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Archive for April, 2012

Healing

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Thursday, April 26th, 2012 by Elizabeth Nyamuda

My newborn son has discovered his hands lately and he no longer enjoys being swaddled especially when he is awake. He is now able to lift his hands, stretch them out excitedly, and bring them together in union. The discovery of his hands as a toy results in him scratching his face leaving it with scars. Interestingly, the scars heal fast and the new skin comes out to cover as if nothing ever went wrong. I have been watching this and I found it interesting because I related it to a film by celebrated Zimbabwean director Rumbi Katedza titled, ‘The axe and the tree’.

In this film we see victims of political violence finding healing through a workshop facilitated by survivors of political violence from the Tree of Life Trust. Their healing process is based on viewing the life of tree. The healing process entails one spending time reviewing a tree’s trunk, branches, leaves and maybe fruits and relating it to their own life experiences. Thus through this process they find out that trees have been hurt too but they never give up, they continue providing us with leaves for manure, shade on a sunny day, firewood and fruit to eat even though humans are their enemies.

One of the participants had his home burnt by perpetrators of violence including an avocado tree that was in his yard. In a scene in the film where he revisited his old burnt home to show and explain what happened, he and the Tree of Life facilitator found new branches coming out of the burnt avocado tree. This showed that trees could heal themselves and so could we humans if we look at the life of a tree. I have learnt that my son’s scars heal themselves naturally without me having to put in any effort.

And this shows the possibility of victims of violence own ability to heal themselves through forgiveness.

Dispose of baby diapers responsibly!

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Thursday, April 26th, 2012 by Elizabeth Nyamuda

I remember on the day I gave birth, I was both tired and happy. The long journey was over. Even though I was dog-tired, motherhood was calling as my son had to be attended to. To breastfeed him and to change his diapers among other things. Even though the clinic provided an extra hand to help I had to start doing some of these chores myself. The midwife would come in the mornings to clean the babies. Out of curiosity to see how its done, I joined her at her at the basinet area. I had given birth the previous night, so I was still in pain, but I told myself I wouldn’t miss this. I engaged myself in a conversation with the midwife. We discussed my son’s birthmarks, his looks and I did mention how fragile I felt he was. During dressing time, I mentioned how diapers were more convenient because he had done his first poop – meconium – so it meant no washing to be done. The midwife agreed with me that diapers help she felt they were damaging the environment as some mothers were not aware of how to properly dispose of them.

When I got home I realised that surely disposable nappies are convenient but I faced, and am still facing challenges with disposing them. To start with the City’s refuse collection vehicle does not pass directly outside our own gate, they instead use the main road that links our road. This means if I want to engage in their services I have to take my rubbish to a neighbour’s gate, which is rather unreasonable because if they do not turn up what happens to my rubbish? So that option has been totally cancelled. Burning used diapers is not an option either as they are hard to burn completely as well as the dangers involved in burning rubbish. At the end of the day when the diaper plastic bag is nearing full I find myself stressed as to how I have to get rid of it.

Talking to mothers out there, they shared the same sentiments that disposing diapers can be a stress especially in areas where the City’s refuse collection is not yet in its full functionality. These same challenges were experienced by a couple in Harare living in a medium density area. Being environment conscious they couldn’t join the rest of their neighbourhood mothers/families in throwing their rubbish (with diapers constituting the large proportion) out in the streets where dogs would come and strew the diapers all over the place. It is this same couple that is going to bring change to mothers and families out there who face similar challenges, by offering diaper disposal services. For a minimum monthly charge one can subscribe to these services and have their used diapers collected once a week.

Some mothers can echo that they are already paying for these services on their water bills to the City and forking out an extra penny towards works, which the City should be doing, is not so appealing. But at the same time considering the dangers mothers and families pose out there to the environment by not properly disposing of their diapers, the need for the use of these services then should be recommended. It takes us to change the communities we live in, and living in a clean and safe environment is a top priority on our must have list. So personally I would recommend the use of these services.

