If I got rid of my demons I’d lose my angels
- Tennessee Williams

With the objective of obtaining information about the implementation of the Global Peace Agreement and to provide support to civil society organizations in disseminating information on the Inclusive Government to as many Zimbabweans as possible, the Mass Public Opinion Institute (MPOI) conducted a public opinion survey in Zimbabwe.

The survey, which was conducted in August 2010, had a sample size of 1000 people and it focused on the following issues:

- Performance of the Inclusive Government

- Media

- Inclusive Government’s policies and priorities

- Constitution-making

- Parties’ commitment to the Inclusive Government

- Macro and economic evaluations

- Performance of State Institutions

- Partisan Affiliation

In its efforts to restore the economy, results show that 48% of people interviewed think that the Inclusive Government is doing well in terms of restoring the economy. A lot of people felt that the economy had improved in the past twelve months and one in ten people think the economic condition had deteriorated.

But on free political activity, 35% had a negative view on the government’s performance.

In 2010 COPAC embarked on constitution making consultations around Zimbabwe and a lot of people acknowledge that they heard about COPAC but in terms of giving education to people on the constitution, people felt that COPAC failed dismally as 69% of people say they did not receive education on constitution making process.

From the observations, 51% of the respondents had a negative view about the trust they have in the security forces as protectors of human rights. 32% view the performance of the security forces in a positive light saying that they are executing their duties in a fairly good way.

The much publicized Indigenization and Economic Empowerment Act has gained popularity especially among males, recording 32% people saying it’s a good policy.

Though a lot people can receive radio signal, in some parts of the country some people still can’t access a TV signal. With ZBC still exercising its monopoly on the airwaves and the continued bombardment of political messages from ZANU PF the survey showed a lot of bias towards one party in terms of fair play on campaigning material being played on radio.

To measure the response on political affiliation, MPOI asked: If you were to vote for a Parliamentary candidate of choice, which party will that candidate belong to?”  Since this issue is very sensitive most people in the survey were not comfortable to have their views shared in public. 24 % of people responded saying their vote is their secret and 17 percent did not want to comment. In this category MDC T commands 32 % and ZANU PF has 18 % though when asked who has real power it came out that the President still has a lot of power in the GPA

According to each sector touched on by the survey it shows an information gap where people who profess ignorance on issues related to the Inclusive Government also lack the freedom to express their views in public.

I believe the organ on National healing and reconciliation still has a long way to go in making its work known by people since only 11% of people interviewed think the organ is doing a good work as compared to 67% who are not sure.

I attended a presentation by Dr Ruth Walkup on ‘Getting the Foundations Right for Leading in a Changing World’. She took us through the evolution of work from the days when people worked to survive, to the days of trade and the era of industrialisation. We have witnessed dramatic technological changes in all sectors of the economy from the 1960s and these still continue.

I will give the library as an example. A card catalogue, which was the entry point to the library’s physical holdings, was used back then. When one visited the library they had to manually go through a card catalogue on their own, select the book they wanted by using entries of title, author, subject or date of publication. They would then find a reference number for the book that was done using the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) for them to pick out the exact book. But now things are different; you can access a library catalogue on a computer and online using Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). Where one goes through the same search process but this time it is done electronically which means it less tiring and less time consuming. Now we wonder what the future will hold and what libraries will be like. Are we going to be using voice recognition technologies where we just say an author’s name and ‘voila’ all his/her publications are revealed to us on a big screen on the wall, and we just click the book we need?

We just wonder, but whilst we are still in the wondering zone we need to go acquire some life skills.  Dr Ruth walkup emphasized that we need to be self-aware; that is we need to know ourselves, our passions, strengths and weaknesses. Also we should take time to reflect on ourselves, looking back in the past in order to understand it and do things better in the future. You cannot do away with communication skills, information literacy skills and decision-making skills. Engage yourself in Life Long Learning (LLL) where you continue to upgrade your professional skills. Imagine the Librarian who does want to take a course in computers, where will they be when people don’t visit the library physically but rather ask him/her queries through IMS, Chat or Email. We need to be creative as we face change in order to create opportunities for ourselves and break new ground.

