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Archive for October, 2011

Police Stories: What is proper procedure for spot fines anyway?

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Tuesday, October 11th, 2011 by Upenyu Makoni-Muchemwa

I’m beginning to think that my car is a magnet for attracting spot fine roadblocks. I was stopped again at a roadblock this morning. From previous experience I was semi prepared for another sit-in.

This morning’s police officer was nicer, but used the same threats. He asked for my driver’s license and then inspected my car. Finding a faded rear reflector (pictured above) the officer told me I would have to pay a $10 spot fine.

I told him I had no money and could not pay there and then, but was happy to be given a ticket to pay later.

The officer told me that they would take my car to the nearest VID, insisted that the spot fine had to be paid immediately, and told me to call someone. Another officer even came by and told me to call someone to bring the money for the fine.

I refused and told him again to give me a ticket. Finally, the officer took down my car’s license plate number and my name, and told me to replace my reflector.

Later, I spoke with Superintendent Andrew Phiri at Zimbabwe Republic Police General Headquarters who clarified what is supposed to happen when you are stopped at a roadblock and asked to pay a fine.

When you have been stopped by the police at a roadblock and you are found to be without a driver’s license, proper registration or any other fineable offense you have two options:

The first is to pay the spot fine the second is to be given a ticket.

If you pay the spot fine you are to be given a green form, which is your receipt. The green form is an admission of guilt form no: Z69J.

If you disagree or refuse to pay the fine, you may appear in court to contest.  The police at the roadblock should give you a white form no: 265. The form will give you the court date on which you are to appear in court. The court date is set for between 7 and 14 days after the date of issue of the form. You may also pay the fine on or before this date.

If you do not have your driver’s license you should be issued a ‘production form’ and you have seven days to take your driver’s license to the nearest police station, where upon the ticket will be cancelled.

Police at roadblocks may use their discretion in issuing tickets and giving cautions.

If you are threatened with having your car impounded or taken to VID this is a scare tactic to make you pay the fine. The police are not legally enabled to do so.

Freebies for all

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Tuesday, October 11th, 2011 by Natasha Msonza

Parallels can be drawn between the 1997 cash payouts to the war veterans and the recent disbursement of ‘youth development funds’ to the youth in Zimbabwe. The objectives of both programmes were to ‘economically empower’ ordinary citizens. While the war veteran payouts were just that, the YDF loans to the ‘youth’ are actually expected to be returned at some point. Under pressure from war veterans demanding payment for their role in the liberation struggle, President Robert Mugabe ordered unbudgeted payouts of 50,000 to each. The local dollar subsequently fell 71.5 percent against the greenback while the stock market crashed by 46 percent as investors rushed for the US dollar.

These unplanned payouts to war veterans went down the annals of history as the event that marked the beginning of the collapse of the country’s economy.

The ‘loans’ recently awarded to selected ‘youth’ in Zimbabwe may not accomplish glory of a similar magnitude, but what may follow can be anyone’s guess.

In the spirit of economically empowering the youth in Zimbabwe, the government – through the Ministry of Indigenisation and Empowerment – availed funds to be used in bettering the lives of youth through income generating projects. The funds are being managed through CBZ Bank, and insurance giant Old Mutual is part of a $10 million grant deal to the YDF. It is a big wonder what made the company agree to such an arrangement which stands to undermine its financial position. When companies like Old Mutual start to simply give away their net worth as gifts, we should get worried. But perhaps it is a clever way to escape the 51% remission guillotine.

In the YDF programme, there is no recovery plan, no obligation, and no collateral – just “young people who have benefited from the facility are encouraged to pay back the loans so that the funds can be extended to other eligible youth in revolving mode”. Are you kidding? So the 800+ lucky ‘youth’ whose names were published in recent press releases as beneficiaries are expected to create thriving businesses that will in the short term make profits from which the loans will then be paid back so that others can benefit.

There is no stipulated timeline by which the loans should be returned, so technically these are indefinite loans. There are just too many holes in this programme. As economist Erich Bloch would say it; the indigenization issue is being handled with a “total disregard for all economic fundamentals or principles.”

