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Archive for September, 2011

Ministers need to get serious about the people

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Wednesday, September 7th, 2011 by Amanda Atwood

Late yesterday morning, I got an SMS from the MDC announcing an MP feedback meeting in Harare that evening. Finance Minister Tendai Biti, co-Home Affairs Minister Theresa Makone, Minster of State in the PM’s Office Jameson Timba and Deputy Justice Minister Obert Gutu were slated to attend.

Coincidentally our newsletter headline that same morning had been “Seen your MP lately?” And when I got the SMS, I was pleased with this example of Ministers making themselves available to the public.

But I was also frustrated to have gotten the announcement at such short notice – which made it harder to share with others and encourage more people to attend. But I put it up on Twitter and Facebook in the hopes of inspiring at least a bit of participation – only to learn later that it had been cancelled, at even shorter notice.

Nine people attended, the speakers never appeared, and one of the participants finally phoned a different MP, who told them the meeting had been cancelled.

So why announce a meeting you don’t intend to have? And why announce with such little turn around time that hardly anyone hears about it and even fewer people can attend? It left me cynical and sceptical. Do the MDC Ministers actually want to be seen – and heard, and to see their constituents and hear what they might want to say? That is do they actually want to deliver or receive the feedback? Or do they just want the kudos of being seen to engage the public, without any of the hard work of actually having to organise, listen, or discuss?

Get there

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Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 by Bev Clark

Wikileaks exposes leaders weaknesses

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Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 by Bev Clark

Pouring your heart out at an embassy or with embassy officials is not politics, its merely a demonstration of subservience. Whether they expected the American government to solve our problems we might never know, but the fact that they indeed went out of their way to brief them betrays a simplistic understanding of state politics and power.  Proximity to the American government is not necessarily proximity to the people of Zimbabwe. All the briefings that Zanu Pf and MDC politicians gave the diplomats, in their lucidity, have never been given to the people of Zimbabwe. Instead we have had media blackouts on what is transpiring in the inclusive government or in the parties that comprise it. When we are lucky we get half baked briefings in the run up to some  SADC summit while diplomats are spoilt for choice regularly. It would therefore be expected that from now on, our political leaders will begin to explain themselves more to us, the citizens of Zimbabwe as much if not more than they generally prostrated themselves before diplomats. Read more from Takura Zhangazha

The brainless Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe

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Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 by Bev Clark

I’ve just received an email newsletter from a Harare based travel agent saying that the Harare International Airport will “boast” Africa’s longest runway by December as Zimbabwe seeks to lure major international airlines. Apparently the extra 5ks of runway is costing US$30 million. Meanwhile I’ve heard of yet another incident of travellers on their way home from the airport being targeted and assaulted by thieves. I mean I just Don’t Get It. The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe pulls out all the stops to increase the length of our runway but the fact that returning residents and visitors to Zimbabwe get robbed and assaulted once they’ve landed doesn’t seem to faze them. What they need to do is work hand in hand with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and increase patrols on the main airport road to stop these criminals having a field day.

NGO job vacancies in Zimbabwe

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Tuesday, September 6th, 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.

Two (2) positions in WASH and Health Department: Africare
Deadline: 9 September 2011

Contract: 1 year.
Suitably qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
Buhera will be the project district and Murambinda the duty station.

1. Hydrology Engineer/Hydrologist or Civil Engineer
- BSc. Hydrology or Civil Engineering with a minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience in the WASH sector.
- Experience in the installation of new water points, rehabilitation of old ones and the construction of BVIPs for institutions.
- Experience working with, or leading a team of public health promoters.
- Monitoring and evaluation expertise, as well as the ability to compile detailed programme reports.
- The flair for project and organisational representation at all levels.
- Team player, working closely with local stakeholders such as local government, local authority, ministries of Health and Education, and the District Development Fund.
- A clean class 4 driver’s license with a minimum of 2 years’ driving experience.

