Francisco Sancho
Francisco Sancho
Economist with many years of experience as researcher and analyst in economics, finance, energy transition, project cost analysis and sustainable development. Wide expertise in data-driven scenarios for strategic planning supporting decision-making by identifying key drivers, uncertainties and use of foresight techniques. Strong experience teaching on Environmental, Social, and Governance based on GRI Standards (Global Reporting Initiative) and GHG Protocol.
Experienced in managing projects for government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations. Skilled in designing financial tools, evaluating public policy frameworks, and modeling future outcomes for economic, environmental and social impact. Proven ability to lead multi-sectoral consultations and deliver strategic recommendations for national and regional development.
Extensive background as researcher providing strategic support in economic transition for local institutions as Development Banking System, INCAE, MINAE, National Meteorological Institute, Central Bank of Costa Rica, ICE, RECOPE, Costa Rica Forever, Conservation International. Also in the international field as ECLAC, World Bank, IDB, CABEI, UNDP, UNEP and Risoe Center, OECD.
Academic and instructional experience spans over three decades, including:
- Professor at Fundepos University (Master’s Program)
- Instructor for CLACDS-INCAE, World Bank, and CATIE in financing social and clean development projects.
Education
Title: Master of Sustainable Development and Renewable Energies and Social Responsibility
Name of Institution: Escuela Europea de Dirección y Empresa de España (EUDE)
City, Country: Madrid/ Spain
Type of Institution: University
From/To: 15-Oct-2012 / 17-Jul-2014
Degree Obtained: Master
Main Course of Study/ Field of study: Economics
Conferral Date: 16-Jul-2014
Teaching method: Virtual / Part-Time
Exact title in original language: Máster en Desarrollo Sostenible, Energías Renovables, Agenda 21 y Responsabilidad Social Corporativa
Title: Master of Applied Economics with a mention in Socioeconomic Evaluation of Projects
Name of Institution: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
City, Country: Santiago/ Chile
Type of Institution: University
From/To: 06-Feb-1995 / 29-Nov-1996
Degree Obtained: Magister/Master
Main Course of Study/ Field of study: Economics
Conferral Date: 19-Dec-1996
Teaching method: In-person / Full-Time
Exact title in original language: Magister en Economía Aplicada con mención en Evaluación Socioeconómica de Proyectos
Title: Diploma of Specialist in Applied Macroeconomics
Name of Institution: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
City, Country: Santiago/ Chile
Type of Institution: University
From/To: 01-jun-1995 / 29-Nov-1996
Degree Obtained: Magister/Master
Main Course of Study/ Field of study: Economics
Conferral Date: 19-Dec-1996
Teaching method: In-person / Full-Time
Exact title in original language: Diploma Especialista en Macroeconomía Aplicada
Title: Bachelor of Economics
Name of Institution: Universidad de Costa Rica
City, Country: San Jose/ Costa Rica
Type of Institution: University
From/To: 07-Mar-1988 / 26-Nov-1993
Degree Obtained: Bachelor/Bachiller
Main Course of Study/ Field of study: Economics
Conferral Date: 4-Mar-1994
Teaching method: In-person / Full-Time
Exact title in original language: Bachiller en Economía
💼 Professional Experience
Project manager in Project UNEP GCF Carbon Markets Readiness & Article 6
Company: UNEP Climate Change Division – Mitigation Unit. 📍 Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá | 📅 May 15, 2024 – May 15, 2026.
Key Achievements:
- Coordinated Costa Rica’s national activities under the GCF Carbon Markets Readiness framework.
- Provided technical oversight and stakeholder engagement for Article 6 implementation.
- Delivered high-quality progress reports and ensured alignment with national climate strategies.
Consultant in project management in economics, finance, energy and environment.
Company: Sancho Consulting S.A. 📍 Heredia, Costa Rica | 📅 Feb 2008 – Aug 2025.
Key Achievements:
- Led formulation and financing of sustainable development projects integrating economic, energy transition, environmental and social dimensions.
- Advised national institutions including MINAE, ICE, RECOPE, Central Bank of Costa Rica, and INCAE.
- Collaborated with global organizations: World Bank, IDB, CABEI, UNDP, UNEP Risoe Center, OECD, and ECLAC.
Professor, Master’s in Banking & Finance and Innovation & Sustainability
Company: Universidad Fundepos. 📍 San José, Costa Rica | 📅 Apr 2023 – Jun 2025.
Courses Taught:
Global Economic Development, Banking Administration, Financial Management, Investment Portfolio, International Finance, Natural Capital Exploration, and Environment & Economic Development.
