The 2010/2011 Zimbabwe Health Demographic Survey report revealed that there was a mistaken belief among circumcised men that the surgery protects them from HIV infection. Shocking as it is, some men misconstrue male circumcision to be the ‘invisible condom’. Also men, who are HIV negative and are aware of it, become vulnerable when they believe that circumcision renders them immune to HIV. This undermining of condom usage and safe-sex practices in the end results in an increase in the transmission of HIV. This hinders the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. For the thousands of males undergoing the male circumcision surgery each year, male circumcision only helps them to reduce their chances of contracting HIV.

Some people also believe that circumcised men are HIV negative. The fact that there is no HIV screening before one is circumcised therefore does not go to show that circumcised males are HIV negative. In a report by WHO/UNAIDS it states that, “HIV-positive men and men who do not know their HIV status should not be denied male circumcision. This latter position reflects the possibility that denying male circumcision on the basis of HIV status could increase stigma among HIV-positive men who are not circumcised and increase the chances that HIV-positive men will seek surgery from unsafe or poorly-trained providers if they are turned away from medical points of service.”

Research also points out that women are not much protected by male circumcision. They state that the woman is at risk if sex is resumed before the wound has completely healed. Also in cases where their male partners are HIV positive and do not engage in safe sex methods because they have been circumcised, puts the woman at high risk of contracting HIV. This calls for an effective communication strategy in the health sector. Health communication strategies that are collaboratively and strategically designed, implemented, and evaluated using known attitudes and perceptions can help to improve awareness and knowledge of male circumcision in a significant and lasting way.

For instance adverts in Zimbabwe on male circumcision read, “I am smart I have been circumcised”, it can be of much better benefit if they read, “I have been circumcised I still use my condom”.

According to a report, Criminalising Condoms, that surveyed sex workers in Kenya, Namibia, Russia, the US and Zimbabwe, the police confiscate and destroy condoms.

More

Here’s a text message I just got:

Just had an irritating encounter with a cop … it’s Mandela’s birthday … police should spend 67 minutes helping the public, not harassing them.

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 Manager: CBM
Deadline: 23 July 2012

Location: Bulawayo

Contract duration: Since the project has already started, the appointment will be for the rest of the period that will end on 31 March 2014.

CBM is an international Christian development organisation, committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in developing countries. The Regional Office in Cape Town in collaboration with the Jairos Jiri Association of Zimbabwe, are now accepting applications for a Project Manager for a project called Comprehensive Mobility Support Project

Objective: The jobholder will ensure the smooth running of the USAID funded mobility (wheelchair) project of the Jairos Jiri Association.

Reporting:
-In country reporting to the director of Jairos Jiri Association
-Reporting to the CBM Regional Office in Cape Town on a monthly basis on overall and financial progress

Tasks

Project management
-Support the capacity development of the participating wheelchair workshops aimed at empowering them to function on sound business principles, by Ensuring that the management of participating workshops implement agree-upon project objectives and activities; Developing guidelines for the management of such workshops; Facilitating the capacity development of the management of the wheelchair workshops to establish sound business models at each; Facilitating training session for workshop managers, in collaboration with a consultant
-Coordinate the logistical arrangements of planned training workshops for wheelchair technicians and rehabilitation workers
-Support the development of clinics at rehabilitation departments where the wheelchair needs of clients can be assessed
-Monitor the implementation of activities and evaluate the performance of partners.
-Facilitate the coordination between the various stakeholders

Project administration
-Be acquainted with USAID reporting requirements and ensure the project documentation is done according the USAID requirements
-Advise/train partners with regards to USAID requirements
-Ensure projects are carried out according to the project plan
-Manage the Budget on a daily basis
-Write and submit regular progress reports

Alliance building and advocacy
-Support the JJA Advocacy Officer in liaising with government and NGOs on the provision of wheelchairs
-Promote networking and alliance building between the various stakeholders in Zimbabwe
-Support the JJA Advocacy Officer to support national stakeholders to do advocacy for access to assistive devices, in particular wheelchairs

Qualifications

Personal profile
-Strong leadership skills
-Strategic thinker
-Good manager of people and team builder
-Proven financial and management skills
-Good written and verbal communication skills
-Diplomatic, and able to liaise with decision makers
-Able to organise, chair and lead meetings
-Fluent in English
-Able and willing to travel (about 35% of working time)

Professional experience
-Degree in business studies, economics or similar.
-Five years experience in business/project management.
-Experience with NGOs in the development and disability sector.
-Experience with USAID funded projects.

