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With all things being equal for one to pass through the stages indicated in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs they need support from family, community and the government. When a child is born, they are provided with all basic needs by their parents or guardians and in some cases the government. They go to school when they reach school going age and proceed to university or college where later they find a job or venture into their own projects. This enables them to attain a social standing within the community thus they then move to the last stage of self-actualisation, which at times can be realised after a long period of time. In some communities every child is given the ability to go through these stages. This however, is not the case for young boys and girls in Zimbabwe’s ‘illegal’ settlement at Hatcliffe Extension.

The community has witnessed a number of evictions under Operation Murambatsvina, which has left the lives of young people marginalized. The lives of people are at threat due little or no access to basic needs such as shelter, food, education, clothing, health and sanitation. Young people growing up in such a community face various challenges. Speaking at a Food for Thought Session at the US Public Affairs Section this week, Petros Chatiza, the Programmes Coordinator of Young Achievement Sports for Development (YASD) highlighted that, when they pay fees for a pupil, the pupil can fail to make it to school because they have no access to proper food and proper health care. This shows that the challenges faced by young people interlace with each other. His organisation is thus embarking on bringing lasting change to the lives of the youths in the Hatcliffe Extension community through unconventional approaches.

The organisation states that is uses ‘unconventional approaches to move members from biological (basic) aspirations to self realisation’.  This is done through sports and arts among other activities. They provide a platform for young people to find their potential and makes use of their talents and in so doing find some level of self fulfilment. Street soccer is a main component, which they use to engage the community. As evident in any displaced community isolation can be a challenge faced by members. Hence street soccer tries to bring together every member of the community regardless of age and gender. This was a justification provided by YASD’s Information and Communication officer on why they chose soccer. The organisation now participates at the Homeless World Cup, which seeks to energise homeless people to change their lives.

Also speaking at the event were two participants from the community. Gwauya has ventured into theatre through taking part in YASD programmes in his community. He has also been privileged enough to take part in international activities representing homeless people. Emily, through her engagement in YASD’s sports programmes has undergone soccer coaching provided by one of Zimbabwe’s international based soccer players, Joel Lupahla. Today she is a coach at a local school. YASD was applauded for these testimonies. Such programmes that enable children growing up in vulnerable situations should be emulated. Thus through the work of YASD hundreds of Hatcliffe Extension’s young boys and girls are today inspired to change their lives, to live a better life and to develop their community!

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.

Eleven (11) Case Management Officers: Ministry of Labour and Social Services
Deadline: 19 July 2012

The Ministry of Labour and Social Services (MoLSS) is implementing the National Action Plan for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (NAP and OVC) whose Child Protection Pillar has a thematic area on National Case Management System Development and Practice. The overall purpose of this thematic area is to review and update the current national case management system in partnership with World Education Inc (WEI), and deliver innovative community based services nationally, that ensures that children and families who are identified as vulnerable children are supported within a continuum of care. The program will be implemented starting with the current ten cash transfer districts of Epworth (Harare), Goromonzi, Rushinga, Makoni, Kariba, Zvishavane, Bulawayo Urban, Umguza, Chivi and Mangwe.

Job Summary
Reporting to the District Social Services Officer with Technical backstopping from the World Education Case Management Regional Coordinator, the Case Management Officer will support the District Social Services Office to start up and implement the case management system in the district in line with Zimbabwe’s National Action Plan for Orphans and Vulnerable Children 2011 – 2015 (NAP II).

Key functions of the post
-Support DSS to implement the program through provision of administrative oversight and daily management of program activities
-Start up case management in the district and strengthen the capacity of the DSS to implement the program
-Support the training, mentoring and monitoring of Community Child Case Care Workers
-Ensure clear communication channels between DSS, WEI and other NGOs operating in the district
-Address the capacity and resource gaps in the DSS system through the identification and provision of material, logistical and training support to various stakeholders

Minimum qualifications and requirements
-A university degree in social work or post graduate diploma in Social Work
-Registration as a Social Worker in terms of the Social Workers Act (Chapter 27:21) and current practicing certificate
-Excellent communication skills
-At least 2 years experience working with vulnerable groups, particularly children and in primary Social Work
-Ability to work with little or no supervision
-Results oriented and able to work under pressure and with strict deadlines
-Knowledge of capacity building initiatives
-Experience working with either children, women, local community structures and government structures
-Training and facilitation skills
-Excellent report writing skills

Applicants with the relevant experience are encouraged to apply stating their preferred district and submit copies of their CVs to:

The Director of Social Services
Ministry of Labour and Social Services
Compensation House
Cnr 4th and Central Avenue
Harare

Or email: caserecruit [at] zimnapovc [dot] co [dot] zw cc recruitment [at] worlded [dot] co [dot] zw

Head of Energy Program: Practical Action
Deadline: 19 July 2012

Practical Action Southern Africa, part of an international technology development Organisation head quartered in the UK and with other offices in East Africa, Latin America and South Asia, is recruiting for a Head of the Energy Program to be based in Harare. The incumbent is to strategically guide the direction, growth and implementation of community based projects for our Regional Energy Program. The program will focus on the development and implementation of community decentralised   energy systems with special focus on Renewable Energy and Energy for Cooking so as to improve energy access for the poor. The Head of Programme will also contribute to the group’s Global Energy and Practice Advocacy Strategy by actively participating in the global energy agenda.