If you want to be a responsible citizen contact Valerie on 0772 979351 for proper diaper disposal.

Internet freedom is great, but what about access?

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Thursday, April 26th, 2012 by Upenyu Makoni-Muchemwa

Opening the Stockholm Internet Forum last week, the Swedish Foreign Minister stated that internet freedom was the frontline of freedom. The Forum was convened to deepen discussion on how freedom and openness on the Internet promote economic freedom and social development worldwide and bringing together policymakers, civil society, activists, business and technical community representatives.

Much of the discussion during the conference focussed on preserving Internet freedom and went so far as to suggest making Internet freedom a human right. The role of the private sector, namely ISPs was discussed in this context, with one person tweeting:

When private sector talks about Internet freedom it’s mostly the freedom of companies to do and control what they want.

Discussion moved to the roles and responsibilities of the private sector in protecting citizens right to freedom on the internet, especially in view of government ordered disconnections in times of civil crisis as has happened during the Arab Spring.  A discussion panel explored this theme further in a session titled “Enhancing Internet freedom and human rights through responsible business practice”. Panellists emphasized that corporations had a responsibility to preserve human rights, and that undemocratic governments and legal and regulatory environments, which were inconsistent with international best practices, made for challenging operating environments. It was generally agreed that working with industry peers to develop common approaches was crucial in overcoming this situation.

In a panel titled “Social media is fast, social change is slow”, Ms Alice Munyua a member of the Board of Communications Commission in Kenya, reminded the forum that access was still a major challenge in much of the world. Indeed, Africa’s Internet penetration stands at 13.9% representing 6.2% of the world’s users.  Developments such as the East African Under Sea cables have boosted the quality of access, but they have not necessarily increased it. Cost and Infrastructure remain major barriers to access, particularly in remote rural locations. Thus Internet access becomes the preserve of a privileged minority mainly located in large urban centres.

I think that before we can speak about preserving Internet freedom, let alone using social media for social change, the challenges of mediating universal access must be met. However, this was not as big a discussion point as I would have hoped. It is undeniable that the Internet is a medium through which governments; civil society and citizens may create the greatest social change in communities that have traditionally been marginalised and underserved, particularly in the areas of health and education. And conferences like the Stockholm internet forum have their place in global conversations about the internet, especially with the threats posed to Internet freedom by such legislation as SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act), PIPA (Protect IP Act) and more recently CISPA (Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act). However the importance of access to the Internet cannot be overstated. In situations like Zimbabwe, which has 12% penetration, or Mozambique which has 4% penetration, access rather than freedom on the Internet is the more pressing issue.

Journalistic buffoonery

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Thursday, April 26th, 2012 by Marko Phiri

I watched a piece of journalistic buffoonery last night on Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s Economic Forum and wondered who approves this kind of crap to make it to people’s living rooms. By its very name, the programme discusses economic matters but here was this fat guy with apparent breathing problems inviting Zanu PF’s chief of spin to talk politics! This guy who must be standing in for the amiable Billet Magara asked what I figured gotta be some of the dumbest leading questions to come from the mouth of a journalist. Instead of using the opportunity to quiz Rugare Gumbo why his political party has a proclivity for ruinous economic policies, he asks questions such as “do you think voters will realise the mistakes they did last elections by voting for the MDC?”; “Reports say there is factionalism in your party. How true are those reports?” and it went on and on. I’m like “what the kcuf”? What has this got to do with “Economic Forum?” And this is a programme supposedly made not by ZBC hacks but by independent producers! Independent of critical thinking! So much for intelligent journalism.

Get up, get out, get a job in Zimbabwe

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Tuesday, April 24th, 2012 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.


Technical Officer: Institute of Water and Sanitation Development (IWSD)
Deadline: 27 April 2012

The Institute of Water and Sanitation Development (IWSD) is a Zimbabwean non-governmental organisation registered under the Manpower, Planning and Development Act as a Vocational/Technical Training Institution.

