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Archive for November, 2011

Keeping it fresh … why should virginity only apply to girls?

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Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 by Varaidzo Tagwireyi

Are you virgin? That’s none of my business, right? I mean, how dare I (or anyone for that matter), ask you that question! Well, some women are being asked that very question, by potential in-laws, by way of virginity testing. When I heard someone relate the story of what a certain woman, at the insistence of her soon-to-be fiancé’s parents, only for him to end up not marrying her (for other reasons), I was taken aback. Her virginity was a prerequisite for the marriage. Nothing was mentioned about any testing he had to undergo.

But one can understand the lure of virginal purity (especially when it comes to marriage); the idea that a woman is untouched and untainted by another, and has kept herself in this state, only for you, is a testament of the superior altitude of her morality. And being the man in possession of such freshness is beyond compare. She is the ultimate prize; the ultimate bride, and brings honour to her family, and therefore warrants an extra cow, come lobola time, called ‘chimhanda’.

Newlywed’s bed-sheets were inspected after their wedding night, as part of the marriage ceremonies of old, and bloodied sheets were celebrated as symbols of the bride’s purity. Virginity testing (checking for an intact hymen), in Zimbabwe’s history, has been seen as a way of preserving this purity in girls by preventing them from indulging in sexual activity before marriage and instilling in them, a sense of morality. I’ve heard of a Zambian girl living here in Zimbabwe who undergoes and passes regular virginity testing, who is by no means a ‘virgin’. She does EVERYTHING but… and such is essentially still a virgin, because her hymen is intact. A prospective suitor may take her to get her virginity tested, and be pleased with the results, but will he be getting the vision of purity and freshness earlier described?

“A virginity test is the practice and process of determining whether a female is a virgin – The test involves an inspection of the female’s hymen, on the assumption that her hymen can only be torn as a result of sexual testing.” Wikipedia.

The above-mentioned definition of the practice makes no mention of men. Should they not be “keeping it fresh” too, or is virginity among the many things that don’t apply to them? Boys are not expected to abstain from sex before marriage. In fact, their sexual exploits, (sometimes, including infidelity), are encouraged, or at the very least condoned. It is unfair that virginal brides-to-be can never hope for the same freshness from her partner.

What is this virginity anyway? In only focusing on the physical aspects of virginity we are missing the point. Does it not include the absence of any knowledge of sex and completely uninitiated innocence? I can assure all men out there, that there is no physical test for these qualities.

Desmond Tutu knows he’s a crybaby

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Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 by Amanda Atwood

In this month’s Vanity Fair, the Proust Questionnaire interviews Desmond Tutu. Read his touching, thought provoking answers below:

The Most Reverend Desmond Tutu has recently celebrated his 80th birthday and the publication of a new biography, Tutu: The Authorised Portrait. Here, the Nobel laureate muses on rum-raisin ice cream, crybabies, and how he just loves to be loved.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
When we all live together in harmony as one family, in real interdependence; when all have enough to eat, have enough clean water to drink, have decent health care and we know war no more.

What is your greatest fear?
I fear we will destroy ourselves through our greed and our destruction of our environment.

Which historical figure do you identify with?
Jeremiah, the prophet.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I love to be loved.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
A disregard of others.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Rum-raisin ice cream.

Which living person do you most despise?
No one.

What is your greatest regret?
Not telling people they had done very well often enough.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My wife, Leah, and my mother.

When and where were you happiest?
On April 14, 1956, when our son Trevor, was born.

Which talent would you most like to have?
To be able to read music.

What is your current state of mind?
Joyful and serene.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Not wanting so much to be loved.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
It is collective: When we won our freedom.

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
A mother.

If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?
As me.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Being treated as rubbish, as a nonperson.

What is your most marked characteristic?
Being a crybaby.

What do you most value in your friends?

That there is no humbug; they are themselves.

Who are your favourite writers?

Nadine Gordimer, Alan Paton.

Who is you favourite hero of fiction?
Sherlock Holmes.

Who are your heroes on real life?
Aung San Suu Kyi, H.H. the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, my mother, my wife.

How would you like to die?
Peacefully in bed, with my loved ones around me.

