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Archive for June, 2012

School uniforms are now like cosmetics in Zimbabwe

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Tuesday, June 12th, 2012 by Lenard Kamwendo

Private colleges now seem to dominate in most urban areas with many students preferring to enroll at these institutions. The growing number of private colleges offering primary and secondary education leaves one wondering whether its a sign of the shortage of public schools or the demand for better education. The wide selection of school uniforms used by most of these colleges will make Italian fashion designers go green with envy as some of them are now like fashion statements. Either the uniform is too short, tight, baggy, flashy or revealing. Anyway … who the hell cares as long as the college has a Ministry of Education accreditation symbol?

As beautiful as the colors of the rainbow may be, I wish that the beauty of the uniforms could be translated into the infrastructure found at these institutions of learning.  Most of these colleges don’t have proper learning structures. Some are situated in the middle of the town sharing space with nite clubs, food courts and conveniently located close movie houses. I saw one in town, which is just opposite to a movie house, and after school students in uniforms from that college, could be seen queuing to catch an afternoon flick. Shortage of textbooks is not only associated with Government schools but also with private colleges. Some may argue that due to the economic situation in the country private colleges are affordable. I believe when government introduced uniforms in schools it was a move to ensure that discipline is adhered to amongst students and I guess that’s the reason why the designs were so ugly and the colors dull so that it won’t be like a “Giorgio Armani show” at school. Do requiring students to wear uniforms directly affect the school environment and the student achievement or is it a matter of setting a standard for the uniforms?

Police and the painful reality

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Tuesday, June 12th, 2012 by Bev Clark

Sophia from Harare has this to say about the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

I am sick and tired of getting late to work almost every morning. The hide and seek game between the police and kombi drivers is just getting too much. Imagine the fare into town from Budiriro is now a dollar, double the normal fare and the conductors argue they have to offset the police fines with the money from us commuters. Getting into trouble with your bosses after forking out an inflated transport fare is just a painful reality.

Get a job in Zimbabwe!

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Tuesday, June 12th, 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.

Three (3) vacancies: Organisation for Public Health Interventions and Development (OPHID)
Deadline: 14 June 2012

OPHID charitable trust, a local organisation established in 2007, supports the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare in Zimbabwe in the implementation and management of maternal and neonatal child health (MNCH), early childhood development, sexual and reproductive health, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and pediatric ART activities. With funding from EGPAF (USAID, DFID and CIFF), EU, UNICEF and World Education, OPHID has been working with multiple partners on national, provincial, district and community level to optimize service provision. OPHID has a proven track record of developing and evaluating innovative approaches to optimize the quality of on-going services and maximize outcomes on the ground, with a view to shaping national PMTCT policy. The OPHID team operates from one central and three provincial offices, supporting the provision of high quality PMTCT services in 581 sites in 24 districts in Zimbabwe, achieving province wide coverage in Manicaland, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland Central Provinces.

OPHID seeks candidates for positions linked to an upcoming USAID funded program aimed at expanding current national Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services. The award aims to (1) provide technical and other assistance to the national level of the PMTCT programme; (2) strengthen the provision of clinical services for comprehensive PMTCT; (3) strengthen pediatric HIV services; (4) conduct operations research and (5) strengthen the continuum of care of mother, infant and family. The positions are full-time, based in Harare, for a five-year term (proposed start date: 1st of October 2012) and are contingent upon program award.

1. Technical Director

Summary of position: Reporting to the Chief of the Party, the Technical Director oversees all programming, including ensuring technical quality of services.

Responsibilities
-Provide technical leadership and strategic guidance to support the programme in the fields of PMTCT, MNCH, SRH, T&C, FP, pediatric HIV
-Support MOHCW and partner organizations to develop an integrated vision of programme implementation
-Ensure that quality standards are met for project implementation with timely completion of all grant objectives
-Develop strong professional working relationships with relevant stakeholders to assist delivery of project activities
-Represent programme on relevant working/technical advisory bodies, meetings etc; develop project presentations and project advocacy materials
-Continuously review programme performance, revise programme plans accordingly to improve efficiency and maximize health impact of health services
-Support regular project review/progress meetings with project managers from implementing partners promoting a culture of innovation and learning among partners
-Ensure close linkages between lesson learned, research results and evidence-based program planning and adaptation of project implementation tools

Qualifications
-Professional degree(s) in health related field – MD, MPH, MSc, Nursing Science, etc
-At least 5 years of professional experience in programme development and technical supervision of HIV, PMTCT, and/or MNCH related health programmes, substantial field experience strongly preferred
-Technical expertise in HIV and RH required, including significant experience in the design and management of HIV prevention programmes
-Demonstrated ability to motivate, coordinate and transfer skills to staff
-Exceptional written and oral communication skills

2. Finance and Operations Director

Summary of position: Reporting directly to the Chief of Party, the Finance and Operations Director will oversee all program finances, grants performance and operations supporting the Chief of Party in meeting the program objectives. The Finance and Operations Director’s responsibilities will include start to finish grants management: financial and compliance monitoring of consortium partners and sub-grantees, reporting on grants performance and responding to inquiries from employees, senior management and USAID.

