainian, and Georgian coasts. In the Caspian Sea, increased surface evaporation is projected to decrease water levels by as much as 6 meters by the end of the 21st century, imperiling

fish stocks and affecting coastal infrastructure.

However, according to the report, legacy issues make the Region even more vulnerable. Under the Soviet system, economic growth was pursued in blatant disregard to natural conditions. When water was needed for irrigation, the rivers feeding the Aral Sea were diverted to the desert to produce rice, fruit, and cotton. Uzbekistan became one of the world’s largest exporters of cotton, but at the cost of destroying the Aral Sea in the process.

The historic poor environmental management across the Region has its consequences. Even countries and sectors that stand to benefit from climate change are currently poorly positioned to do so. According to Fay, “Much has been made of the fact that warmer climate and abundant precipitation in the northeastern part of Europe and Central Asia – Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine – will open up a new agricultural frontier. However, any local potential benefit pales in comparison to the costs of the region’s relative inefficiency and low productivity. While world grain yields have been growing on average by about 1.5 percent per year, they have been falling or stagnant in these three countries.”

But over the next ten to twenty years, Europe and Central Asia’s resilience to climate shocks can be strengthened with improved infrastructure and environmental management systems, all of which will have positive consequences for sustainable development. Regardless of climate change, Europe and Central Asia will gain from improving its water resource management, tackling its environmental pollution problems, upgrading neglected infrastructure and housing, and strengthening disaster management. These steps will also greatly strengthen the Region’s ability to cope with the current climate.

Adapting to the changing climate will also require specific climate-related actions: investments in weather and water monitoring; the capacity to interpret and disseminate climate information; institutions to support adaptation efforts, whether by large firms or small farmers; and policies to foster incentives for informed, proactive responses to the challenges of climate change.

The Europe and Central Asian countries will need to develop strategies to reduce vulnerability to future changes. Jane Ebinger, World Bank Senior Energy Specialist, emphasized the need for stakeholder involvement in adaption. “Adaptation strategies will require steps to bring together policy makers, planners, asset owners, academics, and civil society to discuss and assess the risks a country may face from current weather and projected climate change, and identify possible adaptation measures, their costs and benefits. In addition, the experience of countries, regions, or cities currently developing and implementing adaptation plans offers valuable lessons and methodologies.”

*Europe and Central Asia Region economies: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania FYR Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan,

For more information, please visit: www.worldbank.org/eca

###

Signing of ARPII - Integrated Solid Waste Management Project (in Azerbaijani)

2009-05-21T12:48:56.000Z

AZƏRBAYCAN VƏ DÜNYA BANKI

AZƏRBAYCANDA BƏRK MƏİŞƏT TULLANTILARININ KOMPLEKS İDARƏ EDİLMƏSİ LAYİHƏSİNİ İMZALAMIŞLAR

Bakı, 20 may 2009-cu il. Bu gün Dünya Bankı və Azərbaycan Respublikası Azərbaycanda Bərk Məişət Tullantılarının Kompleks İdarə Edilməsi Layihəsinin həyata keçirilməsi üçün 29,5 mln ABŞ dolları məbləğində Beynəlxalq Yenidənqurma və İnkişaf Bankı krediti üzrə maliyyələşdirmə sazişini imzalamışlar. Saziş Azərbaycan Respublikasının İqtisadi İnkişaf Naziri cənab Şahin Mustafayev və Dünya Bankının Azərbaycan üzrə ölkə meneceri cənab Qreqori Yedjeyçak tərəfindən imzalanmışdır. Layihənin məqsədi məişət tullantılarının idarə edilməsi üzrə yeni yaradılmış Təmiz Şəhər Açıq Səhmdar Cəmiyyətinin potensialını formalaşdırmaq, mövcud rəsmi məişət tullantıları poliqonunun idarə edilməsini təkmilləşdirmək və qeyri-rəsmi zibilliklərin bağlanması və təmizlənməsinə yardım göstərməkdən ibarətdir. Layihə çərçivəsində Bakının inzibati ərazisinə daxil olan beş şəhər ətrafı rayonda məişət tullantılarının yığılması məqsədilə avadanlığın təchiz edilməsi də nəzərdə tutulur.

İmzalanma mərasimində Dünya Bankının Azərbaycan üzrə ölkə meneceri Qreqori Yedjeyçak demişdir: “Bu layihə icra olunduqdan sonra Abşeron yarımadasında məişət tullantılarının yığılmasını və utilizasiyasını, və ümumilikdə yarım adanın ekoloji vəziyyətini radikal şəkildə yaxşılaşdıracaq, həmçinin biznes və məşğulluq imkanları yaradacaq.”