Salary: Negotiable, depending on qualifications and proven experience.

Commitment: It is expected that the future jobholder, adheres to CBM beliefs and values, and commits to CBM’s Child Protection Policy.

CBM encourages persons with disabilities to apply for this position.

Applications: submit via e-mail (max 2MB) a cover letter, CV, certified copies of qualifications, 3 professional references, salary expectations and availability to: Judith van der Veen, email: Judith@cbmsa.org and Catherine van Staden email Catherine [at] cbmsa [dot] org

Please visit www.cbm.org

Seven (7) vacancies: Restless Development
Deadline: 26 July 2012 (9am)

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

1 x Programme Coordinator
Annual Net Salary: $11,361 (Approximate Gross Salary: $14,278)

Restless Development Zimbabwe is seeking a talented and dynamic leader to take up the role of Programme Coordinator 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 Programmes Manager to ensure we deliver on all commitments, observing all systems and procedures. This is an ideal opportunity for an individual looking to enhance their leadership capabilities in a management role within the NGO sector and gain experience across a range of functions.

1 x Finance & Administration Coordinator
Annual Net Salary: $11,361 (Approximate Gross Salary: $14,278)

The Finance and Administration Coordinator is a crucial role in our country programme finance unit.  Working closely with the Finance and Administration Manager, the role involves frequent communications with and support for the programmes team on financial matters. The summarized responsibilities are; payroll, inter-company account maintenance, capturing all financial transactions, performance management, and asset and office management.

5 x Assistant Programme Coordinators (APCs)
Annual Net Salary: $7,690 (Approximate Gross Salary: $9,216)
Locations: Bulilima, Chimanimani, Harare, Hwedza and Mangwe

Restless Development Zimbabwe is seeking talented and dynamic individuals to take up the role of Assistant Programme Coordinators in our growing Country Programme. This is an ideal opportunity for individuals looking to advance their careers within the NGO sector and gain experience across a range of functions. The APC should have a minimum of 2 years youth development experience coupled with a passion and commitment for developing others and empowering young people to be the best they can be. Experience in developing youth livelihoods projects will be an added advantage.

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

Senior Programmes Officer: Local NGO
Deadline: 30 July 2012

Duties
-Write project proposals
-Look for funding opportunities in liaison with management
-Analyse and recommend new areas of programming
-Implement and oversee implementation of programmes
-Assist with supervision and mentoring of junior programme officers
-Assist with analysis and evaluation of programmes
-Report writing

Attributes
-Ability to work with minimum supervision
-Maturity and ability to work as a team player and or leader
-Ability to work on multiple tasks
-Ability to plan and implement programmes timeously

Knowledge levels
-A detailed understanding of the media operating environment a necessity
-Ability to analyse and distil issues and advise superiors

Experience
-Four years experience working in an NGO, or Trade Union environment (excluding years on attachment)
-Lobby and advocacy skills an advantage

Qualifications
-Degree or Diploma in Social Sciences, Media or Journalism, Projects Development and Management or related fields
-A Masters degree will be an added advantage

Application checklist
1. Detailed CV with clear and traceable referees
2. A motivational letter explaining candidate suitability not exceeding 200 words
3. To bring certified copies of certificates when called for interviews

NB: Job package to be disclosed to short listed candidates.
Apply electronically to: po.vacancy2012 [at] gmail [dot] com

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition – Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Bill

When: Wednesday 18 July 2012
Time: 17:30 – 20:00hrs
Topic: 13th February 2009: Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Bill cut off date. A classical case of historical amnesia or a practical arrangement for a working Human Rights Commission?
Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Harare

Speakers:
Hon Patrick Chinamasa – Minister of Justice
Hon Douglas Mwonzora – Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice
Mr Okay Machisa – Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Chairperson
Dr Ibbo Mandaza – Sapes Trust
Mr Nhlanhla Dube – Movement for Democratic Change-N (Spokesperson)

Chairing: Mrs Grace Chirenje Nachipo – Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Vice Chairperson

Note: The Meeting Has Been Cleared By The Police

Enjoy the Tour cause it’s off next Sunday but the Olympic Games are coming soon, Bev! No riders from Southern Africa this year in France. What’s the sourcing of your new favorite biscuit ? South Africa or proudly Zimbabwe made? Very sunny Harare, i.e. a nice winter down there! No cold time and burning firelogs in the townships? Enjoy your afternoon watching today’s leg while sipping your daily tea.  Cheers. Yves-Henri