What is your motto?
“Everyone is precious, everyone matters.”

Source: Vanity Fair

NGO job vacancies in Zimbabwe

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Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 by Bev Clark

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

Project Assistant – Chiredzi Wash Emergency Project: Christian Care
Deadline: 4 November 2011

Duty station: Chiredzi

This position has arisen in Masvingo Office: Chiredzi Water and sanitation Emergency Project funded by UNICEF.

Basic Function: To implement and monitor WASH project in accordance with Christian Care and donor expectations.

General Key Job Functions:

-To operationalize planned activities in respect to the WASH Project.
-To organize and train various beneficiary groups in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene practices and other aspects of the programme.
-Distribute project inputs and materials to ensure full utilization of those materials.
-Keep updated stock records and beneficiary lists.
-Generate and timely submit all activity reports, training reports and project progress reports like weekly and monthly reports, and other as delegated by the supervisor.
-Attend to stakeholder coordination meetings as delegated by supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience:

-The minimum qualification for this position is a Certificate/Diploma in Environmental Health or any other relevant qualification. A degree is an added advantage.
-A minimum of 1-year experience in implementing the relevant job function as specified above is a key requirement.

The incumbent should possess the following attributes/qualities:

-Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels.
-Fluent and conversant with Public Health and Hygiene practices.
-Experience in implementation of WASH activities.
-Fluency in the local language (Shona & Tshangani) is a key requirement.
-Strong research and analytical skills and ability to generate activity reports.
-Computer literacy.
-A rider’s or driver’s license a must. The ability to ride a motorcycle is an added advantage.

Remuneration: The package on offer will be disclosed to short listed candidates.

Applications with detailed CVs should be sent to the address below. You may also e-mail your applications to: chishakashepherd [at] yahoo [dot] com or ccaremasvingo [at] yahoo [dot] com

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted for interviews in Masvingo Office and be prepared to start immediately.

The National Director
C/O Christian Care – Masvingo
54 Robertson Street
P.O. Box 813
Masvingo

Project Officer – Food Security- Chiredzi And Mwenezi Districts: Christian Care
Deadline: 4 November 2011

8 months contract with possibility of extension

This position has arisen in Masvingo Office: Dine – Chambuta Food Security Programme Funded by EED of Germany.

Major Job Responsibilities

-Facilitate general implementation of the Dine – Chambuta Food Security project
-Manage programme supportive staff, resources and attend to field projects as and when required
-Responsible for management of Dine – Chambuta Food Security Programme
-Monitor and Transfer skills and build capacity for staff
-Control usage of programme materials, finances and vehicles
-Produce monthly, quarterly, mid-term and end of project report as required by Christian Care and donor partner EED
-Attend stakeholder co-ordination meetings in both Mwenezi and Chiredzi districts
-Identify and formulate project proposals in areas with Development and Relief needs
-Consult and liaise with District stakeholders in Mwenezi and Chiredzi.

Qualifications And Experience

A Diploma in Social Sciences /Agriculture with bias towards agricultural engineering (A degree is – added advantage) with 3 years experience in food security, project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

The incumbent should possess the following attributes/qualities:

-Good interpersonal skills, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels
-Fluent and conversant with Irrigation engineering, Conservation Farming techniques, nutrition garden set up and management, perma culture and a good working knowledge of environmental conservation techniques
-Experience in implementation and management of Food Security Projects
-Fluency in more than one local language is an added advantage
-Strong research and analytical skills and ability to appraise project proposals, budgets, and reports
-Computer literate
-Clean class four (4) driver’s license
-Be a practicing Christian

Remuneration: The package on offer will be disclosed to short listed candidates.

Applications with detailed CVs should be sent to the address below. You may also e-mail your applications to: chishakashepherd [at] yahoo [dot] com or ccaremasvingo [at] yahoo [dot] com

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted for interviews in Masvingo Office and be prepared to start immediately.

The National Director
C/O Christian Care – Masvingo
54 Robertson Street
P.O. Box 813
Masvingo


Project Assistant: Dine – Chambuta Food Security Project: Christian Care
Deadline: 4 November 2011

8 months contract with high possibility of extension

Duty station: Chiredzi

Basic Function: To implement and monitor Irrigation and general agriculture project in accordance with Christian Care and donor expectations.