This could well be a grand scheme by some well placed individuals to throw away populist money and obtain a few kick-backs in the process. Can imagine obscure groups like Upfumi Kuvadiki getting such loans and actually being expected to pay them back, laugh out loud. We are assured that there are no ‘ghosts’ on the beneficiary list. Probably. I personally know someone whose name appeared on that list. To the best of my knowledge and without being judgmental, this person has plans to purchase a residential stand, possesses no entrepreneurial skills and actually got a consultant to develop his business plan that got him the loan. He wouldn’t say exactly how much he is going to get, but he invited me to ‘also apply and stop being jealous and missing out’.

The requirements are that you just fill in a form, submit a business plan, company registration document, identification documents and Bob’s your uncle, literally. You also need to prove that you are ‘legally constituted’ in a partnership; and if you are not, you are expected to ensure this happens within three months after receiving the loan (why bother then?).

Am I missing something here? Or perhaps I am just being jealous? Well, if you can’t beat em join em hey?

This is Zimbabwe.

NGO Job Vacancies in Zimbabwe

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Tuesday, October 11th, 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.

Country Director: International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH)
Deadline: Position open until filled

The International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), a university-based global health organization headquarters in the United States, is seeking a Country Director for our Malawi office. I-TECH’s 700 staff work from 10 country offices worldwide to support the development of a skilled health care work force and well-organized national health delivery systems. In Malawi, I-TECH is working with the MOH and partners to support the national response to the HIV epidemic through treatment, care and strengthened health information systems, and with local academic institutions around pre-service education of health care workers. I-TECH values a rewarding work environment. Staff participate in a culture of mutual respect, high standards, integrity and professional growth, and enjoy competitive benefits.

This high-level leadership position requires:
-Demonstrated expertise in public health and global program management
-Diplomacy and the ability to communicate with local and international staff, leaders form the ministry of health (MOH), government bodies, US-based funders, and implementing partners within and beyond Malawi
-A MD, PhD, or master’s degree in public health, health administration, or a related field
-Five years or more of relevant work experience, preferably including demonstrated leadership in public health with supervision of managers, technical experts and staff.

If you have experience as a leader in global health and would like to join I-TECH in this important work, we look forward to hearing from you! Find out more at www.go2itech.org

Apply online: Requisition #78272. University of Washington (USA). Human Resources Website: http://tiny.cc/rhrr0

Health Coordinators (3) – Chipinge, Mutare & Mutasa: Plan International
Deadline: 14 October 2011

Plan is an international humanitarian, child centred development organisation whose operations in Zimbabwe commenced in 1986.   Plan Zimbabwe is implementing development programs that promote the realisation and fulfilment of children’s rights and alleviation of child poverty in ten districts in the country covering Bulawayo, Chipinge, Chiredzi, Harare (Epworth), Kwekwe, Mutasa, Mutare, Mutoko, Mwenezi and Tsholotsho.  Through these programs, Plan reaches out to over 300 000 people in Zimbabwe annually, particularly children. Plan offers equal opportunity employment to suitably qualified applicants for vacant positions within the organisation.

The Zimbabwe program is seeking services of a suitably qualified candidate to fill this position on renewable 2-year fixed term contract basis.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Program Unit Manager, the job holder will be responsible for facilitating implementation of the Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) program activities in the program unit in accordance with Plan’s grants policies, the grant project proposal, donor requirements and standards for accountability, ensuring that such activities are of the highest quality and of relevance to the local and national context.

Qualifications and experience

-A Diploma in Public Health/Nursing/Medicine
-A minimum of 3 years community development exposure in health programming
-Must have empathy for and ability to work with children
-Initiative and innovative
-Demonstrable experience in project proposal writing
-Excellent report writing and communications skills
-Class 3/4 Driver’s licence
-Ability and willingness to ride a motorbike

Interested candidates who meet the above entry requirements are required to submit a covering letter, a comprehensive CV and details of 2 referees to: zwe.recruitment [at] plan-international [dot] org

Reference & background checks will be performed for successful candidates including clearances on child related offences in conformity with Plan’s Child Protection Policy.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Several (10) positions: Plan International
Deadline: 14 October 2011

1. Program Coordinator (Harare)

Job Summary

To provide technical guidance and facilitation in the development and promotion of child rights programming in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs in order to achieve the PU annual plan.