2. WASH Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant
- BSc. Statistics, Social Studies/Sciences or a relevant Honours degree, with a minimum of 3 years experience in WASH and health-related M&E.
- Conversant in the analysis of data and the creation of data bases using appropriate software such Epi Info or SPSS.
- Conversant with both the WASH software and hardware aspects.
- Hands-on experience in data collection, analysis and presentation.
- Ability to identify and document success stories and best practices.
- Clean class 4 driver’s license with a minimum of 2 years driving experience.

Interested but suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their CVs and letters of motivation, to lmlotshwa [at] africare [dot] co [dot] zw copying tkamusewu [at] africare [dot] co [dot] zw no later than 9 September, 2011. Only short listed candidates will be responded to.


Three (3) vacancies – Merlin Zimbabwe
Deadline: 9 September 2011

Applications are invited to fill in the three (3) job openings which have arisen at Merlin Zimbabwe. These positions are only open to Zimbabwean nationals.

1. Program Assistant (Gokwe)

REF. 091106

Responsibilities: Merlin’s focal point in the district for epidemics monitoring and coordination activities

Requirements:

* Relevant degree and minimum of two years experience in NGO environment
* Relevant previous experience in an transitional or development environment
* Strong project coordination and management experience, including: Project needs assessment, Project proposal development, Logical framework development, Report and proposal writing, Logistics and Security management, Personnel management
* Experience of emergency response context and coordination and experience of program development in an emergency context
* Strong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken English
* Proven ability in monitoring and evaluation
* Knowledge of Sphere and commitment to humanitarian principles
* Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office and Data programs especially Excel and Epi-Info or SPSS
* Capacity to organize, monitor and synthesize qualitative and quantitative information

2. Driver (Gwanda and Bulawayo)

REF. 091107

Responsibilities: Providing reliable driving services for Merlin staff following the Merlin safety and security rules and regulation.

Requirements

* Secondary School Education, formal drivers training with a valid driver’s License and clean driving record
* At least three years of prior profession experience in a similar post
* Fluently spoken English, Ndebele and Shona
* Knowledge of Midlands and Matebeleland Provinces and environs

3. Health Coordinator (Harare)

REF. 091108

Responsibilities:

*Manage all programme operations, review management systems and make appropriate improvements including remote management
*Support the CD to develop a monitoring and evaluation plan for the life time of each health project funded.
*Actively participate in suggesting and conducting needs assessment as well as other operational research, as discussed and agreed with CD.
*Assess, analyze capacities and recommend potential local NGOs/CBOs who are working in the same geographical locations whom Merlin and MoHCW could potentially partner with for added value in project implementation.
*Liase with the MoHCW and other partners for program reference materials.  Ensure that relevant documents and information are available for the CD and CMT for the smooth running of the projects.
*Ensure that activities related to support of the primary health care system are implemented together with the MoHCW district health teams.
*Provide regular programme updates and relevant health issues updates occurring in the operational areas, to the CD and CMT on a weekly basis.
*Ensure use of established reporting formats for data collection, and contribute to analysis and reporting as requested by CD (ex. complete 3W reports for Health cluster and draft monthly ‘Health and Policy Department’ sitreps for Merlin HO).
*Actively participate in country strategic planning and proposal development.
*In the absence of the CD, act as the primary focal point for health programme internal/external inquiries.
*Provide basic medical advice and first aid to national Merlin staff falling sick whilst on duty.

Requirements

*Medically qualified (doctor, clinical officer or senior nurse) with Masters in Public Health, and strong post qualification practical experience of 3 to 5 years
*Experience in public health programming development and innovation
*Ability to analyze and write clear and concise reports and proposals
*Strong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken English
*Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office and excel
*Experience in liaising with MoHCW, other I/NGOs and government officials

To apply for these positions: Please download an application form from our website www.merlin.org.uk

Completed form should be emailed to vacancy.merlin.zw [at] gmail [dot] com


Finance Officer: Institute for Young Women Development
Deadline: 11 September 2011

The Institute for Young Women Development is a young-women development oriented organization working in Mashonaland Central with its head office in Bindura. The organization is inviting applications from suitably qualified individuals to assume the position of a Finance Officer within the organization. The successful applicant will be based at the head office in Bindura.