Responsibilities
-Oversee grant finance in accordance with project Grants Manual and USAID policies and procedures
-Monitor all grant activities for compliance with program Grants Manual and USAID regulations in accordance with laws of Zimbabwe and relevant partner’s rules and procedures
-Ensure optimized use of resources including operational personnel
-Monitor sub-grantee grants performance through regular compliance visits and manual independent financial audits carried out on consortium partners
-Provide finance support to consortium partners as necessary
-Submit timely reports on grants progress to Chief of Party and lead the preparation of donor financial reports
-Maintain official grant files

Qualifications
-Master’s degree or similar professional qualification in any of the following disciplines: Business Administration and Management, Finance, Accounting or related field
-At least five years of senior level experience with USAID as a donor and the management of similarly sized development projects
-Demonstrated knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles applicable to USA accounting procedures and processes
-Proven track record of achieving grants management goals and objectives for a grant of similar size, including financial management and oversight of grantees in a similar context
-Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite

3. Monitoring and Evaluation, Documentation and Research Specialist

Summary of position: Reporting to the Technical Director, the Monitoring and Evaluation, Documentation and Research Specialist is responsible for all monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities under this award.

Responsibilities
-Develop and maintain systems to collect and analyze data and indicators
-Conduct on-going supportive supervisory visits to provide guidance on collection and interpretation of results
-Support training of M&E personnel
-Document best practices and success stories, and ensure dissemination of findings
-Prepare documentation of potential program users and public relations purposes
-Supervise, co-ordinate and guide targeted applied research and evaluation activities, guiding program implementation and policy developments
-Timely submission of high quality quarterly reports
-Work in close collaboration with national HIS and MOHCW M&E personnel

Qualifications
-Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Demography, Epidemiology, Statistic(s) or other relevant professional qualification
-Familiarity with Monitoring and Evaluation systems in the HIV sector
-Demonstrated knowledge of management information systems/statistical packages
-At least 5 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation of large internationally funded health programs, including the use of data to inform decision making, planning, resource allocation and other strategic initiatives
-Proficiency in the development of indicators, analysis of data and interpretation of results in an illustrative and meaningful manner
-Exceptional writing, analytical and logical competencies

Only short listed candidates will be contacted. Please address your CV and application letter to:

Melania Peters (Administrative Manager)
Organisation for Public Health Interventions and Development (OPHID)
3 Rowland Square
Milton Park
Harare.

Or email: mpeters [at] ophid [dot] co [dot] zw

Tel: 792352/3, 792361, 797350

Three (3) vacancies: Clinton Health Access Initiative
Deadline: 15 June 2012

1) Driver – Read more
2) Finance Officer – Read more
3) Nurse-Counselor Clinical Mentor – Read more

Five (5) vacancies: Catholic Relief Services
Deadline: 15 June 2012

Catholic Relief Services – Zimbabwe Program (PVO: 6/2002), an international humanitarian and development organization.CRS Zimbabwe seeks candidates for a potential USAID-funded, Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) project, based in Zimbabwe.

1. Chief of Party – OVC and Organizational Development

The Chief of Party (COP) is responsible and has oversight for the entire program.  S/he provides managerial and technical support throughout the implementation of the project, including management of Key Personnel and sub-grantees.  S/he is responsible for the development and submission of the Annual Country Operating Plan) and Annual Program Reports and Semi-Annual Program Reports (S/APR), in collaboration with the M&E Specialist S/he will have principal responsibility for representing the projects to the United States Government).  The COP bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring that grantees and sub-grantees meet USAID, PEPFAR, and program requirements.

