I don’t know about you but I’m beginning to feel like 18 hour powercuts are the new normal. There was a ZESA fault at home last week – and it took  a full day for anyone on our street to report it; we’d gotten used to the lights going off and never coming back.

The Zimbabwe Power Company chairperson is blaming low levels of generation – 4 of 6 units working at Kariba and the 2 Phase Two (larger) units are on line at Hwange. He says they hope to bring back two of the 4 Phase One (smaller) units over the next day or so. Maybe things are gonna get brighter?

But why does my ZESA bill never go down – even when the lights go out?

Teachers Unions and the Minister of Education are now at loggerheads over the scrapping of incentives for teachers in Zimbabwe. Back in the Zim dollar era when the economy took a nosedive and a massive exodus of qualified teachers was recorded, most parents were comfortable to chip in and help resolve the brain drain crisis in the teaching fraternity in Zimbabwe. This system of giving incentives was a noble idea meant to cushion teachers from the hyper-inflationary environment the country was facing during that time thus trying to avoid strikes, which would affect children’s learning.

Even though the government introduced a multi-currency system and inflation rate is now in single digits, parents continue to pay incentives to teachers because their salaries are still way below the poverty datum line. The issue of poor salaries is not only affecting teachers but also the rest of civil servants and even those in the private sector not to mention the self employed.  Some parents with school going children are even earning salaries, which are below those earned by teachers. Yet they still, while trying to make ends meet, continue to pay the incentives. The School Development Associations are at the forefront of forcing and ensuring that parents pay the incentives. It boils down to choosing to pay the incentives or risk having your child denied the right to education.

When the government recently announced that they want to do away with incentives there was an up-roar from the teachers union. Just like any other civil servants, teachers should be demanding better salaries from the government rather than continuing to squeeze money from parents from the little that they have. It’s now difficult to remove the incentives because if one compares the incentives to the salaries one would end up thinking that the incentives should be the salaries.

The teacher incentives have affected so many children because only those from well-up families can afford to access education, denying the same opportunity for children from poor families. Teachers’ representatives last week threatened industrial action if the Minister of Education went ahead with plans to scrap “teachers incentives”. The timing of the industrial action coincides with the writing of Grade Seven, Ordinary Level, and Advanced level end of year exams.

Education is a fundamental human right and essential for the exercise of all other human rights yet it’s now a privilege for the few and a bargaining tool for salary negotiations. It is high time the government and teachers stop criminalising the education system and stop this “incentive scam” which is simply extortion.

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 Assistant: HWA-Zimbabwe
Deadline: As soon as possible

HWA-Zimbabwe has been implementing humanitarian relief and long-term development projects in Zimbabwe for 12 years. The objectives of the trust are to promote social, economic, democratic and ecological development, alleviate destitution, poverty and hunger and to create livelihood opportunities in order to improve food security.

We respect the culture, history, structures, traditions and customs of the communities and countries where we are active. We provide help for all people regardless of their heritage, gender or religion. The planning and realization of our projects always take place in conjunction with our local partners. HWA-Zimbabwe is a dynamic and innovative organization that believes in mobilizing local potentials and local knowledge.

Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. This is a local position.

Starting Date: as soon as possible

Duration: 3 months contract with possibility of extension

A. Scope Of Services

Assist in all project related activities (implementation as well as administration) such as:

- Preparation of new projects: assessments, proposal writing, information on new calls
- Monitoring of current projects: data collection, data entry, data analysis
- Establishment of baseline studies
- Financial management: cash book and book keeping in an accurate and transparent manner and according to HWA regulations
- Maintaining a transparent filing system
- Reporting on project progress
- Attending monthly NGO meetings such as UN Clusters, Head of Agencies etc.
- Networking and collaborating with NGOs, local authorities, donors, etc.
- Represent HWA in absence of Head of Mission

B. Overall Requirements

- University degree in economics, business administration or development cooperation
- Minimum of 3 years proven experience in a similar position
- 3 years experience in managing and developing pro-poor economic growth projects
- Project Management skills in development aid and humanitarian projects
- Financial Management skills and good computer skills
- Ability to work independently and part of a team
- Excellent communication skills and interpersonal relations
- Prior USAID program management experience is a plus
- Must be a good organizer, pro-active and dynamic with the right portion of common sense

Please send CV, Motivational Letter, Salary History and Three References to Head of Mission at: silvia.weninger [at] drei [dot] at

Assistant: Disabled Women in Africa (DIWA)
Deadline: 30 September 2011

Disabled Women in Africa (DIWA) is looking for an Assistant to the DIWA Coordinator.

