Kubatana.net ~ an online community of Zimbabwean activists

Archive for May, 2011

Have your say – Is the Zimbabwe case in need of a special roadmap?

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Friday, May 13th, 2011 by Amanda Atwood

The Youth Forum shares this invitation for feedback and debate:

A lot of media hype has been created around the election roadmap for Zimbabwe that has again been the centre of intense negotiations amongst negotiators from Zanu PF and the two MDC formations. The Youth Forum will in the coming weeks be hosting discussions and consultations among youth on whether Zimbabwe is really in need of a special election roadmap. This is against the background that SADC approved in 2004 principles and guidelines governing democratic elections. Other SADC countries notably South Africa and Botswana have developed sound electoral systems based on these principles and guidelines.

The Youth Forum contends that if properly and fully followed, these guidelines can lead to the holding of a free and fair election in Zimbabwe. Section 7 of the SADC guidelines clearly lays out specific requirements to guarantee credible elections by member states. The Youth Forum will therefore seek to give young people a chance to scrutinize both the roadmap and the guidelines and detailed analyses of both will be made to determine whether SADC is not going round in circles in facilitating negotiations over the current proposed Zimbabwe election roadmap.

Read the:

And share your comments below or contact youthforumpublicity [at] gmail [dot] com with your input.

Job vacancies in Zimbabwe

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011 by Bev Clark

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

Please note that the job vacancies we carry are related to the NGO and civil society sectors only.

Project Officer – People Up Project: Practical Action Southern Africa
Deadline: 6 May 2011

Practical Action Southern Africa is part of an international technology development organisation headquartered in the United Kingdom, seeks to recruit a Project Officer for the People up Project based in Harare.

Key performance areas will include inter alia:

-Conducting quality control management on the project activities being undertaken.

-Participating in Monitoring and Evaluation of project progress against the original intention and design.

-Facilitating relevant thematic workshops with internal and external stakeholders.

-Producing monthly reports  to assist in project implementation so as to ensure successful completion

-Producing material for publication and documentation, to inform all stakeholders on progress and challenges.

-Conducting field research for the People Up project.

-Assisting in lobbying and advocacy activities to build the endorsement of Practical Action.

-Recruiting beneficiaries with the assistance of the supervisor.

-Engaging in public relations and networking to identify synergies and strengthen existing partnerships

-Participating in fundraising activities in support of Practical Action opportunities’ so that Urban Services are met.

Person Specifications:

-Bachelors Degree or Higher National Diploma in Rural & Urban Planning, Engineering, Development Studies or any related discipline.

-2 years NGO experience,

-Excellent interpersonal skills.

-Excellent computer skills

-Excellent communication skills a must i.e. both written and spoken

Send applications and detailed CVs to: Human Capital and Administration Manager, Practical Action, 4 Ludlow Rd, Newlands, Harare or email to: hc [at] practicalactionzw [dot] org

Four (4) vacancies: International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Deadline: 6 May 2011

Location: Mutare

IRC intends to implement a project to mitigate risks of water borne disease outbreaks focusing on community adoption of households’ water treatment practices.  The project will focus mainly on community behavior change through social marketing of Point of Use (PoU) water treatment products, promoting grassroots distribution systems of retail and kiosk owners in remote rural areas and creating demand of the products through community awareness raising. Four (4) positions have arisen and all will be based in Mutare with job responsibilities covering Manicaland Province. The contract is for a period of twelve (12) months

1. Project Manager  – WASH

The Project Manager WASH plays an important role in the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) field office management structure and is responsible for the supervision of four officers.

Job Responsibilities

-Responsible for the overall management of the project which includes staff and the design of appropriate tools to spearhead community education on PoU water treatment techniques while working with the local authorities, government departments, schools authorities and traditional leaders.

-Prepare timely work plans and promote quality in project deliverables.

-Represent IRC and collaborate, plan and liaise with key local government officials, NGOs and community members in the implementation of project activities.

-Monitoring and documenting achievement of project outputs and objectives.

-Prepare and submit timely quality internal and donor project reports on field activities with indicators tracking.

-Participate in needs assessment activities.

-Manage project assets and budget management (Budget vs Actual expenditure tracking).

-Represent IRC in WASH Cluster Provincial coordination meetings to foster positive interaction and good working relations with all partners.

Skills and Qualifications

-Degree in Public Health, Health Education and Promotion or Social Studies with a strong bias on community development in WASH.

-Two years of professional experience managing WASH programs and experience in implementing OFDA funded projects is an added advantage.

-Strong understanding of Monitoring & Evaluation of WASH programs.

-Excellent interpersonal, organizational and time management skills.