General Key Job Functions:

-To operationalize planned activities in respect to the Dine – Chambuta Food Security Project
-To organize and train various beneficiary groups in Grain Storage, Crop management, Low input Gardening, Community Based Capacity Development and other aspects of the programme
-Facilitate beneficiary identification and verification to ensure correct targeting
-Distribute project inputs and materials to ensure full utilization of those materials
-Keep updated stock records and beneficiary lists
-Generate and timely submit all activity reports, training reports and project progress reports like weekly and monthly reports, and other as delegated by the supervisor
-Attend to stakeholder coordination meetings as delegated by supervisor

Qualifications and Experience:

-The minimum qualification for this position is a Certificate/Diploma in Agriculture or any other Social Sciences. A degree is an added advantage.
-A minimum of 1-year experience in implementing the relevant job function as specified above is a key requirement.

The incumbent should possess the following attributes/qualities:

-Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels.
-Fluent and conversant with any of the following attributes: Conservation Agriculture, Low input Gardening, Permaculture, Value Chain Development, Humanitarian Accountability Partnership, and Disaster Risk Reduction/Climate Change.
-Experience in implementation of food security and agricultural recovery work.
-Fluency in the local language (Shona & Tshangani) is a key requirement.
-Strong research and analytical skills and ability to generate activity reports.
-Computer literacy.
-A rider’s or driver’s license a must. The ability to ride a motorcycle is an added advantage.

Remuneration: The package on offer will be disclosed to short listed candidates.

Applications with detailed CVs should be sent to the address below. You may also e-mail your applications to: chishakashepherd [at] yahoo [dot] com or ccaremasvingo [at] yahoo [dot] com

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted for interviews in Masvingo Office and be prepared to start immediately.

The National Director
C/O Christian Care – Masvingo
54 Robertson Street
P.O. Box 813
Masvingo

Financial Officer: Council of Social Workers
Deadline: 4 November 2011 (close of business)

The Social Workers ACT; (chapter 27:21) was enacted to establish a Council of Social Workers and to provide for the registration of social workers and the regulation of the practice of social work; and to provide for matters connected with the ACT (chapter 27:21).

Key Objective: Responsible for the overall financial and accounting functions of the organisation.

Job Specification

Qualifications
-Preferably a Degree, Diploma in Accounting/Commerce/Business Studies or HND    Accounting.
-A professional and appropriate human resource qualification will be an advantage.

Experience
-At least 2 years experience in financial accounting and human resources department.
-Experience with a non-profit organisation is an advantage.

Specific skills
-Sound knowledge of accounting software.
-Discreet to work in all ethical and professional manner.
-Strength as a ‘people person’ and “servant leader.”
-Ability to analyse and solve problems at hand.
-Good communication and interpersonal skills.
-Sound knowledge of the human resources function.
-Confidence to interact and deal at a high profile and to handle presentations when required.

Key Performance Areas (3 KPAs)

Financial Management
-Prepare plans, budgets and financial forecasts for the organization.
-Prepare financial statements in areas of income, expenses and cash flow.
-Monitor and control capital purchases by keeping record of condition.
-Develop management and financial reporting systems.
-Monitor purchasing procedures and carry out periodic checks on stocks, inventories and petty cash.
-Produce income and expenditure statements.
-Maintain computerized accounting system for the management of programme expenditures.

Accounting Functions
-Maintain accounting records and books of accounts.
-Produce final accounts and audit schedules.
-Ensure that bank reconciliations as well as debtors and creditors statements are done monthly.
-Ensure that chequebooks, purchase order books, invoices etc. are well accounted for and are kept in safe and secure custody.
-Ensure that all payments to supplies and / or projects in accordance with relevant project contracts regulations and approved budgets are timeously disbursed.
-Maintain an asset register with Depreciation Cost Factors.
-Maintain separate accounting systems for the different project contracts.
-Arrange insurance cover for the organisation’s assets.
-Carry out other duties and functions as may be assigned by the Executive Director.

