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Program & Policy Officer: ActionAid
Deadline: 1 March 2013

Location: Harare, Head Office
Duration: 1 April 2013 to 31 December 2013

ActionAid is a global movement of people working together to further human rights for all and defeat poverty

Purpose of the Position
ActionAid International Zimbabwe (AAIZ) is seeking a Program and Policy Officer – under the Governance Programme for nine months to assist the Program and Policy Manager ensuring that the program and projects falling within the governance strategic objective are effectively and efficiently implemented to achieve set goals and objectives.

Key Performance Areas
The Program and Policy Officer will assist the Governance thematic coordinator in the following key activities:
-Supervision of the implementation of the programme and projects, ensuring that they adhere to the AAI standards and/or donor guidelines
-Monitoring, implementation and evaluation of the programme and projects on a daily basis
-Ensuring budget tracking of the programme and projects
-Contribution to the development of reports to the donor as required on specific objectives of the programme and projects
-Provision of support to and building the capacity of partners in program planning, implementation and monitoring & evaluation to effectively and efficiently implement program and project activities

A detailed Job Profile will be made available to the successful candidate.

Education & Qualifications
A bachelors degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies and/or other relevant fields

Experience
3 years experience in governance work, including supporting local partner organizations and working with community-based organizations/local associations.

Other requirements & competences
-Demonstrated commitment to working with AAIZ target groups i.e. poor and marginalized groups at community and national levels
-Understanding of conflict management, women’s & youth empowerment and peace-building as well as building local democracy in relation to governance
-Understanding of political and socio-economical factors that impact on program development
-Good organizational and planning skills including program/projects budget tracking in line with contractual obligations
-Ability to work in partnerships with service providers/policy makers from both voluntary and statutory sectors
-Ability to write concise, analytical and accurate reports to agreed deadlines
-Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation processes and the ability to collate and analyze data
-Ability to communicate effectively verbally and Good written English and local languages relevant in areas of work
-Clean Class 4 driver’s license

Applications
To apply submit your curriculum vitae with an application letter to Human Resources, ActionAid International, 16 York Avenue, Newlands, Harare or Email: jobs.zimbabwe [at] actionaid [dot] org

Although we value all applications, we can only respond to short listed candidates. NB: Please note that this is a NATIONAL position. Whilst all applicants will be assessed strictly on their individual merits, qualified women are especially encouraged to apply.

Administration and Procurement Supervisor: CARE Zimbabwe
Deadline: 2 March 2013

Duty Station: Harare
Position Code: PS-APS 13

Job summary
Reporting to the Country Director, the Administration and Procurement Supervisor will be responsible for supervising all administration and procurement activities on behalf of Program teams and other internal customers, as well as the identification of reliable suppliers, ensuring compliance to Care Zimbabwe and donor policy and procedures, and maintaining accurate up-to-date market and pricing information related to our supply chain. The incumbent will support annual and intermittent procurement planning activities conducted by program staff. She/he will also take a lead on large-scale or complex orders and tenders, as well as ensuring progress with strategic procurement initiatives. The Administration and Procurement Supervisor will be responsible for supplier relationship management with key suppliers, including regular face-to-face meetings, ensuring timely payment, and maintaining open dialogue. The incumbent will also assist in developing and where appropriate the improvement of administration policies and systems to ensure the most effective, accountable and efficient delivery of services. S/he is also responsible for building and fostering a team approach between administration service consumers throughout CARE Zimbabwe.

Qualifications and experience
-Degree in Purchasing and Supply/Supply Chain Management/Business Administration or Equivalent
-A seasoned professional with a solid technical background in administration and procurement and a minimum of 4 years relevant experience
-Strong leadership and people management skills
-Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
-Excellent computer and reporting skills
-Ability to organize and absorb pressure

Interested and qualified applicants can send their Curriculum Vitae and Application Letters quoting the position code (PS-APS 13) in the subject line for email applications to: vacancies [at] carezimbabwe [dot] org

Preface to Zen Dust

There is a song in the wind we cant quite catch. To hear it we have to
stop. We have to set ourselves aside and listen.
Under the hum of tyres and computers, beyond the restless din of right
and wrong, there lies a silence that holds the heartache and the
longing of the world.
And then, still further out, an empty road where wind and dust have
wiped out all our tracks.
In this openness our hearts are lit. It is here the singing starts.
And our connection to each other and to the land will flow as
naturally as the waters of the great Gariep that run under the bridge
to the sea.
We can find again this precious world in all its myriad forms.
The sound of buses taking children off to school.
An eagle owl calling in the night.
The cry of living in difficult times.
And each becomes a doorway to the light.
I am not talking here of yet another way to put things right. I am
talking about giving ourselves to this life completely, however it
turns out.
I am talking about selflessness.
And that slippery necessary word, love.
It is time to go home.