-Capable of training staff and motivating community support.

-Operational knowledge of Microsoft Office software, knowledge of GIS mapping a plus.

2. Social Marketing Officer (SMO) x 2

Job responsibilities

-Responsible for organizing the provincial, district and ward level stakeholder inception/launch workshops/meetings.

-Identifying, assessing and listing down potential grassroots distributors of household PoU water treatment products in remote areas.

-Training the identified grassroots distributors on social marketing, business management and promotion of linkages with distributors and transporters.

-Rebranding places like kiosks, retail shops with household PoU water treatment products promotional materials and organize the grassroots household PoU water treatment products distributors to form buying clusters.

-Carrying out community based educational sessions on promotion of household PoU water treatment products at schools, business centers, market places etc.

-Develop & implementing a monitoring system to measure residual chlorine levels of treated water at household level.

-Monitoring and documenting achievement of use of PoU water treatment products as a project output.

-Prepare and submit timely and quality internal project reports on activities.

Skills and Qualifications

-Diploma in Marketing with a strong bias on community social marketing.

-Experience implementing WASH programs and experience in implementing OFDA-funded projects is an added advantage.

-Strong understanding of Monitoring & Evaluation of WASH programs.

-Capable of training communities and motivating community support.

-Operational knowledge of Microsoft Office software, knowledge of GIS mapping a plus.

3. Hygiene Promotion Officer (HPO)

Job responsibilities

-Responsible for identifying existing and establishing new school hygiene clubs, supporting their functioning and roll out their plans as vehicle for hygiene promotion.

-Carrying out training to School Hygiene Club Coordinators and community hygiene club leaders.

-Support the setting up of a Healthy Corner at school events such as soccer and athletics competitions.

-Spearheading community based educational sessions on promotion of behavior change.

-Supporting District WASH commemoration events.

-Monitoring and documenting achievement of behavior change project output and objective.

-Prepare and submit timely quality internal project reports and indicators tracking.

-Represent IRC in WASH coordination meetings/forums at district level to foster positive interaction and good working relations with all partners.

Qualifications

-Diploma in Environmental Health, Public Health Promotion with a strong bias on community development in WASH.

-Two years experience implementing WASH programs and experience in implementing OFDA funded projects is an added advantage.

-Strong understanding of Monitoring & Evaluation of WASH programs.

-Capable of training communities and motivating community support.

-Operational knowledge of Microsoft Office software, knowledge of GIS mapping a plus.

Qualified candidates should send their detailed CVs and cover letters to Zimbabwe [at] theirc [dot] org and write title of the position they are applying for in the subject line.

Youth & Adolescent Development Specialist at NOC Level: United Nations Children’s Fund
Deadline: 9 May 2011

Based in Harare, Zimbabwe (Fixed Term Post)

Vacancy Notice No. Zim/2011:08

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 general guidance of the Chief of Communications, provides support in the conceptualization, planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation of child and youth participation strategy to promote respect for children’s’ and women’s’ rights and support UNICEF’s mission in Zimbabwe with approx.

Major Tasks to be accomplished:

* Actively contributes to the development and implementation of a Government of Zimbabwe/UNICEF child and youth participation strategy that will accelerate the realization of children’s and young people’s rights in Zimbabwe.

* Liaises and advocates with parliamentarians, civic society, private sector and independent providers on the benefits of, and need for, children’s participation as key stakeholders in social development and political agenda. e.g. participation in the legislative and Constitutional reforms; policies and programmes.

* Identifies and creates opportunities for child and young people’s meaningful participation where children’s and young people’s views, experiences and beliefs are heard, considered and acted upon. Explores the use of regional communication platforms, such as “Speak Africa” – Speak Zimbabwe to encourage dialogue and learning among children and young people.

* Provides technical support to strengthen the capacity of child and young people’s national structures and representations in government, civil society and children’s organizations e.g. child parliament, junior councilors, child protection committees, child participation clubs and other school based participation programmes.

* Works with children and young people to appreciate the regional and international legal and policy instruments on children and young people.  These include the UNCRC; ACRWC; African Youth Charter; A call for accelerated action on AFFC.

* Support operational research, documentation, information sharing and dissemination of good practices on child and young people’s participation, with government; civil society; young people and children, private sector and other partners.

* Facilitate coordination of child and young people’s participation within UNICEF country programme; UNCT and Government, civil society and other partners.

* Contributes to fundraising strategies for overall communications and advocacy, with special focus on child and young people’s participation.

* Draft relevant chapters for Annual Reviews; Reports on child and young people’s participation.