Layihənin ümumi dəyəri 41.5 mln ABŞ dollardır. Bu məbləğin 29,5 mln ABŞ dolları Beynəlxalq Yenidənqurma və İnkişaf Bankının kredit vəsaitidir və 12 mln ABŞ dolları isə Azərbaycan Hökumətinin layihədə iştirak payıdır. Layihə 5 komponentdən ibarətdir. Birinci komponent çərçivəsində məişət tullantılarının idarə edilməsi məqsədilə yaradılmış Təmiz Şəhər Açıq Səhmdar Cəmiyyətinin institusional quruculuğu prosesinə yardım göstəriləcək. İkinci komponent Balaxanı məişət tullantıları poliqonunun reabilitasiyası və idarə edilməsinin təkmilləşdirilməsindən ibarətdir. Üçüncü komponent digər qeyri-rəsmi zibilliklərin bağlanması və təmizlənməsini nəzərdə tutur. Dördüncü komponent çərçivəsində Bakının mərkəzi hissəsindən kənarda yerləşən rayonlarına məişət tullantılarının yığılması üçün xüsusi avadanlıq təchiz ediləcək. Beşinci komponent isə layihənin başa çatmasından sonrakı dövr üçün strateji planlaşdırma məsələlərini əhatə edir.

Azərbaycan Dünya Bankına 1992-ci ildə qoşulmuşdur. Bu günədək Dünya Bankı ölkədə 45 layihə üçün iki milyard ABŞ dollarından artıq məbləğdə vəsait ayırmaq öhdəliyi götürmüşdür.

Azerbaijan - Public Investment Capacity Building Project

2009-05-11T04:00:00.000Z

IFC announcement on Assignment Overview

2009-04-30T13:15:00.000Z

SELECTION OF CONSULTANTS BY THE IFC, WORLD BANK GROUP

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Assignment Overview

Assignment Title: Survey on Azerbaijan Mortgage Market Demand/Supply

Assignment Country: Azerbaijan

Deadline for submission: +20 working days starting from the date of Notification Issue

Electronic Submissions to the following address: aaliev1@ifc.org

Assignment Description:

Objective of the assignment is to survey the housing market and mortgage lending demand in Azerbaijan.

Eligibility:
There are no eligibility restrictions.

Individual/Firm Profile:
The consultant will be a firm or consortium.

Submission Requirements:
The World Bank now invites eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc.).
Consultants may associate to enhance their qualifications.

Interested consultants are hereby invited to submit expressions of interest.

Expressions of Interest should be submitted, in English, electronically to Azer Aliyev

Notes:
Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the current edition of the World Bank's Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers.

Selection and contracting will normally be made from responses to this notification. The consultant will be selected from a shortlist, subject to availability of funding.

Relevant Qualifications:

Interested consultants should provide information showing that they are qualified in the field of assignment
Interested consultants should provide information on the technical and managerial capabilities of the firm
Interested consultants should provide information on their core business and years in business
Interested consultants should provide information on the qualifications of key staff.

Contact Information:

Azer Amiraslan Aliev, Phone: +99 412 497 7698, +99 450 250 0420

Azerbaijan - Second Additional Financing Highway Project

2009-04-22T04:00:00.000Z

Azerbaijan - Hovsan Wastewater Outfall Project

2009-04-21T04:00:00.000Z

AZERBAIJAN AND THE WORLD BANK SIGN ADDITIONAL FINANCING FOR THE AZERBAIJAN RURAL INVESTMENT PROJECT

2009-04-20T13:11:20.000Z

Baku, April 20, 2009 – Today, Government of Azerbaijan and the World Bank signed Financing Agreement for a $15 million equivalent credit from the International Development Association (IDA) to finance continuation of the Azerbaijan Rural Investment Project. The Financing Agreement was signed by the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ismat Abasov and World Bank Country Manager for Azerbaijan, Mr. Gregory Jedrzejczak. The objective of the Project to improve living standards and increase the use of infrastructure services for households in rural communities. The Additional Financing Credit will help expand the ongoing AzRIP project to new areas, increasing the number of beneficiaries, ensuring greater cost efficiency, and extending the life of the project by three years.

“Development of rural regions of the country is a top priority of the Government of Azerbaijan, and the World Bank is delighted to continue supporting this important program. It serves the objectives of the balanced growth and economic diversification, by building the local capacity to prepare, implement and maintain vital regional infrastructure,” said Gregory Jedrzejczak, Country Manager for Azerbaijan in signing ceremony.

Approved in 2004, the ongoing Azerbaijan Rural Investment Project has three components including Infrastructure, Capacity Enhancement, and Project Management. The project currently covers 21 districts benefiting poor rural communities (1,000-10,000 population) with high agricultural potential and will now be expanded to an additional 24 districts. The project has contributed to an improvement in the living conditions of rural families by facilitating participatory development planning and providing and rehabilitating priority rural infrastructure identified by communities (e.g., roads, water supply, schools, health posts). The project has also established institutional capacity to promote community development within the State Agency on Agricultural Credits under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Azerbaijan joined the World Bank in 1992. Since then, commitments to the country total over $2 billion for 45 operations.

Azərbaycan dilində

The project Hovsan Wastewater Outfall Project is now in the pipeline.

