you were so small
compared to them, who always stood above
you, on steps, rostrums, platforms,
and yet it is enough for just one instant to stop
being afraid, or let’s say
begin to be a little less afraid,
to become convinced that they are the ones,
that they are the ones who are afraid the most
- Stanislaw Baran’czak

From the Daily Agenda, published by Bulawayo Agenda:

Residents of Bulawayo’s Mpopoma high density suburb were allegedly forced to attend a ZANU PF meeting last week. The residents were on their way to mid-week evening prayers when they met ZANU PF supporters who accused them of boycotting their party meetings but had time to go to church. They were instructed to go back home and leave their bibles and then find their way to the meeting where people were told to vote for President Mugabe whenever elections are announced because they had been given maize seed.

I sometimes think that most of our road users in Zimbabwe bought their driver’s license – it is a free-for-all, survival of the fastest and most daring jungle out there!

Do you recognize anyone?

1. The “Kamikaze Pot-Hole Dodger”
I won’t reduce my speed even though I know the road is pitted with peril – I rather maintain my preferred 80 km/h in the OTHER lane and play chicken with oncoming traffic (the holes always appear more friendly on the other side).  This is particularly entertaining if I can involve a few cyclists (uphill for extra points) and a couple of pedestrians who don’t want to get their feet wet in the grass – preferably walking abreast so as not to interrupt their conversation.

2. The “Secondary Smoker” (two types)
a. I am trying to get as close as I possibly can to your exhaust pipe, nothing gives me a rush like forcing you to indicate 2 km before you want to turn, the panicked arm-out-of-the-window calisthenics cracks me up and I can see the whites of your eyes in your rear-view mirror as you frantically check whether I am going to slow in time as you turn.  What sport!

b. My un-roadworthy vehicle provides a dense cloud of black smog for you all to enjoy.  To prolong your pleasure, I drive 40km/h (let’s be honest, my car doesn’t go any faster – I wonder why they give me a new disc every year, surely a sign of approval) on a single lane road in rush hour traffic.  For extra points I count the number of cyclists blinded by the smoke and halted by lung-wrenching coughs.

3. The “Lesser-spotted Bus Driver” (usually a bus driver but not exclusively)
It is not enough that, when driving at night, you have no overhead lights, no road markings to steer by and monster potholes lurking in the gloom.  For added entertainment, I come crabbing down the road (twisted suspension being a fairly long-standing accessory for the discerning bus driver), with one light on.  I imagine you in your little vehicle wondering “is it a bird? Is it a plane? And which f***ing way is it going??”  But just as you begin to despair, I help you out by switching on my brights, strategically timed – thereby blinding you into the ditch adjacent to the road (which has a 25cm drop-off edge by the way – bonus points for losing a tire!)

I could go on: people who think hazard lights give them right of way, the mobile maniacs (“where did I put that phone?”), trucks overtaking trucks, 4×4 users who have no idea how to drive them … But what I really wanted to say, do yourself and all of us a favour – don’t buy your child a driver’s license.  It isn’t worth it; it’s a death sentence, for your child or someone elses.

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

Strategic Planning Specialist (HEAD – RCO)
Deadline: 16 March 2011

Location: Harare
Type of Contract: FTA International Post
Level: P-4
Languages Required: English
Starting Date: (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 01-Apr-2011
Duration of Initial Contract: 1 Year

Background

The role of the United Nations in Zimbabwe has become increasingly important, as both the Government of Zimbabwe and its Development Partners consider the United Nations Country Team to be a key strategic partner and as playing a vital role in coordinating and channelling support to the country.

The country is currently in a complex and rapidly changing context of transition, which increasingly engages the UNCT as a significant partner in Zimbabwe’s development. Moreover, ongoing humanitarian needs, as well as varying shifts to recovery, posit the UN as a considerable player in supporting and leading the transition to a sustainable state of recovery, from relief to development.

In order for the UNCT to successfully fulfill its mandate, increased capacity is needed to respond to these circumstances. The United Nations Inter-Agency Support Unit (RCO) is supporting the UNCT in these processes. Accordingly, this Unit is working under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, providing comprehensive support in his role as convener of the UNCT. Consequently, the United Nations Inter-Agency Support Unit is also working to provide a platform between the activities of OCHA, UNDP, UNDSS, and UNIC, all functions falling within the mandate of the UN Resident Coordinator.

