Many thanks for all of your solidarity messages and support for the Rooftop Promotions team who had been charged with ‘criminal nuisance’ after their arrest on 5 January 2011.

They were acquited yesterday, according to this statement from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

Magistrate acquits Rooftop artists

Mutare Magistrate Nixon Mangoti on Tuesday 22 March 2011 acquitted nine Rooftop artists and their driver, who were charged with criminal nuisance after staging a theatre performance entitled “Rituals” in Chimanimani, Manicaland Province.

Magistrate Mangoti acquitted the nine Rooftop artists and their driver at the close of the State case after the artists’ lawyers Blessing Nyamaropa of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) and Cosmas Chibaya of Chibaya and Associates applied for discharge at the close of the State case.

State prosecutor Fletcher Karombe had led evidence from three witnesses since trial commenced on 17 March 2011.

In acquitting the Rooftop artists, Magistrate Mangoti ruled that the State had not led any evidence that a reasonable court could convict the artists.

The Rooftop artists namely, Sylvanos Mudzvova, Chipo Bizure, Joice Mpofu, Zenzo Nyathi, Mandla Moyo, Rutendo Chigudu, Amina Lloyd Ayamu, Joshua Mwase, Norman Kamema and the driver Shingirai Muto were arrested on 5 January 2011 at Nhedziwa Growth Point in Chimanimani, Manicaland Province and were detained at Cashel Valley Police station.

They were charged with contravening Section 46 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act as read with Section 2 (a) (ii) of the third schedule to Section 46 of the said Act that is criminal nuisance.

The police accused them of unlawfully holding a public performance, where they performed a drama reminiscent of the political disturbances of June 2008 that incited the affected members of the public to revive their differences.

Paul Hilder, director of campaigns for Oxfam and previously campaign director for Avaaz.org believes that Today’s networked activists can achieve real change.

I read with interest an article published on the Brookings Institution blog. The authors of the article, John Mutenyo and Brandon Routman pointed out the potential pitfalls of the proposed Nationalisation of the Zimbabwe Mining Sector by Minister Kasukwere. Land reform was used in the article as a case in point. The authors charged that:

Most of this land, particularly the parcels located in good farming areas, ended up in the hands of members of President Mugabe’s political party, the ZANU-PF, or in the hands of loyal army officials. Everyone else was given inferior farming land, if any at all.

The authors of the article made an excellent point in observing that nationalisation of the mining sector may be subject to corruption and therefore not benefit the masses, and proceeded to make some policy recommendations that I think if Minister Kasukwere is serious, he should at least consider.

However the premise upon which these conclusions are based is fallacious. As both authors are researchers with the respected and renowned Brookings Institution, it is regrettable that they neglected to use actual research done in Zimbabwe and instead cited a BBC news article on the subject of Land Reform in their blog.

Contrary to what is stated as fact in the article, Land Reform was not a failure.  The empirical evidence of two studies conducted by two separate teams: one with the UK based Institute for Development Studies in the UK, and the other with the African Institute for Agrarian Studies, show that the supposed elites and cronies of Mugabe constitute less that 5% of the beneficiaries of Land reform. The IDS study reports that:

The composition of land reform beneficiaries is highly varied. The claim that land reform was dominated by politically well-connected “cronies” is simply untrue…the majority came from rural backgrounds where they had been farming in the communal areas…and farm workers too have been important beneficiaries.

In addition the reasons for the collapse of the Zimbabwean economy post 2000 cannot simply be ascribed to lower levels of agricultural productivity. In addition to bad economic policies there are other factors that contributed to the failure of the economy, which began well before the farm invasions occurred. For example, in the five years of ESAP reforms, unemployment reached 50%, no new jobs were created, numerous companies were shut down, and Zimbabwe’s debt increased to 100% under ESAP related borrowing which was encouraged by Zimbabwe’s then donor partners. After Land reform these partners were nowhere to be found. The article itself notes that ‘foreign direct investment declined from $435 million in 1998 to nil in 2001′.