Qualifications and experience

-A Degree in Social Sciences or Development studies
-A minimum of 3 years community development exposure
-Must have empathy for and ability to work with children
-Demonstrable experience in project proposal & report writing skills
-Good communication skills
-Initiative and innovative
-Class 3/4 Driver’s licence
-Ability and willingness to ride a motorbike

2. Communications Coordinator  (Harare)

Job summary

Reporting to the Communications Manager, the job holder will provide support to conceptualise, design and implement communication strategies & activities for Plan Zimbabwe. This involves writing articles to internal and external audiences; researching, planning and preparing communications for Program Units; articulating communication needs to management and staff; planning of public and media related events.

Qualifications and experience

-A Degree in Communication, Journalism, Mass Communication or Public Relations
-Minimum of 5 years experience in a similar role
-Must have current knowledge of rights based programming
-Strong documentation and presentation skills
-Hands on experience of web publishing and video production
-A team player with high integrity& interpersonal skills
-Good analytical, communication  & problem solving skills
-Proficiency in MS office tools

3. Accountant (Mutare)

Job summary

Reporting to the Country Finance Manager, the job holder shall be responsible for providing timely and reliable financial information; financial reporting and analysis to facilitate effective management decisions; Program Unit (PU) cash and budget management; risk management; internal financial controls enhancement & supervising the PU Finance staff.

Qualifications and experience

-A Degree in Accounting; CIS or equivalent qualification
-At least 5 years experience in a similar role at a supervisory level
-Strong negotiation, facilitation and problem solving skills
-Strong leadership and analytical skills
-Promotes innovation and learning
-Communicates efficiently and effectively
-Proficient in MS Office tools & use of relevant accounting software packages
-Excellent interpersonal skills

4. Assistant Accountant (Mutare)

Job summary

Reporting to the Accountant, the job holder will be responsible for facilitating timely production of accurate financial reports, capturing accounting transactions timely and accurately; disbursement and receipt of cash resources; banking; maintenance of inventory records and filing of financial records.

Qualifications and experience

-A Higher National Diploma in Accounting, CIS or equivalent qualification
-5 “O” levels including Mathematics and English Language
-2 years experience in a similar role in an NGO environment
-Proficient in MS Office tools & use of relevant accounting software packages
-Excellent interpersonal skills

5. National Health Coordinator (Mutare)

Job summary

Reporting to the Health Advisor, the job holder will be responsible for providing overall leadership, technical guidance and coordination in the design, implementation, supervision and evaluation of Plan Zimbabwe’s Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) program activities in Mutare, Mutasa & Chipinge PUs, in accordance with Plan’s grants policies, the grant project proposal, donor requirements and standards for accountability, ensuring that such activities are of the highest quality and of relevance to the local and national context.

Qualifications and experience

-A degree in Public Health/Nursing/Medicine
-A minimum of 5 years community development exposure coordinating health programs
-Ability to work with teams, communicate and coordinate with government departments and other agencies at various levels
-Experience in liaising with donors, government officials, other NGOs, and UN agencies
-Excellent interpersonal, organizational and facilitation skills
-Good knowledge of current health issues, activities and systems
-Strong team building and motivational skills
-Good analytical & report writing skills

6. Monitoring, Evaluation & Research Coordinator (Mutare)

Job Summary

Reporting to the Program Unit Manager, the job holder will be responsible for the provision of technical guidance and facilitation to program staff, partners and communities in the planning, monitoring, evaluation and documentation of the Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) program.

Qualification and experience

-A degree in Social Sciences, Strategic Planning, Development Studies or related discipline
-3 years experience in research and evaluation in the health area
-Experience working with the Ministry of Health will be an added advantage
-Good analytical and report writing skills
-Excellent facilitation and communication skills
-Proficiency in MS office tools which includes MS Access, EPI info, SPSS and other statistical packages
-A valid class 3 or 4 licence and ability and willingness to ride a motor cycle

7-9. Program Facilitator – 3 (Chipinge, Mutare & Mutasa)

Job Summary

Reporting to the Program Unit Manager, the job holder will be responsible for facilitating implementation of the Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) program activities in the program unit in accordance with Plan’s grants policies, the grant project proposal, donor requirements and standards for accountability, ensuring that such activities are of the highest quality and of relevance to the local and national context.