Therefore, with the enhanced role of the United Nations, and the ensuing increased role of the United Nations Inter-Agency Support Unit to support the UNCT, a strong, flexible and versatile support office with strategic policy, advisory, planning and advocacy skills is required.

The Zimbabwe UNCT is seeking to recruit a Strategic Planning Advisor / Head of RCO to advance UN coherence efforts in order to improve the impact of the UN’s activities. The Strategic Planning Advisor / Head of RCO, will work under the direct supervision of the Resident Coordinator and in close collaboration with the UNCT. The post is a Management Project Funded position.

For more information and to apply, please visit http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?job_id=22051

Variety of positions: USAID project
Deadline: 18 March 2011

Chemonics International, a U.S. based international development consulting firm, is seeking professionals for an anticipated four-year USAID-funded project in Zimbabwe that will promote economic growth. The project’s objective is to promote poverty reduction and increased employment within a supportive macro-economic environment. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

We are seeking technical specialists in the following areas:

- Macroeconomics/applied economics
- Economic policy /business enabling policies/ pro-poor or inclusive growth policies
- Labor market economics
- Public finance
- Private sector competitiveness and governance
- Financial sector regulation and sector-specific policy: extractive industries, agricultural, energy
- Regional trade and integration
- Monitoring and evaluation & data management
- Communications & public outreach
- Gender and human rights
- Human capacity building, professional training
- Institutional capacity building and strengthening
- Legal drafting and training
- Finance manager/ accountant
- Grants/Contract/Office Management Specialist

Qualified candidates will have:
- An advanced degree preferred in a related field (i.e. macroeconomics, education, or Juris Doctor);
- Proven record in successful delivery of technical assistance and ability to provide capacity building;
- Proven managerial/supervisory experience and strong writing and interpersonal skills;
- Experience with USAID highly preferred;
- Experience working collaboratively with the government of Zimbabwe, international donors, and local organisations;
- At least 5-10 years of experience promoting economic growth, capacity building, and/or policy reform;
- Fluency in English is required

Application Instructions: Send Curriculum Vitae, cover letter, and at least 3 professional references to ZimbabweSERArecruit [at] chemonics [dot] com

Please indicate area of technical specialty or position title in the subject line. No telephone inquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted.

Chief Social Policy, National Officer: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Deadline: 21 March 2011

Vacancy Notice No. Zim/2011:07
NOD Level based in Harare, Zimbabwe (Fixed Term Post)

UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s rights organization, has an opening for passionate and committed professionals who want to make a lasting difference for children in Zimbabwe. We are seeking people with a commitment for women and children, high drive for results, demonstrable embracing of diversity, integrity, demonstrable teamwork, good self-awareness and self-regulation.

Purpose of the Job:

Under the supervision of Representative, this position is accountable for effective engagement in social policy dialogue with the Government for programme development, advocating for increased public resource allocation and budgeting towards the social sectors and sustainable decentralization of social services and local capacity building in support of the goal of universal coverage of essential social services and the creation of a protective environment for children. Conducts data collection and analysis to fill information gaps and to strengthen capacity for advocacy for children’s rights, and to support the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the World Fit for Children (WFFC) agenda.

Major Tasks to be accomplished:

1. Current information on state budget and spending patterns and decentralization status of social services are monitored and updated on an on-going basis to support advocacy for decentralization and universal coverage of essential services.
2. Decentralization of social services is made sustainable through adequate local support, keeping decentralized services both accessible and effective. Programme plans of action are developed for children at provincial and district/municipality levels; coordination between sectors is increased and links between different levels of government structures for policy implementation are strengthened.
3. Data-driven analysis is provided for effective prioritization, planning, development, and results-based management for planning, adjusting, and scaling-up specific social policy initiatives.
4. Advocacy efforts are effectively made to raise awareness on children’s rights with both the general public and with policy makers and to ensure local buy-in and continued relevance of UNICEF programming.
5. Effective partnerships with the Government, international financial institutions, UN agencies and other agencies established to enable sustained and proactive commitment to the Convention of the Rights of the Child and the Millennium Development Goals for continuing worldwide progress of the UNICEF mission.
6. UNICEF social policy programme effectively planned, implemented and managed in support of the country programme.
7. Support to government capacity in child-friendly budgeting.
8. Assistance to government in aid coordination and aid effectiveness.
9. Support to all of UNICEF program sections in sector policy and budget analysis.