The job entails
-Development of concept notes and technical proposals in response to sector needs
-Responding to calls for research proposals, consultancy jobs and technical advisory work
-Assessment of sector capacity gaps and implementing human resources, organisational and institutional capacity building activities
-Planning and delivering training in the mainstream courses offered by IWSD
-Carrying out research, field work and related activities when required.

Competencies required
-Be able to write, track and follow-up on, fundable and bankable project proposals
-Be able to participate diligently in projects at short notice and with minimum induction
-Be able to institute and operate effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems for projects
-Be able to read and analyse market trends and advise management accordingly
-Ability to plan and facilitate training courses without supervision
-Have marketing skills
-Be a team player
-Be highly computer literate

Qualifications required
-A degree, preferably at Masters level (the first being in life sciences)
-A minimum of two years post-qualification experience working in the water and sanitation sector or related environment
-Traceable experience in carrying out research projects
-Extensive knowledge of the development sector will be an added advantage
-A clean driver’s licence

In return
The Institute offers an attractive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience, a pleasant working environment and an opportunity for growth.

Applications Application letters together with detailed CVs and names of 3 referees, clearly marked “Technical Officer” should be sent to:

The Executive Director
Institute of Water and Sanitation Development
7 Maasdorp Avenue
Alexandra Park
P O Box MP 422
Mount Pleasant
Harare

Email: admin [at] iwsd [dot] co [dot] zw or tgwata [at] iwsd [dot] co [dot] zw

Secretary/Receptionist: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
Deadline: 27 April 2012

The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (the Union) is an international scientific organisation. Its country office in Harare, Zimbabwe has a vacancy for a Secretary/Receptionist.

S/he should possess a minimum of an executive secretarial diploma or other relevant secretarial training and at least 3 years of experience in a relevant position.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing secretarial, clerical and administrative support to management in order to ensure that services are provided in an efficient and effective manner.

Please send CV + motivation letter to hrzimbabwe [at] theunion [dot] org

Finance and Private Sector Development Specialist: The World Bank
Deadline: 30 April 2012

Vacancy No: 120946

The World Bank is seeking to recruit a highly qualified candidate for the position of Finance and Private Sector Development Specialist in the Harare office.  The successful candidate will be mapped to the Africa Region’s Finance and Private Sector Development network (AFTFP) and will form a core member of the FPD team for Zimbabwe, under the overall guidance of the Lead PSD Specialist for Zimbabwe and reporting to the Sector Manager for AFTFP based in Washington.  The selected person is also expected to work closely with the Country Manager for Zimbabwe and interact with other members of the Zimbabwe country team both in Harare and Washington DC.

The AFTFP unit comprises a team of Washington and Field-based finance and private sector specialists whose work programs are tailored to the specific needs of each country but involve in virtually all cases high levels of responsibility and visibility as they are expected to carry forward the policy dialogue on financial sector and private sector development in each country, interacting with senior government officials as well as the private sector and other development partners.

For more information and to apply please click here

Monitoring And Evaluation Officer (Harare): Women in Politics Support Unit (WiPSU)
Deadline: 4 May 2012

The incumbent will undertake monitoring and evaluation activities in support of other team members.