2009-04-15T04:00:00.000Z

The project Hovsan Wastewater Outfall Project is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

Azerbaijan - Second Highway Project : environmental assessment

2009-04-14T04:00:00.000Z

The objective of the Second Highway Project for Azerbaijan is to: 1) gather all relevant information, 2) complete preliminary design, and 3) complete the engineering design. Negative impacts include: climate; air quality and noise; slope stabilization; bridge, culvert and roundabout construction/rehabilitation; flora and fauna; quarry and borrow areas contractor's work camps; water contamination; solid and hazardous waste management. Mitigation measures include: 1) maintenance of construction equipment to good running condition and avoidance, as much as possible, of idling of engines which can contribute to exhaust emission; 2) banning of the use of machinery or equipment that cause excessive pollution (e.g., visible smoke) on account of their age and fuel consumption levels; 3) all fill embankments along the hajigabul-horadiz road should be properly engineered and compacted to stabilities the slope; 4) adequate health care facilities (including first aid facilities) within construction sites and work camps; 5) training of all construction workers in basic sanitation and health care matters, and on the specific hazards of their work; 6) clean drinking water to all workers at all times; 7) work camps and construction sites need to be properly managed in terms of general sanitation in order to avoid any health and safety hazards to surrounding communities; 8) establishment of aggregate, asphalt, and concrete plants as far away as possible (minimum 500 m) from human settlements and operation of such facilities within the terms of Government pollution control guidelines; and 9) proper handling and disposal as well as installation of appropriate hazardous storage facilities, in accordance with relevant standards.

Azerbaijan - Hovsan Wastewater Outfall Project

2009-04-14T04:00:00.000Z

Vacancy announcement - Team Assistant, IFC

2009-04-07T12:34:22.000Z

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) promotes private sector development in emerging economies through long-term financing and advisory services.

IFC is currently recruiting for the position of

TEAM ASSISTANT

The Business Enabling Environment Project
Baku, Azerbaijan

The team assistant will provide an administrative support to the project team

Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years work experience as an office assistant, preferably for an international organization or company;
• Demonstrated ability to set priorities and to work with minimum supervision in order to meet changing deadlines;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as a team member in a multicultural environment;
• Ability to quickly grasp the nature and purpose of the project and its work;
• Fluent in Azeri, Russian and English, translation experience in these languages.

For more information about IFC please visit www.ifc.org,

Please submit your Cover letter and CV by e-mail: IFCPEP-Recruit@ifc.org
Please write the title of the vacancy in the subject line
or by fax: +7 495 411-75-65

Deadline for applications: April 15, 2009

The project Multi Sector Capacity Building Project is now in the pipeline.

2009-03-27T04:00:00.000Z

The project Multi Sector Capacity Building Project is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

Azerbaijan - Multi Sector Capacity Building Project

2009-03-26T04:00:00.000Z

Vacancy announcement for Economic Analyst, IFC

2009-03-17T13:52:21.000Z

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) promotes private sector development in emerging capital markets. IFC does this by investing in the private sector and providing advisory services in partnership with donors.

Economic Analyst

Business Enabling Environment Project

Baku, Azerbaijan

The project will be implemented in cooperation with the Doing Business and Foreign Investment Advisory Service (FIAS). The focus of this phase will be to build on activities undertaken by IFC and its partners in Azerbaijan to date, as well as to lay the groundwork for a full-scale project. The project will have 3 objectives: working directly with government to reduce the regulatory burden to business, conducting a nation-wide SME survey, and improving the legal awareness of SMEs.

This position involves support in analyzing key developments of business environment sector in Azerbaijan. The Economic Analyst will be an individual with knowledge and understanding of economic analysis, report writing and surveys.

Requirements for the position:

Advanced university degree in economics or related field;
At least 5 years of relevant work experience in private sector development;
Results-oriented approach with strong problem-solving skills;
Sound analytical and reporting skills and a proactive approach;
Experience in working with or for the private sector in Azerbaijan;
Fluent in Azeri, Russian, sound English language skills;
Team-oriented and well-organized.

IFC offers a stimulating work environment and competitive conditions.

For corporate information please visit www.ifc.org.

To apply please send your Resume to: ifcpep-recruit@ifc.org

In the subject line of your e-mail

please specify the title of the vacancy: Economic Analyst

Deadline for applications is April 1, 2009

Vacancy announcement for Team Assistant

2009-03-10T13:23:05.000Z

The World Bank Office in Azerbaijan is seeking for Team Assistant

The World Bank Country Office is seeking a candidate for the position of a Team Assistant, initially on a one-year contract with the long term extension based on the satisfactory performance. The incumbent will perform a variety of responsibilities, ranging from assisting with the World Bank projects to routine office secretarial functions.

The responsibilities include the following:

- coordinating logistics of and participation in preparation and supervision of WB projects;

- translating of official documents;

- maintaining contact and information database

- response to routine inquiries (via email, telephone, correspondence, or in person).