Decision Making (two key decisions made in the job)
-Management of Petty Cash and Stock Control
-Production of Monthly reports
-Professional supervision and monitoring of subordinates

Application letters, CVs and certified copies of certificates should be addressed to:

The Project Officer Council of Social Workers
c/o School of Social Work
Cnr Chinhoyi & Grant Street
P.O Box 66570
Kopje
Harare

Project Officer: Council of Social Workers
Deadline: 4 November 2011

The Social Workers ACT; (chapter 27:21) was enacted to establish a Council of Social Workers and to provide for the registration of social workers and the regulation of the practice of social work; and to provide for matters connected with the ACT (chapter 27:21).

Job Specification

Qualifications
A degree in Social Sciences, preferably Social Work, Sociology or Psychology.

Experience
-At least 1 years post qualification experience as a Social Science post graduate, or proven qualification in Social Work.
-Experience with a non-profit organization is an advantage.

Specific skills
-Sound knowledge of computing software.
-Discreet to work in an ethical and professional manner.
-Strength as a ‘people person’ and “servant leader.”
-Ability to analyze and solve problems at hand.
-Good communication and interpersonal skills.
-Sound knowledge of organizational functions.
-Confidence to interact and deal at a high profile and to handle presentations when required.

Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

Functions of the Project Officer:
The Project Officer is the program implementation person, responsible for the coordination of program activities on a day to day. He or She works under the supervision of the Registrar and mainly works to coordinate the four main pillars of Council as follows.

Key Tasks
-Membership and Registration department
-Program Review and Fundraising Department
-Practice, Regulation and Ethics department
-Education and Curriculum Development department

Registration Responsibilities
-Mobilization of membership for registration
-Organization of social work specialization programs, i.e. women social workers, social workers with children/child protection, social work with differently abled
-Workshops on Social Workers Act and other social work issues
-Writing concepts notes, funding proposals on social work training and on-going training on the job.

Programme Responsibilities
-Assisting the registrar to Working with the school of Social Work in developing a database for all students who graduated from the school
-Assist registrar in Generating a database of all social workers in Zimbabwe
-Creating a link with social workers outside the country and generating such a database
-Generating a database of actual and potential employers of social workers in Zimbabwe
-Developing and maintaining an electronic database system for storing all information
-Assist registrar to Facilitate committees to organise for research on social issues
-Supporting students to write on selected topics for media publicity
-Assist registrar to Sourcing for funds to develop a scholarship fund to support student’s dissertations on policy issues

Governance Responsibilities
-Coordination of council
-Organize board training sessions in liaison with registrar Coordination of the Committees
-Taking minutes for regular meetings with all the responsible committees

Workshops, Seminars with Social Workers
-Organise seminars and workshops with social work students
-Organise meetings and Policy dialogue issues with social workers
-Organising seminars with social workers to discuss disciplinary requirements for professionals
-Organise for dialogue on social policy issues
-Organise seminars to discuss research results and recommendations Publicity of the Council of Social Workers
-Creating publicity for the office of Council
-Publicizing the procedures of registration to all social workers
-Creating a friendly atmosphere with Media houses on the need for registration and the requirements
-Distributing and selling copies of the act
-Paraphrase the act and produce pamphlets for media campaign
-Organise radio and television talk shows to raise public awareness of the act
-Producing pamphlets on ethics and codes of conduct for all social workers’ use
-Production of a regular newsletter on several issues concerning social work.

Application letters, CVs and certified copies of certificates should be addressed to:

The Project Officer Council of Social Workers
c/o School of Social Work
Cnr Chinhoyi & Grant Street
P.O Box 66570
Kopje
Harare

Two positions with the Embassy of Japan
Deadline: 7 November 2011

1. Housekeeper

Main responsibilities

-Laundry
-Assisting in cooking as per instruction
-Assisting with maintenance of all cooking and cleaning aids
-Assisting with Household Inventory management
-Assist in the preparation of dinners, luncheons and receptions
-Assist with errands
-Liaise and take instructions from the Resident Butler and/or Chef
-Liaise with the Embassy’s Administration Department
-Receive guests and answer incoming calls
-Observe and assist maintenance personnel
-Execute any other duties delegated by the Embassy’s Administration Department