Requirements
-Masters degree in Social Sciences preferred or equivalent combination in years and experience
-At least 4 years of senior level management experience on designing, implementing, and managing large, complex child welfare, HIV/AIDS and systems strengthening projects
-At least 3 years of experience managing USAID – or other donor-funded programs
-Demonstrated knowledge of USG regulations and A-133 Auditing procedures
-Ability to integrate teams of professionals around common goals
-Demonstrated ability to work with host-country ministries and donor agencies in country
-Demonstrated knowledge of the Zimbabwe Child Welfare System
-On-the-job mentoring and training experiences will be an added advantage
-Proficiency in MS Office applications and other appropriate software
-Excellent communication, coaching and facilitation skills
-Understanding of and experience with faith-based organizations, local church structures, non-faith based organizations
-Accompaniment and capacity-building principles in local partnerships highly desired

2. Program Coordinator – OVC and Organizational Development

The Program Coordinator is responsible for overseeing all programming, including ensuring the technical quality of services of the program.  S/he works with partners to decide on targets, oversee the development and execution of community action plans and family case plans and monitors the implementation of plans. S/he works with the Chief of Party to facilitate operational capacity building initiatives.  S/he facilitates technical capacity building and efforts to coordinate with local government and private sector partners.  S/he supports the roll-out of national initiatives intended to improve the technical quality of programming for children affected by HIV/AIDS.  S/he supervises senior program staff, short and long-term technical assistance to the project.

Requirements
-A bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies or other relevant professional qualification
-A Master’s degree in the related field an added advantage
-Demonstrated experience and knowledge in establishing systems and overseeing program start-up under limited time constraints as well as program close-out
-Experience working with CSOs in advocacy training and institutional capacity building
-3 years experience managing donor-funded programs
-Demonstrated capacity to create and/or maintain complex systems and procedures involving multiple implementation sites, multiple partners and diverse beneficiaries
-Demonstrated strong analytical, managerial, leadership and interpersonal skills
-Prior budget management experience strongly preferred, especially on USG funding
-Prior OVC experience preferred
-Demonstrated knowledge of USG regulations and A-133 Auditing procedures
-Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel and other appropriate software)
-Excellent written and oral English communication skills
-Ability and willingness to travel 25-30% of time

3. Finance and Operations Coordinator – OVC and Organizational Development

The Finance and Operations Coordinator is responsible for overseeing project finances and other operational and administrative duties.  S/he will supervise all grant management and reporting on grant performance. S/he oversees financial and technical management to ensure best use of resources by preparing sound budgets, monitoring project expenses, and ensuring timely preparation of donor financial reports.

Requirements
-A Bachelor’s degree in finance plus professional qualification such as ACCA, CIMA or CIS
-A Master’s degree in finance or a related field an added advantage
-A minimum of three years’ experience in the management of U.S. Government funded programs, or other donor-funded projects
-Demonstrated leadership skills
-In-depth knowledge of USAID financial management rules and regulations
-Demonstrated strong analytical, managerial, leadership and interpersonal skills
-Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel and other appropriate software)
-Knowledge or SunSystems and Vision desirable
-Excellent written and oral English communication skills
-Ability and willingness to travel to the field.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Manager

The Monitoring and Evaluation Manager is responsible for all monitoring, evaluation, and reporting activities under the program.  The Monitoring and Evaluation Manager leads the development of and manages the Project’s Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP).  S/he develops and maintains systems to collect and analyze information on outputs, inputs, outcomes, and impact of the program.  S/he conducts supportive supervisory visits to sub-grantees to observe, monitor, provide guidance and quality feedback on the use of data and indicators. S/he analyzes monthly data and support training of M&E project staff in quality assurance methods.

Requirements
-A Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Statistics or a related field
-A Master’s degree in the related field an added advantage
-A minimum of three years experience in the monitoring and evaluation of US government-funded programs or other donors
-Experience in design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems in the sector of OVC (in Zimbabwe preferred)
-Demonstrated knowledge of management information systems and use of technology for development
-Experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative assessments and surveys
-Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, Outlook, and SPSS required
-Proficiency in database software desired
-Excellent English oral and written communication skills required
-Ability and willingness to travel 25-30% of time

5. Organizational Development Specialist

The Organizational Development Specialist will assess and build technical competence and organizational capacity of the public sector, professional bodies, as well as that of local NGOs at several levels, in order to strengthen and sustain their overall response to the welfare of children in Zimbabwe.  This will include facilitating the administration of organizational assessments and the subsequent development of tailored capacity building plans. that the Plans may include, but not limited to, training, mentoring, support in the areas of planning, finance, administration, advocacy, governance, management, leadership, OVC program management, monitoring and evaluation, and resource mobilization.