Through inner dialogue we actually get to “know” ourselves better and increase the likelihood of achieving our highest potential.

To conclude Dr Walkup gave us a quote by Alvin Toffler, “The illiterate of the future will not be the person who cannot read. It will be the person who does not know how to learn.”

In the office we’ve been speaking about the value of public opinion and public confidence – and how difficult it can be to regain these precious intangibles once they’re lost. In addition to public confidence in a person, organisation or political party, there is also the question of confidence in a process and faith in social institutions. When you go and vote – despite the risks and your own sense of fear – and that vote is then disregarded for a political settlement instead of an elected outcome, what damage does this do to your faith in the country’s democratic institutions? How can this ever be repaired? And until it’s repaired, what point is there in continuing to hold elections?

We shared Upenyu’s piece Why should I vote? with our email subscribers today, and I include one of the replies below. What’s the difference between apathy and laziness? And between apathy and a calculated assessment that because one’s action is disregarded, it makes more sense not to act.

I have voted consistently since I became eligible to vote and my first vote was cast in the referendum of 2000. My father always says you should not complain about the state of affairs in your country if you do not do something. So I figured I would make my voice heard through the ballot since I was not brave enough to march in the streets or be a war vet.

I am fast losing hope in the power of my voice being heard through the ballot. I went to vote in 2008 with heart pounding and ID concealed so that the youths who were beating drums and chanting slogans at a nearby party office would not know that l was going to cast my vote without being vetted. Two years later after the formation of the inclusive government and the performance of both parties in govt, I am tempted to agree with Upenyu and throw in the towel. I guess l will just leave everything in God’s hands and hope for the best.

Lazybones.

The trouble with regime change as sold to us by civil society and political parties, is that it is not as simple as it is made out to be. Changing one government for another in the hope of ushering in democracy is not the answer. Democracy itself should not be reduced to a periodic election, yet this is what ordinary people are told. Elections are not a salve that will automatically repair failing or failed states. Zimbabwe has held regular elections for the past thirty years, but that does not make us a democratic state. Neither will replacing ZANU PF with MDC.

In his opinion piece for the New York Times Chinua Achebe writes:

First we have to nurture and strengthen our democratic institutions – and strive for the freest and fairest elections possible. That will place the true candidates of the people in office. Within the fabric of a democracy, a free press can thrive and a strong justice system can flourish. The checks and balances…and the laws needed to curb corruption will then naturally find a footing. And there has to be the development of a new patriotic consciousness.

Hello out there.  Work in and for Zimbabwe. Help grow our nation. Check out the vacancies below. If you’d like to receive this sort of information by email each week drop us a note saying “subscribe” to info [at] kubatana [dot] net

Community and Home Based Care Coordinator: Local NGO
Deadline: 27 January 2011

A local HIV and AIDS networking NGO seeks the services of a qualified, experienced Community and Home Based Care Coordinator who will among other duties be responsible for the following:

-    Provision of technical support on medical aspects related to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.
-    Provision of technical support to CHBC grant recipients.
-    Development of plans for improving access to community AIDS care and support, education and treatment literacy with the CHBC implementing partners.
-    Provision of technical expertise and support to implementing partners for the standardization of CHBC services.
-    Identification of key monitoring indicators for CHBC and reporting on progress made.
-    Participation in relevant technical working groups.
-    Ensuring there are relevant linkages and partnerships at district, provincial, national, regional and international levels for CHBC component.
-    Provision of technical support and training to CHBC implementing partners and stakeholders on linkages between CHBC, TB, HIV and AIDS and ART.
-    Compilation of quarterly M & E reports on CHBC

Personnel Specifications

-    University Degree in Community Nursing or Public health
-    Minimum five years of experience in NGO programme planning and management
-    Experience and understanding of HIV and AIDS multi-sectoral development approaches
-    Computer literate-proficiency with MS office applications

