So, they are at it again, the capitalist n*ggers [apologies to Chika Onyeani, author of the book by the same name], wearing black empowerment caps but having nefarious self-aggrandising hearts. Someone Tweeted the other day about how Robert Mugabe inspired the spirit of hard work in Zimbabwe, but the twit neglected to mention it is economic mismanagement that inspired the so-called hard work that has earned and turned many into veritable entrepreneurs. We all know that there is nothing like “hard work pays” in Zimbabwe, you just have to listen to the stories of the few men and women still in formal employment who have locked up managers, beaten up company executives because of the unpaid hard work they put in but at the end of the month take mouthfuls home empty promises. It is no wonder then that when you talk to anyone, virtually all poor Zimbabweans have dreams about waking up in the morning with stupendous wealth, and this is writ large when you follow the dogfight emerging from the black empowerment band wagon. Argghh, the pomposity with which some of these capitalist n*ggers speaketh.

You just have to recall the visit to the United States a few months ago where the empowerment crusade was taken, and you could see this former journalist dude speaking as if he had all the answers about anything, yet today a firebrand jailbird is giving it to him claiming missing dosh, thanks to these unsanctioned foreign jaunts. It was US acting President Ronald Regean [he was a former actor you see] whose wisecracks have become stuff of legend who quipped, “Hard work never killed anyone, but I figure, why take the chance.” Exactly. No hard work, just claim your economic birth right as a black Zimbabwean and you got it made. It will be recalled the “deposed” AAG president said it loud and proud that Zimbabwean folks gotta strike now for the indigenisation drive will not last forever, “don’t say we will come home to invest when thing are all right, the time is now,” the Muezzin bellowed from the roof tops. Everyone has come to know all claims to black empowerment in the name of spread wealth to the poor is nothing but a smokescreen for government officials and their associates to strip the land of its wealth. You just have to look at the community trusts created in mining areas that have been riddled with controversy as government officials fall over each other depriving toothless grannies of at their right to tea with milk and bread with butter in their twilight years. And what do you know, these are the same people who still insist it is these same grannies who will vote for them in the next election! Upfumi kuvhanu, perhaps the worst misnomer to emerge in Zimbabwe’s post-independence discourse.

Visitors would come three times a day after every meal. They would come by the dozen and I would wait eagerly for them. I would sit with them, thoroughly enjoying their company. I spent long hours with them, and yet did not get bored. They would come and give us hope that life had not come to a halt. Every time I saw them, I felt comfortable. They walked so quickly that the guards didn’t know they were there, otherwise they would be eliminated.

I am talking about the wonderful nation of ants. These beautiful creatures would visit me in my steel prison, bringing hope and life. I secretly saved food for them in a corner. If the guards saw them they would either spray them with pesticide or crush them beneath their military boots. I would get angry, and shout at them, “Do not the ants have a right to life? They do not trouble you so why do you have to kill them?’ When the soldiers found out that we fed the ants, they punished us by cutting our rations. That didn’t stop me from keeping ants in my cell. I observed them and studied their way of life every day.

I would sometimes leave them a peanut, whenever available. I spilt the beans into halves and left each half on the floor with the flat side down. The ants would come and eat the entire bean from the inside leaving the skin as it had been left for them. If you saw it you wouldn’t know that the inside had been eaten until you turned it over to find it empty. I found it amusing. Whenever I put food in the corner, one of the ants would come to search. If it found food it would return to its friends and inform them, and show them the way. The ants all varied in the contribution to the work; some carried small pieces, and others carried pieces bigger than themselves back to their homes. I didn’t know that ants drank before, but now I would save them a few drops of sweet tea, which they would drink until they swelled up.

When the ants came to visit, life would creep back into my dead cell. I would feel hope instead of despair. Their presence in my company, however, was not free of danger, as the soldiers would come to inspect the cells, so I always feared for them. Before inspections I would blow towards them, which made them disperse, while I got rid of the food. They soon became accustomed to this puff of air, which became their warning signal, so that each time they felt it they realized danger was close and ran away. When the soldiers would return me back to my cell after the search, the first thing I would look for were ant bodies. When I didn’t find any I felt relieved, knowing that the ants had safely escaped.