Essential requirements:

- University degree and 4-5 years of working experience in the relevant area;

- Fluent English and Azeri languages skills (verbal and written), including ability to draft a variety of correspondence and edit materials using proper grammar, punctuation and style;

- Proficiency in MS Word 2003, Excel 2003, PowerPoint 2003, Office Grammar and Spelling and good typing skills to be able to pass the standard testing;

- Analytical ability, practical problem-solving skills and resourcefulness in performing varied tasks;

- Sound organizational skills and ability to prioritize and deliver assignments in a timely manner often under severe time pressure;

- Demonstrated initiative in developing practical approaches that improve office support work and effectiveness of unit/team;

- Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to work in a team-oriented environment;

The closing date for applications is March 31, 2009.

Please deliver a detailed resume, three references and a completed WB Personal History form to Gamar Usifova at World Bank Country Office in Baku, 91-95 Mirza Mansur Street, Icheri Sheher, Baku AZ1004. Phone: (994 12) 492 19 41; 492 28 07

WB Personal History Form is available from the World Bank Office reception or here.

Applications sent by e-mail or fax will not be accepted.

Azerbaijan - Fourth ARP/Environment Policy and Enforcement for the Environment State Program : environmental assessment and management plan

2008-12-16T05:00:00.000Z

The objective of the Fourth Absheron Rehabilitation Program (ARP)/Environment Policy and Enforcement Project for the Environment State Program (ESP) for Azerbaijan is to strengthen the capacity of Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR) to develop and enforce environmental regulations for the successful implementation of the ESP. Negative measures include: air quality, noise, water quality, waste management, and asbestos management. Mitigation measures include: a) before being discharged into receiving waters, effluents from individual wastewater systems must be treated in order to meet the minimal quality criteria set out by national guidelines on effluent quality and wastewater treatment; b) if asbestos material is be stored temporarily, the wastes should be securely enclosed inside closed containments and marked appropriately; c) waste collection and disposal pathways and sites will be identified for all major waste types expected from demolition and construction activities; d) during operations the engine covers of generators, air compressors and other powered mechanical equipment should be closed, and equipment placed as far away from residential areas as possible; and e) keep surrounding environment (side walks, roads) free of debris to minimize dust.

Environmental report : Kurdamir - Ujar highway 21 km

2008-10-31T04:00:00.000Z

The environmental assessment for the Azerbaijan Highway Project, which improves a section of the Baku-Alyat-Astara highway to reduce costs and increase access, discusses potential environmental risks and proposes measures to mitigate them. Risks include impeding movement of Persian gazelles, safety risks for road users, increased traffic during construction, threats to worker safety and health, soil stripping, soil pollution, groundwater contamination, disease spread, ecosystem disturbance, asphalt dust and fumes, water quality alteration, air pollution from malfunctioning equipment, and archaeological chance finds. Recommended mitigations include: Providing and landscaping 3 game underpasses, building protective fences alongside park boundaries, planting local species of shrubs, regulating the traffic flow around construction areas, using traffic safety signs and barriers to control traffic, appropriate lighting to aid traffic flow, issuing emergency procedures to contain fire and chemical spills, reusing stripped topsoil in the median and along embankments, protecting stockpiled topsoil to prevent erosion or fertility loss, informing local authorities of fuel storage plan location, securing chemicals and oils in an impermeable container at a distance from surface waters, setting up a waste management plan to include separately collecting and disposing of toxic and harmful waste at a pre-designated site, fueling and servicing machinery and equipment at designated areas to contain spills, banning vehicle washing near streams or ponds, providing first aid equipment and protective gear to workers, assuring good drainage at the site, regularly clearing septic tanks and other mobile toilets to prevent disease outbreak, providing clean potable water, educating workers on disease prevention and spread, having the contractor obtain a valid operating license for the asphalt plant, protecting bitumen storage area and mixing area from spills, carefully handling petroleum products to prevent spills, gaining approval of plan for each borrow site, wetting or covering truck loads, preventing earthworks from impeding the flow of water bodies and restricting wastes from entering water drains, and notifying authorities if discovering archaeological objects.

Section 1A : Alat interchange-xirdirli interchange, section 1C : Kursengi interchange-North of Salyan interchange

2008-10-29T04:00:00.000Z

The main objectives of the Second Highway Project for Azerbaijan are to reduce transport costs and improve access, transit and safety within Azerbaijan's North-South corridor. For roads users, project implementation is intended to lead to better road quality meeting mid-term traffic projections, better safety through new alignments and bypasses of cities, avoiding hazardous crossing of villages by heavy traffic, lower travel costs and a shorter travel time. Some of the negative impacts of the project are: air pollution, noise pollution, water pollution, asphalt mix plant, fuel and chemical pollution, landscaping, and loss of topsoil. Mitigation measures of the project are: 1) designer to assess pollution risk from accidental spillage or routine runoff, or both; 2) contractor to minimize night-time and public holiday working hours within 500m of settlements; 3) contractor to avoid soil erosion and siltation of adjoining land through development and implementation of an effective soil management plan covering earthworks, exploitation and reinstatement of borrow pits and quarries, haul roads, disposal of surplus materials, striping and preserving existing topsoil, and measures to restrict the movement of heavy earthmoving plant within the limits of the site; 4) contractor to avoid damage to or loss of trees outside the limits of site and to preserves trees within the limits of site where specifically designated in the contract; 5) contractor to minimize vegetation losses in the construction corridor through appropriate safeguards measures; 6) contractor to develop and implement a method statement on spillages including the use of lined spillage bunds for bitumen, oil and fuel storage tanks, and impermeable compounds for the storage of chemicals; and 7) contractor to manage air pollution through the development and implementation of an air pollution control plan including the provision and effective maintenance of good standard construction plant, the use of exhaust system which reduce harmful air emission, and the storage areas away from residential and other air quality sensitive locations.