Specific duties
-Design and manage the database for the organisation’s programmes including M&E systems, tools and templates to monitor performance. This includes developing log frames, data collection tools as well as processes for data analysis and storage.
-Develop indicator tracking tools measuring program performance indicators as well as donor reporting requirements.
-Advise and to design and implement appropriate evaluation methodologies, including surveys.
-Conduct regular field visits to program sites to identify gaps in timeliness and quality of data reporting and work with relevant staff to address the gaps.
-Coordinate the production of timely reports to track performance and progress, according to standard procedures and templates.
-Provide support to the programmes team in compiling reports, stressing the importance of data quality, indicator-based reporting and analysis of trends and the achievement of program objectives.
-Review reports to ensure accuracy and quality.
-Facilitate training of program staff and partners on monitoring and evaluation.
-Ensure adherence to guiding principles of confidentiality on data management

Qualifications and skills
The incumbent is required to have the following qualifications:
-Holder of a first degree in social sciences, development or related discipline
-An additional certificate or specific training in M&E at a recognised institution is an advantage
-At least 2 years working within NGO context, with a focus on M&E

Skills specific to post
-Ability to produce analytical reports
-Good communication skills, appropriate to audience
-Competence in using information technology including experience with word-processing, spreadsheets and database software
-Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment
-Team-building, training and coaching skills
-Good interpersonal and inter-cultural skills

Interested applicants must submit a motivational letter and current CV to the Women in Politics Support Unit at 43 Dan Judson Road, Milton Park or email to patriciawipsu [at] gmail [dot] com, patricia [at] wipsu [dot] co [dot] zw, wipsuadmin [at] gmail [dot] com or wipsudirector [at] gmail [dot] com

Qualified female applicants are encouraged to apply.

Several (5) vacancies: USAID funded Zimbabwe Livestock and Dairy project
Deadline: 4 May 2012

The Zimbabwe Land O’ Lakes, IDD currently implementing a USAID funded Zimbabwe Livestock and Dairy project and preparing to start up another USAID sponsored project focusing on improving small-livestock agriculture seeks the following positions:

Posts A: 1 x Dairy Field Officer / 2 x Small Livestock Field Officers

Timeframes: The contract for the Dairy Field Officer should run up to April 2013 and that for the Small Livestock Field Officers should be 24 months.

Experience: For these posts a minimum of 4 years experience in livestock agricultural extension work is required.

Locations: The Dairy Field Officer must be prepared to stay at either one of our implementing sites, in Mashonaland East province (Chikwaka, Murewa 44 or Mutoko). Those applying for the Small Livestock Field Officers positions should be prepared to be based at sites in Mutare District and or other sites in Zimbabwe’s rural areas (most likely districts in Matebeleland South or North).

Key responsibilities include
-Offering basic extension services to beneficiary farmers focusing on topics such as fodder collection, animal nutrition, milk hygiene, financial, business, and farm management
-Acting as field liaison to participating farmers for Land O’ Lakes (and partnering organization) staff, communicating and following up in training activities and coordinating logistical arrangements for Land O’ Lakes activities
-Collect data on field activity performance and report accurately to Land O’ Lakes for report creation
-Supporting farmer associations with administrative support, linkages, and communication as they seek to strengthen their organizational capacity, farming systems, member services, and economic returns

Skills and Knowledge Requirements
-A Diploma in Agriculture with good knowledge in Animal Husbandry
-Experience in livestock-based agriculture and knowledge of farm management
-Basic English required; Fluent Shona and/or Ndebele desirable depending on location
-Good organization and time management skills
-Able to ride and use of a motorbike
-Class 3 and 4 driver’s licence holders will have an advantage
-Reliable and trust worthy
-Basic computer literacy desirable
-Must be a Zimbabwe citizen or permanent citizen with legal work permits for Zimbabwe
-Must be a team player with prior experience working in a team environment

Post B: Monitoring & Evaluation Assistant

The M&E assistant’s role is to support the M&E Specialist in designing, implementing and managing an effective Monitoring, Evaluation and Research system. S/he will assist in ensuring accurate and comprehensive data collection and analysis of results for the project indicators, against the agreed targets and methods for collecting information on project activities

Timeframe: 24 months

Experience: A minimum of two years required in the Monitoring and Evaluation field.

Location: To be based either in Harare or Mutare but should be able to travel regularly to field sites.