Duties and Responsibilities

The DIWA Coordinator Assistant supports the DIWA Coordinator in:

-Strengthening the institutional and programmatic structures of DIWA;
-Enhancing the institutional building of organizations of Women with Disabilities;
-Conceptualising, designing, planning and implementing activities for women with disabilities;
-Facilitating the implementation of gender policies in the disability movement of Africa;
-Co-operating and networking with Disabled People’s Organizations at continental level and beyond;
-Lobbying and advocating for the human rights of disabled women;
-Raising awareness and doing public relations work on disabled women’s demands;
-Fund-raising and writing proposals, including budgeting, for DIWA;
-Reporting to donors about DIWA projects.

Qualifications:

The applicant must have exceptional talents in conceptual, logical and creative thinking and be able to work with a minimum of supervision.  Experiences in outcome oriented programming and financial and narrative report writing are highly appreciated. Knowledge of the Pan-African Disability Movement would be favourable. The capacity to work on an international level is required. Excellent communication skills in English are imperative. French or Portuguese skills would be of advantage. The applicant should be willing to move to Malawi within the next 3 years.

The contract will be limited up to end of June 2012. The contract will be prolonged if the collaboration has been successful and funding is secured.

Applications should be directed to the DIWA Chairperson, Mrs Rachel Kachaje, and be sent to globalfield [at] africa-online [dot] com

Request for Expression of Interest for Health Economist Specialist:  The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Deadline: 30 September 2011

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), an independent humanitarian organization whose mandate is to provide protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and internal disturbances is supporting the City of Harare Health Services (CHS). The CHS together with the ICRC would like to conduct an analysis of the health system particularly the financial aspect and would like to contract the services of a Health Economist Specialist with experience in Health System assessment in developing countries.

Duration: 7 weeks mission starting mid-October 2011

Interested candidates can collect the Terms of Reference (TOR) from the: Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, 9 Downie Avenue, Belgravia, Harare, or by email from: har_health [at] icrc [dot] org

Wash Coordinator: Merlin – REF.091109
Deadline: 30 September 2011

Applications are invited to fill in the following job opening, which have arisen at Merlin Zimbabwe. This position is only open to Zimbabwean nationals.

Overally responsible for management of WASH programs and professional technical contribution to programme, project design, planning, administration, monitoring and evaluation of WASH programme/project activities, data analysis and progress reporting, and commitment for enhancement of teamwork and capacity building, in support of achievement of planned objectives of the work plan, aligned with country programme goals and strategy. This includes drafting programme budgets inclusive of concrete steps to enhance emergency preparedness and response. Assist the Country Director on the preparation of internal, donor reports and stakeholder reports.

Requirements:

-A degree in Engineering, preferably in Water and Sanitation
-3 years experience in managing WASH programs including staff management, budget management and development of WASH proposals
-A minimum of 3 years working experience, with experience in Environmental Health, Water and Sanitation Project Management, water treatment, water quality
-Ability to analyse and write clear and concise reports and proposals
-An understanding of WASH related issues in humanitarian and development contexts and a proven understanding and appreciation of the importance of hygiene promotion and community participation in water and sanitation activities
-Strong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken English
-Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office and Excel

Interested candidates are required to submit their application letter and CV only via email: vacancy.merlin.zw [at] gmail [dot] com and please include the reference number in the subject field. Only short listed applicants will be contacted. For more information you can visit our website www.merlin.org.uk

Programme Manager: Arts Lab
Deadline: 30 September 2011

Reporting to: Programme Director

Aim of the Job:

To support the Programme Director in the management of a training, performance, touring and workshop programme; to plan, promote, manage, deliver and evaluate project events and activities in support of the Arts Lab’s overall aims and objectives.