Qualifications and Competencies:

* Advanced university degree in social/ political sciences, or equivalent professional work experience in the child and young people’s participation area, or in related field.

* At least five years progressively responsible professional work experience in child and young people’s development and participation programmes, of which two years should be in developing countries.

* Good analytical and organizational skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment.

* General ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form, specific skills in writing policy briefs and position papers on children’s rights, child and youth participation.

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. Zim/2011:08)

UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue,

P O Box 1250

Belgravia, Harare

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

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Communication Officer at NOB Level
Deadline: 9 May 2011

Based in Harare, Zimbabwe (Fixed Term Post)

Vacancy Notice No. Zim/2011:09

Purpose of the Job:

Under the general guidance of the Chief of Communications, undertakes the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluating of an advocacy and communication strategy to get children’s and women’s issues into the public domain, strengthen donor and political will in support of UNICEF’s mission and objectives in Zimbabwe, and enhance the organization’s credibility and brand.  The Communications Officer also extends support to the co-ordination and dissemination of communications message through the local and international media and is responsible for the website of the Zimbabwe country office.

Major Tasks to be accomplished:

* Works on the production of communication products, including the country office website.

* Drafts background information, fact sheets, communication and other promotional advocacy materials for briefing visits, media, Goodwill Ambassadors and other special interest groups.

* Supports the development, drafting and maintenance of information and relationships with journalists and media outlets

* Writes articles, speeches, press releases, other public information materials and reports, as well as contributes to development of communication messages and materials for the traditional and web based media outlets

* Distribution and dissemination of advocacy materials from NY, Geneva, the Regional Office and the country office to identified partners and other target audiences. Helps to identify the need for additional materials/activities, such as radio and television programmes, publications, photographs, websites, etc., to advocate and promote organizational goals within the country.

* Facilitates engagement with nationally known personalities and helps to organize special events and activities to support country programme goals.  Generates public support for special events.

* Supports social mobilization and media through organizing community participation of key players and through organising field visits and media training events; photo coverage and TV Footage, using both the traditional and web based media as appropriate.

Qualifications and Competencies:

* University degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations; or equivalent professional work experience in the communication area, combined with an advanced university degree in a related discipline

* At least five years progressively responsible professional work experience in communication, print and broadcast media or interactive digital media, of which two years should be in developing countries.

* General ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form; specific skills in writing press releases and articles/stories for traditional, electronic and new media.

* Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas, as well as impart knowledge and teach skills

* 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. Zim/2011:09)

UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue,

P O Box 1250

Belgravia, Harare

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

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Trying to stay sane

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011 by Bev Clark

No major changes in the MDC’s leadership after their Congress. Chingoka re-elected Chairman of Zimbabwe cricket. Mugabe says the media in Zimbabwe should be objective. Tsvangirai promises $100 economy.

Sadly its not April Fools Day.

Questioning Mugabe’s legacy

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011 by Bev Clark

Feedback from a Kubatana subscriber in response to a recent blog from Upenyu:

Mugabe is a freedom fighter leader where democracy is a non-event. Strategy to win the war is mainly by sabotage and by any means possible. Plans are done secretly and the focus is only fixed on winning the war. The politics of freedom fighters are narrowed down and centred on few individuals considered brave and shrewd with charismatic characters.

With Mugabe in particular, being eloquent in English, even though with limited vision, he became a star among less educated freedom fighters, now the war vets. Come independence in 1980, the world expected him to shift his leadership style from freedom fighter leadership to democratic leadership. This paradigm shift was a bit heavy on his shoulders. The concept of ‘how difficult to train an old dog some new tricks’, applied. The same dirty tricks they used during the war are still the same they are using to stay in power today, whatever cost.

An independent nation must reflect a high degree of freedom (emancipation and sovereignty of the people). This stage requires dynamic leadership and this is lacking in Mugabe.

A dynamic leader needs to have a full range of appreciation of all the basic tenets of governance. These include modern politics, economics, technology, environment, globalisation and social justice. He/she works for not more than ten years as a president and retires from office.

To conclude, according to my own opinion Mugabe has no legacy to leave behind expect that of poor leadership.

Use Anuacho as my name if you wish to publish this. In Zimbabwe there is no freedom of expression. We are not yet independent as a nation.