Key Responsibilities include
-Work closely with project teams in collecting, collating, presenting and managing information for M&E related reports.
-Conduct and support regular surveys for monitoring and evaluation of activities
-Assist in the preparation of project evaluation and/or review reports and draft the regular projects’ M&E report
-Documentation of the projects, including project inputs and outputs
-Data analysis for compilation of monthly, quarterly, annual and ad hoc project data and reports
-Maintain and update the sector specific M&E database, ensuring correct and swift data entry and processing
-Develop data entry forms and reports as required

Skills and Knowledge Requirements
-A first degree in Agriculture, Statistics or its equivalent
-Demonstrated experience of M&E
-Strong analysis skills (qualitative and qualitative)
-Experience in the use of statistical analysis packages
-Minitab; SPSS, an added advantage
-Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) and a team player
-Goal oriented, with ability to work under pressure, independently and with limited supervision
-Ability to ride a motorcycle

Post C: Business and Marketing Officer

Timeframe: 24 months

Experience: A minimum of two years required in Agro-based industry in value chain marketing, sales and distribution

Location: To be based in Mutare.

Key Responsibilities include
-Assess beneficiaries’ needs in regard to small livestock (goats) marketing activities including products
-Design work plans for marketing assistance to focused program beneficiaries and implementation of goats marketing campaigns
-Assist goats’ farmers to identify and develop market and trade linkages
-Assist goats’ farmers to improve the penetration and efficiency of their distribution systems
-Coordinate marketing-related workshops/seminars
-Coordinate market surveys when appropriate to collect information for program design/activities and/or assessment of impact for the program
-Advise/train producer groups in: Marketing plan development; Market research; Pricing/costing/forecasting; Product packaging, presentation and promotion; Brand building; Value chain management
-Network with health and education professionals from government, NGOs and the private sector to promote the nutritional benefits of goats’ consumption
-Ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of all marketing and promotional activities in coordination with M&E Specialist and Assistant
-Work in close collaboration with other technical staff to appropriately integrate market-related activities in a timely manner

Skills and Knowledge Requirements
-First Degree/HND in Business Management/Marketing
-The ability to analyze market channels to identify underserved sectors and formulate marketing strategies to capture opportunities
-The ability to evaluate distribution systems to identify inefficiencies and develop strategies to streamline distribution and cut costs
-The ability to strengthen relationships between the goats’ farmers side and retail outlets to promote the category and increase sales
-Good verbal communication skills with the ability to dialogue and network with donor agencies, national and international institutions, various industry stakeholders and development partners
-Demonstrated ability to effectively present information and respond to questions in public groups
-Basic English required; Fluent Shona and/or Ndebele desirable depending on location

Application letters and CVs clearly stating the position being applied for on the subject line should be addressed to the Country Manager and sent to: zimlolrecruitment [at] gmail [dot] com

Grant Coordinator (based in Harare): Plan
Deadline: 4 May 2012

Please note this is a re-advertisement. Applicants who responded to the March 2012 Grants Coordinator job posting should not reapply.

Plan is an international humanitarian, child centred development organisation, implementing development programs that promote the realisation and fulfilment of children’s rights and the alleviation of child poverty.  Through these programs, Plan reaches out to over 300 000 people in Zimbabwe annually, particularly children. Plan is an equal opportunity employer. The Zimbabwe program seeks services of a suitably qualified Grants Coordinator on a renewable 2 year fixed term contract basis.

Job purpose
Provides support and promotes the achievement of country goals through coordination of grant funded program activities in accordance with organisational policies, donor requirements and standards of accountability. Explores grant funding opportunities through the development of quality concept papers/grant proposals in line with the approved Country Strategic Plan and emerging development interventions.  Provides support in developing the country resource mobilisation strategy, monitors implementation of grant funded program activities and builds capacity of staff on grant management, grant proposal development & grant reporting.