Duties and Responsibilities

*Preparing accurate financial statements.
*Preparing and providing financial reports as at and when required by board   and partners.
*Maintaining a fixed asset register and being the custodian of the organisations assets.
*Preparing and monitoring budgets and their operationalisation.
*Ensure proper reconciliations of all ledger accounts.
*Assist with audit schedules as required by partners and external auditors.
*Being conversant at all times with the liquidity position of the organisation’s different programs and accounts.
*Any other tasks as maybe assigned by the Director

The incumbent together with the Director shall be the custodian of the organization’s Finance and Administration Policies and ensuring sound corporate governance within the organization.

Qualifications and skills:

*Minimum of a Degree in Accounting or related fields
*Basic knowledge of accounting packages
*Previous experience in development work
*Good communication skills
*Strong organizing, planning and management skills
*Computer proficiency

If you meet the above criteria, please forward your current CV and relevant certificates via e-mail to hr.iywd2011 [at] gmail [dot] com or alternatively submit hard copies to Institute for Young Women Development, 9 Matuka Building, Chenjerai Hunzvi Street, Bindura.

Child Protection Officer: United Nations Children’s Fund
Deadline: 11 September 2011

Vacancy Notice No. 2011:23
NO-B Level based in Harare

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 post

The successful candidate will be reporting to the Child Protection Specialist and will be accountable for technical contribution to project design, planning, administration, monitoring and evaluation of the Child Protection programme activities. This includes data analysis, progress reporting and capacity building in support of achievement of planned objectives of the work plan aligned with the country programme goals and strategy. The role requires ensuring availability of accurate, complete and up to date information required for effective Child Protection programme and drafting sound Child Protection programme budgets. The candidate will be required to ensure the appropriateness of financial, administrative and supply documentation, verify that Child Protection project expenditures are within allotments and that data is consistent with the project information.

He or she will also be responsible for compiling Child Protection project implementation training and orientation materials to promote knowledge sharing with donors and media. The candidate will collaborate with local counterparts to exchange information on Child Protection project implementation and status as well as movement and distribution of supplies. This also includes coordinating with members of the development community and bilateral agencies in the exchange of information relating to Child Protection sector.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience Required

-Advanced University Degree in Social Sciences, law, child development or a related field.
-At least 2 years of professional work experience in the UN or other international development organization/ private sector, national government or fieldwork experience.
-Demonstrated analytical ability, and the capacity to develop strategies while working under pressure.
-Good project management and coordination skills.

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 letter together with resume quoting vacancy notice number to the following address.

HR Specialist
(Vacancy Notice No. Zim2011/23)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue,
P O Box 1250
Belgravia, Harare

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

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.


Child Protection Specialist: United Nations Children’s Fund
Deadline: 11 September 2011

Vacancy Notice No. 2011:24
NO-C Level based in Harare

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 post

A unique opportunity has arisen for a qualified and experienced individual who will have ample scope to directly impact women’s and children’s rights in Zimbabwe The successful candidate will be reporting to the Child Protection Specialist and accountable for effective engagement in child sensitive social protection policy and programme dialogue with the Government including the development of a social protection policy framework that is child and HIV/AIDS sensitive. This also includes implementing a national child-sensitive social protection programme of social cash transfers to the poorest and most vulnerable children and households.

Key result areas for this post include:

-Manage external baselines and follow up surveys to collect data on the efficiency, effectiveness and impact of the cash transfer programme under the NAP for OVC II.
-Monitoring state budget resources for social protection.
-Conduct routine output monitoring linked to the cash transfer programme under the NAP for OVC II together with relevant stakeholders.
-Support Government to implement a national case management system linked to the delivery of social cash to enable children affected by violence, exploitation and abuse and in receipt of social cash transfers, are effectively referred and followed up in line with national and international child protection standards.
-Ensures that the social protection efforts facilitate policy dialogue, planning, supervision, technical advice, management, training, research and support; and that the monitoring and evaluation component strengthens monitoring and evaluation of the social protection and child protection sectors.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience Required:

-Advanced University Degree in Social Sciences, law, child development or a related field.
-At least five years of professional work experience in the UN or other international development organization/ private sector, national government or fieldwork experience.
-Fieldwork experience in social protection of at least 3 years.
-Demonstrated analytical ability, and the capacity to develop strategies while working under pressure.
-Specific programming expertise related to child and/or social protection an asset.
-Good project management and coordination skills.