Project manager – Energy, Land Use, industry process and forestry in the GHG Emissions Projection Scenarios
Company: National Meteorological Institute (IMN). 📍 San José, Costa Rica | 📅 Jun 2024 – Nov 2024. Supervisor: Ana Rita Chacón Araya | 📧 archacon@imn.ac.cr | ☎ +506 2222-5616
Key Achievements:
- Modeled GHG emissions across IPCC sectors for Costa Rica through 2050.
- Developed socioeconomic scenarios and validated findings with national stakeholders.
- Integrated REDD+ and NDC 2020 data into mitigation modeling.
Project manager in Finance Strategy– Economic transition in the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR)
Company: National Meteorological Institute (IMN). 📍 San José, Costa Rica | 📅 Oct 2023 – Jun 2024.
Key Achievements:
- Assessed Costa Rica’s support needs and received aid under Articles 9–11 of the Paris Agreement.
- Delivered comprehensive analysis on financing, technology transfer, and capacity-building.
Project manager – Evaluation of Innovation & Associative Entrepreneurship Program
Company: CENECOOP R.L. 📍 San José, Costa Rica | 📅 Mar 2023 – Dec 2023.
Key Achievements:
- Evaluated program design, execution, and impact on cooperative entrepreneurship.
- Provided strategic recommendations for policy alignment and program improvement.
Project manager – Sustainable Financial Instruments
Company: Conservation International Foundation. 📍 San José, Costa Rica | 📅 Apr 2021 – Jan 2023.
Key Achievements:
- Designed financial instruments for marine conservation in Costa Rica’s EEZ.
- Supported national strategy for achieving 30% marine protection by 2030.
Sustainable finance in the Development Banking System
Company: Development Banking System (DBS). 📍 San José, Costa Rica | 📅 Jan 2021 – Oct 2022.
Key Achievements:
- Led technical support for the Third Evaluation Report of the SBD.
- Coordinated with the Technical Secretariat and external stakeholders.
- Drafted terms of reference and conducted targeted investigations.
- Delivered final report and supported Commission sessions.
Project manager – Evaluation of the Movable Guarantee System
Company: Development Banking System (DBS). 📍 San José, Costa Rica | 📅 Jan 2019 – Jun 2019.
Key Achievements:
- Assessed Law 9246 implementation and secured transaction dynamics.
- Analyzed institutional usage, enforcement, and regulatory perspectives.
- Delivered comparative analysis and policy recommendations.
Project manager – Economic-Financial Tool for Solid Waste Management (GIRS)
Company: INCAE Business School – CLACDS. 📍 Alajuela, Costa Rica | 📅 Mar 2018 – Nov 2019 .
Key Achievements:
- Coordinated development of a financial tool for municipal waste management.
- Supported the National Union of Local Governments (UNGL).
Project manager – Water Management & Financing for VIII World Water Forum
INCAE Business School – CLACDS. 📍 Alajuela, Costa Rica | 📅 Jul 2017 – Jan 2018.
Key Achievements:
- Conducted regional analysis across SICA countries (Central America).
- Evaluated water access, pollution prevention, and financing strategies.
- Proposed inclusive policy frameworks involving NGOs and municipalities.
Project manager – Sustainable Finance of SMEs
Company: Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLAC). 📍 Santiago, Chile | 📅 Dec 2016 – Feb 2017.
Key Achievements:
- Assessed SME access, usage, and quality of financial services.
- Evaluated instruments from national and regional development banks.
- Published findings with policy recommendations.
Project manager – IPCC Scenario Analysis
Company: National Meteorological Institute (IMN). 📍 San José, Costa Rica | 📅 Mar 2016 – Nov 2016.
Key Achievements:
- Developed VCR scenarios for Costa Rica’s climate future.
- Contributed to the IPCC Biennial Update Report for UNFCCC.
Sustainable finance in the Development Banking System
Company: Development Banking System (DBS). 📍 San José, Costa Rica | 📅 Jul 2015 – Nov 2016.
Key Achievements:
- Supported the Commission in drafting and finalizing the Second Report.
- Conducted research and coordinated with the Technical Secretariat.
- Participated in stakeholder meetings and external data collection.
Project manager – Costing Tools for Protected Area Management
Company: Conservation International Foundation. 📍 San José, Costa Rica | 📅 Oct 2015 – Nov 2017.
Key Achievements:
- Developed and validated a financial tool to assess management plan costs and funding gaps in marine protected areas (MPAs).