Entry Qualifications, Skills & Experience
-A university degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies or related field
-A minimum of 5 years experience in a similar role in the NGO sector or with Multi-lateral/ Bi-lateral funding organizations
-Experience in developing grant proposals and grant reporting
-Good research, negotiation, analytical and problem solving skills
-Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment
-Strong team-building and facilitation skills
-Excellent communication skills
-Proficient in computer skills

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

Applicants who responded to the March 2012 Grants Coordinator job posting should not reapply.

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.

Southern Africa Sub-Regional Manager: Progressio
Deadline: 6 May 2012

Based in Harare, Zimbabwe Full-time
Fixed-term two-year contract (six-month probationary period), with the possibility of an extension
Salary of US$40,000 per annum (gross), plus legal benefits

For this post, we are only able to consider applications from Zimbabwean nationals.

We are looking for a confident, highly motivated and resourceful individual with a genuine commitment to development and advocacy. Based in Zimbabwe, the post holder will be responsible for managing the Progressio Sub-regional programme in Southern Africa, including human resources, financial and programme management/ strategy. The Southern Africa Sub-regional programme at present consists of an office in Zimbabwe, and a small office in Lilongwe, Malawi, run by the Malawi Country Manager, with whom the post holder will work closely. Progressio currently manages development workers in both countries. The post holder will oversee the implementation of the Sub-regional strategic plans for 2010-2015. S/he will have a pivotal role in managing, resourcing and monitoring development projects in line with Progressio’s priority themes in the country, working together with partners, development workers and other stakeholders. The post holder will also ensure the delivery of the International Citizen Service project in the Sub-region.

This post requires a skilled and talented individual, with demonstrable leadership and programme management experience, who can deal with complex issues, a demanding workload, and can communicate well with a wide range of people.

The successful candidate should have a degree in a relevant discipline, and a minimum of five years’ direct experience in NGO management, strategic planning and implementation, and project development and appraisal, with demonstrable experience of: leadership, programme management, human resources management, monitoring and evaluation, and financial planning/ management. You should also have a track record of successful fundraising (including management of grants and reporting to and liaising with funders), and of network building/ working with civil society organisations, including church-based organisations.

Leadership skills, including the ability to think and act strategically; particular knowledge and familiarity with the socio-political and socio-economic reality of Zimbabwe and of Southern Africa’s contemporary political and economic context; a good understanding of civil society organisations  and NGO networks in the region and the key issues involved; and in-depth knowledge of international development issues and current trends; a well-developed project cycle skills, and a sound grasp of gender analysis and dynamics and the commitment to gender equality are also essential. The post holder should also have excellent interpersonal, representational and influencing skills; excellent people management, leadership and cross-cultural skills; good problem solving skills; excellent oral and written skills in English, as well as Shona and/or Ndebele; strong numeracy skills, and the ability and readiness to travel by car frequently and widely within Zimbabwe and to travel to Malawi for periods of one to three weeks per year.

Find out more

HIV/AIDS Specialist – Pediatrics: UNICEF
Deadline: 6 May 2012

Vacancy Notice No. Zim/2012:21
NOC Level (Fixed Term)
Based in Harare

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.

Purpose of the post
Under the overall guidance of the HIV/AIDS Manager, the successful candidate will be accountable for formulation, design, planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluation of Pediatrics HIV/AIDS project(s) to ensure overall efficiency and effectiveness of the project management, delivery and accomplishment of project goals and objectives. He or she will also be accountable for ensuring that all aspects of the HIV/AIDS programme promoted equity, gender equality, with an emphasis on gender disaggregation, gender disparity identification and gender mainstreaming to guide policies, programmes monitoring and evaluations.