- Antony Osler

Book Café Wins Prestigious NAMA Award

A week ago on February 16th, The National Arts Council presented The Book Café with a NAMA Award for National Arts Service.  The Book Café is one of Zimbabwe’s most important arts and culture venues, combining entertainment and artist development with informative discussions and critical platforms for freedom of speech.   Book Café Senior Arts and Communications Officer Extra-Blessing Kuchera accepted the award at the star-studded ceremony.

The event was well-attended by various dignitaries, including Minister of Education, Sports and Culture David Coltart, ZiFM head Supa Mandiwanzira and music legend Oliver Mtukudzi.  The Book Café received the National Arts Service award in recognition of the achievements of its live music venue and the outstanding support it gives to artists.

Book Cafe is part of Pamberi Trust and is founded on the belief that the arts are critical in shaping values that reflect society.  Since its inception in 1997, The Book Café has evolved into a lively arts hub that is open 7 days a week and offers an art space that has become a place where all cultures mix freely and comfortably.

This award is the first time Book Café has been recognized by the National Arts Council.  Senior Arts and Communications Officer Extra-Blessing Kuchera was very excited to receive the reward as it was completely unexpected.  Kuchera says, “NAMA had said they wanted a representative from Pamberi Trust to come and present an award at the ceremony.  They wanted to surprise Book Café so they didn’t tell us.  I was supposed to present the National Arts Service Award to someone else.  It was a genuine surprise!  It’s a special award.  They created this for specific individuals and organizations that have excelled in terms of developing arts in Zimbabwe.”

Kuchera was presented the award by acclaimed musician and guest of honour, Oliver Mtukudzi.  Last year the National Arts Service Award was awarded to Prince Tendai Mpfurutsa.  Speaking about the significance for the award Kuchera said, “NAMA looked at the quality that came out of The Book Café.  However, from my perspective it’s just hard work, team work, commitment, determination and being responsible.  The most important thing is being able to help people realize their potential – to go another mile.  Being able to give people that opportunity is what we do and that’s what the award is all about.  The artists are the ones who really deserve this award because they are the ones who come in and build themselves, who come in and enjoy their time at Book Café, and who come in and make a name that enables them to go places.”

The Book Café has been in operation for 16 years.  In 2012, they moved from their location in Five Avenue to their new premises a stone’s throw away on Samora Machel.  Last March, The Book Cafe received the prestigious Prince Claus Award for excellence in the arts from the Dutch organization, The Prince Claus Fund.  Importantly, most of Zimbabwe’s well-known and well-loved musicians have performed or received critical support and mentoring through the many platforms and opportunities at The Book Café.  These include, Chiwoniso Maraire, Victor Kunonga, 2013 NAMA Award winner Hope Masike, 2013 triple NAMA Award winner Suluman Chimbetu and singer Peace Ndlovu, popularly known as Ba Shupi.

Ba Shupi is a talented artist who is rising in the music scene, in part because of the important platform provided for artists at The Book Café.  About the Book Café he says, “The Book Café is a platform that I also came into.  I have learnt a lot and a lot has happened in my life through the Book Café, and the Open Mic and all the activities that happen at Book Café.  For me to have a band, I got it from Book Café because it’s a meeting place for all different artists.  In Zimbabwe the Book Café, are doing their level best to uplift us artists.  That’s where I met people like Chiwoniso Maraire and all kinds of artists.  At the end of the day, my dream would be for the Book Café to expand to other towns because every artist gets the opportunity to showcase their talent”.

Book Café continues to play a critical role in the development and promotion of arts and culture in Zimbabwe.  Congratulations on their award.

Press Release from Book Cafe

Our heart survives between hammers,
just as the tongue between the teeth is still able to praise.
- Rilke, Duino Elegy 9