Other attributes
-    Excellent oral and written communication skills
-    Excellent information analysis and report writing
-    Excellent training, presentation and facilitation skills
-    Ability to work with a variety of stakeholders
-    Ability to work as a member of a team
-    Initiative and assertiveness
-    Proven experience in HIV/AIDS programmes
-    Willing to travel

In return, the organisation offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.  The organisation also offers an opportunity to work with a vibrant, dynamic and dedicated team and an opportunity for personal growth, while contributing to a worthy cause. Please note that only those persons who meet the above-mentioned specifications should submit applications with detailed CVs with at least three traceable references to:

The Human Resources & Administration Department No 154 Samora Machel Avenue West, Belvedere, Harare or e-mail to: recruitment [@] zan [dot] co [dot] zw

Important:  Persons living with HIV & AIDS are particularly encouraged to apply.

Communication and Social Mobilisation Officer – Action IEHDC
Deadline: 28 January 2011

Purpose / Definition of the Job: To communicate to all stakeholders through various media the work of ACTION and advocate for awareness and change in specific areas that are strategic to the interests of ACTION and the communities it works with.

Key Function: Raise awareness of ACTION’s work and programmes as well as responsibility for external based programmes with partners

Key Responsibilities:

Marketing

* Assisting in the planning and implementation of community mobilization or outreach programmes through partners
* Responsible for all media communication
* Organizing launches/ advertising campaigns (to create awareness for the products)
* Arrange outreach activities to selected districts/provinces to create an awareness of the products through regalia and booklets
* Attend expositions, shows and exhibitions for promoting the publications
* Documenting and responding to enquiries by individuals, organizations and stakeholders
* Liaising with the distributors on progress, constraints and challenges concerning the distribution of the branded products
* Represent Action in national and international forums as and when required and invited
* Produce monthly progress reports that are submitted to the Programmes Manager
* Contribute written reports including newsletters for publication
* Supervise the Documentation centre in terms of communication plans and resources

Advocacy

* Develop advocacy campaigns in line with current multi-media campaigns that are being developed in partnership with other organizations in the relevant sector
* Develop concepts and proposals for further funding of advocacy activities to support existing activities
* Liaise with Programmes Manager and Coordinators on all issues regarding the development of all advocacy campaigns.
* Form and strengthen networks with other stakeholders involved in health, environment and development areas
* Engage in the public relations exercise for the organization in strong consultation with the Programmes Manager and Executive Director

Performs any other duties to ensure the efficient functioning of ACTION as may be reasonably required by the Programmes Manager.

Competencies Required:

* Stakeholder relations management
* Fluent and well grounded in the work of ACTION
* Confident and professional
* Strong negotiating skills
* Excellent report writing and presentation skills
* Strong coordination skills
* Well organised
* Team player
* Time conscious
* Ability to put in extra hours whenever necessary
* Flexibility is a necessity

Minimum Qualifications Required

* Degree in social studies
* At least 5 years experience in Community Development work
* Media qualification/exposure

To apply please send a letter of motivation plus a detailed CV with 3 traceable references to action [@] action [dot] co [dot] zw and senziwe [@] action [dot] co [dot] zw

Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant: Local NGO
Deadline: 28 January 2011

Reports to: Director
Date of Commencement: February 2011

Overall Description:

To monitor and evaluate the implementation of projects and adhering to project goals and objectives and taking corrective action where ever possible

Major responsibilities:

- Monitor project activities in comparison with set objectives.
- Taking corrective action to ensure that project goals and objective are adhered whenever necessary.