Having said that, there is no denying the corruption, mismanagement and bad governance that has resulted in Zimbabwe’s present predicament. But, if we are to criticise Zimbabwe’s leaders or discuss her future, her economy and her policies then let us do so with the correct facts in hand.

Applications are invited for the 2011/12 Chevening Scholarship, which is a British Government funded scholarship awarded for post graduate study in the United Kingdom of up to twelve months. They are fully funded and cover course fees, a living allowance and a return airfare. The scholarships enable talented young graduates and professionals from over 150 countries worldwide, with the drive and vision to become future leaders, to pursue their studies in the United Kingdom. The intention is that returning scholars use the skills and contacts gained in the United Kingdom to make an outstanding contribution in their field in their home countries. The programme also introduces scholars to a network of fellow future leaders and decision-makers.

Applicant with the following criteria are normally considered:

·  a good University degree or post secondary qualification (preferably 2.1 or distinction)
·  an excellent command of English
·  a minimum of five years post graduate work experience, with a track record of leadership and achievement

We will accept applications for study in all subject areas, but we will give priority to the following areas:

-  conflict resolution
-  human rights and good governance
-  media
-  business and commerce
-  security and justice sector reform
-  public administration

Please be aware that this year we are only accepting online applications. Please use the electronic form at:

https://www.chevening.fco.gov.uk/CheveningApplications/CA_Start.aspx

The deadline for applications is Friday 8 April 2011. No applications will be accepted after this date. Please be aware that competition for the scholarships is very high. The selection process is rigorous and only short-listed candidates will be asked to attend an interview in early May. If you are interested in applying for a Chevening scholarship and have any questions about the awards or processes please visit the British Embassy website at http://ukinzimbabwe.fco.gov.uk/en/ or email us at general.enquiries [at] britishcouncil [dot] org [dot] zw

Hello out there . . .

We might not have regular power supply or water, and you might have to hone your driving skills to negotiate the potholes, but we have Sun, Humour and a Lot of Love.

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

Regional Finance and Administration Manager, Southern Africa: CAFOD
Deadline: 24 March 2011
Based in Harare, Zimbabwe
3-year international contract

CAFOD, one of UK’s major international aid agencies, is presently looking for a Regional Finance and Support Manager for its office in Harare. Our work in Africa includes programmes with partner organisations in Southern Africa to combat poverty and injustice with a focus on building a strong and dynamic civil society.

In Zimbabwe CAFOD is part of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference.

The regional programme currently comprises of work in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Swaziland and Mozambique.

As part of the Southern Africa team, the Finance and Administration Manager is responsible for:

·    All aspects of financial management in the office, in compliance with CAFOD standards and procedures, providing information to enable effective management for the country and/or region
·    Oversight of programme finances, including compliance with standards of donor organisations, and providing oversight or direct support to partner organisations in their financial management
·    Developing a new finance team ensuring financial management and support to all programmes within the region
·    Support to the Finance Officer in the Mozambique office
·    Management of finance staff and office managers as well as other office support staff
·    Ensuring all legal processes are followed
·    Overseeing local HR processes

You will be a qualified accountant or have substantial management as a Finance Manager with at least a degree in accounting, finance or similar qualification. You should have knowledge and hands-on experience of accounts, bookkeeping and budgeting as well as financial management with experience of multi donor funded programmes. You will be competent in accounting software packages and spreadsheets and have hands-on experience of office IT systems, including MS Office. You will have excellent written and spoken English and experience in managing others – ideally in an administrative or office management capacity.

This is an International post with a competitive salary and benefits package.