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 letter together with resume quoting vacancy notice number to the following address.

HR Specialist
(Vacancy Notice No. Zim2011/24)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue
P O Box 1250
Belgravia, Harare

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

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Essential Drugs Officer: United Nations Children’s Fund
Deadline: 11 September 2011

Vacancy Notice No. 2011:21
NO-B Level based in Harare

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 post

The successful candidate will report to the Essential Drugs Specialist and will be responsible for the provision of effective and efficient programmatic support by the UNICEF Harare office to procurement of all health related commodities and equipment. He or she will be responsible for effective planning, procurement, distribution, and inventory management of UNICEF’s Health supplies, in support of the Country Programmes and operations. The role involves provision of technical support in preparation of appropriate documents, and input on specifications and supply & logistics arrangements.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the preparation and compilation of the supply status reports required for donor reports, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports and appeals. This includes supporting UNICEF as well as Government capacity-building in order to enhance efficient, effective and timely supply delivery, plan, design and conduct training for UNICEF’s counterparts in supply management, distribution and inventory of supplies and equipment in order to improve programme implementation.

The role also entails the effective procurement at local, regional and or offshore of health and nutrition commodities, with a goal to attain lowest cost without sacrificing quality as applicable. The incumbent will undertake field visits to project sites and monitor inventory and supply inputs and proposes corrective actions to improve logistical procedures and enhance programme implementation.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience Required:

-Advanced University Degree in public health, public administration, logistics, pharmacy, or related field.
-At least 2 years of professional work experience in the UN or other international development organization/ private sector, national government or fieldwork experience.
-Work experience in SWAP SWAP framework and arrangements for procurement services and supply chain management.
-Demonstrated analytical ability, and the capacity to develop strategies while working under pressure.
-Good project management and coordination skills.

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. Zim2011/21)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue,
P O Box 1250
Belgravia, Harare

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

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.


WASH Officer – Emergency & Logistics: United Nations Children’s Fund
Deadline: 11 September 2011

Vacancy Notice No. 2011:18
NO-B Level based in Harare

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 post

The successful candidate will report to the WASH Manager, and will be accountable for 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.

The candidate will ensure the availability of accurate information required for effective WASH programme design, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation. This includes drafting programme budgets inclusive of concrete steps to enhance emergency preparedness and response.

The role also requires enhancing programme efficiency and effectiveness through evidence base approach & implementation follow-ups, including monitoring UNICEF inputs, flow of supply and non-supply and emergency assistance. The person will analyze collected data and information and prepare progress reports, drafting any changes in WASH project work plans assisting in resource identification and allocation. S/he will ensure the appropriateness of financial, administrative and supply documentation and verify that WASH programme expenditures are within allotments.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience Required:

-Advanced university degree in following disciplines: Public Health, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geology, Hydrology, Sanitation Engineering, or a field relevant to international WASH related development assistance.
-Additional training in Health Education or Communication for development would be an asset.
-Two years of relevant professional work experience in the UN or other international development organization, private sector, national government or fieldwork experience.
-Background/familiarity with Emergency preparedness and response (IASC Cluster approach).

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. Zim2011/18)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue,
P O Box 1250
Belgravia, Harare

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

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

WASH Officer – Emergency & Recovery: United Nations Children’s Fund
Deadline: 11 September 2011

Vacancy Notice No. 2011:19
(NO-B) Level based in Harare

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 post

The successful candidate will report to the WASH Manager, and will be accountable for 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.

The candidate will ensure the availability of accurate information required for effective WASH programme design, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation. This includes drafting programme budgets inclusive of concrete steps to enhance emergency preparedness and response.