Main tasks
- Following closely implementation of projects and ensure that all activities are in line with set goals and objectives.
- Conduct regular field visits
- Liaising with project officers to discuss project activities
- Collect Data from the field and inputting into data base
- Liaising with key stakeholders to assess the impact of the project
- Evaluate all the projects periodically
- Set indicators to measure impact of projects
- Train staff in monitoring and evaluation
- Compile Reports on projects
- Compile Newsletter
- Manage and update organisation’s Membership Data Base
- In liaison with other program staff  develop education and information material on care and support

Qualifications
- Degree in social sciences
- Knowledge of computers

Job experience
The ideal candidate must have at least 2 years experience in a similar position in an NGO. Candidate must be in possession of a valid drivers license

Applications should be send to email: ecopsych [@] zol [dot] co [dot] zw on or before Friday January 28, 2011

Three (3) positions: Zimbabwe Women’s Resource Centre and Network (ZWRCN)
Deadline: 28 January 2011

The Zimbabwe Women’s Resource Centre and Network (ZWRCN) is an information-based organization.  It is currently expanding its work in the area of Economic Justice. The overall goal of these programs is to reduce gender inequalities and promote gender sensitive development policies for poverty reduction and improvement of the welfare of women, men, girls and boys in Zimbabwe. This will be carried out through human capacity building, research and publication, Advocacy, Networking and Coalition building. We therefore seek competent and motivated individuals for the following positions:

1. Programme Officer – Gender Economic Policies and Public Finance Programme
2. Gender and Information Coordinator
3. Assistant Programme Officer – Gender and Information

1. Programme Officer, Gender, Economic Policies & Public Finance

Reporting To Programme Coordinator

Key Responsibilities
-    To manage effectively and efficiently the implementation of the Gender Budgeting and Women’s Empowerment four (4) year Programme.
-    To identify and use as points of reference, international and regional frameworks (i.e. other Gender Budgets Initiatives, UN frameworks, human rights instruments) to situate ZWRCN’s Gender Budget Initiative within a context of action;
-    To create a portfolio of research projects, surveys and policy analysis and advocacy strategies on Gender Budgeting which contribute to knowledge and the understanding of the gender dimension of national resource allocations in Zimbabwe;
-    To develop frameworks and training tools to build gender budget literacy;
-    To create an external profile (nationally and regionally) of ZWRCN as a leading player in communications, training, advocacy and lobbying for mainstreaming gender into the national budget process and legislation;
-    To network with identified partners to create a strong voice nationally on the need for a budget that addresses the differential needs for both women and men;
-    To ensure greater accountability on expenditure and revenue which is geared towards the eradication of poverty and gender economic justice, and to build public educational campaigns on these issues; and
-    To design mechanisms to regularly monitor ZWRCN’s influence on the budget processes, policies and/or legislation.

Qualifications and Experience
-    A first degree in Economics or Public Finance and a Masters level degree in a related field would be an advantage.
-    A qualification in Gender and Development, Feminist studies or training in gender budgeting will be an advantage.
-    A minimum of 5 years professional experience at a senior level.
-    Demonstrable knowledge in the following areas: gender analysis, economic and policy analysis.
-    Social Action or Participatory Research Methodologies.
-    Demonstrate skills in the following are critical: editing, writing, research and budget planning, implementation and monitoring.

Personal Qualities
This position will require an individual with good leadership skills, flexibility, be self -driven and able to work in a fast paced environment with multiple accountabilities and minimum supervision. They must possess good computer skills and be willing to travel nationally and in the region as required. Good communication skills and ability to work in teams is essential.

2. Gender And Information Coordinator

To coordinate information, knowledge management and learning for the organisation. A key position that in a Programme that serves as the hub of the organization through profiling internally and externally the services and products, processes and outcomes of ZWRCN.

Reporting to Executive Director

Key Responsibilities:
-    Develop and implement an Information, communications, and dissemination strategy on behalf of the organization.
-    Promotion of ZWRCN publications as well as publish and promote Information products on gender and women’s rights.
-    Provide appropriate support to other program areas – Gender Information, Documentation Centre and Gender, Economic Policies & Public Finance.
-    Drafts and edits article, press releases, wed stories, other public information materials and reports, as well as contributes to development of communication messages and materials.
-    Develop and implement an innovative Marketing strategy which includes creation & expansion of the organisation’s networks with relevant organizations in government, non-government at national, regional and international level.
-    Develops partnerships with media other selected groups or individuals, whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives, and strengthens their capacity through appropriate advocacy and communication training, access to updated information.
-    Determine use of traditional and ICTs depending on variety of target beneficiaries through print and other media.
-    Promote and manage Gender & Development Talks and other special events management on behalf of the organization.
-    Develop and maintain the organisation’s networking resources.