Requirements

-At least five “O” Level passes
-Must be well versed in cooking and housekeeping
-Should be able to work well within a team
-Must have a good command of spoken English
-Must be honest, reliable, cheerful and energetic
-Should be 30 years old and above and must have experience working in a household for at least five years
-Basic knowledge of operating household appliances and machinery

2. Administration Assistant

Main responsibilities

-Co-ordinate maintenance and repairs to structural, mechanical and electrical systems
-Co-ordinate maintenance and repairs of interiors and exteriors of offices
-Co-ordinate maintenance and repairs of office equipment
-Liaise with suppliers and manage contracts
-Create and modify documents such as reports and memos
-Assist in the co-ordination of maintenance meetings
-Minute-taking

Requirements

-University or College graduate
-At least 2 years’ experience in a comparable position
-Ability to work under pressure
-Excellent oral and written English communication skills
-Good computer skills
-Analytical and problem solving skills
-Good negotiating skills

Only qualified and experienced candidates to submit letter of application enclosing, Curriculum Vitae with names and addresses of contactable references and certified copies of certificate addressed to:

Administration Department
Embassy of Japan
4th Floor Social Security Centre
Cnr. Sam Nujoma Street and Julis Nyerere Way
Harare

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Assistant Accountant: Australian Embassy
Deadline: 8 November 2011

The Australian Embassy, Harare, is seeking applications from persons interested in employment in the Administration Section.  Employment will be based on a 2 year contract, subject to completing a satisfactory three month probationary period. After completing the 2 year contract and subject to satisfactory performance, a further contract may be offered.

Duty Statement

Together with the Accountant, undertake all aspects of finance work including:

-Prepare and analyse monthly financial reports
-Prepare and enter data into the SAP computerised accounting system
-Understand the Conditions of service and allowance entitlement and calculation of travel and assistance allowances within the Department of Foreign Affairs guidelines
-Monitor and follow up reporting and acquittal deadlines for financial reports and advances given to staff
-Preparation of VAT claims and liaising with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Zimbabwe and ZIMRA
-Assist with the Internal audit role to ensure compliance with Australian Government regulations
-Train Embassy staff to understand and follow finance policy and procedures
-Fill in for the accountant and the cashier when those staff are on leave
-Prepare Office Circulars on finance and general administrative topics
-Provide assistance when required to other areas within the Embassy

Selection Criteria

-At least 3 years work experience in the area of finance and administration.
-Qualifications in finance/accounting/business or progress towards such qualifications.
-High-level computer skills including experience with accounting packages, Word, Excel.
-High-level ability to organise workloads, allocate resources effectively and set priorities while maintaining high quality and quantity of work.
-Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated maturity, flexibility, initiative, discretion and a commitment to working as part of a team.
-High-level written and oral communication skills.
-Proven ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy.

If you are interested in this position, please apply in writing to the address below. Please visit our website (www.zimbabwe.embassy.gov.au) for details on how to apply for the position.

Applications must:
-Include a statement of claims (two pages maximum) addressing each of the selection criteria
-Enclose a current CV including work and education history, referees, email and contact numbers

The Selection Committee may, after interview, seek references from current and previous supervisors.

APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT INCLUDE A STATEMENT OF CLAIMS against each of the selection criteria listed above will not be considered. Please note that a statement of claims must refer to examples of your work undertaken in relation to each of the specific selection criteria listed above.

Applications should be addressed to:
Office Manager,
Australian Embassy
1 Green Close, Borrowdale,
Harare

Or via email: zimbabwe.embassy [at] dfat [dot] gov [dot] au

The close-off date for applications is Tuesday 8 November 2011. Please note that late applications will not be accepted. Only those applicants who are short-listed for interview will be contacted about the outcome of the selection.