- Ahmed Errachidi

[Ahmed Errachidi was held in extrajudicial detention in the US Guatanamo Bay detainment camps in Cuba for five years until his release in 2007. This piece is an excerpt from his memoir, A Handful of Walnuts will be published by Chatto & Windus in 2012. The excerpt was published in Granta.]

There is nothing worse than a leader without backbone. If Mr Tsvangirai had hoped to go down in the annals of history as a defender of freedom, protector of human rights or as his books and publishers seem to indicate: that guy who finally defeated the Moo-gah-bee regime, he should aspire to lesser goals.

BBC NEWS Africa reports: Zimbabwe’s PM Morgan Tsvangirai in gay rights U-turn. Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has reversed his position on gay rights, saying he now wants them enshrined in a new constitution. He told the BBC that gay rights were a “human right” that conservative Zimbabweans should respect.

Yet last year the very same PM of Zimbabwe, who has been described ‘as a courageous and indefatigable symbol of resistance in the face of brutal repression’ declared that he agreed with Our Dear Leader’s position on the issue, and would not support the rights of LGBTI persons being enshrined in the Constitution.

What kind of leader completely changes position on something so crucial to the lives of thousands of Zimbabweans as their right to practice their sexuality as they see fit?

There is nothing courageous about finally being a part of government and doing nothing to change the laws, then worse, joining the other side in persecuting that minority. And there is nothing admirable about using the pain and suffering of people who have been persecuted by the government that is supposed to protect them to pander to Western media.

Read the GALZ statement here

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.

Assistant Finance & Administration Officer: Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe

6 months contract, Harare

Job summary
Reporting to the Finance and Administration Officer, the job holder will be responsible for assisting the Finance & Administration Officer with the following duties:

* Production of accurate financial reports,
* Capturing accounting transactions timely and accurately;
* Banking
* Maintenance of asset register and other inventory records
* Payroll administration and filing of all the organization’s financial and administrative records,
* Formulation of procedures manuals for the department
* Any other duties as delegated by the Finance and Administration Officer which do not conflict with the duties outlined above.

Qualifications and experience
* A Degree in Accounting /Finance/ Business Studies, Treasury Management, CIS or equivalent qualification
* 5 “O” levels including Mathematics and English Language
* Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar role in an NGO environment
* Proficient in Pastel and MS Office tools
* Excellent interpersonal skills

Age
The applicant must be between 21 and 30 years of age.

Prospective candidates should email their CVs with 2 contactable references to zimscm [at] yahoo [dot] co [dot] uk No phone calls will be entertained.

Project Driver
Deadline: 27 October 2011

Nathan Associates is beginning 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 Project Driver. This position will begin in early to mid November.

Responsibilities
* Drive project vehicle daily as assigned and/or pre-approved by supervisor, including shuttle services for project team members and visiting consultants; scheduled field trips; project-related transportation within Harare; and other driving assignments as required. This task may include weekend or overnight assignments, for which overtime will be paid
* Maintain a written log book, which must be kept with the vehicle. The log book must include all of the following information:
-For each trip, the starting/ending odometer readings, miles/kilometers driven, purpose, date, authorizing personnel.
­For each fill-up of petrol or oil, the amount in liters, the cost, the date and the mileage
­For each service or maintenance activity or replacement of parts, the date, the cost, the purpose, and the supplier.
-The identification number for any vehicle parts that bear such information.
* Maintain assigned vehicles in very clean condition, inside and outside, including regular maintenance servicing
* Initiate and supervise any repairs required on project vehicle with Project Manager’s approval;
* Ensure passenger safety by obeying traffic laws and driving carefully and be accountable personally for any traffic violation fines caused due to reckless driving
* Deliver documents and correspondence as assigned and undertake errands and tasks to support daily office operations
* Assist office staff to inventory office equipment and furniture, including movement of furniture and equipment, affixing inventory labels and seals, and listing of serial numbers
* Assist office staff with tasks such as photocopying or sorting of papers, when not otherwise busy
* Other related duties as requested by the Project Manager, the Chief of Party, or their designee

Deliverables
To be determined by each task, and as requested by the SERA Project Manager or Chief of Party.