To read more and apply, please visit http://www.cafod.org.uk/jobs by 24 March 2011

Media and Advocacy Officer: ZEPAD
Deadline: 25 March 2011

Position Description

This post is based in Harare with travel around the country. The officer will work under the supervision of the National Coordinator and will be responsible for the implementation of all project related activities. Specifically, the position will involve the following:

-    Organise a baseline survey: identify local experts to conduct the survey according to specific criteria, monitor its implementation;
-    Facilitate parliamentary literacy training for the media/ journalists so as to strengthen the role of the media to report on issues of political accountability and transparency;
-    Facilitate media literacy training for parliamentarians and policy makers;
-    Facilitate dialogue between media freedom groups, policy-makers and journalists;
-    Establish a press centre in or close to parliament to facilitate the exchange of information and networking amongst journalists and politicians;
-    Coordinate media and advocacy work for ZEPAD and partner CSOs on the constitutional reform and elections with the goal to influence policy;
-    Strengthen ZEPAD’s and partner CSOs’ ability to effectively engage with the media;
-    Advise the National Coordinator on all matters to do with the media;
-    Coordinate partners’ work on supporting victims of political violence, security training and healing projects;
-    Design and follow-up on a monitoring and evaluation framework for all ZEPAD and partner-related activities;
-    Draft weekly narrative reports, due each Friday at close of business;
-    Draft other reports/position papers/briefings as necessary;
-    Maintain a weekly work plan and providing updates on progress on a regular basis;
-    Provide quarterly narrative reports on the aforementioned activities;
-    Provide ZEPAD’s Financial Officer with regular financial information related to the aforementioned activities.

Qualifications  of successful candidates

University degree in Journalism, Degree in Communication or related degree.
A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted in lieu of a university degree.

Required skills/Experience

-    At least two years of progressive experience working for Civil Society Organisations and/or the media;
-    Experience working with parliamentarians, good knowledge of Zimbabwean political landscape;
-    Sound experience in project and program design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and report writing;
-    Ability to conduct high-level discussions and negotiations in a productive manner with senior government officials, civil society groups and experts in related fields.

Attributes/ Desirables

-    Knowledgeable on the current media and political affairs of Zimbabwe.
-    2-year drivers license.
-    Computer literate with web skills highly desirable.
-    Good reporting skills.
-    Personal qualities: independent, self-starter, reliable, team player with good diplomatic skills.

How to apply

Email current CV and letter of motivation addressed to the National Coordinator to: programs [at] zepad [dot] org

Assistant Project Manager: CARE International Zimbabwe
Deadline: 25 March 2011

Based in Harare and reporting to the relief Co-ordinator (RC), the Assistant Project Manager (APM) will provide support to Country Office (CO) Relief Operations. The incumbent is expected to be well versed with the humanitarian assistance issues, sectoral and geographical activities of other NGOs, government priorities, and donor interests. S/he will assist in the identification of programming opportunities and development of proposals using donor specific formats. The incumbent will further participate in the development of procurement and implementation plans and follow-up to ensure effective/timely implementation of the plans. S/he will review and consolidate periodic and final project reports, relating to proposed and actual activities and inputs to measured outputs/results and forecasting longer-term outcomes and submit as directed by the RC.

This position requires 35% field travel essential to gain insights on implementation problems and work with the RC in addressing identified problems. S/he will attend programme meetings at various levels in the field and Harare and submit summaries of deliberations to the supervisor and other audiences as appropriate. The incumbent will also verify procurement, distribution of information, transport and WFP VGF invoices, participate in recruitment of programme staff, review of project spending and provide timely logistical support to the programmes in the field. S/he will work closely with the RC in the development and rollout of the Emergency Preparedness Plan for the CO.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience
- Degree in Agriculture, Social Sciences or equivalent
- Five years’ experience in food programming/humanitarian work at middle management level, preferably with an NGO
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, Microsoft Outlook and ability to develop statistical packages and data analysis
- Strong co-ordination and team approach, staff development skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication including report-writing skills
- Ability to identify and solve problems, prioritise work/multi-task and meet specified deadlines
- Demonstrated capacity to work under pressure and produce quality tangible results
- Familiarity with the GoZ policy protocols/policies in respect of NGO operations
- Demonstrated organisational values of professionalism, probity, integrity and commitment to humanitarian principles

Interested candidates who meet the stated qualifications should submit applications and updated Curriculum Vitae by 25th March, 2011 to: vacancies [at] carezimbabwe [dot] org or The HR and Legal Co-ordinator, 8 Ross Avenue, Belgravia, Harare
Or PO Box HG 937, Highlands, Harare

4 (Four) Vacancies: Population Services International Zimbabwe (PSI)
Deadline: 25 March 2011

Population Services International Zimbabwe (PSI) is a leading global health organisation with programmes targeting HIV and reproductive health, malaria and child survival. Working in partnership with the public and private sectors, and harnessing the power of the market, PSI provides life-saving products, clinical and behaviour change communications that empower the world’s most vulnerable populations to lead healthier lives.