Qualifications and Experience
-    A University degree in communication or journalism or public relations.
-    Masters or other qualification or experience in gender related studies/organisation would be an added advantage.
-    5 years progressive professional work experience in communication, knowledge management and learning.
-    Strong writing skills as well as demonstrable experience in editing materials for publication.
-    Skills in website design and updating would be an advantage.
-    Supervisory experience would also be an advantage.

Personal Qualities
This position will require individuals with good leadership skills, flexibility, self-driven and able to work in a fast paced environment with multiple accountabilities and minimum supervision. They must possess good computer skills and good communication skills and ability to work in teams is essential.

3. Assistant Programme Officer – Gender And Information

Reporting to: Information Coordinator- Gender and Information Programme

Key Responsibilities

* Provides programme assistance to the programme officer focusing on the achievement of the following results:
o Collection, analysis and presentation of information for support to programmes implementation
o Supports communication and collaboration among programmes
o Prepares correspondence, reports, presentations and other written materials from oral instructions and written communication.
o Support preparation of reports, statistical charts and tables as required. Maintenance of proper filing system for the programme
* Provide administrative support to the project focusing on achievement of the following:
o Creation of all requisitions for all travel and procurement under the programme
o Build and maintain a database of contact and networks for the organisation
o Preparation of materials for meetings, presentations and workshops
o Facilitate the production of publicity materials for the organisation
o Performs other tasks as required
* Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the organisation and its partners and networks

Qualifications and Experience
-    A degree in Communication or Social Sciences
-    3 years progressive professional work experience in communication, knowledge management and learning
-    Strong writing skills as well as demonstrable experience in editing materials for publication

Personal Qualities
-    Knowledge management and learning
-    Developmental and operational effectiveness-ability to perform a variety of standard tasks related to projects documentation and provision of information
-    Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

All applications clearly stating the position being applied for with certified copies of certificates, CV and other relevant documents must clearly state the position applied for and should be submitted no later than Friday 28 January 2011.

By email to: Executive Director at naome [@] zwrcn [dot] org [dot] zw or vacancy [@] zwrcn [dot] org [dot] zw and hard copies to Executive Director, ZWRCN, 288 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Harare.

Qualified women are encouraged to apply.

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Household & Economic Security Coordinator – Kwekwe: Plan International
Deadline: 4 February 2011

Plan is an international humanitarian, child centered development organisation dedicated to working with and for children in need in developing countries including Zimbabwe. Plan offers equal opportunity employment to suitably qualified applicants for vacant positions within the organisation. The Zimbabwe program is seeking services of suitably qualified candidates to fill the following vacant positions on renewable 2-year Fixed Term Contract basis.

Job Purpose

To provide technical guidance and facilitation in the design, implementation, supervision and evaluation of household and economic security programs in the Program Unit. Ensures innovative and quality household & economic security programs in Program Unit.

Entry qualifications, skills and experience

-    A degree in Agriculture or Agricultural Economics
-    Class 3/4 Driver’s licence and willingness to ride a motorbike
-    At least 3 years relevant experience in water management, irrigation, sanitation in the development field
-    Good communication and report writing skills
-    Analytical and problem solving skills
-    Good facilitation skills
-    Proficient in computer skills

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should email a comprehensive CV and motivational letter to: zwe.recruitment [@] plan-international [dot] org

Please note that reference & background checks will be performed for successful candidates including clearances on child related offences in conformity with Plan’s Child Protection Policy. Please note that these positions are open to Zimbabwean nationals/and or people with the right to live and work in Zimbabwe only. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Two (2) Health Officers: International Rescue Committee
Deadline: 4 February 2011

Location: Manicaland
Duration: 6 months with potential for renewal contingent upon funding
Start date: February 2011