- Conducted stakeholder workshops and field evaluations in pilot conservation zones.
- Authored a procedures manual for SINAC and partners to apply the tool in budgeting and planning.
- Proposed alternative financial mechanisms to reduce funding gaps in MPA management.
Project manager – Sustainable Financing System for SMEs
Company: ACORDE. 📍 San José, Costa Rica | 📅 Jul 2014 – Dec 2015.
Key Achievements:
- Conducted market research to estimate demand for sustainable financing among MSMEs.
- Designed financial products tailored to development-focused SME needs.
Project manager – Financial Needs Assessment for Marine Protected Areas Company: Conservation International Foundation. 📍 San José, Costa Rica | 📅 Jan 2014 – Apr 2014.
Key Achievements:
- Evaluated current and optimal budget requirements for protected areas.
- Identified funding sources and gaps across SINAC and external cooperation agencies.
- Proposed multi-year financing programs to support effective MPA management.
Project manager – Roadmap for Low-Emission Public Transport Technologies
Company: MINAE – Ministry of Environment and Energy. 📍 San José, Costa Rica | 📅 Jul 2013 – Feb 2014.
Key Achievements:
- Facilitated sectoral consultations to develop a long-term roadmap for clean transport technologies.
- Proposed integrated programs combining high-efficiency combustion and zero-emission alternatives.
Project manager – Market Readiness Proposal (PMR)
Company: MINAE – Ministry of Environment and Energy. 📍 San José, Costa Rica | 📅 Jul 2011 – Mar 2014.
Key Achievements:
- Led consultations across transport, energy, forestry, and waste sectors.
- Identified mitigation projects and sectoral compensation programs aligned with NAMAs.
Project manager – GHG Emissions Reduction Options (2015–2050)
Company: MINAE – Ministry of Environment and Energy. 📍 San José, Costa Rica | 📅 Jul 2011 – Mar 2014.
Key Achievements:
- Modeled sectoral emissions trends and mitigation potentials.
- Estimated abatement costs and financing needs for national climate strategies.
Sustainable finance in the Development Banking System
Company: Development Banking System (DBS). 📍 San José, Costa Rica | 📅 Jul 2011 – Mar 2012. Supervisor: Marlen Villanueva | 📧 marlene.villanueva@sbdcr.com | ☎ +506 2105-8100
Key Achievements:
- Provided technical support for the First Evaluation Report of the SBD.
- Liaised with the Technical Secretariat and coordinated external research.
- Drafted terms of reference and conducted targeted investigations.
- Supported report preparation and stakeholder engagement.
Project manager – Technology Needs Assessment
Company: MINAE – Ministry of Environment and Energy. 📍 San José, Costa Rica | 📅 Oct 2010 – Jun 2011.
Key Achievements:
- Led stakeholder consultations to identify barriers to technology adoption.
- Developed strategies for technology transfer and climate mitigation.
- Proposed enabling frameworks for GHG reduction and climate resilience.
Economic & Financial Research Analyst
Company: Ecoanálisis Consultores Económicos y Financieros
📍 Santa Ana, Costa Rica | 📅 Jun 2009 – Jul 2009.
Key Achievements:
- Designed training and coaching frameworks for financial product development.
- Conducted market segmentation and CRM strategy analysis.
- Identified consulting opportunities and staff development models.
Project manager – Electricity Sector Modernization Project
Company: INCAE Business School – CLACDS 📍 Alajuela, Costa Rica | 📅 Sep 2007 – Jan 2008.
Key Achievements:
- Analyzed electricity market structures in Latin America and Europe.
- Developed institutional and legal databases for comparative analysis.
- Supported segmentation modeling across the energy value chain.
Market & Data Analyst
Company: Outsourcing Administrativo S.A. 📍 Santa Ana, Costa Rica | 📅 Aug 2007 – Mar 2008.
Key Achievements:
- Conducted data mining and market analysis for client segmentation.
- Built marketing databases and customer behavior models.
- Developed promotional campaign evaluation tools.
Coordinator of financial product development
Company Interfin_Banex Pensions Funds. 📍 San José, Costa Rica | 📅 Aug-2004 to Dec-2005.
Key Achievements:
- Financial product development and marketing.
Director of Economic Studies
Company: Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC). 📍 San José, Costa Rica | 📅 Nov-2002 to May-2004.
Key Achievements:
- Research, analysis, and monitoring of key economic variables to inform public policy formulation.
- Competitiveness assessment, market research, and generation of SME statistics.
- Support for business development and consumer protection.