Section 3B-3C : Jalilabad interchange to Masalli interchange

2008-10-29T04:00:00.000Z

Azerbaijan - Cultural Heritage Support Project

2008-10-24T04:00:00.000Z

Ratings for the Cultural Heritage Support Project for Azerbaijan were as follows: outcomes were satisfactory, the risk to development outcome was moderate, the Bank performance was moderately satisfactory, and the Borrower performance was satisfactory. Some lessons learned included: engaging communities in economic and social activities around cultural heritage sites in particular proved to be one of the keys to the success of the project. No other activities have been as successful in building widespread understanding, stewardship and real commitment to conservation. The experience has also demonstrated that community driven development is possible even in a difficult context such as Azerbaijan. The project faced several misunderstandings at different levels primarily due to the lack of a well planned and resourced communication program. A two-way communication program, aimed at providing complete information to local communities and engaging them in providing timely feedback to the project, will have helped to build stronger ownership and enthusiasm about the work, and more importantly, to convey very delicate changes of concepts involved in managing effectively cultural heritage resources. Finally, the success of the project in preventing corruption and accumulating a high amount of savings due to very stringent procurement rules also shows the importance of adapting procurement rules to country circumstances, as well as strengthening the Bank's fiduciary role in monitoring of contracts in the context of poor governance.

The project Highway Project has changed to Closed

2008-07-23T04:00:00.000Z

The project Highway Project has changed to Closed. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The Highway Project in Azerbaijan will promote trade, and economic growth by improving access, and lowering transport costs for goods, and passenger traffic, along the East-West Highway from Baku to Georgia, and, will improve as well the organization, and management of the national road administration. Project components call for: 1) reconstruction, and upgrading of selected portions of the East-West Highway - from Ganja to Gazakh - which will include improvements in resurfacing, and leveling; widening road shoulders; replacing, widening, or strengthening bridges; and, drainage, and road signaling works. Funding of pilot contracts will develop alternative ways to improve rural roads, to include community involvement in planning, implementation, and contract-based execution; 2) institutional strengthening of the national road administration Azyol, through the development of a corporate plan, technical support, training, as well as through technicalities needed for Azyol's restructuring, and modernization, which includes assistance in the preparation of a road safety plan. Technical assistance will be funded to support the road user charges study, and, to monitor the project's impact on poverty. Equipment supply will be financed, to facilitate field surveys, while supervision consulting on road works will be financed by the European Union; and, 3) administrative support in the form of payroll costs, office equipment, and incremental operating costs.

The project ARP/ I-Contaminated Sites Rehabilitation has changed to Active

2008-06-19T04:00:00.000Z

The project ARP/ I-Contaminated Sites Rehabilitation has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The First ARP/Contaminated Sites Rehabilitation Project for Azerbaijan development objective is to support the Environmental State Program (ESP) to curtail environmental degradation in the Absheron Peninsular, by assisting in decontamination of former iodine production sites and the development of a strategy for remediation/containment of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) contaminated sites. The project will also support in developing institutional capacity for the cleanup of former oil production sites and for developing rehabilitation and redevelopment plans for a specific oil production site. There are five components to the project. The first component of the project is clean-up and rehabilitation of two former iodine sites. This component will develop immediate cleanup activities to decontaminate two former iodine production sites in Surakhani and Ramani. The second component of the project is construction of a dedicated NORM storage facility. This component will finance development and construction of a dedicated facility to store radioactive waste from the two former iodine sites to be decontaminated under component first, and NORM from former oil production sites. The third component of the project is National Mapping and Remediation Program for NORM contaminated sites. This component will enable ministry of emergency situations (MES) to execute an extensive national-level survey to map NORM contaminated sites and investigate them to determine contamination levels, priorities, and remediation or containment actions to produce a national phased mitigation program. The fourth component of the project is Remediation Program for the 1,000ha site. The objective of this project component will be to develop efficient approaches for remediation and returning to alternative productive reuse of polluted former oil production sites by a comprehensive plan and partially cleaning-up approximately 1,000 hectares of oil polluted land with 350 wells between the Buzovni and Mashtagi settlements. The fifth component of the project is Capacity Building, Public Audit and Project Management. This component will provide financial support for project management and performance monitoring and technical assistance for institutional and strategy development and planning.