Health Data Analyst: Cordaid
Deadline: 17 November 2011

Vacancy Notice: HDA001

Duty station: Harare

Introduction

Improving Maternal and Neonatal health is one of the key objectives of the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare (MOHCW). In line with this, the World Bank is supporting the of a results based financing program (RBF) which seeks to accelerate the availability, accessibility and utilization of quality health services at district and health centre level, with an emphasis of maternal and child health care. The RBF program is providing subsidies, directly linked to services delivered at primary health care level, i.e. rural (public and church-related not for profit) health clinics, and to a minor extent at secondary level, i.e. hospitals. The MoHCW and the World Bank have appointed an international NGO, Cordaid, to manage the RBF program, in close partnership with the MoHCW and the World Bank. Cordaid has established an office in Harare that will rollout the program in close collaboration with the MOHCW in a phased manner.  Cordaid is recruiting a suitably qualified Health Data Analyst.

Position

The Health Data Analyst is an employee of Cordaid, and will report to the Programme Manager. He/she will be a key member of the RBF technical team that supports implementation at national, provincial and district levels. The Health Data Analyst is also responsible for the general ICT troubleshooting for all Cordaid computer equipment and software.  Under the guidance of the Public Health Expert the Health Data Analyst will work in close collaboration with the Health Management Information Systems team of the MOHCW on data issues related to the RBF project.

Main responsibilities

The Health Data Analyst will be responsible for the development and functioning of all data management systems and their links to financial systems that are essential to the functioning of RBF activities. More specifically, he/she will be responsible for:

-Project data management system maintenance and development, including defining the requirements for ICT equipment, assisting the RBF coordinators in further improving the monitoring of the RBF programme, assuring the integrity and security of RBF core applications at head office and the local purchasing units.
-The quality and integrity of data collection, analysis, standard reporting and storage.
-Training and coaching of a team/network of national programmers and trainers who – on a part-time basis- can provide support.
-Training of staff in the use of the data management systems including support to strengthen data collection and reporting by health facilities. Supervise the implementation of data management at the all levels and the proper integration at the Cordaid office in Harare.
-The development of data management, monitoring and innovative solutions for HMIS in close collaboration with the public health expert.
-Liaison and collaboration with (local and international) trainers and training institutes and ICT technical working groups that could be instrumental to the up scaling of the RBF program and the electronic HMIS.
-Producing reports as requested either by Cordaid Management and key project stakeholders.
-Any other duties as assigned by the Programme manager and Head of mission.

Profile (qualifications, experience and skills)

-A senior expert with at least 3 years’ experience in managing large data bases and complex data analysis, and report production; particularly assuring the integrity and the security of the large databases and the application of  strict back up and data security policy.  Strong communicator with the ability and respect to work with health staff at district, provincial and primary and secondary levels. High level of integrity, diplomatic, methodical and able to develop a wider vision on ICT and RBF and able to communicate this vision.
-Knowledgeable on system administration, Open Source Software (like Java, MySQL) programming and security issues. Experience with health management information systems is desirable, while experience or knowledge of accounting package is a plus.
-Experience with the development of help desk function and (on-line) troubleshooting.
-Experience with ICT training need assessment and ICT training.
-Experience with identifying and negotiating economic and reliable connectivity solutions.
-Experience in working with Health Information Systems or health projects supported by databases would be a plus.

Contract information

Duty station: Harare, with periodic visits to districts enrolled in the RBF program
Start of the position: ASAP
Contract duration: one year (probation period three months) with the intention to extend for a longer period subject to performance and continuation of the program

Application

Applications including a motivation letter and extensive CV in English, including the contact details of at least three professional references, should be forwarded to hr.Zimbabwe [at] cordaid [dot] net under reference of the vacancy number: – HDA001 – Health Data Analyst.

A written data analysis test will constitute part of the interview process.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Socio-economic Research and Analysis Officer: Silveira House
Deadline: 20 November 2011

Silveira House seeks an economic and social analyst to take up the post of Socio-economic Research and Analysis programme officer effect from 1st February 2012.

Success in promoting justice, peace and development in Zimbabwe calls for understanding how tomorrow will differ from today and yesterday! From such insights comes opportunity. This is what Silveira House has always tried to do since 1964.