Qualifications and experience

-A Diploma in Public Health/Nursing/Medicine
-A minimum of 3 years community development exposure in health programming
-Must have empathy for and ability to work with children
-Initiative and innovative
-Demonstrable experience in project proposal writing
-Excellent report writing and communications skills
-Class 3/4 Driver’s licence
-Ability and willingness to ride a motorbike

10. Program Facilitator (Chipinge)

Job summary

Reporting to the Program Unit Manager, the job holder will be responsible for the facilitating development work and production of Building Relationship communications in the assigned area; establishing good working relations with development stakeholders at ward and village levels.

Qualifications and experience

-A Degree/Diploma in Social Sciences, Social Work or Development Studies
-At least 3 years experience in a similar role in an NGO environment
-Excellent communication and problem solving skills
-Good teamwork and interpersonal skills
-Good facilitation and negotiation skills
-Proficiency in MS office tools
-A Class 3 or 4 Driver’s licence
-Ability and willingness to ride a motorbike

Interested candidates who meet the above entry requirements are required to submit a covering letter, a comprehensive CV and details of 2 referees to: zwe.recruitment [at] plan-international [dot] org

Reference & background checks will be performed for successful candidates including clearances on child related offences in conformity with Plan’s Child Protection Policy.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Assistant Programme Manager (APM): Human Rights and Democracy Building Programme: OSISA
Deadline: 21 October 2011

The Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) is a growing African institution committed to deepening democracy and human rights in southern Africa. With a staff of over 50 employees, and a mandate that includes operating in ten countries in the region, including four that are in crisis and/or transition from conflict, OSISA requires an individual who is able to operate in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating superior leadership skills and an ability to multi-task.

To that end OSISA is seeking to recruit an Assistant Programme Manager (APM) who, under the supervision of the Programme Manager, will assist in the development and implementation of the Human Rights and Democracy Building Programme (HRDB) strategy and work plans across the Southern African region. In addition to spearheading work and strategies for human rights promotion and protection, the APM will also be involved in initiating, assessing and recommending project proposals for support by the HRDB Programme. The APM will oversee a portfolio of advocacy, capacity building, facilitation and knowledge production grants in furtherance of the strategic objectives of the HRDB Programme. The APM will have direct ongoing monitoring, evaluation and reporting functions over human rights projects including supporting human rights defenders and related initiatives in the region.

A minimum of a Law degree is a pre-requisite. A Masters degree in Human Rights, Development Studies, or another appropriate degree in Humanities will be a distinct advantage. The successful candidate will have at least five (5) years experience in a combination of project/programme management, working knowledge of the African and/or international human rights system and institutions and related litigation. Working experience in a human rights organisation, project management or programme quality development role or management of donor funding will be an added advantage.

The ideal candidate will have creativity and be interested in working in a technical role as part of a team committed to building open and democratic societies in the region.

Ability for independent use of computer packages such as MS Word, Excel, Internet and e-mail is a requirement. The candidate should also be open to innovation and experimentation and have an appreciation of the complex multi-sectoral nature of the response to human rights. Excellent verbal and written communication, research and analytical skills are required. Fluency in written and spoken English is a prerequisite and knowledge of some of the African languages spoken in the region, including knowledge of French and/or Portuguese, is desirable.

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 [at] org

This position may also be viewed at www.osisa.org

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

The Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa is an equal opportunity employer and women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

Executive Director: Africa Educational Trust
Deadline: 21 October 2011

AET, a London based NGO, has developed a strong reputation in providing educational opportunities within Africa and outside, to those who find themselves outside normal governmental provision. In recent years AET has concentrated on delivering appropriate formal and non-formal education in areas of conflict, and in post-conflict situations in East Africa, an expertise that we foresee growing in the next five years.

We seek an experienced, resourceful and creative individual to lead our team and take charity forward, and specifically to secure development of new activities in terms of both programme and funding.

The post will be permanent and London based. Competitive remuneration package.