The role also requires enhancing programme efficiency and effectiveness through evidence base approach & implementation follow-ups, including monitoring UNICEF inputs, flow of supply and non-supply and emergency assistance. The person will analyze collected data and information and prepare progress reports, drafting any changes in WASH project work plans assisting in resource identification and allocation. S/he will ensure the appropriateness of financial, administrative and supply documentation and verify that WASH programme expenditures are within allotments.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience Required:

-Advanced university degree in following disciplines: Public Health, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geology, Hydrology, Sanitation Engineering, or a field relevant to international WASH related development assistance.
-Additional training in Health Education or Communication for development, an asset.
-Two years of relevant professional work experience in the UN or other international development organization, private sector, national government or fieldwork experience.
-Background/familiarity with Emergency preparedness and response (IASC Cluster approach).

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. Zim2011/19)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue,
P O Box 1250
Belgravia, Harare

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

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Programme Funding Officer, Southern Africa: Christian Aid
Deadline: 15 September 2011 (4pm)

We are working with partners across Central and Southern Africa on programmes that are addressing a range of issues, from conflict and governance to food insecurity and HIV. You’ll lead the funding work for all of these sectors.

This will involve getting a real grassroots understanding of our work, identifying potential donors, preparing funding applications and managing a range of complex technical and financial reporting. You’ll spend time with programme teams across the region to develop your knowledge of priority areas, which will mean travelling regularly across the region for up to 30 days a year. It will then be down to you to translate that into successful proposals that improve the funding capacity of our NGO partners and country offices. We’ll expect you to identify funding opportunities for this region with institutional donors and governments and build the kind of positive relationships that will enable you to leverage those opportunities.

It’s essential that you are fluent in written and spoken English and have experience of preparing reports and proposals for donors such as the EC, ECHO, DFID and UN. We’ll expect you to demonstrate a proven success at securing funds as well as experience of narrative and financial reporting. Your background will have given you a real understanding of development issues and chances are you’ll also have a relevant degree and some field experience in high-risk, high-security contexts. On top of your excellent communication and presentation skills, you’ll be highly numerate and have a real analytical ability. You’ll be the kind of person who has the knowledge, qualities and skills to be a real influence on this area and someone who’s a great addition to any team.

More than half the world lives in poverty. We aim to put a stop to that. So we campaign against the inequalities that keep people poor and we work with local organisations to give people strength to find their own solutions to the problems they face, irrespective of their religion. If you’re as determined as we are to end poverty and injustice across the world, work with us to make change happen.

Find out more

No water, no electricity for Chitungwiza

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Monday, September 5th, 2011 by Lenard Kamwendo

People queuing for water, and carts carrying firewood, are now an everyday sight in the town of Chitungwiza. Chitungwiza gets the bulk of its water supply from the City of Harare but with the recent erratic water supply experienced by the capital city, a negative and severe impact can now be felt by the residents of Chitungwiza. Clean water, which is a basic necessity for everyone, is now a luxury for some residents. People have had to resort to digging shallow wells after going for weeks, if not months, without running water.  Residents now fear that the cholera pandemic, which caused havoc in 2008, is set to come back if the city fathers of Chitungwiza take their time getting their act together to resolve their differences with the City of Harare. To ease the burden a bit, UNICEF in conjunction with some NGOs, managed to drill a few boreholes in the town but since the demand for water has risen sharply, only a few can access clean water from the water-points.

To make matters worse, the pathetic electricity supply from Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority has created a scenario, which leaves one wondering if Chitungwiza is a town or rural area. Residents now resort to using firewood. Others, who can afford it, use gas or paraffin. Customer satisfaction from ZESA is now a thing of the past as residents only get electricity supply during the night or for less than 8 hours per day. No explanation or apologies for the inconvenience caused is given and the only thank you residents get is disconnection for non-payment and tariff hikes. During the Zim dollar era Chitungwiza Town Council and ZESA used to hide behind the forex shortage to cover up for their service delivery shortcomings. However now that forex is in abundance, clear signs of incompetence and poor administration are evident.