The applicants must:

-Be able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of applied economics
-Have a detailed understanding of the economics and politics of Zimbabwe
-Have good communication and writing skills

Qualifications:

-Masters in Economics or Economic Development, or equivalent
-BSc in Economics and Social Policy
-Experience in economic analysis
-Fluent in English
-Fluency in either Shona or Ndebele and other Zimbabwean indigenous languages is an added advantage for understanding grassroots research results and situations
-Experience in journalism is preferred although not exclusively essential

Responsibilities: The successful applicant will initiate research to track economic, social and political issues specifically affecting the lives of the people of Zimbabwe and provide us with thorough, in-depth analysis and forecasting. He/she will occasionally travel to the different provinces of the country and have regular contact with local and national government, non-governmental organisations, business communities, media and most important of all, the ordinary citizens at grassroots level.

We offer the opportunity to work in a challenging, fast-paced environment where enthusiasm and creativity from the subjects are the norm.

Salary is dependent on experience and qualification.

Please send in your CV with a covering letter and details of current salary and employment to director [at] sliveirahouse [dot] org

Intent

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Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 by Bev Clark

Global warming in Zimbabwe

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Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 by Lenard Kamwendo

Recently Zimbabwe has been experiencing a wave of high temperatures and many people have been questioning if the change in temperatures is an effect of global warming. The month of October saw temperatures soaring and has been recorded as the hottest month in a period of fifty years. This situation is not only being experienced in Zimbabwe only but also in neighbouring countries. Other parts of the world are even experiencing severe catastrophes like floods and drought – luckily here its just the heat.  What really caught my attention about this subject recently when I was reading an article in the Herald is the fact that the Meteorological Services Department director acknowledged the change in temperatures but played it down to just a passing phase with nothing to do with global warming. I am not a weather expect but the weatherman’s forecast leaves a lot of questions to be asked especially on the part that the high temperatures are extraordinary.  We are in summer and traditionally most areas in this country should have recorded their first rains but still the weather service department has not been giving satisfactory forecasts.  Maybe our weather department needs to put those little planes back in the skies and do cloud seeding. Its also a matter of looking at both sides because our Met office needs to move along with new advancements in technologies when they do their work.

The change in rainy season patterns and cold winters experienced this year clearly show that something is really happening to the weather. Though small in effect as compared to the gases produced from the first world countries this country has experienced its fair share of deforestation due to the unavailability of electricity from ZESA.

Those who are experiencing the real global warming also started by calling it a passing phase just like what our own weathermen are calling it. If global warming is affecting other countries what makes our official from Meteorological Services Department think that Zimbabwe is not going to be affected?

Culture talk

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Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 by Varaidzo Tagwireyi

Over the weekend I had a talk with some friends about what life must have been like for people our age, 100 years ago. We wondered what was different, not just in terms of infrastructure and the several freedoms we enjoy today, but also about our culture.  What would they have thought of how the Zimbabwean culture has evolved and the point at which it now is?

Culture is by definition: “An integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behaviour that depends upon the capacity for symbolic thought and social learning. The set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution.” (Wikipedia)

This definition implies the need for a societal effort to store and share this acquired knowledge and belief systems. This in itself is now much harder to achieve, as many parts of the modern Zimbabwean society are no longer enjoy the communal living of old.  Some knowledge that was once shared in a communal setting is now passed on more privately, or not at all. I feel that, it is in personalizing and becoming private about some aspects of our culture that we are losing the plot. It is definitely among the reasons I feel I know as little about my culture. I mean, do you think much privacy existed back then?

Some would then argue the culture is ever changing, and that this is just one of the many adaptations Zimbabwean culture has made. After all, the very essence of cultural development is firmly rooted in continually linking already acquired knowledge, with new ideas for its modification. Despite truth of this statement, it still saddens me to think about how much knowledge has been lost along the way, as that past knowledge seems not to have stood the test of time.

The link between culture and language is one that cannot be ignored. Many view language as the verbal manifestation of culture. And even though the majority of human communication is non-verbal, language, is another way cultural practices and values are passed on. Zimbabwe has 5 regularly spoken languages, namely, Shona, Ndebele, English, Kalanga and Tonga. It would be interesting to know how much these languages have evolved over the last century, and if indeed, we would even understand each other, if given the opportunity. If a man of woman from Rhodesia 100 years ago were to go into the Harare CBD right now and merely ask for directions in Chizezuru, would they understand them? Are we too far gone or is there still resemblance with our ancestors from colonial times?