The project ARP/ III-Large Scale Oil Polluted Land Clean up has changed to Active

2008-06-19T04:00:00.000Z

The project ARP/ III-Large Scale Oil Polluted Land Clean up has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The Third ARP/Large Scale Oil Polluted Land Clean up Project for Azerbaijan development objective is to improve: (i) State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) capacity and effectiveness in environmental management and in cleaning up of oil polluted land in the Absheron Peninsula; and (ii) the quality of soil conditions in oil polluted lands cleaned up under the project. This project is one of several operations which the Bank will finance to support environmental clean up activities in the Absheron Peninsula of Azerbaijan. It is the first phase of potential longer-term support by the World Bank to SOCAR in developing and implementing its environmental agenda. There are three components to the project. The first component of the project is large scale oil contaminated land clean-up. This component will finance the purchase of multiple units of semi-mobile soil washing equipment and provide technical assistance to SOCAR with the goal of cleaning up approximately 1,000 - 2,000 ha of oil polluted land. The second component of the project is monitoring, communication, and public outreach. This component will finance independent monitoring and supervision to the clean-up operation, and promote public awareness of environmental clean-up challenges and activities supported by the project. The third component of the project is operational costs and project management.

The project ARP/II-Integrated Solid Waste Management has changed to Active

2008-06-19T04:00:00.000Z

The project ARP/II-Integrated Solid Waste Management has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The objective of the Azerbaijan Absheron Rehabilitation Program (AARP)/Integrated Solid Waste Management Project is to support the reform of the Greater Baku solid waste collection and disposal operations into an effective and sustainable system in the fields of:(i) improving environmental conditions at the existing waste disposal sites; (ii) building-up operational, management and communication capabilities; (iii) rollout of collection services; and (iv) data collection and planning. There are five components to the project. The first component is the institutional reform, capacity building and project management. This component will support: (a) the completion of strategic planning; (b) the legal, financial, and organizational corporatization and establishment; (c) the operationalization; and (d) capacity building of the new joint stock Solid Waste Management Company (SWMC). The second component is the balakhani landfill rehabilitation and management. The investment aims to upgrade operations at the current site, deal with the negative environmental impacts from site operations including the closure of inactive areas. It will finance equipment (weighbridges, bulldozers, etc) and civil works (fencing, waste coverage, drainage control, internal roads, etc.) to control environmental impacts and improve site-use effectiveness while other solid waste management options are developed. The third component is the closure and management of other dumps. It will finance closure and cleanup of the informal dumps and improve management (or close) formal sites identified in the strategic plan. The fourth component is the urgent collection equipment for under-served Baku districts. It will help increase service quality and availability throughout the region, including areas that now lack effective collection, by financing urgently needed trucks, containers and bins to improve solid waste collection coverage and service efficiency in the most acutely underserved areas of greater Baku. Finally, the fifth component is the technical preparation of post-project investments. It will finance feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments needed to develop landfill capacity and introduce transfer stations to maintain an effective enhanced collection system.

The project POWER TRANSM (DONOR CF) is now in the pipeline.

2008-06-12T04:00:00.000Z

The project POWER TRANSM (DONOR CF) is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Social Protection Development has changed to Active

2008-06-03T04:00:00.000Z

The project Social Protection Development has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The objective of the Social Protection Development Project for Azerbaijan is to improve delivery of labor market and social protection interventions through strengthened institutions, enhanced institutional and human resources capacity, and improved targeting of social safety net programs. There are four components to the project. The first is the labor market reform. It will help to significantly improve labor market institutions, policies and programs and strengthen capacity for labor market and employment policy formulation and implementation. The component is the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population (MLSPP) capacity building and social safety net development, this will assist modernization of the MLSPP administration, introduction of monitoring and evaluation, improvements in performance of the targeted social assistance, restructuring of the disability certification service and piloting of integrated provision of the social protection programs. The Third is the pension system development. It will assist the Government in: (i) performing a comprehensive analysis of the current pension system, including actuarial analysis of its affordability and fiscal sustainability and an analysis of individual welfare consequences for different types of its participants (formal sector employees, farmers, arrangements for informal sector workers, average, high and low income earners, etc.). This analysis will also include a thorough assessment of the economic and institutional preconditions for diversification of the pension system; and (ii) formulating options for the long term development of the pension system and modeling their fiscal and welfare consequences. Finally, the fourth component is the project management. This component will strengthen MLSPP's and a State Social Protection Fund (SSPF's) capacity to efficiently and effectively implement the Social Protection Development Project (SPDP), while observing International Development Associations (IDA's) fiduciary and safeguard requirements. It will finance consultant services and incremental operating costs.