Qualifications / requirements
* Prior USAID project experience
* A valid driver’s license
* A good driving record
* Proof (certificate) of having completed a defensive driving training course
* Understanding of the basics of auto mechanics
* A minimum of primary school completion, full literacy and numeracy.
* Good physical health
* Availability for overtime work if required
* Ability to communicate effectively in English

Application:
To apply for this position, please email your CV to nathanhr [at] nathaninc [dot] com with “SERA Project Driver” in the subject line to ensure consideration.

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

Office Assistant/ Receptionist
Deadline: 28 October 2011

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

Requirements
-Diploma/Certificate in office management/ secretarial studies
-Relevant skills in typing and data base management
-Experience in MS Word, Excel and other Windows based software
-Ability to read and comprehend basic instructions
-A minimum of 2 years experience in the development sector
-Ability to work under minimum supervision
-Professionalism.

Responsibilities
-Answer phone calls
-Coordinate communication
-Type and prepare documents
-Input data and update files
-Maintain the supply of the office requirements
-Send mails and info as requested
-Receive messages for the organisation

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.

Applications to be submitted to:
Admin and HR
No. 1 Wembley Crescent, Eastlea
Harare

Or email: cadsproject [at] cads [dot] org [dot] zw or cadshr [at] cads [dot] org [dot] zw

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

Regional Programme Specialist – Economic Security and Rights: UN Women
Deadline: 28 October 2011

The United Nations Development Fund for Women and the Indian Ocean Islands seek to appoint a Regional Programme Specialist – Economic Security and Rights, based in Johannesburg.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Regional Program Director, Regional Programme Specialist provides leadership in execution of programmes in the region and keeping up-to-date with new developments in UN WOMEN core areas of work by participating in national and regional workshops as well as establishing and maintaining consultations with counterparts, implementing agencies, women’s organisations and multilateral donor representations to ensure proper implementation of projects.

Regional Programme Specialist provides technical support to United Nations Country Offices on gender mainstreaming.

Key functions
Foster integrated, inter-agency support, information collections/analysis and providing technical programming capacity to country teams for implementation on gender related issues:
-Provide support to the United Nations Country Team Gender Theme Groups on knowledge management, capacity building, joint planning and monitoring and evaluation
-Provide support, oversight and quality assurance on Common Country Assessments/United Nations Development Assistance Frameworks (UNDAFs) process, poverty reduction strategies, non-market economy policies and gender, National Development Plans and Millennium Development Goals
-Managing/coordinating UN relationships with external stakeholder and governmental bodies
-Manage the ongoing projects in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands
-Manage the ongoing programmes in Southern Africa (Economic Security and Rights)
-Assess the implication of UN reforms on women’s rights and supporting country teams in their effective implementation
-Assist in the conceptualisation, design and development of programmes

Supervisory responsibilities
-Provide a supervisory role to Programme Officers

Education
-Master’s degree in international development, public administration, business administration, public policy or other related relevant social science

Experience
-7 years of relevant experience in development in a governmental, multilateral or civil society organisation in a multi-cultural setting
-3 or more years of senior level management responsibilities of similar size and complexity

Travel
-Must be willing to travel nationally, in the region and internationally when required

Language requirements
-Fluency in English. Portuguese and French an added advantage

Salary: Pegged at the UN in South Africa NOC level.

Applications may be sent by email to the following email address: redawaan.hendricks@unwomen.org

Please indicate on the subject, the name of the vacancy.

Social & Economic Analysis Officer: United Nations Children’s Fund
Deadline: 31 October 2011

Vacancy Notice No.Zim/2011:41
NOA Level (Fixed Term Post)

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world’s leading children’s rights organization would like to hear from you. For 60 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children’s survival, protection and development. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS.

The successful candidate will be responsible for analytical reporting on determinants of access to social services of the most vulnerable children and accountable for effective engagement in social policy dialogue with the Government for programme development. This involves carrying out economic and statistical analysis of data on children’s survival, development, protection and participation rights, preparing statistical outputs and supporting documentation for analytical reports; advocating for increased public resource allocation and budgeting towards the social sector and sustainable decentralization and equitable access to social services.