Opportunities have arisen for suitably qualified candidates to fill the positions below:

1. Research Coordinator – Head Office

Key Responsibilities:
- Assisting with the design of quantitative and qualitative research projects
- Designing data entry templates using specialized computer software
- Collecting and interpreting data and writing reports. Conducting quality control of field data collection
- Coordinating and conducting data entry, data transformation and proofing. Supervise data entry staff and data entry agencies
- Documenting MIS reports to ensure prompt reporting. Preparation and submission of monthly research reports required
- Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Requirements
- Degree in Statistics, demography, Public Health, mathematics or other related field
- A Masters Degree in any of the above fields is a distinct advantage
- Demonstrated computer skills are necessary, mainly SPSS and spreadsheets
- Ability to accurately and completely enter data, extrapolate data and create reports and summaries
- Ability to train and assist other staff particularly vendors in the use of SPSS
- Ability to perform complex, detail-oriented tasks and to work with clients/subjects and colleagues
- Demonstrate a commitment to excellence in research and a desire to work in a multi-disciplinary environment
- Minimum 2 years experience in quantitative research is preferred
- Clean Class 4 diver’s licence and prepared to drive in rural areas

2. Management Information & Systems (MIS) Officer – Head Office

Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain program databases to provide essential program information for department heads, PSI/Z donors, stakeholders and partners
- Ensure correct and consistent use of distribution monitoring tools to monitor PSI/Z product and service delivery performance
- Ensure effective use of MIS based data collection monitoring tools to monitor performance of interpersonal communication initiatives
- Work closely with the sales accounting to figure the MIS to meet program information needs
- Utilize GIS applications to ensure efficient collection of GIS data for mapping and to establish a priority setting mechanism for enhancing targeting of PSI/Z health products and services
- Verify and ensure correct reporting of monthly distribution, IPC and T&C outreach data

Requirements
- Degree in Management Information Systems/Informatics/Business Management/IT/Statistics/Mathematics or equivalent
- Excellent knowledge of database management, knowledge management and data collection techniques
- Excellent programming skills and use of MS Excel, MS Access and Crystal Reports
- Demonstrable knowledge of GIS applications (Arc View, Health Mapper applications)
- Minimum 3 years work experience
- Valid driver’s licence and clean driving record and willingness to travel

3. Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) Training and Quality Assurance Officer – Head Office

Key Responsibilities
- Works with SRH Coordinator in developing and reviewing quality assurance tools for monitoring quality services in line with MOH&CW and PSU guidelines
- Organise and lead training for public and private sector family providers to build provider skills, knowledge and motivation
- Compile and maintain quality assurance, assessment, training and overall staff and supervision reports for public and private sectors partners
- Represent PSISRH/HIV service integration program at different fora
- Frequent travel to all implementation public and private partner sites in the network to monitor quality of care and provide on spot support/guidance
- Collaborate with the research department to develop appropriate research activities
- Any other duties assigned by the SRH Coordinator

Requirements
- Bachelors Degree in Nursing or equivalent medical background
- Certificate in Counseling and/or Clinical family planning
- Registered with the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe
- At least 3 years experience working with HIV programs including counseling and testing and sexual reproductive health services
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and use of Outlook Express
- Must possess a valid drivers licence and at least 5 years driving experience

4. HIV Services Training and Quality Assurance Officer – Head Office

Key Responsibilities
- Assist in developing and reviewing quality assurance and training tools for monitoring service delivery in the programs
- Organise and lead New Start and New Life staff training to build provider skills, knowledge and motivation
- Compile and maintain quality management assurance assessment, training, overall site and staff supervision for the whole network
- Represent PSI, training and quality assurance activities at various fora
- Frequent travel to the network sites to monitor quality of care and provide on spot support/guidance to site staff
- Collaborate with the research department to develop appropriate research activities such as survey questionnaires and qualitative tools to assess quality of service provision
- Any other duties assigned by the HIV Services Manager