-Ensure timely sectoral analysis; input, support and collaboration to the Situation Analysis with consistent integration of sex and age aggregated data; and carry-out its periodic updates for effective evidence-based project planning; development and management.
-Promote effective knowledge management through drafting/finalizing key Pediatrics HIV/AIDS sectoral program documents and reports, sharing good practices, lessons learnt, and knowledge /information exchange especially sharing of good practices in gender equality and age-appropriate Paediatrics HIV programing including scale up to national level
-Provide solid technical recommendations on major program directions and introduction of new pediatrics HIV program innovations to accelerate/improve delivery of Pediatrics HIV services in the country
-Formulate, implement, monitor sectoral workplans and activities ensuring alignment with the defined project strategies and approaches; emphasizing integration of Pediatrics HIV/AIDS programing within the broader national child health interventions
-Conduct project delivery, evaluation and reporting efficiently, rigorously, and transparently in compliance with established guidelines and procedures
-Ensure the preparation of annual Pediatrics HIV/AIDS status reports, ensuring that quantitative and qualitative lessons learned in age related and gender disparities in HIV/AIDS are included as a standard feature
-Promote the quality of rights-based HIV/AIDS projects and programmes, especially those that increase equality with a life-cycle and a right-based approach, by participating in the formulation of programme/project goals, strategies and approaches
-Promote the organization goals of UNICEF through advocacy, policy dialogue and active engagement in effective communication, networking and participation at every opportunity inside and outside UNICEF, leveraging the strength of UNICEF mission, goals and programmes especially regarding Paediatrics HIV prevention, Care and treatment
-Coordinates with Operations and Supply staff on Paediatrics HIV/AIDS related supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring proper and timely UNICEF and Government accountability
-Certifies disbursements of funds, monitors and submits financial status reports to management in compliance with the regulations and guidelines
-Interact with Government and other partners, NGOs, UN and bilateral agencies in the different stages of Pediatrics HIV/AIDS program/project implementation to follow up on agreements and recommendations
-Provide technical support and guidance on appropriate technical, financial and institutional capacity building measures to achieve Pediatrics HIV/AIDS programme goals

Qualifications and competencies
-Advanced university degree in one or more of the disciplines: Public Health, Public Health Administration, Primary Health Care, Pediatrics AIDS, Health Education, Medicine, Social Sciences or a field relevant to international development assistance in HIV/AIDS
-Five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the UN or other international development organization, national government or the private sector
-Experience in monitoring gender disparities and in programme interventions that reduce these disparities an asset
-High computer skills and knowledge of SAP operating system is an added advantage
-Background / familiarity with emergency an added advantage

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:

Human Resources Manager
(Vacancy Notice Zim/2012:21)
UNICEF
6 Fairbridge Avenue
P O Box 1250
Belgravia
Harare

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

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Programme Coordinator ICT for development (ICT4D): CTA
Deadline: 15 May 2012

Job title: Programme Coordinator ICT for Development
Location: Wageningen, the Netherlands
Employment: Full-time, international position
Area: Agriculture and rural development

CTA (Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation) is an international non-profit Organization established in 1983 under a joint agreement between the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of countries and the European Union (EU). Our mission is to advance food security, increase prosperity and encourage sound natural resource management in ACP countries. It facilitates access to information and knowledge, facilitates policy dialogue and strengthens the capacity of agricultural and rural development institutions and communities.

The Programme Coordinator ICT4D is a member of the Policies, Markets and ICT Programme and reports to the Policies, Markets & ICT Programme Manager.

For more information on this high level post please click here

Communications Officer: Local NGO
Deadline: 16 June 2012

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill in the position of Communications Officer that has arisen within a local NGO. The position is for contract period of eight (8) months.