Main Tasks of the Role:

-Providing administrative and financial management support to the Programme Director
-Logistical support and production management
-Fundraising, marketing and partner liaison, on behalf of the programme
-Programme communication
-Managing programme participants
-Promoting performances & acts
-Collating necessary arts-management information for Zimbabwe’s context
-Maintaining programme database
-Supporting monitoring and evaluation processes
-Development of reporting requirements and management of programme reports: narrative and financial

Experience:

-At least 5 years experience in a management role in the arts or relevant sector
-Sound knowledge of the arts industry in Zimbabwe
-Sound knowledge of the donor community or demonstrable ability to gain
-Proven track record of successfully marketing and managing events, programmes and/or arts related activities
-Combined knowledge of planning and implementing donor or NGO projects, and arts activity is preferred
-Proven track record of securing financial support for projects an bonus

Education: BA degree or equivalent

Competencies:
-Excellent record of achievement and proven ability to sustain energy in the face of obstacles
-Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills
-Excellent writing skills
-High level of analytical and strategic thinking
-Ability to work alone, manage a large workload and meet deadlines under pressure
-High level of organisation, ability to plan, think ahead and problem solve

This is a post for a someone with excellent organisational and management skills who has an ambitious vision of their career, and would like to see themselves becoming a leader in the arts sector in Zimbabwe.

Applicants who can demonstrate vision for the Arts in Zimbabwe, and an understanding of theatre and dance in particular will be prioritised. The programme manager is recruited to work on the pilot of The Arts Lab programme, as such the position is initially part time and on a renewable short term contract of 3 months. Salary between 600 and 800 US a month, with review on contract renewal.

Applications including CV and motivational letter to Programme Director, artslabafrica [at] gmail [dot] com or Arts Lab c/o Savanna Trust, 10 St Dominic Road, Milton Park, Harare

The Arts Lab – Pilot Programme

A professional development programme for Zimbabwe’s Performing Arts sector supported by The Culture Fund and The British Council.

The programme provides training and an experimental performance space for professional artists in the performing arts sector: actors, directors, writers, dancers, poets, choreographers, comedians, musicians . . .

A space to create: a place to perform

A supportive structure to develop, promote and tour new work of artistic excellence.

The programme also aims to provide the arts, education and development sector with a pool of outstanding, versatile talented professionals who can market, manage, facilitate diverse arts based programmes.

The Arts Lab aim to achieve this by diversifying the skills of performers through arts leadership and management training directly related to production. The programme combines training with creating, producing and touring new work, and provides a platform and supportive framework for emerging talent. In the pilot, the Arts Lab provides professional development opportunity to 3 arts leaders and 20 leading professional performance artists through:

- Intensive performance training, devised & physical performance
- Work-in-progress sharings and critical forums for developing ideas and artistic visions
- Hands on training in creative arts leadership, management, producing: linked directly to product
- Hands on training in diversifying income base through applied arts: using the arts for development, for marketing & commercial events
- Artistic mentorship, production and touring.

The Arts Lab is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community.

Programme manager: CADS
Deadline: 30 September 2011

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced candidates to fill the above post.

Requirements:

-Masters in agriculture or relevant discipline from a recognized institution
-A minimum of 2 years experience managing a sustainable agriculture programme
-Good management and co-ordination skills, with documented experience in technical project implementation and monitoring
-Experience in writing project proposals, developing programs and management plans
-Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to manage time, set priorities, and meet deadlines
-Strong planning, problem-solving, coordination and negotiation skills
-Proficient with a variety of software programs; and willingness and flexibility to undertake a variety of tasks
-Willingness to participate in field activities and travel
-Driver’s Licence – Class 4 essential

Responsibilities:

-Conducting and managing projects from project design, fundraising, project implementation and evaluation.
-Leading analysis of data collected under the monitoring framework for assessment of progress and areas of improvement.
-Provide regular reports on the project activity implementation status against the project goals and objectives to the director.
-Documenting all the project activities and periodic reports, which will guide the project in pursuing the mandate.
-Generating project related research data to inform future programming.
-Ensure that all sub activities are aligned to the project’s main goal.
-Guide, coach and mentor field officers.

Deadline and application procedure:

Applicants must submit CVs with certified copies of academic, and professional qualifications, giving date of availability, employment and experience, contact telephone numbers, names and contact details of three referees from previous jobs.