Background

The IRC anticipates a new 6-month project starting in February 2011 to provide, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, critical health care and other services to survivors of sexual violence and to raise awareness of the availability of such services at the community level. Below are the specific duties and responsibilities of the post.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

-    Work closely with Ministry of Health staff and partner organisations on joint program implementation
-    Work with community volunteers / village health workers in mobilization and awareness raising on the problems of sexual violence, the multi-sectoral approach needed and the referral mechanisms in the rural communities
-    Participate in needs assessment in Mutare, Mutasa, Chimanimani and Nyanga Districts
-    Provide support to MOHCW staff and ensure health services remain within national and international standards, that MOH treatment protocols are adhered to and provide on-job training as deemed necessary
-    Identify training needs for MOHCW health staff, organize and mobilize  a training plan for the MOHCW Health staff
-    Monitor project indicators through collection of data, data analysis and reporting
-    Liaise with local partners, community leaders and other key stakeholders in areas of operation
-    Report weekly to the Project Manager on progress, constraints and lessons learnt
-    Contribute to program development together with the team
-    Pro-active on building self-capacity in the areas of sexual violence, gender based violence, child abuse
-    Carry out any other duty as assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications

-    Diploma in (Public) Health, Nursing, or Social Sciences
-    Experience in projects addressing gender based violence, clinical care for survivors, or child abuse
-    Experience in community mobilization and health education in rural communities
-    Experience working for NGOs
-    Proficient in working with Word, Excel
-    Team player
-    Good communication skills
-    Willingness to camp overnight in rural areas

Qualified and interested candidates should send their detailed CVs and cover letters to Zimbabwe [@] theirc [dot] org and write Health Officer in the subject line.

Gender Advisor – Harare: Plan International
Deadline: 4 February 2011

Job Purpose

To identify and design innovative gender programs through provision of appropriate technical support in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of gender mainstreaming to achieve gender equality in line with Plan Zimbabwe’s country strategic plan.

Entry qualifications, skills and experience

-    A degree in Law and/or Gender studies
-    At least 5 years experience in gender and development from a reputable organization
-    Demonstrated skills and experience in proposal development
-    Good communication and report writing skills
-    Analytical, facilitation and strategic thinking skills
-    Ability to train staff
-    Gender sensitivity
-    Proficient in computer skills

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should email a comprehensive CV and motivational letter to: zwe.recruitment [@] plan-international [dot] org

Please note that reference & background checks will be performed for successful candidates including clearances on child related offences in conformity with Plan’s Child Protection Policy. Please note that these positions are open to Zimbabwean nationals/and or people with the right to live and work in Zimbabwe only. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Administrative Assistant: UNDP
Deadline: 4 February 2011

Level: GS 5
Contract Type-Fixed Term Appointment
Post Number: 00002237

1.    Organizational Context
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Country Director (CD) and the Deputy Country Director – Programmes (DCD-P), the Administrative Assistant ensures effective and efficient functioning of the CD and DCD P’s offices with full confidentiality in all aspects of assignment, maintenance of protocol procedures, management of information flow and follow-up on deadlines and commitments made.

The Administrative Assistant works in close collaboration with UNDP staff, UN Agencies and national authorities to ensure efficient flow of information, actions on instructions, agendas.

2. Key Responsibilities

Ensures effective and efficient functioning of the CD & DCD-P’s office focusing on achievement of the following results:
-    Maintenance of the CD & DCD-P’s calendar, contacts with high-ranking visitors, arrangement of appointments and meetings, acting as an interpreter when required and/or taking minutes.
-    Maintenance of protocol procedures.
-    Preparation of high quality briefing materials for supervisor for appointments, meetings, missions.
-    Preparation of Management Meeting minutes and other minutes when required.
-    Assists in the organization of high-level meetings.
-    Preparation of Office Reports.
-    Management of CD & DCD-P missions and representation schedule.
-    Maintenance of rosters of high-level partners, telephone lists.
-    Preparation of correspondence, directives, comments on behalf of CD & DCD-P for his/her signature and making follow-up when required.
-    Use of automated office management systems for effective functioning of the CD & DCD-P office.