Specific duties and responsibilities
-Organize meetings and workshops
-Documentation of meetings and workshops
-Facilitating community based planning meetings
-Formulating Strategies for internal and external communication including management of the organization website
-Develop instruments of communication needed to attain the objectives of the organization
-Establish rapport with the relevant media organizations
-Design and facilitate the production of the quarterly newsletter
-Facilitating the production of the annual reports
-Arranging for the organisation’s participation at various exhibitions
-Any other duties that may be delegated from time to time by the Supervisor

Qualifications and experience
-Degree in Journalism or related field
-Computer skills including management of website
-Holder of a clean class four driving license
-Hands on experience in advocacy, lobby and production of IEC materials including news letter for at least three years

Personal attributes
-Good oral and written communication skills at all levels
-Fluent in Shona and English
-A goal getter
-A self starter
-Ability to work under minimum supervision

Applications should be submitted to:
Human Resources and Administration Officer
Farm Community Trust of Zimbabwe
9A William Gale Close
Marlborough
Harare

Or email: matenda [at] fctz [dot] org [dot] zw

Tuku and Sulu at the Book Cafe – get there!

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Tuesday, April 24th, 2012 by Bev Clark

Please support the Book Cafe in their new venue … here’s a recent press release from them:

The Big Meet: Oliver Mtukudzi & Sulu Chimbetu shaking it up at Book Café

Book Café, Mon 30 April 2012

TWO of Zimbabwe’s ‘BIG FIVE’ crowd-pullers – Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi & Sulumani ‘Sulu’ Chimbetu – have a big ‘meet’ with a joint show at the new Book Café on Monday 30 April, the eve of Workers Day celebrations, bringing to their fans a kaleidoscope of home-grown music, up close and personal in the fresh new venue at 139 Samora Machel/6th St.

It is Tuku’s debut at the popular arts hub which relocated and re-opened in March, but not the first collaboration between the two award-winning artists. Tuku recorded on Sulu’s song ‘Kwedu’ in 2010, sharing a verse, and they have done on-stage collaborations ‘here and there’. But there will be a surprise in store Monday 30, with Tuku in a Solo groove, and Sulu with his backing band, and the resulting synergies between them.

Tuku is hot from the studio, having just finished recording his 61st album ‘Sarawoga’. Sixty-One!

Between his busy local and international schedule, he enjoys working with young artists like Sulumani, against the background of his own arts centre Pakare Paye in Norton which has seen the emergence of good artists recently.  Pakare Paye is currently working on the musical ‘Masanga Bodo’ written and directed by Tuku, which is already in rehearsal with a cast of 25 – hot young upcoming talent from Pakare Paye.  The musical stresses his belief that in life there is nothing that comes as a coincidence, everything is planned, a way of life, or fate.  The superstar celebrates his 60th birthday this September.

Tuku travels again later in the year, headed for to UK, Canada, USA, also to SA, Botswana, and lots of shows in Zim.

Sulu is pulling crowds all over Zimbabwe, and performs at the Book Café for the second time since its re-opening, bringing him into the centre of the city, right into the arts hub of the capital, and within easy reach for his fans, who will be delighted to catch their man in this exciting up-close double bill.

Sulu’s slick, non-stop danceable groove and simple but memorable lyrics, with musicians and backing vocalists resplendent in eye-catching stage gear has proved an evergreen musical force in recent years. Sulu, with his easy going stage persona, sings and belts out his latest dance moves, but when the young man gets in the mood and picks up his guitar, the fireworks begin. A fine guitarist and composer with unstoppable rhythm, he could perhaps focus more on his instrumental side. A guitar duet with Tuku and Sulu getting to the heart of the matter would really whet musical appetites. Musically, Sulu Chimbetu represents an interesting fusion of African influences. It will be interesting to see how his career develops in the long term. While guitar-driven Zimbabwe beats sit at the core of his sound, reminiscent at times of the great Devera Ngwena, one feels the influence of Congolese “show-time” rumba that has a long crossover history in Zimbabwe and also some interesting East African influences. Sulu is at an important stage in his young career. He is one of those with a “large canvass” of musical ideas that may bring him the regional and African acclaim his music deserves, following his stunning local successes.

Catch Tuku and Sulu shaking it up at Book Café!

Pamberi Trust @  Book Cafe

April 2012

Book Café
139 Samora Machel Ave / 6th Street, Harare