-A Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Psychology or any Social Sciences, or related field
-A minimum of 3 years’ experience in the area of Organizational Development and local organization capacity building
-Experience in assessing technical capacity of organizations, developing customized capacity building plans, providing individualized training, mentoring, and on-site support in various technical areas of need
-Good knowledge of local capacity building tools, especially in the OVC sector
-Demonstrated strong analytical, managerial, leadership and interpersonal skills
-Experience with USAID or other donor grant management preferred
-Knowledge of the theories, concepts and practices of organizational development
-Experience with influencing groups to change their behaviour
-Demonstrated coaching and process facilitation skills
-Demonstrated experience with integrating innovative technologies to achieve positive organizational change
-Proficiency in MS Office applications and other appropriate software
-Excellent written and oral English communication skills
-Ability and willingness to travel to the field approximately 25-30% of time.

Those who meet the above criteria are invited to submit their applications together with a cover letter and detailed Curriculum Vitae that includes the names and contact details (plus e-mails addresses) of three traceable references. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.  Please submit to:  The Country Representative, 95 Park Lane, Harare or 33A Duncan Road Suburbs Bulawayo or P.O. Box CY 1111, Causeway, Harare, or to taurai.musakaruka [at] crs [dot] org

Policy Advisor: Greenpeace Africa
Deadline: 15 June 2012

Greenpeace is a non-governmental environmental organisation that works to ensure that the earth has the ability to nurture life in all its diversity. The organisation focuses its work on worldwide issues such as global warming, deforestation, overfishing, commercial whaling and anti-nuclear issues. Greenpeace is actively working in South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal; the countries with the most urgent environmental issues – climate change, over-fishing and the destruction of the all-important rainforests – issues that affect the entire continent. Greenpeace Africa seeks to appoint a Policy Advisor, based in Johannesburg, with regular national and international travel. For more information and full job description, please click here

Data Officer – Beitbridge: MSF-Spain
Deadline: 17 June 2012

Supervising a team of Data Encoders, you will be responsible for the comprehensive management of Patient Data in the project, providing support to our medical activities.

-Secondary School completed
-Preferable with IT degree or similar qualification
-Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows environment
-Knowledge on basic statistics especially medical statistics databases
-Good knowledge of basic mathematics
-Previous NGO experience is an asset
-Initiative, self-motivation and record keeping skills
-Organized, responsible and flexible
-Good communication skills

Send CV to:
HR Admin, MSF-Spain
165 Tower Lane
Beitbridge
Zimbabwe
Or Msfe-beitbridge [at] Barcelona [dot] msf [dot] org

Supply Contracting Specialist: United Nations Children’s Fund
Deadline: 17 June 2012

Vacancy Notice No. Zim/2012:25
NOC Level, (Nationals Only)
(Temporary Assistance Post) – 364 days

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 Job
The successful candidate will be under the overall guidance of the Supply & Procurement Specialist. He or she will be accountable for technical coordination and execution in the elaboration and implementation of service contract strategy for UNICEF including negotiation of offers, management of the contract and contractor, legal considerations payment conditions and risk assessment.

Key Accountabilities and duties & tasks
-Prepares a variety of procurement related documents, including purchase orders, contracts, communications, guidelines, instructions etc.
-Reviews adherence to contractual agreements, recommend amendments and contract extensions, advise concerned parties with respect to contractual rights/obligations
-Establishment and implementation of proper monitoring system and control of procurement processes including organisation of Request for Quotation, Invitation to Bid or Request for Proposal, receipt and evaluation of quotations, bids or proposals, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations
-Provides technical leadership support, coaching and training in order to enhance efficient, effective and timely delivery of supplies through contract management
-Maintains UNICEF service contract business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Procurement, control of the workflows for the Procurement Unit and harmonization of the procurement related workflows in the office

Qualifications and Experience of Candidates
-Advanced university degree in Business Administration, Management, International Economics, Engineering, International Development, Contract/commercial Law or specialization in directly related areas including credited courses in supply, logistics, purchasing or contracting. Equivalent educational qualification in relevant areas (transport or logistics operations/management, supply management, etc.)
-Minimum of 5 years professional experience in supply, logistics, purchasing, with a major focus on contract management
-Knowledge of procurement process from planning, execution, contract management and administration. Sound knowledge of procurement methods tools practices and standards
-Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

If you have experience of working in a similar capacity, meet the above profile and want to make an active and lasting contribution to build a better world for children, send your application letter and curriculum vitae quoting vacancy notice number to the following address.