Dogged resistance

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011 by Bev Clark

Christopher Hitchens on Fear, Peter Godwin’s latest book:

If you want a catalog of those sins, turn to Godwin’s books. But don’t read them just for outrage at the terrible offense to humanity. They also describe a new sort of Zimbabwean, emancipated from racial and tribal feeling by a long common struggle against a man who doesn’t scruple to employ racial and tribal demagoguery. In those old days of arguing with the white settlers, one became used to their endless jeering refrain: “Majority rule will mean one man, one vote—one time!” They couldn’t have been more wrong. Since gaining independence three decades ago, the Zimbabwean people have braved every kind of intimidation and repression to go on registering their votes. They have made dogged use of the courts and the press, which continue to function in a partial way, to uphold pluralism and dissent. Mugabe has lost important votes in Parliament and—last time—his electoral majority in the country at large. Only the undisguised use of force and the wholesale use of corruption have kept his party in office. One day, the civic resistance to this, which was often looked-down upon by people considering themselves revolutionary, will earn the esteem and recognition it deserves.

Speaking from the inside of the skin

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011 by Bev Reeler

Zvinhu zvese zvafamba zvakanaka
Isn’t this lovely?
In less poetic language it translates as ‘all went well’
It was written on a feed-back form by one of our community facilitators after a capacity training workshop
I have been waiting to use it…

One Friday each month, the Tree of Life invites representatives from all their partners,
the communities and groups who have trained as facilitators and workshop organizers
and have begun their own circles where they live.
On Fridays we sit together and bring our stories, our successes and failures and plans for the future
we talk of exchanging facilitators between communities,
and
have tea and sandwiches
laugh

Friday Circle
29.4.11

In Motoko they rose before dawn
walked the cold dusty paths dressed in Sunday best
the sparkle of Venus dims in the rosy glow of sunrise
cold morning air
wood smoke
nearly winter

At the main road they catch the combi
joining the morning crush
in a helter-skelter, precarious, two and half hour drive
life in the hands of a speeding, hell-bent driver

… into Harare

bustling noisy smoky morning traffic
queue at the terminus in piles of litter,
street people
vendors
to catch another combi to Marlborough
walk the last 2 km
to the monthly Tree of Life Partners Circle

Today was special
it is the week of the Harare International Arts Festival
and today we were to be visited by a group of young poets/singers/musicians
who would perform for us

But first the circle
today was special

what is the question we need to ask with the talking stone
that would bring our energy together?

50 people on a green lawn surrounded by trees

‘What is it, that inspires you, in doing this work?’

‘this circle’
‘the ability we have to communicate with communities across the country’
‘that we can speak together of our troubles and our inspirations knowing that we will be witnessed’
‘the power of love that holds us together’
‘the opportunity we have to heal our country’
‘the power of this network’
‘the spirit of love’

one young woman from Mrewa said

‘in this circle, for the first time, I can speak as an equal’

I feel an emergent pattern
flowing alongside the chaos

And then the artists…
These are our children
they have grown alongside this chaos
the last 11 years of their young lives have been a witnessing of corruption and violence and abuse of power
- town and country,
their adolescence has been spent in fearful isolating times
the closure of schools,
the loss of possessions and homes
families and communities disrupted and broken
so many deaths

What is it these new children of our nation have to say?

with their dreadlocks and hip-hop?
-of the freedom train… that left the station in 1980 when they were born free
and of the economy class – who were crushed together to make way for the first class
of the old woman who got left behind without money for the ticket
and the young mother who lost her baby
- those abandoned by the freedom train

Of the joy of being free within their own spirits
of living in the present
of connecting with nature

with his guitar a young man sang old songs
to old spirits with the voice of the old grandmothers
for the abused children
for the spirits of the dumped babies.

When he was asked what moved him to sing this song he explained
‘Once I was privileged – I had a job
and with the job came a newspaper
and it was in there – on pages 3 and 4
hidden away in lost corners
I read these stories
And I felt they were stories that everyone should know
So I sing’

A beautiful 18 year old
spoke with the voice of the young deaf and mute girl she was working with
a poem filled with vivid understanding
of the frustrated angry vacuum of this young life

She goes to this orphanage voluntarily, to hug the children!

A young man spoke with the voice of 3 different women
whose lives had been changed forever
by the burning and breaking down of outhouses and shack dwellings and posessions
in operation Murambatsvina

another young woman spoke
spoke from inside the skin
from inside the wall of prison
from inside the humiliated beaten body
from inside the mind
of one of our women human rights activists who was arrested last year

and powerful woman who was visiting Zimbabwe
called for the time of the return of the Goddess
the challenge of sharing the throne
of the balance of masculine and feminine

When asked how well she was received by our more conservative Christian population
she replied

‘I am not here to be approved of
I am here to make you think
about the coming of the inevitable’

A young boy not more than 11 years or so played traditional drums
he said he had been drumming since he was born
a young man sang
and we danced

what is this emergent pattern
flowing alongside the chaos

Zvinhu zvese zvafamba zvakanaka