Applications to be submitted to:

The Director, No. 1 Wembley Crescent, Eastlea, Harare
Email: cadshr [at] cads [dot] org [dot] zw or cadsprojects [at] cads [dot] org [dot] zw

Responses will be made to the short-listed candidates only.

Three (3) positions available: Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA)
Deadline: 30 September 2011 (4:30pm)

Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) is a leading mass based Residents movement, with a growing membership of more than 20 000 registered members. The Association is proud to invite C.Vs from suitably qualified individuals who want to be part of a program that seeks to foster human development and enhance good governance to fill in the following posts:

1. Finance Officer

Job Description:

-Making timeous payment of bills
-Receipting and banking
-Preparation of pending payments for the week/ month (listing of creditors)
-Timeous preparation of cashbooks
-Timeous preparation of monthly bank reconciliations
-Creditors control
-Maintaining daily update of bank balances
-Preparation of various accounting journals
-Preparation of requisitions for payments – Compilation of full payment packages before sending in for review
-Execute any other functions as may be delegated by the CEO and Finance and Admin Manager
-Reports to the Finance and Admin Manager

The ideal incumbent should be in possession of the following:

-Degree in accounting
-Extensive knowledge of computer packages
-Excellent communication
-Good writing and analytic skills
-Preparedness to work long hours
-Knowledge in latest accounting packages
-A Masters Degree will be an added advantage

2. Admin Assistant

Job Description:

-CEO’s diary upkeep
-Minute taking
-Making phone calls
-Assisting in administration
-Handling petty cash
-In charge of daily cleaning of offices by the interns
-Prepare refreshments and serve visitors as assigned
-Execute any other functions as may be delegated by the Administrator/CEO
-Reports to the CEO

The ideal incumbent should be in possession of the following:

-Diploma in secretarial or any other equivalent qualification
-Extensive knowledge of Ms word, excel and power point
-Good communication skills
-Good public relations
-Shorthand will be an added advantage

3. Advocacy Officer

Job description:

-Advocacy work on transparent and efficient local governance
-Prepare monthly reports on the Association’s advocacy programmes
-Conducting workshops and ward public meetings to raise consciousness and public participation in local governance
-Providing technical input to Standing Committees
-Designing and implementing advocacy tools to achieve the organization’s strategic objectives
-Developing training guidelines to meet the organization’s needs and activities
-Developing advocacy information materials that can be used to raise public awareness on local governance issues
-Liaison work with relevant stakeholders to create awareness on the organization’s advocacy work
-Working horizontally hand in hand with the information officer (Department)
-Perform any other duties as delegated by the CEO
-Reports to the Programs Manager

The ideal incumbent should be in possession of the following:

-Be a holder of a degree related to local Governance or any other related social science degree
-Three years working experience in a Senior position
-Ability to monitor and evaluate running projects
-Good computer knowledge, i.e. Excel, Word, PowerPoint & Internet
-Have distinct knowledge of CHRA Activities and its operational environment
-Background exposure of working in a membership organization is an added advantage
-Masters degree is an added advantage as well

All interested individuals should forward their CVs to: info [at] chra [dot] co [dot] zw

Finance Manager: World Vision Zimbabwe
Deadline: 30 September 2011

Applications are invited from suitable candidates for the position of Finance Manager for the National Office reporting to the Finance, Administration and IT Director. The main purpose of the position is to manage the day to day running of the financial function of World Vision Zimbabwe (WVZ).

Major Accountabilities/Responsibilities:

* Financial Reporting – Oversee the production of monthly Consolidated Financial Reports for the entire office and ensuring that reporting requirements are met in accordance with World Vision Field Financial Manual, GAAP, Internal Financial Reporting Standards (IFRs), and other required standards.
* Treasury Management – Manage the treasury functions to ensure smooth implementation of ministry by both Relief and Long term Development projects/grants.
* Financial Management – Ensure financial systems and controls are established and maintained in order to provide appropriate levels of security and controls over financial resources of the organization.
* Financial Planning and Control – Consolidating of the entire WVZ budgets in accordance with budget guidelines and ensure the office spending is within the budget guidelines.
* Financial Analysis – Perform financial analysis on WVZ financial performance for executive strategic decision making.
* Risk Management – Review and monitor financial procedures, internal controls, policies and manuals as well as improve on financial systems, procedures and internal controls and advise Finance, Administration and IT Director on policy changes to mitigate against weaknesses in control environment.
* Capacity building of staff – Enhance capacity of finance and non-finance staff on the procedures and systems of World Vision Finance.