Qualifications and Competencies:

- Advanced university degree in Economics, Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, International Finance, or other relevant disciplines.
- At least eight years of relevant professional work experience.
- Developing country work experience (for IP) or field work experience (for NO).
- Good analytical and organizational skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment.

If you have experience of working in a similar capacity, meet the above profile and want to make an active and lasting contribution to build a better world for children, send your application quoting vacancy notice number to the following address.

HR Specialist
(Vacancy Notice No. 07: Zim-2011)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue,
P O Box 1250
Belgravia, Harare

Or email: hararevacancies [at] gmail [dot] com

Only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted.

Two (2) Regional Finance Officers: VSO
Deadline: 21 March 2011

Based in: Nairobi, Kenya OR Lusaka, Zambia
Salary: £26,000 – £29,000 per annum

VSO is a leading international development organisation that fights poverty through people. We deliver relevant and cost effective work that promotes volunteering to fight global poverty in over 50 countries around the world.

We currently have two vacancies, one covering East Africa (based in Nairobi) and one covering Southern Africa (based in Lusaka). With principal responsibility for restricted funding in each region, the Regional Finance Officer plays a key role in supporting and advising programme offices in managing their donor grants, budgets and reports, and building up programme office capacity in finance and donor contract related matters. The role also covers general financial management work relating to country offices where priorities and time allows.

The position is part of a matrix management structure, working closely with the Finance Manager International Programmes, Regional Director and members of the Regional Management and Support Team.

We are looking for a person who is:

- Part or fully qualified accountant
- Has experience of donor-related financial management and reporting
- Able to develop strong and effective relationships with programme staff in different countries and work in a regional support team that is spread across the world
- Organised and self-motivated and able to achieve results

Substantial travel within the region and to/from the UK is expected. Please visit http://www.vso.org.uk/job/30668/regional-finance-officer-%28×2%29 for more information. When applying please include details of your current compensation package and salary expectations. Please include the Equal Opportunities Form with your application.

5 (Five) vacancies: Parliament of Zimbabwe
Deadline: 27 March 2011

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced professionals for the following positions:

1. Counsel to Parliament

Location: Counsel’s Office
Reports to: Clerk of Parliament

Main Job Purpose
To provide legal services to Parliament Administration and Committees

Job Description
The Counsel to Parliament, Deputy Clerk/Principal Director level will be responsible for providing the following legal services to the Parliament of Zimbabwe:
- Advising Parliament on all legal matters pertaining to the execution of its mandate
- Rendering written and oral legal advise
- Statutory interpretation and legislative analysis
- Analysing and advising on service agreements and other legal documents
- Ensuring regulatory compliance in all the operations and dealings of Parliament
- Providing secretariat services to the Parliamentary legal Committee
- Attending to litigation, including instruction and liaising with external Counsel
- Performing any other duty assigned b the Clerk of Parliament

Personal Attributes
- Demonstrated maturity and ability to work in a multicultural and political setting
- Excellent written and communication skills
- Professionalism and personal integrity
- Demonstrated solid work ethic
- Ability to work under pressure

Job Specification
- Bachelor of Law Degree
- At least 5 years working experience, preferably in a public office
- An interest in and thorough knowledge of Constitutional and Administrative law
- Competence in legal drafting
- A post graduate legal qualification in law or public administration is an added advantage
- Sound knowledge of Parliamentary Practices and Procedures

2. Deputy Clerk

Location: Procedural Office
Reports to: Clerk of Parliament

Main Job Purpose
To carry out specific procedural and administrative duties

Job Description
- Management of assigned departments
- Providing procedural advice to Presiding Officers and Members of Parliament
- Undertaking Table duties in the Houses of Parliament
- Performing any other duties as may be assigned by the Clerk

Personal Description
- Demonstrated maturity and ability to work in a multicultural and political setting
- Excellent written and communication skills
- Professionalism and personal integrity
- Demonstrated solid work ethic
- Ability to work under pressure

Job Description
- A Social Science, Arts or Law degree
- A relevant Masters’ degree would be an added advantage
- A minimum of 8 years relevant working experience, of which 3 years must have been spent at a senior management position
- Sound knowledge of Parliament Practices and Procedures

3. Research Officers x 3

Grade: 8
Location: Information Services Directorate
Reports to: Director Research

Main Job Purpose
To provide research and analysis services.