The project Second National Water Supply and Sanitation Project has changed to Active

2008-05-29T04:00:00.000Z

The project Second National Water Supply and Sanitation Project has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The objective of the Second National Water Supply and Sanitation Project is to improve the availability, quality, reliability and sustainability of Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS) services in selected regional (rayon) centers in Azerbaijan. There are three components to the project. The first component is the rayon investments, it will finance the rehabilitation and reconstruction of water, wastewater and septic sludge treatment facilities in at least 21 rayon's, including: Imishli, Kurdamir, Siyazan, Aghsu, Ismayili, Udjar, Zardab, Lenkoran, Masalli, Astara, Jalilabad, Yardimli, Lerik, Davachi, Dashkesan, and Gedabey under the responsibility of AzerSu, and Sadarak, Kangarli, Shahbuz, Djulfa and Ordubad under the responsibility of State Amelioration and Water Management Agency (SAWMA). The project will cover the rayon centers and villages located in close proximity to the centers or along the transmission mains supplying the centers. The second component is the institutional modernization. This component will support implementation of capacity building and modernization of AzerSu and its subsidiaries and SAWMA, to improve the efficiency and sustainability of WSS services. It will specifically include training in overall management, financial management, customer service, procurement, preventive maintenance, development of performance monitoring, preventive maintenance, leak detection and repair and other subjects pertinent to effective and efficient operation of WSS activities, and construction management. Finally, the third component is the implementation and management, it will support project implementation by financing project management activities, including incremental operating costs and project audits, using the already experienced project management unit (PMU) for the (first) National Water Supply and Sanitation Project (NWSSP), which will be further strengthened to reflect the enlarged set of activities under the Second National Water Supply and Sanitation Project (SNWSSP).

The project Second Highway - Additional Financing has changed to Active

2008-05-02T04:00:00.000Z

The project Second Highway - Additional Financing has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

This project paper is for an additional loan for the Second Highway Project in the Azerbaijan (AH2P). The additional financing will mainly finance: (i) upgrading of the remaining 112 km of the M3 highway between Alat and Masalli which was anticipated but not included in the AH2P; and (ii) the reconstruction of the R6 highway Tagiyev - Sahil (41 km) which connects the M3 to the M1 (Baku - Russian border) and bypasses Baku. The additional financing will also finance the following activities: (i) rehabilitation of about 200 km of local roads; (ii) technical assistance; and (iii) monitoring and evaluation and financial audits. The main Project Development Objective (PDO) is to reduce road transport costs and improve access, transit and road safety within Azerbaijan's East-West and North-South corridors, through: (i) upgrading the Alat-Masalli road of the Baku-Iran highway (M3); (ii) rehabilitating the Baku-Shamakhi road (M4); (iii) rehabilitating the Kurdemir-Ujar road (M2); and (iv) reconstructing the R6 highway Tagiyev-Sahil which connects the M3 to the M1 and bypasses Baku. The project originally consisted of two components: (i) upgrading of the remaining sections of the M3 highway between Alat and Masalli and rehabilitation of the existing R6 Baku bypass between Tagiyev and Sahil, as well as about 200 km of secondary and local roads; and (ii) provision of technical assistance, training and goods to support strengthening of MOT and ARS and carry out project implementation.

The project Second Education Sector Development Project has changed to Active

2008-04-23T04:00:00.000Z

The project Second Education Sector Development Project has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The Second Education Sector Development Project for Azerbaijan objectives of the second phase adaptable program lending (APL) are to achieve: (i) more effective teaching and improved learning results in general secondary schools (a) which receive new school libraries, and (b) where teachers adopt improved teaching practices as a result of in-service training; and (ii) improved efficiency of spending in education. The project components are following: (i) supporting the implementation of the general education curriculum and further curriculum reforms is to successfully engage teachers, students, and education managers in the implementation of the new general education curriculum, and to develop new learning materials and school libraries; (ii) modernizing in-service teacher training will support the education reform by modernizing in-service teacher training systems and practices, building on the institutional framework supported by APL 1; (iii) using student assessment for education quality improvement is to build up a new evaluation and assessment culture in Azerbaijan, which emphasizes not just standards and selection of the academically able, but a commitment to improving learning outcomes for all students. Assessment information will be made available in a user-friendly way to non-expert audiences, and feedback from assessment to reflected in policy making; (iv) promoting school readiness is to increase the school readiness of children between 5 and 6 years of age, targeting rayon's, where access to preschool institutions is severely restricted; (v) strengthening education policy development and management is to strengthen the capacity of education authorities to manage and implement education reforms; and (vi) project coordination, monitoring and evaluation is to support the coordination, administration, and monitoring of project activities.

The project ARP/ Environment Policy and Enforcement for Environment State Program is now in the pipeline.

2008-02-16T05:00:00.000Z

The project ARP/ Environment Policy and Enforcement for Environment State Program is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project AARP/ Integrated Solid Waste Management System for Absheron Peninsula is now in the pipeline.

2008-02-14T05:00:00.000Z

The project AARP/ Integrated Solid Waste Management System for Absheron Peninsula is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project AARP/ Large Scale Oil Polluted Land Clean up is now in the pipeline.

2008-02-14T05:00:00.000Z

The project AARP/ Large Scale Oil Polluted Land Clean up is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Higher Education Project is now in the pipeline.