Knowledge, Skills and experience:

* A qualified accountant with ACCA, CIMA or equivalent.
* Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, Statistics, Banking, or related field; a Masters will be a distinct advantage.
* 3- 5 years experience in Accounting, Auditing, Banking, within the NGO sector.
* Intensive application of Sunsystems accounting package.
* Incumbent must possess exceptional financial management competency and strong problem solving.

Interested candidates with the required qualifications should submit their applications to the People & Culture Director, Box 2420, Harare or email to hrd_Zimbabwe [at] wvi [dot] org

Programme Manager: Computers for Zimbabwe Schools Trust
Deadline: 30 September 2011

About Computers for Zimbabwean Schools (CZwS)

CZwS is a recently formed not-for-profit trust whose mission is to transform IT education in Zimbabwe by providing schools with affordable computers and associated software, training support and connectivity. The Trust distributes refurbished computers sourced from the UK to state and other not-for-profit schools.  This year the Trust will distribute over 3,000 computers.

The Trust is overseen by an independent Board of seven Directors and to date has worked in close partnership with another Trust, World Links Zimbabwe, for development and delivery of its services.  While maintaining the close partnership with WLZ, the Board now wishes to appoint an executive Programme Manager to implement the Trust’s development programme, undertake day to day management, and build CZwS’ identity as independent entity.  This is the first staff position at the Trust, but it is anticipated that further appointments may be made in the coming months.

About the Programme Manager

Objectives of role:

* Provide day to day operational and financial management of the Computers for Zimbabwean Schools (CZwS) programme.
* Implement the programme development plan for CZwS as agreed with Board.
* Be the principal point of contact for CZwS, representing the NGO to schools and other stakeholders.
* Provide researched input to the strategic direction of the CZwS programme assisting the board in identifying emerging trends, opportunities and practices within the IT in educational arena.

Key responsibilities:

Customer/stakeholder relations

* Principal day to day contact for schools.
* Represent CZwS to key stakeholders, e.g. Ministry of Education, Beit Trust etc
* Develop a stakeholder register, identifying key contacts, their interests and how the Programme will manage the relationships.

Service

* Provide the primary contact between CZwS and service/product provider(s).
* Manager and monitor the performance of service providers.

Development

* Work with the Board to develop and maintain CZwS’s strategy and associated implementation plans, to include clear objectives and measurable milestones achievement benchmarks, long-term and short-term priorities, implementation plans, financial projections and tools for evaluation.
* Implement the strategy and work programmes.
* Maintain a fundraising/donor relations database of potential local/international funding partners (private, Development Assistance, public tenders) and compile funding concept notes and proposals that address any funding gaps in the organisation.

Promotion

* Promote the programme through appropriate media, e.g. website, press etc.
* Develop and maintain appropriate marketing materials.

Financial

* Prepare, manage and monitor budgets for the programme.
* Scrutinize the service/product providers’ invoices.

Reporting

* Provide regular operational and financial reports to the Board.

Qualifications, and experience:

Essential

* A degree in Education, Business Administration, Computer Science or related field.  Advanced post graduate qualifications an added advantage.
* Good standard of written English – able to prepare concise, well-structured reports.
* Good presentation skills – able to deliver  confident and engaging presentations.
* Reasonable knowledge of computers, i.e. familiar with key specifications, principal components and common software.
* Proven experience of project management – able to prepare a detailed, structured project plan and deliver it. Able to manage project scope, project risks, procurement and quality issues.
* A good standard of basic financial knowledge – able to prepare a budget and a cashflow forecast.
* Experienced use of MS Software Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Email, Internet
* A dynamic, self-starter, able to work with the minimum of supervision.
* Able to multi-task and deliver to tight deadlines

Desirable

* Some background or experience within the education sector, e.g. familiar with the Education structures and stakeholders in Zimbabwe, some teaching experience
* Knowledge of education technology and related education transformation policy discourse
* Experience within the NGO sector,
* Experience of fundraising and donor relations.
* Supervisory experience, i.e. able to manage others.

Reporting: The Programme Manager will report to the Chair of the Board of Directors.