For a full job description and details about how to apply please refer to the Employment Opportunities section on our website: www.africaeducationaltrust.org

Application deadline: 21st October 2011 (midnight)
Interview dates: 21st and 22nd November 2011

Applicants must have right to work in UK

2 (two) positions with MCHIP
Deadline: 21 October 2011

The Maternal Child Health Integrated Program (MCHIP), a U.S. Agency for International Development (USDAID)-funded technical assistance project, is recruiting for a Finance and Administrative Assistant and a Program Assistant.

1. Finance and Administrative Assistant

The position is a full-time position based in the Harare office and reports to the MCHIP Finance Manager.

Responsibilities

The specific responsibilities for the position are as listed below:
-Manage the Harare Office petty cash fund and make petty cash disbursements
-Prepare payment packages and ensure proper coding and classification of accounting transactions
-Manage the disbursements and accounting of MCHIP Zimbabwe funded workshops, conferences and other activities
-Assist in the preparation of cash requests and financial status reports
-Assist in the preparation of bank, advances and other ledger accounts reconciliations
-Work with the Operations Manager to maintain a current suppliers/vendor list
-File disbursement vouchers and other finance related correspondence and reports
-Provide support to the finance and administration as well as technical teams on a number of ad hoc assignments
-Help staff to uphold and consistently apply MCHIP per diem policy
-Maintain MCHIP financial administrative forms and update/revise as required
-Travel to the field and district office as needed to perform needed F&A tasks and assignments
-Demonstrate and maintain confidentiality in the handling of sensitive JSI accounting, financial management and program information

Qualifications

-A suitable Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business from a reputable university
-A minimum of 2 years relevant working experience in an accounting or business environment
-USAID or other donor associated working environment experience an added advantage
-Ability to work independently and as a team member with diverse staff
-Excellent interpersonal/communications skills
-Excellent computer skills and experience working with MS Office

2. Program Assistant

This position is a full-time position based in the Harare office and reports to the MCHIP Technical Director.

Responsibilities

The specific responsibilities for the position are as listed below:
-Provides general administrative support to technical staff (e.g. photocopying, filing)
-Help organise technical team-led meetings, workshops, trainings and/or other activities
-Help coordinate and track technical activities and the movements of the various technical team members
-Assists with technical team procurement (e.g. prepare proper documentation of quotations, etc.)
-Assists in preparation of technical team purchase and cash requests/documentation
-Assists with tracking, routing and filing of technical team trip reports and other technical reports
-Manages electronic and paper filing of technical team documents (e.g. trip reports, training/activity reports, training materials, etc)
-Travels to the field and district offices as needed to perform administrative, financial and personnel systems
-Serves as a member of the Administration team and with other Administrative staff, ensure the smooth operation of the project office(s)
-Assists with reception and other clerical/administrative duties as needed
-Performs other tasks as requested by the Senior Management Team

Desired qualifications

-First degree in Social Sciences
-At least two years’ experience in administration and program support
-Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
-Great attention to detail and ability to complete assigned tasks with sometimes minimal supervision
-English language proficiency and
-Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Competitive salary and benefits are on offer. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Interested applicants please submit application letter, complete CV and references, no later than close of business on 21st October, 2011 to:

The Project Administrator – MCHIP Office
4 Fairman Close (Off Quorn Avenue)
Mount Pleasant, Harare
Or email: Dorothy [at] mchipzim [dot] org

Finance Officer – Nathan Associates
Deadline: 22 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 Finance Officer. This position will begin in late-October.

Responsibilities:

The Finance Officer will be responsible to, and will collaborate closely with the SERA Program Manager  with supervision and direction from the Chief of Party (COP) for the following tasks:

* Maintain the general ledger of field office accounts in accordance with Nathan Associates requirements, manage accounts payable and accounts receivable, generate expense reports and vendor invoices, maintain and control petty cash, and make deposits and reconciling bank statements
*Provide weekly cash activity reports, request wire transfers from Nathan Headquarters
*On-time processing of payroll for local staff (coding and entering timesheets, transmitting, reconciliation, benefits), and payments to local consultants
*Financial review of local procurement activities and agreements in collaboration with the COP and Nathan Home Office (HO) project accountant and project director
*Review vendor invoices for accuracy and adherence to Nathan and USAID policies and regulations
*Track project expenditures against the project’s operational budget and provide periodic financial forecasts to HO project accountant and project director in a timely manner
*Monitor program grant-recipient balances and refer questions and concerns regarding these balances to the COP/Project Manager
*Monitor the financial aspects of grant-recipients and ensure incurred expenses are consistent with grant-award terms
*Ensure legal and regulatory compliance regarding all financial functions
*Ensure statutory compliance on Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and National Social Security Authority (NSSA) contributions
*Other miscellaneous duties as assigned by the COP or the Project Manager, when they do not interfere with the financial management tasks indicated above