2008-02-14T05:00:00.000Z

The project Higher Education Project is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Financial Services Modernization Project is now in the pipeline.

2008-02-11T05:00:00.000Z

The project Financial Services Modernization Project is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Second Highway - Additional Financing is now in the pipeline.

2008-02-08T05:00:00.000Z

The project Second Highway - Additional Financing is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

Azerbaijan | World Bank

Roma education to get crucial boost in funding

Azerbaijan - Third Additional Financing Highway Project : procurement plan

Status of projects in execution (SOPE) - FY07 : Azerbaijan

Status of projects in execution (SOPE) - FY06 : Europe and Central Asia region - Azerbaijan

Transition since Fall of Berlin Wall Shapes Today’s Crisis and Recovery

Status of projects in execution (SOPE) - FY05 : Europe and Central Asia region - Azerbaijan

Vacancy Announcement - Resource Management Assistant

Azerbaijan - Highway Project

World Bank Managing Director to Visit Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia (in Azerbaijani)

Məlumat üçün:Azərbaycan: Səidə Bağırlı sbagirli@worldbank.org +994 12 92 19 41

World Bank Managing Director to Visit Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia

For information:

Azerbaijan: Saida Bagirli sbagirli@worldbank.org +994 12 92 19 41

Status of projects in execution (SOPE) - FY09 : Europe and Central Asia region - Azerbaijan

Vacancy Announcement - Financial Management Analyst

Global Crisis Hits Home in Emerging Europe and Central Asia

The project Education Sector Development Project has changed to Closed

Doing business 2010 : Azerbaijan - comparing regulation in 183 economies

Azerbaijan: Improving Social Assistance and Pensions

Regional environmental review

Executive summary

The project Second Additional Financing Highway II is now in the pipeline.

The project Public Investment Capacity Building Project has changed to Active

World Bank Supports Public Investment Capacity Building Project in Azerbaijan

World Bank Approves Additional Financing for Azerbaijan’s Highway Program

Azerbaijan: Additional Financing for Second Highway Project

Azerbaijan: Public Investment Capacity Building Project

Vacancy Announcement for Resource Management Analyst

General Administration:

Human Resource Management:

Essential Specialized Skills/Knowledge Competencies:

Minimum Education/Experience at recruitment/Selection:

Europe and Central Asia Facing Significant Climate Change Threats, But Are In ‘Adaptation Deficit’

Signing of ARPII - Integrated Solid Waste Management Project (in Azerbaijani)

Azerbaijan - Public Investment Capacity Building Project

IFC announcement on Assignment Overview

Azerbaijan - Second Additional Financing Highway Project

Azerbaijan - Hovsan Wastewater Outfall Project

AZERBAIJAN AND THE WORLD BANK SIGN ADDITIONAL FINANCING FOR THE AZERBAIJAN RURAL INVESTMENT PROJECT

The project Hovsan Wastewater Outfall Project is now in the pipeline.

Azerbaijan - Second Highway Project : environmental assessment

Azerbaijan - Hovsan Wastewater Outfall Project

Vacancy announcement - Team Assistant, IFC

The project Multi Sector Capacity Building Project is now in the pipeline.

Azerbaijan - Multi Sector Capacity Building Project

Vacancy announcement for Economic Analyst, IFC

Baku, Azerbaijan

Requirements for the position:

Vacancy announcement for Team Assistant

The World Bank Office in Azerbaijan is seeking for Team Assistant

Azerbaijan - Fourth ARP/Environment Policy and Enforcement for the Environment State Program : environmental assessment and management plan

Environmental report : Kurdamir - Ujar highway 21 km

Section 1A : Alat interchange-xirdirli interchange, section 1C : Kursengi interchange-North of Salyan interchange

Section 3B-3C : Jalilabad interchange to Masalli interchange

Azerbaijan - Cultural Heritage Support Project

The project Highway Project has changed to Closed

The project ARP/ I-Contaminated Sites Rehabilitation has changed to Active

The project ARP/ III-Large Scale Oil Polluted Land Clean up has changed to Active

The project ARP/II-Integrated Solid Waste Management has changed to Active

The project POWER TRANSM (DONOR CF) is now in the pipeline.

The project Social Protection Development has changed to Active

The project Second National Water Supply and Sanitation Project has changed to Active

The project Second Highway - Additional Financing has changed to Active

The project Second Education Sector Development Project has changed to Active

The project ARP/ Environment Policy and Enforcement for Environment State Program is now in the pipeline.

The project AARP/ Integrated Solid Waste Management System for Absheron Peninsula is now in the pipeline.

The project AARP/ Large Scale Oil Polluted Land Clean up is now in the pipeline.

The project Higher Education Project is now in the pipeline.

The project Financial Services Modernization Project is now in the pipeline.

The project Second Highway - Additional Financing is now in the pipeline.

Məlumat üçün:
Azərbaycan: Səidə Bağırlı sbagirli@worldbank.org +994 12 92 19 41