Ensures provision of effective communications support to the office focusing on achievement of the following results:
-    Maintenance of the filing system ensuring safekeeping of confidential materials. Use of automated filing system.
-    Coordination of the information flow in the office and follow up on circulation files.
-    Facilitation of information sharing between UNCT and the UN Coordination Unit.
-    Follow up on deadlines, commitments made, actions taken and coordination of collection and submission of the reports to CD & DCD-P.
-    Screening of all incoming calls and correspondence.
-    Presentation of proposals to eliminate communication bottlenecks in the office and streamline office procedures between the supervisor’s office and subordinate division.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:
-    Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
-    Assists in the organization of Office Retreats.
-    Assists in the organization of specialized trainings for secretaries.
-    Assists in the organization of trainings to UN staff on coordination, administration and protocol issues.

3.    Impact of Results
The key results have an impact on the efficiency of the CD & DCD-P office.  Accurate analysis and presentation of information strengthens the capacity of the CD & DCD-P office and promotes the image of UNDP as an effective contributor to the development of the country. Incumbent’s own initiative is decisive in results of work and timely finalization.

4.    Key Competencies Corporate Competencies:
-    Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values and strategic goals
-    Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
-    Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
-    Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:
-    Knowledge Management and Learning
-    Shares knowledge and experience
-    Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
-    Develops substantive knowledge of one or more Practice Areas
-    Promotes a learning environment in the office
-    Provides helpful feedback and advice to others in the office

Development and Operational Effectiveness
-    Ability to perform a broad range of specialized activities aimed at effective and efficient functioning of DRR/PD office, including data/ schedule management, maintenance of protocol, information flow.
-    Confidentiality
-    Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, elaboration and implementation of new data management systems
-    Strong IT skills
-    Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new systems
-    Demonstrates effective communication skills (oral and written) and presentation skills
-    High levels of confidentiality
-    High levels of understanding protocol procedures and UN/UNDP rule, regulations, policies systems and procedures

Leadership and Self-Management
-    Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
-    Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
-    Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
-    Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback and differing points of view
-    Solicits feedback from team members about the impact of his/her own behavior
-    Effective planning and organizing – effective organizational skills and ability to prioritize work program

5. Qualifications & Experience: Secondary Education with specialized secretarial training. University Degree or equivalent would be desirable, but it is not a requirement. 5 to 7 years of progressively responsible secretarial, administrative, programme experience is required at the national or international level. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc), experience in handling of web based management systems.

CVs and application letters, clearly marked ‘Administrative Assistant (with the post number clearly stated) should be submitted to the office of the  Resident Representative;  UNDP, Arundel Office Park, Block 10,  Mount Pleasant, PO BOX 4775, Harare, Zimbabwe by no later than Monday 7 February 2011. Please note that you will only be contacted if you are short-listed for this position. N.B. UNDP Zimbabwe reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP Zimbabwe at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and education requirements.

Qualified And Experienced Female Candidates Are Encouraged To Apply.

ICT Associate: UNDP
Deadline: 7 February 2011

Level: GS 6
Contract Type-Fixed Term Appointment
Post Number: 00005756

1.    Organizational Context
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the ICT Specialist, the ICT Associate provides ICT services, implements ICT management systems and strategies, provides daily technical support to users of information management tools and technology infrastructure. The ICT Associate promotes a client-oriented approach.

The ICT Associate works in close collaboration with the Front Office, Management Support and Business Development, Programme and Operations teams in the CO and UNDP HQ staff for resolving complex ICT-related issues, collaborates with Regional ICT Officers (RIO), Regional Bureau ICT Managers (RBIMs), ICT Managers and other ICT Staff.

2.    Key Responsibilities
Ensures implementation of ICT strategies and introduction/implementation of new technologies, focusing on achievement of the following results:

* Compliance with corporate information management and technology standards, guidelines and procedures for the CO technology environment.
* Participation in development and implementation of ICT annual plan and Standard Operating Procedures in ICT services.
* Provision of support to the use of Atlas (UNDP’s implementation of ERP) functionality for improved business results and improved client services.