Job Description
- Providing proactive and reactive research and analysis to Portfolio Committees
- Conducting research on socio-economic and political issues as they impact on Zimbabwe
- Preparing speeches for Presiding Officers and Senior Officials of Parliament, as required
- Attending workshops, seminars and conferences
- Assisting MPs with information pertaining to the development of their constituencies
- Preparing Bill digest and fact sheets
- Creating and updating databases, including Informatics Project
- Writing reports
- Liaising with relevant government agencies, institutions, institutions of higher learning, research institutions and other stakeholders

Job Description
- An honours degree in Economics, Rural and Urban Planning / Geography / Environmental Studies and Sociology
- Demonstrable research or policy formulation or implementation experience at university, government department or institution of similar standing
- Advanced verbal and written skills in English
- Sound interpersonal and organisational skills
- Candidates with Masters Degree or other postgraduate qualifications are preferred

Conditions of service and other benefits will be disclosed to short listed candidates. Female candidates are encouraged to apply for Posts of Deputy of Clerk and Counsel of Parliament.

Applications together with detailed Curriculum Vitae, copies of certified educations and professional certificates, three referees and contact details can be sent to:

Clerk of Parliament
P. O. Box CY 298
Causeway
Harare

According to an article in The Zimbabwean “Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is to embark on a diplomatic offensive to seek greater support from the SADC regional bloc, following an intense blitz on his party officials and activists by ZANU PF.”

He’d better include a national offensive as well. Many Zimbabweans are questioning the MDC’s effectiveness, and they’re losing support hand over fist (so to speak).

ZINASU recently gave Tsvangirai and the MDC this advice:

To the M.D.C we advise you to divorce yourself from this government of many names either in a smart or a dirty way and come back to the people. The people shall not spare you of their wrath as we launch a protracted struggle against tyranny and an anti-people government. The nation demands an immediate dissolution of that government you are part of to pave way for a genuine revolution that shall leave power in the hands of the working people. The roadmap that Zuma is proposing shall see the same fate as Thabo Mbeki’s initiatives that were stalled by the cunning Mugabe regime.

A statement released by the Youth Forum:

The sustained closure of the halls of residence at the University of Zimbabwe has caused untold suffering amongst the student community. The hostels have been unilaterally closed since 2008 and this has left many students stranded, something that can result in poor academic records and institutional output.

An investigation by Youth Forum’s Information Department revealed that students use an average of US$2 a day for transport only. This is because they have to commute into the Central Business District first before they travel to Mount Pleasant, where the university is located, add to this money for food and the daily expenses get out of reach of many poor students. The few students who manage to get accommodation in the surrounding areas are being outrageously overcharged. Many students are missing lectures due to this immoral closure of the halls of residence. Tafadzwa, a Second year Law student said he takes turns to turn up at the campus with his friends and exchange notes and involve in discussions at the weekend to catch up with others.

Female students are the worst hit by this crisis as they are taken advantage of by the affluent of the city. A third year female Accounting student, who requested anonymity for fear of victimization and stigmatization by fellow students, confessed she got involved in two sexual relationships in 2010 to supplement her studies. She was later diagnosed with a Sexually Transmitted Disease she blames on these two relationships. This stark reality flies in the face of this years’ International Women’s Day Commemorations’ whose theme was “Equal Access to Education, Training and Science and Technology: Pathway to Decent Work for Women”.

What compounds the problem is the fact that the closure of the hostels automatically leads to the non-operation of the students’ dining halls. Students currently have to buy food from unscrupulous business people who have no qualifications whatsoever in catering. It is only a matter of time before a cholera outbreak is reported at the country’s oldest university; the food being sold is not only of substandard but also prepared in environments whose hygienic standards only God knows.

It is a prerequisite of any institution of higher learning to provide academic studies as well as an environment that is conducive for learning. The conditions at the UZ cannot, by any stretch of imagination, be considered conducive for serious learning.

The Youth Forum is currently working with progressive students unions to ensure that students of Zimbabwe learn in an environment that allows them to become accomplished future leaders of the nation. The Zimbabwe National Students’ Union Secretary General Vivid Gwede, in consultation with the Youth Forum and other liberal youth organizations, made a presentation to the parliamentary portfolio responsible for higher education on the state of the service and made solid reccommendations and we will keep monitoring progress.

Youth Forum Information and Publicity Department