Human Resources Manager
(Vacancy Notice No. 25: Zim-2012)
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 Manager: Restless Development
Deadline: 25 June 2012 (16:30 hours)

Based in Harare
Annual Net Salary: $17,029 (Approximate Gross Salary: $ 22,772)

Restless Development is the global leader in youth-led development – Demonstrating at the grassroots and policy levels that young people can and must play a lead role. Go to www.restlessdevelopment.org

Restless Development Zimbabwe is seeking a talented and dynamic leader to take up the role of Programme Manager in our growing Country Programme. The successful candidate will have the skills and ability to ensure quality and impact across all our programme areas, coupled with the passion and commitment for developing others and empowering young people to be the best they can be. A strong team player with excellent analytical skills and strategic understanding, the individual will work closely with the Country Director and management team to ensure that Restless Development Zimbabwe has the systems, people and structures in place to deliver on our ambitious 5-year strategy. This is an ideal opportunity for an individual looking to enhance their leadership capabilities in a senior management role within the NGO sector and gain experience across a range of functions, including donor management, finance, operations and HR and programme quality.

Full job description and application form (No CVs accepted) can be downloaded from www.restlessdevelopment.org/work-with-us and then sent to: jobs [at] restlessdevelopment [dot] org

Legal officer: WLSA Zimbabwe
Deadline: 30 June 2012

WLSA Zimbabwe seeks the services of a legal officer with the following attributes:

-Must hold a Bachelor of Laws with Honours Degree or its equivalent with a second or first class pass
-Must have undertaken a course in the law of succession or its equivalent (Failure of which the CV will not be considered)
-Undergraduate course in Women’s Law is an added advantage
-Masters degree in Gender/Women’s Law/Development studies will be a distinct advantage
-Must be familiar with laws and regional/international instruments that relate to the rights of women
-At least two years experience in private practice or with the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs is a must
-Must be prepared to travel extensively in and out of Zimbabwe
-Must hold a clean class 4 drivers licence

No chancers please. Send your CV plus certified copies of your qualifications to the Board Chairperson, WLSA Zimbabwe, Box 10171, Harare or 16 Lawson Avenue, Milton Park, Harare, Zimbabwe. Mark envelopes with application marked: Ref: Legal Officer.

Please note that email applications will automatically be disqualified.

Programme Office Research: WLSA Zimbabwe
Deadline: 30 June 2012

Note: This Post Is From July To December 2012

WLSA Zimbabwe seeks the services of a programme officer research with the following attributes:

1. A degree in law or social sciences at Master’s level
2. Experience in research and must have published (proof required)
3. Experience in use of statistical packages such as SPSS is a must
4. Knowledge of women’s human rights instruments, laws and policies affecting women
5. Ability to travel extensively in and outside Zimbabwe
6. Experience in participatory facilitation methodologies
7. Demonstrated experience in proposal development and programme management

No Chancers Please.

Send application with certified copies of qualifications to the Board Chairperson, WLSA, 16 Lawson Avenue, Milton Park or to Box 10171 Harare.

There’s all sorts of activism

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Tuesday, June 12th, 2012 by Bev Clark

Visualise us

Fellowship for outstanding African leaders

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Tuesday, June 12th, 2012 by Bev Clark

Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships Programme – Invitation for Applications

The Fellowships offer the opportunity to work in the executive offices of either the African Development Bank, the UN Economic Commission for Africa or the World Trade Organization, and an annual stipend of $100 000.

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships Programme will help to prepare the next generation of outstanding African leaders by providing them with unique mentoring opportunities.

The three organisations will each host an Ibrahim Leadership Fellow for a 12 month fellowship supporting senior management. The Fellows will support the work of the institutions to further promote the economic development of the continent.

The Fellowships are open to young professionals, mid-career and new executives up to the age of forty, or forty-five for women with children. The Fellows will be nationals of an African country with 7-10 years of relevant work experience and a Master’s Degree.

For more information about the Fellowships, eligibility and the application process please visit: www.moibrahimfoundation.org/fellowships

Closing date for applications is 16 July 2012.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation aims to support good governance and great leadership in Africa.

www.moibrahimfoundation.org

Turning fear into art

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Tuesday, June 12th, 2012 by Bev Clark

How about Zimbabwe’s art galleries doing something similar?

Abused children turn their fears into artwork for groundbreaking exhibition: Child Hood at the Royal Academy is the result of art therapy Kids Company has done with severely traumatised young people. More here