-Ensure constructive dialogue and partnerships are established between international and local social policy stakeholders for effective provision of a protective environment for the most vulnerable children
-Support advocacy for decentralization and universal coverage of essential services through effective monitoring of state budgeting, spending patterns and decentralization status of social services
-Contribute to establishment of effective partnerships with the Government and other agencies to enable sustained and proactive commitment to the Convention of the Rights of the Child and the Millennium Development Goals for continuing worldwide progress of the UNICEF mission
-Contribute to advocacy activities and to defining, updating and upgrading policies in statistical capacity building, and provide technical services in support of programme/project implementation so as to ensure programme/project effectiveness and the sustainability of statistical capacity building actions and impact
-Ensure the accurate and timely input of programme information in computerized programme system and issuance of status reports for monitoring and evaluation purposes
-Participate in methodological work concerning the development of statistical methods and standards for the collection and analysis of statistics related to the Country Programme of Cooperation

Qualifications and Competencies

-University degree, preferably advanced degree in social sciences, International relations, Economics, demography, statistics or related technical field
-Specialized training in data management and analysis, or equivalent knowledge and expertise gained on the job. Competence in managing databases using software such as SPSS and SAS in conducting basic analysis (tables, graphs) using statistical computer packages is critical
-At least two years’ working experience with hands-on data management and analysis of cross-cutting data at the national level
-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 letter and curriculum vitae quoting vacancy notice number to the following address.

HR Specialist
(Vacancy Notice: Zim-2011:41)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue,
P O Box 1250
Belgravia, Harare

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

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Deputy Director: Southern Africa Resource Watch
Deadline: 31 October 2011

The Southern Africa Resource Watch (SARW) is a project of the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA). SARW’s objective is to strengthen natural resources governance in Southern Africa, promote revenue transparency, foster community participation, and monitor companies’ extraction activities to ensure that they respect environmental requirements and human rights. It does so, inter alia, through research and monitoring, advocacy and capacity building (training). SARW operates in 10 countries.

Purpose of the position
Established in 2005, SARW has grown in staffing and capacity over the last five years. With a significant research output, and increasing demands at the community level, SARW requires a Deputy Director (DD) who can provide strategic oversight and support to the Project’s work as it seeks to implement its SARW regional strategic plan. The Deputy Director should have strong management experience and be able to supervise a small team of professional staff scattered across the southern Africa region. The position also requires solid technical competency in understanding the policy and regulatory dimensions of the extractive sector, either from a private sector perspective or from the NGO sector. Based in Johannesburg, the Deputy Director will also possess strong networks in the private sector, with several state actors in the southern Africa region, and in the NGO sector. The Deputy Director will also possess strong writing skills and be able to edit the work of staff members and partner organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities
The DD will support the Director in the implementation of institutional strategies, policies, and plans; ensure that projects are monitored and evaluated and that there are proper planning processes, periodic reports and fluid communication. The DD will play a supportive role in fundraising for the Program and accountability to donors. This position is based in Johannesburg, with frequent travel to other countries in Southern Africa and outside the region.

Applicants must hold a minimum of a Masters degree in a related discipline, a minimum of 6-8 years of experience at senior management level with demonstrable leadership and people management skills. Experience in working for a funding agency, bilateral institution or regional/international multilateral institution is preferred. Applicants must be fluent in spoken and written English. Fluency in an African language of the region, as well as in French and/or Portuguese is desirable and must possess competency in Microsoft Word, Powerpoint; and other ICTs in relation to efficient organisational functioning.

An attractive remuneration package, commensurate with experience applies. The job is offered on a two-year (renewable) contract.

Interested applicants should forward a letter of interest and a detailed CV to: (Ms) Prava Singh Head of Human Resources Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) humanresources [at] osisa [dot] org

Only short listed candidates will receive a response from OSISA. OSISA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Programme Officer – Health: GOAL
Deadline: 4 November 2011

Location: Harare Country Office with regular travel to field sites

General description of the role: The Programme Officer is responsible for monitoring implementation of Health grants aimed at improving health care delivery systems at primary and secondary levels of care.

Qualifications and skills
-Degree in health related field with extensive management experience in primary health care
-Proven capacity in health programme management (implementation, monitoring, evaluation) including budget management
-Able to establish strong collaboration with the local authorities, partners, donors at national level
-Experience in PHC/health programmes in management/co-ordination position
-Experience in HIV nutrition programming also desirable
-Broad experience in liaising with other organisations and government organisations
-Fluent in spoken and written English
-Report/proposal writing skills is an added advantage
-Computer proficiency in Microsoft products

Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Only candidates meeting the criteria will be called for an interview. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and CV with names and addresses of contactable referees and certified copies of certificates. Please indicate the post applied for on the application envelope and submit no later then 4th November 2011.