Qualifications:

*Associate’s degree in accounting
*Fluency in English
*4-6 years experience in accounting or bookkeeping
*Relevant computer skills, including Word, Excel. (Nathan will provide training on QuickBooks)
*Familiarity with the work and operational procedures of USAID also preferred.

Application:

To apply for this position, please email your CV to nathanhr [at] nathaninc [dot] com with “SERA Finance Officer” in the subject line to ensure receipt.

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


Training / Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator – Nathan Associates
Deadline: 22 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 Training / Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator. This position will begin in late-October.

Responsibilities:

The Training and M&E Coordinator will be responsible to, and will collaborate closely with the SERA Program Manager  with supervision and direction from the Chief of Party (COP) for the following tasks:

*Training event coordination, including planning, developing, preparing for, and managing logistics/administration for SERA-supported training activities in coordination with SERA staff. Training will include short-courses for government officials; public seminars, workshops, conferences; and Parliamentary training events.
o Training preparation will include presentation materials, handouts for participants, data tables, and evaluation questionnaires, among other things.
o Training administration will include, maintaining and regularly updating a database on SERA-supported training activities, containing information as directed by the COP.
*Other training coordination tasks as directed by the Program Manager / COP
*Monitoring & Evaluation assistance, including maintaining M&E data, records, sources, definitions, methodologies, frequency, recording dates, and data quality, and well organized files containing communications or source materials
*Undertaking research as needed to maintain the M&E database and ensure that the information is accurately compiled and recorded
*Lead the coordination of M&E reporting by SERA Technical partner and Grant recipient
*Lead SERA M&E reporting on a quarterly and annual basis
*Draft short articles on SERA program results for the SERA website and Success Story notes for USAID and other stakeholders
*Coordinate SERA communication activities related to public relations, media coverage, and promotional materials, consistent with USAID branding and marking policies
*Maintain close liaison with the M&E expert and with other SERA program partners and consultants involved in compiling or analyzing data for the M&E plan, maintaining the M&E database, and producing M&E reports for USAID or other stakeholders
*Provide support for preparation of regular SERA reporting and other materials
*Other related tasks as required by the Chief of Party

Qualifications:

*At least an undergraduate degree (upper second or better) in economics or a closely related field, including at least two terms of coursework in statistics.
*At least 2 years of prior work experience with an excellent record of performance and reliability
*Fluency in English and excellent verbal and written communication skills
*Strong organizational skills, including the ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritize workload, perform under pressure with minimum supervision.
*Relevant computer skills, including MS Office package, email and Internet.
*Experience dealing with USAID procedures preferred.

Application:

To apply for this position, please email your CV to nathanhr [at] nathaninc [dot] com with “SERA Training / M&E Coordinator” in the subject line to ensure receipt.

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

Administrative Assistant
Deadline: 22 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 Administrative Assistant. This position will begin in late-October.

Responsibilities:

The Administrative Assistant will be responsible to, and will collaborate closely with the SERA Program Manager with supervision and direction from the Chief of Party (COP) for the following tasks:

*Provide daily administrative support to staff as requested; Tasks will include retrieving, sending, documenting, filing of facsimiles, electronic and any other correspondence, photocopying, directing incoming/outgoing mail, managing large mailing orders, and express mail requests.
*Maintaining a filing system for all official correspondence and documentation.
*Maintain a filing system for staff timesheets.
*Ensure adequate receptionist coverage by receiving and directing incoming calls, tracking staff movement for messaging purposes and take messages as required; Greet visitors at the main reception area and direct them to the respective offices.
*Coordinate logistical support for internal/external meetings/workshops including pre/post-meeting preparation and clean-up, ordering food and refreshments from external catering services, and audio-visual and other equipment needs. Become familiar with the set-up and use of audio-visual equipment.
*Reserve conference rooms and address equipment needs for meetings/workshops.
*Record, review, update and circulate meeting notes.
*Manage office supplies, develop and maintain a supplies inventory tracking system for managing equipment and use of supplies. Make orders for supplies and stationery based on a weekly-use inventory. Confirm receipt of supplies against requisition orders, store and maintain supplies and equipment.
*Arrange with designated travel agents for staff/partners/headquarters visitors’ air travel requirements (local or international).  Arrange for the purchase of airline tickets, visas, transport to and from the airport, hotel accommodation, and all related travel matters.
*Secure administrative expense reports from the Finance Manager monthly and plan monthly administrative expenditures and other project expenses. Assist with budgeting and other budget preparation and reporting as needed.
*Manage/track the organisation’s inventory and vehicle usage. Ensure operational integrity of property inventory system, participate in inventory control and update inventory as required; maintain and update the assets register; and track property use by staff;
*Coordinate with the Driver to support staff transportation requirements for deliveries and other related needs as requested. Maintain separate files for administering the vehicle including: refuelling, routine maintenance and repair, daily checkups, etc.
*Liaise with the Program Manager for the approval and processing of documents including: travel documents such as travel requests, financial forms and payment requests, and receipts of payments such as house rent, vehicle use, cell phone use, etc.
*Prepare payment request forms for all approvals and purchasing of equipment and supplies as well as assist in the selection of suppliers and contractors.
*Assist with the solicitation of suppliers of goods and services and check quality of goods before they are purchased.
*On a monthly basis produce a procurement report summarizing purchases made to date and status.
*Liaise with staff on administrative issues such as printing of business cards for staff, acquiring stationery, and on any other issues that require logistical support.
*Oversee the maintenance of offices and grounds to ensure a clean environment through supervision of the cleaner.
*Any other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Functions:

*Responsible for supervising the Driver & Office Cleaner.

Qualifications:

*Diploma in Business Administration and/or Secretarial Studies
*Superior typewriting and computer skills, especially MS Office package, email and internet.
*3 years office experience preferred.
*Knowledge of procurement  process & procedures
*Experience in office logistical support.
*Good Communication skills (verbal and written)
*Strong organizational skills
*Ability to prioritize workload to meet the needs of staff.
*Ability to work independently with a minimal level of supervision.

For short-listed candidates, 3 references will also be required.

Application:

To apply for this position, please email your CV to nathanhr [at] nathaninc [dot] com with “SERA Administrative Assistant” in the subject line to ensure receipt.

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

Programme Coordinator: Restless Development
Deadline: 28 October 2011

This position will be based in Plumtree, Matabeleland South Province. The Programme Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating, planning and implementing all key activities in collaboration with the Programme Manager and the programmes team.

Skills required
-A relevant University degree in Social Sciences
-At least 2 years development work experience with young people with a particular focus on SRHR, and Livelihoods
-Demonstrated ability to lead on both programme strategy as well as hands on operational work
-A clear understanding of contemporary development issues and international trends on livelihoods and SRHR programming
-Ability to undertake research and analysis of current programmes and develop strategy to guide programme integration and implementation
-Good communication skills with ability to train and develop training materials and resource

Main duties include
-Coordinate and manage Restless Development Zimbabwe’ s Youth Empowerment Programme in Matabeleland South in line with the 5 year national strategic framework (NSF)
-Manage and improve upon the livelihood strategies for young people, and local rural communities in the targeted areas
-Create and enforce systems that ensure good performance of community based micro enterprise development activities for young people.

For further details, download the job description and application form from: www.restlessdevelopment.org/zimbabwe-jobs

Please submit your completed application forms to: jobs [at] restlessdevelopment [dot] org

Trying to keep our city clean

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Tuesday, October 11th, 2011 by Elizabeth Nyamuda

Miracle Missions Trust, a non-profit organisation working on waste management in Zimbabwe is determined to make Harare look better. Over the past months, they have been mobilizing volunteers from different communities, and the Harare city Council for massive clean up campaigns around the city. Last Friday they were in Chisipite busy at work.

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Tuesday, October 11th, 2011 by Bev Clark

Big House vs Small House

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Tuesday, October 11th, 2011 by Amanda Atwood

Play at Reps - 18 to 22 October