Ensures effective functioning of the CO hardware and software packages, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

* Effective functioning (installation, operation and maintenance) of all UNDP hardware equipment and acquisition of hardware supplies.
* Performance of specific technical functions, including changing of hardware electronic components (disks, memories, network wiring, power sources, etc.) and routine repairs.
* Installation of commercial and in-house developed software and related upgrades, anti-virus programs on a timely basis.

Ensures efficient networks administration, focusing on achievement of the following results:

* Monitoring of the network connection on a daily basis to ensure a stable and responsive network environment.
* Trouble-shooting and monitoring of network problems. Ensure that the UNDP desktop and network resources are protected from malicious virus attacks and deploy countermeasures in the event of the attacks.
* Response to user needs and questions regarding network access.
* Maintenance of up-to-date parameters of information for the network clients and electronic mail.
* Implementation of backup and restoration procedures for local drives. Maintenance of backup logs. Organization of off-site storage of backups.
* Maintenance of measures in place for business continuity and disaster recover processes and procedures including backup and restoration of both server and local storage facilities.
* Networks administration support to other UN agencies as required and preparation of bills for cost recovery for the service provided.

Provides web management services, focusing on achievement of the following results:

* Support to the maintenance of the CO websites and Intranet.
* Trouble-shooting and monitoring of websites for UNDP and other UN agencies upon request and preparation of bills for cost recovery for the service provided.

Provides administrative support, focusing on achievement of the following results:

* Provision of advice on and assistance in procurement of new ICT equipment for the CO and projects, provision of technical specifications and information on best options in both local and international markets, review of quotations and bids.
* Maintenance of an up-to-date inventory of the software and hardware.
* Maintenance of a library of ICT related reference materials.
* Maintenance of the inventory and stock of supplies and spare parts in cooperation with the Administration and Procurement Teams.
* Provision of ICT support to key events.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO, focusing on achievement of the following results:

* Identification and promotion of different systems and applications for optimal content management, knowledge management and sharing, information provision.
* Participation in the organization of training for the CO staff on ICT issues.
* Maintenance of staff training profiles.
* Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in ICT.
* Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

3.    Impact of Results
The key results have an impact on the overall efficiency of the Country Office including improved business results and client services. Forward-looking ICT management has an impact on the organization of office management, knowledge sharing, and information provision.

4. Key Competencies Corporate Competencies:

* Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
* Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:

* Knowledge Management and Learning
* Shares knowledge and experience and provides helpful advice to others in the office
* Ability to develop systems for structuring, codifying and providing access to information and knowledge
* Development and Operational Effectiveness
* Ability to provide IT support services including IT hardware/ infrastructure support, ERP support, other IT applications support, web design and maintenance
* Good knowledge of PC/LAN operating systems, Microsoft Windows, corporate ICT security and viral protection systems, knowledge of web design, knowledge of Microsoft Windows network administration, ERP
* Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, elaboration and implementation of new systems
* Leadership and Self-Management
* Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
* Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
* Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexity

5.    Qualifications & Experience:

Secondary education with relevant certifications in hardware and software management and application (Microsoft Certification, Cisco Certification). University Degree in Computer Science desirable, but it is not a requirement. Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) required. If certification is not available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within 6 months, 5 to 6 years of relevant working experience, including network administration, management of hardware and software platforms, telecommunications facilities, knowledge of Windows-based packages/applications.

CVs and application letters, clearly marked ‘ICT Associate’ (with the post number clearly stated) should be submitted to the office of the Resident Representative; UNDP, Arundel Office Park, Block 10, Mount Pleasant, PO BOX 4775, Harare, Zimbabwe by no later than Monday 7 February 2011. Please note that you will only be contacted if you are short-listed for this position. N.B. UNDP Zimbabwe reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP Zimbabwe at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and education requirements.

Qualified And Experienced Female Candidates Are Encouraged To Apply.