Requirements
- Bachelors Degree in Nursing or equivalent medical background
- Certificate in Counseling and/or Clinical family planning
- Registered with the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe
- At least 3 years experience working with HIV programs including counseling and testing and sexual reproductive health services
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and use of Outlook Express
- Must possess a valid drivers licence and at least 5 years driving experience

Applications clearly stating the job title in the subject line and detailed CVs should be sent to: recruitment [at] psi-zim [dot] co [dot] zw or to the Director Human Resources & Administration Population Services International, Block E, Emerald Office Park, 30 The Chase West, Harare.

Medical Team Leader Medicins Sans Frontieres
Deadline: 30 March 2011

Based In Beitbridge

Requirements
-    Medical Degree (MBChB or MD)
-    Master’s/PHD in Public Health will be an asset
-    Broad experience in HIV/AIDS (PMTCT, OI, TB-HIV, Pharmacy and Data Management)
-    Proficient knowledge of HIV/AIDS protocols and guidelines (MoH and WHO)
-    Experience in team Management and Staff development
-    Minimum 3 years experience in similar position
-    Proficient knowledge of MS Office

Send CV to:HR Administrator MSF-Spain, 3 Natal Road, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe Or email Msfe-harare [at] Barcelona [dot] msf [dot] org

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Centre Director: Legal Resources Foundation
Deadline: 8 April 2011

The Legal Resources Foundation a local legal services NGO invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the post of Centre Director that has arisen in Gweru.

Duties and responsibilities:
-    Administering the programmes and activities of the Centre;
-    Supervision and management of Centre staff;
-    Preparation of regular reports on Centre activities; and
-    Engaging in fundraising, including drawing up funding proposals and budgeting;

Qualifications and experience:
-    Applicants must be registered legal practitioners with at least five years’ post-registration experience.
-    Background in civil society, particularly legal services, NGO, and computer literacy will be great advantages.
-    Applicants must be self-motivated and have a demonstrable ability to lead a team, and to work with minimal supervision.

Package: The positions carry a competitive package, which will be disclosed to successful applicants.

Applications with full contact details, accompanied by comprehensive curriculum vitae, and clearly marked “Centre Director Gweru” should be sent to:

The National Director
P. O. Box 918
Harare

Or they can be sent by e-mail to:

pa [at] lrf [dot] co [dot] zw

Closing date for applications is close of business on Friday 8th April 2011.  Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

I was sitting in the car park at work yesterday morning listening to Where do I begin and waiting for my hiccups to stop. Although I had to hold my breath in anticipation of hitting uncountable and 9 potholes on my way to work it didn’t help in getting rid of my hiccups. So whilst I was waiting for them to Be Gone I was reflecting on the headlines in The Sunday Mail.

These included the very convenient exhumation of bodies from massacres during the Rhodesian war. Hey, go figure, we are even More Unpopular and we don’t have the Land Card any more and the Anti-Sanctions Petition is like really hard work to get going, so maybe its a good time to dig up some remains and work them politically. Of course now we have the MDC playing tit for tat with corpses saying that if ZPF want to revisit the nastiness of the Whites, then lets revisit the nastiness of the perpetrators of Gukurahundi.

That’s politics for you.

And then the Sunday Mail has this really big photo of some White farmer type signing the Anti-Sanctions Petition, whoop, whoop … is that the 27th signature that they’ve got?

Meanwhile last Saturday I got a text message from Econet apologising for postponing the draw for prizes that they were going to have that day in Harare Gardens. I wondered whether the Hand of Chihuri was involved. I mean, let’s face it, an Econet draw to win a car and some other stuff is certainly more likely to bring in the crowds than a ZPF or MDC rally and maybe that is dangerous – you know people gathering in large numbers and all that.

Seems to me that just now there’s going to be a limit set on how many people can walk down First Street at any given time just in case they come over all Egyptian.