Contract type: 12 month fixed term contract, possibility of renewal on completion.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage suitably qualified women to apply.

A competitive salary and normal basic conditions of employment will be offered to the right candidate.

Applications need to be submitted to: Chairman of the Board, Dr. Gary Brooking, c/o World Links Zimbabwe, ETC Building, Upper East Road, Mt Pleasant, Harare or email: gbbrooking [at] POSAfrica [dot] com
Cell: 0772-221315

Financial Manager: Tree Of Life Trust
Deadline: 4 October 2011

Background

The Tree of Life is a group-based approach to the healing and empowerment of survivors of organized violence and torture. It is facilitated by survivors themselves who have been trained and supervised in the methodology. It uses the metaphor of the tree to provide a framework for understanding the trauma experience, and, through a series of inter-related processes, leads the survivor into an appreciation of his or her strengths and the support of the community in surviving.

The Tree of Life has shown itself to be a proven, non-professional, cost-effective and culturally appropriate method of providing psychological assistance to the victims. One of the most important aspects of healing is to break these patterns of isolation and to rebuild a sense of belonging. Thus, in the Tree of Life, participants go through a process of reclaiming; reclaiming personal power, reclaiming their sense of body, reclaiming connections with nature, and reclaiming connection to the community.

Organisation – Tree Of Life

There are currently 7 full-time members of staff: Coordinator, Administrator, and 5 Facilitators, with plans being implemented to increase this number to 10. Part time support is provided by Research and Advocacy Unit, in particular for financial management and for research and advocacy. Work is very much team based and in the field. Tree of Life is working with 2 urban communities (Epworth and Whitecliff) and more generally in Harare, and with 3 rural communities (Mutoko, Murewa and Chishawasha) and more generally with Mashonaland East. Plans are being implemented to extend this work into Manicaland and elsewhere. Tree of Life is connected through RAU to civil society generally, and is networked to its own Partners, to the Peace Builders Network (PBNZ) and to an emerging network of agencies engaged in healing work. Tree of Life is currently supported by three international funding agencies. Tree of Life works at the interface between emergency, fear and polarization on the one side, and renewed social activity and community development on the other. There are 4 categories of inter-related activities: healing workshops for victims, training for and supervision of workshops for partner organizations, community follow-up and support, and research & advocacy.

Finance Manager

The Finance Manager is responsible for:

-All aspects of financial management, in compliance with standards and procedures, and providing information to enable effective management
-Oversight of programme finances, including compliance with standards of donor organisations, and providing oversight or direct support to partner organisations in their financial management
-Ensuring all legal processes are followed
-Overseeing appropriate HR processes
-Developing and implementing financial plans
-Sharing in the organising and co-ordination of fundraising events and presentations to potential donors
-Attending relevant fundraising and financial management events and meetings
-Managing the administrative, staffing and resource needs of the position
-Reporting to the Coordinator and Board of Trustees
-Generally sharing in the management and aims of the Tree of Life

Requirements:

A professional, mature and articulate person with at least 5 years experience in an NGO or similar environment where managing multiple donor funds and partnership development formed part of the core job. Ability to think and act strategically and to generate credible and considered plans and information. Intermediate or advanced computer literacy skills, especially in the Microsoft Office Suite. A team player personality with the presence and poise to interact at boardroom, senior government, banker and donor agency level. Commitment to meet challenging targets on time and consistently. Outstanding communication and presentation skills.

A competitive salary will be offered and terms of employment and remuneration will be notified to selected candidates.

To Apply: Submit an application by email with Financial Manager in the subject line, your full CV and covering letter, with 2 contactable references to Coordinator at wildcahi [at] zol [dot] co [dot] zw

Grants/Contracts/Project Manager
Deadline: 15 October 2011

Nathan Associates is beginning the implementation of the USAID-funded Strategic Economic Research and Analysis project (SERA). The project is designed to improve the economic policy environment in Zimbabwe. To support the project field operations in Harare, Nathan Associates is seeking a full-time Grants/Contracts/Project Manager. This position will begin in mid-October.