Key deliverables will include inter alia:
-Growth of the energy program portfolio.
-Adequately resourcing the Energy Program by well-funded projects and budgets management.
-Represent Practical Action across a range of external groups, managing partner, government, private sector and donor relationships.
-Develop strategic relationships with the private sector, universities and research institutions for advancing the objectives of the Program.
-Manage the energy team; ensuring that program delivery is coordinated across all areas and meets expected quality standards and value-adding expectation.
-Design and manage regular performance assessments and reviews for the team and of partner organisations, to ensure quality delivery of contract work.
-Building the capacity of our Partners.
-Marketing the organisation and the program locally and internationally.

Person Specifications

In addition to the above, incumbent should demonstrate the following:
-Proven management experience at senior level with evidence of effective decision making, managing multi-functional work teams
-Excellent leadership and people management abilities, with motivational, talent development and change management skills
-Ability to work with others to develop vision into strategy and communicate and influence this to a wider audience
-Strong influence, advocacy experience and ability to develop organisational networks and associations
-Excellent personal communication skills, both written and verbal
-Ability and willingness to travel regularly, locally, regionally and internationally

Job Prerequisites
-Master’s degree in a related field will be a distinct advantage.
-Graduate degree in energy or related field.
-Experience in Project Management.
-Six years working experience with 4 years in managing energy and / or environment projects preferably in a nongovernmental organisation.

Send applications and detailed CVs to: Human Capital and Administration Manager Practical Action, 4 Ludlow Rd, Newlands or email: hc [at] practicalactionzw [dot] org

Project Finance Officer: The Legal Resources Foundation (LRF)
Deadline: 20 July 2012

Under the supervision of the Finance Director, the Project Finance Officer is responsible for providing complete project management support – both financial and contractual – to project staff and the programme director. The Project Finance Officer will support a portfolio of projects and will act as focal point for project staff for grants, budgets and contracts.

Duties and Responsibilities
-Tracks the financial progress of projects. Analyses project expenses as required, underlines budget deviations and provides programmes staff with analysis
-Provides budget management support to project staff through monthly project budget reviews
-Provides guidance and support to project staff in all matters related to grants;
-Prepares financial statements and expenditure reports on projects
-Ensure that all National Office payments are up to date in keeping with the finance policies & procedures manual
-Write up monthly Requests and Analysis Reports
-Maintain positive and consistent working relations with banks
-Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Finance Director

Qualifications and Required Skills

Education: Diploma in Accounting. A University degree in Accounting will be an added advantage.

Professional Experience
-Minimum five (5) years experience as Project Financial Officer or similar position managing project-based contracts and budgets in an NGO. Exposure to different donor practices is highly desirable
-Solid knowledge of procurement and contracting concepts, tendering, contract design and administration issues, multi-party agreements
-Solid knowledge of project design, grant administration and management, including budgeting, costing of proposals, monitoring implementation and acquittal of funds

Functional Competencies
-High level of numeracy and logical thinking
-Initiative and ability to work independently, set priorities and perform under pressure with accuracy and dedication
-Ability to establish positive working relationships at various levels, internally and externally
-Strong organizational and follow-up skills
-Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and spoken

Computer skills: Knowledge of Microsoft Office package and proficiency in working with Pastel.

Applications with full contact details, accompanied by comprehensive curriculum vitae and clearly marked “Danish Projects Finance Officer” should be sent to:

PA to the National Director
P O Box 918
HARARE

Or they can be emailed to: pa [at] lrf [dot] co [dot] zw

Two (2) Drivers: UNHCR
Deadline: 20 July 2012

The Office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in Zimbabwe invites applications from suitably qualified persons (internal and external) to apply for the following two positions:

1) Driver – Harare
Post number: 10006165

2) Driver – Bulawayo
Post number: 10015385

Post level: GL.02
Type of contract: Fixed – Term Appointment
Assignment Date: Immediately

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Admin/Programme Officer, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

-Drive office vehicles for the transport of authorized personnel and other high ranking officials
-Deliver and collect mails, documents and other items
-Meet official personnel at the airport and facilitate immigration and customs formalities as required
-Be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance for the assigned vehicles, check oil, water, battery, brakes, tyres etc
-Perform minor repairs ensuring that the vehicles are kept clean
-Schedule minor/major services and arrange for repairs according to need
-Log official trips, daily mileage, gas consumption, oil changes, greasing etc
-Ensure that the steps required by official rules and regulations on official vehicles are taken in case of involvement in an accident
-Perform other duties required

Qualifications required
- Completion of Secondary Education plus class 2/4 drivers’ license, knowledge of driving rules and regulations and skills in motor vehicle repair
-Holder of a Defensive Driving Certificate
-Minimum of 5 years work experience as a driver, safe driving record
-Fluent in English language and good knowledge of the local languages, other languages are an advantage
-Ability to establish and maintain good working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds

For External Candidates, an application letter, clearly indicating the position sought, together with detailed curriculum vitae, photocopies of the diploma or other relevant certificates/documents should be addressed to:

The Representative, UNHCR Harare, P.O. Box 4565
or
Block 8, Arundel Office Park, Norfolk Road, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.

For Internal Candidates, in addition to the above-mentioned documents, the ePAD for the last 2 years together with an updated P11 shall be submitted.

NB: Only short listed applicants will be contacted.

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