The HR Co-ordinator
GOAL Zimbabwe
3 Lezard Avenue
Milton Park, Harare

Or

PO Box 4370
Harare

Co-ordinator – EVERY ONE Campaign: Save the Children
Deadline: 4 November 2011

The EVERY ONE Campaign Co-ordinator will lead the implementation of our Newborn and Child Survival campaigning strategy to build support for the issue and change policies and practice in order to meet Millennium Development Goal 4 in Zimbabwe by 2015.

Main duties and responsibilities
-Project manage effective internal and external cross-organizational working on the campaign, ensuring clear accountabilities are agreed
-Ensure maximum visibility of the campaign both amongst staff within Save the Children and externally and actively promote media coverage of the key issues in the campaign both within Zimbabwe and internationally
-Ensure the monitoring, evaluation and documentation of campaign activity, communicating findings to key stakeholders to promote continuous learning and maximize contribution to the global campaign
-Ensure Save the Children staff in Zimbabwe are also able to implement and advocate for EVRY ONE Campaign through communication of activities, agreement of clear roles and responsibilities and capacity building
-Monitor national policies, strategies and other initiatives and developments by government and other stakeholders relating to newborn and child survival and related issues
-Develop strong civil society engagement in the campaign by networking and working closely with partners and key stakeholders, including children and young people to deliver campaign objectives, building their capacity to participate fully in the campaign
-Identify opportunities to develop proposals for new campaign based programming, mobilizing additional resource to support the ongoing development and expansion of the campaign

Key competence
-A first degree in Social Sciences, Media Studies, Health Education and Promotion or related field
-Familiarity with maternal, new born and child survival issues in Zimbabwe
-At least 3 years’ experience of developing and managing effective popular campaigns that engage a variety of stakeholders
-Demonstrable ability to develop effective campaign strategies, including understanding and delivery of a broad range of campaign tactics that engage civil society groups and the general public
-Proven ability to manage projects, and budget management experience will be an advantage
-An understanding of media and opportunities provided by different media
-Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrable ability to lead and work in a team environment

A detailed job description will be given to applicants before the interview.

The applications should be clearly marked ‘EVERY ONE CAMPAIGN CO-ORDINATOR’ and submitted to The Country Director, Save the children, 221 Fife Ave, Harare or email to recruit [at] savethechildrenzw [dot] org

Outstanding CEO for Good Governance Africa (GGA)
Deadline: 14 November 2011

Good Governance Africa (GGA) is a new entity dedicated to promoting good governance across the continent. It aims to become an authoritative voice on governance in Africa, to provide the nucleus for an expanding network of alike-minded regional centres, to strengthen the positive trends evident in many African states, and to help bring about economic growth and sustainable development based on democratic and accountable governance and respect for the rule of law.

GGA is looking for a CEO of outstanding ability, drive, and integrity to lead it in its endeavours to promote good governance in Africa.

Responsibilities
-Promote good governance across the continent, with a focus on the Southern African region
-Establish a network of individuals and organisations with relevant expertise
-Monitor key events across Africa
-Compile and distribute publications
-Maintain regular liaison with the media
-Arrange, lead and attend conference
-Prepare and control budgets
-Liaise with donors

Qualifications

-Relevant tertiary qualifications
-Excellent leadership, communication and liaison skills
-Superior writing and editing abilities
-Knowledge of relevant events and challenges in Africa
-Good networks
-Computer literacy
-Basic financial management skills
-Administrative skills
-Knowledge of French, Portuguese, or Arabic useful but not essential

Commencement, location and package
-The job will preferably commence on 1st January 2012
-The CEO will be based in Johannesburg but will need to travel elsewhere in Africa at times
-A package commensurate with the responsibilities of the post will be negotiated

Procedure
Email a one-page letter of application explaining why the position interests you and what particular strengths you can bring to the job. Attach your full contact details, a detailed CV, and contact details of three people able to testify to your suitability for this position. Please address these documents to: info [at] goodgovernanceafrica [dot] org

If you have not been contacted within 30 days of the closing date, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.