Responsibilities:

The Grants/Contracts/Project Manager will be responsible to, and will collaborate closely with the SERA Chief of Party for the following tasks:

-Grants Management, including developing existing manuals for contracts and grants, coordinating the grant process, managing and administering awards, leading compliance visits to grant recipients, and ensuring adherence to USAID regulations
-Contracts management, including preparation and review all local procurement documentation subcontracts and local consulting agreements, for accuracy and adherence to Nathan’s and USAID’s procurement policies and procedures
-General project management support, including overseeing and managing the local project staff consisting of an Administrative Assistant, a Bookkeeper, a Training and Monitoring & Evaluation Assistant, and a Project Driver
-Other related tasks as required by the Chief of Party.

For more details, see the job listing on our website at: http://www.nathaninc.com/careers/open-positions

Qualifications:

-At least 10 years of experience in project administrative and financial and contractual management
-Minimum of 3 years of experience in managing grants; including preparation, negotiation, and compliance
-Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently, assess priorities, and manage a variety of activities, paying attention to detail under tight deadlines and heavy workloads
-Demonstrable knowledge of USAID policies and procedures and rules pertaining to grants and contracts
-Degree in business administration, finance, or law, or the equivalent in relevant job experience
-Fluency in English, including clear writing skills
-Familiarity with Zimbabwe business environment and local laws and regulations

Application:

To apply for this position, please visit our consultant registry website at http://recruitment.nathaninc.com/apply

Under Current Open Positions, select “SERA Grants/Contract/Project Manager.”

No phone calls, please. Only finalists will be contacted. Nathan Associates is an equal opportunity employer. For more information on the company, please see our website at: www.nathaninc.com

There is a lot positive to be said about the changing of the seasons, it’s just that it doesn’t all “spring” (ha ha, weak I know) to mind immediately.  I am under attack by the dust and pollen and bush fires and other rubbish in the air.  The glaring sun, with its almost white light, is less than flattering for everyone, particularly after the winter months. We emerge with all our dents and dimples on display.  By midday, all the hairspray has evaporated with the sweat (not that I use hairspray – not enough hair). We are limp, with damp patches under our arms, shiny faces and the energy God gave a sloth.  Everyone in Europe associates spring with green. Here everything is brown, and dry – even the horizon is dyed with dust.

The birds of course, have returned from wherever they went (at least I don’t pretend any great knowledge), and their chirping is cheerful first thing in the morning – only drowned out by calls of “Moooom, I can’t find my school shoes!”.

And then total silence by lunchtime as everything pants in the shade.  All creatures are preparing for the next round of babies (imagine having to go through that each year??) and the weaver over my swimming pool is industriously stripping the palms for nesting material. Poor bugger continues despite the repeated rejection – he has built 3 already this season; at least, those are ones that survived her ladyship’s onslaught. I put water out just for him, to help him through the heat and encourage him.  Aaah.

The pool is back in play, which is a blessing for all mothers.  The children can jump and splash and play and then collapse in an exhausted heap at the end of the day, happy to be in bed, no arguments, asleep before you finish the story.

Perfect.

Schools are feeding silk worms and studying the renewal of nature this term.  Just in time, Daniel inherited an ant farm from a friend – we spent much of Monday afternoon trying to catch ants – the still air was pierced with delighted squeals “I got one mom”, only to be followed by disappointment when he realized he’d squashed it or rubbed its legs off trying to brush it into the container. Many ants met their ends (no pun intended) that afternoon.  I sat on the driveway with 2 leaves trying to outmaneuver the little devils, but didn’t have great luck either. One of mine drowned in a drop of water in the container (hello??), one just escaped all by himself, and I let the other 2 go in frustration; after all, two does not a colony build – especially 2 males.

So we left a jar out, on its side, with some sugar water in it, hoping that morning would bring a whole little colony for Daniel.  Not.  The dogs, probably Mac – of boundless energy and mischief, had partaken of sugar water and whatever ants we may have garnered in the night. When I opened the kitchen door, there she was grinning and bouncing and wagging her tail, as if to say “come see, come see what I did”.  I was a little put out to observe the meandering line of marching ants, trailing sugar from the bowl in the kitchen away and down and eventually out into the sunshine. Ha!  I’m not sure how I am going to solve this one, suffice to say it will involve the ants in the kitchen and sugar … possibly the gardener will be roped in … it will be a cunning plan – after all, my trustworthiness, and hero status in the eyes of my son are on the line here.