150 WOZA members in Pumula, Bulawayo today marched to their local Electricity company office carrying a mock coffin to symbolise the burial of Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC). They began their march from a nearby shopping centre, intending to march past the police station to the ZETDC office but a vehicle drove out and dispersed them.
Police officers on bicycles then chased the activists but many managed to double back to the door of ZETDC to deliver the yellow cards and coffin. A drama ensured with residents shouting at police officers to stop chasing people as they do not have electricity themselves. All the police officers seem to come out to pick up and read the yellow cards, flyers and placards. As the protest dispersed, six members, Simangaliso Msimanga, Grace Moyo, Pretty Chivunge, and Sikhangezile Sibanda and Memory Matandare with her 3month old baby and another have been arrested and handcuffed. Lawyers have been deployed.
WOZA Press Statement

Zimbabwe’s power situation sucks:

Winter load-shedding schedule disappointing
Residents have said they are disappointed that this year’s Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) winter load-shedding schedule is the worst since load shedding intensified in the last three years. They said they were disheartened by the fact that ZESA officials have the audacity to notify the nation that some residential areas will experience power cuts at least twice a day with some going for between five to ten hours without power supplies. In addition, ZESA has said most residential areas will experience power cuts six days out of seven in a week. Residents said this showed that ZESA was failing in its mandate to provide the country with its power needs. Interestingly, while failing to provide constant electricity supply, ZESA executives and employees alike earn fat salaries. Bulawayo residents last year demonstrated against ZESA expressing displeasure with the poor service provision. The effort was however in vain as ZESA continues to swindle residents, charging them exorbitant bills but failing to provide electricity. In the past month, power cuts have intensified with most areas experiencing power cuts almost every day. Residents have also expressed dismay with the fact that ZESA’s billing system does not cater for the hours lost without power.
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association

The recent Worker’s Day commemorations held in Zimbabwe were packed with demands for better wages and working conditions. With high hopes for a better life since the introduction of the US dollar, most workers still find themselves living below the poverty datum line. With surging prices of minerals on the world market there is still little to show for an improvement in the lives of mine workers in Zimbabwe.

Most mining towns in Zimbabwe have turned into ghost towns. A good example is the asbestos mine in Zvishavane. Shabanie mine used to provide employment to hundreds of workers and the town was vibrant but now it has turned out to be the opposite. Mine workers in this town have been reduced to mere beggars, vendors and destitutes. Just like the land reform where many farm workers were left without means of survival, little is being done to address the welfare of mine workers.

A lot of companies last week were in a rush to beat the deadline for the submission of their indigenisation plans in line with the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act which states that 51 percent shareholding be reserved for locals. Little is being said of the plight of the workers in these companies. It is my belief government should make sure that employees of these companies get first offer for the shares especially in mining companies.  Recently I was in Mvuma and the town has just been reduced into a ghost with lots of former mine workers now resorting to panning for survival. The only good memories residents of this town have, are of the time when Athens mine was still operating at full capacity.

It’s time for all Zimbabweans to get behind Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) and protest the abysmal supply of electricity in Zimbabwe. The responsibility of putting pressure on the Government of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) should not fall only on the shoulders of WOZA. What are YOU doing about it?

WOZA’s campaign demands are:

1. Stop cheating fixed meter consumers, we demand prepaid meters.
2. Please provide cheaper firewood, candles and matches, we do not want to destroy our environment by cutting down trees.
3. We are tired of 18 hour power cuts -provide proper timetables of load shedding.
4. Urgently put in place a proper and transparent billing system. Stop sending metered consumer’s estimates, send ACTUAL bills.
5. Create a smoother process of customer’s claims for  compensation.
6. Review recruitment policy and bring salaries to decent levels with our current economic record. Professionalise staff performance and honesty. No more luxury cars we need transformers.
7. We will record the exact hours we receive electricity for the last 2 weeks of May while we get petition signatures which we will take to Parliament and demand they review your monopoly and poor service. You have cheated us for long enough, after we submit our demand to parliament we will organise a RED card Campaign. Be warned POWER TO THE POOR – ZERO service ZERO bill. HOKOYO!!

Support WOZA on the streets. Let’s all protest and demand better services. Enough of the fat cat, co-called liberation heroes living in luxury whilst Zimbabweans struggle in the dark. Email your support to WOZA at info [at] wozazimbabwe [dot] org

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.

2 (Two) vacancies – Africa University
Deadline: 25 May 2011

Africa University, an International Pan African and United Methodist Church Related Institution in Zimbabwe, invites applications from suitably qualified and well experienced persons to fill the following position:

1) Registrar

Job summary:

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor, this is an executive position in the University. The Registrar will act as the chief administrator, whose main responsibility is the provision of administration services through the designing of appropriate systems. The Registrar leads undergraduate and graduate activities involving admission, registration, grading, class and examination scheduling, student awards and financial aid, curriculum review, university calendar publication and graduation. He or she will lead all activities relating to the management of Human Resources at the University. The Registrar shall enforce all rules and regulations of the Board of Directors and shall have such authority as is necessary to enforce them.

He or she is also expected to provide guidance and advice regarding policies and procedures to appropriate campus governing committees such as Senate and Cabinet.

Specific Duties

Strategic

- Responsible for developing and implementing the Registry strategic plan in accordance with the overall Africa University strategic plan
- Reviews academic and administrative policies and recommends changes and, when required, drafts new policies for consideration by the appropriate Committees.
- Serves as a member of the University’s senior management team
- Works with faculty and administrators to align academic programs with the strategic mission of the University

Administrative

- Serve on or chair University committees as appropriate
- Overseeing the provision of security services to all University properties
- Overseeing the provision of technical general services like electrical, construction, plumbing and transport

Academic Affairs

- Oversees the processing of student admissions, registration, administration of financial aid, scheduling of classes and examinations, maintenance of academic records and the holding of academic ceremonies like graduation and matriculation
- Ensures implementation of academic policies with regard to student records,  registration, examinations, grading and graduation
- Provides support and advice to the Senate Committees on academic issues

Human Resources

- Oversees the strategic management of Human Resources issues at the university, including but not limited to: recruitment, staff development, performance management and industrial relations

Requirements

- At least a Masters degree in student services, educational administration or a related area
- Substantial experience at a senior level in a Higher Education institution
- Demonstrated understanding of the application of technology to deliver Records and Registration services.
- A proven record in working successfully with diverse populations
- Ability to collaborate effectively with University departments and cross-functional teams
- Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills

2) University Librarian

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor, this is a very senior position responsible for the Jokomo / Yamada Library of Africa University. The University Librarian, who is the chief professional custodian of all academic information resources in the University, shall be responsible for the administration and safeguarding of the libraries of the University. He/she will ensure the effective operation and management of the library system by maintaining an administrative policy and managing the policy through appropriate officers. In addition, the University Librarian is responsible for strategic planning and implementation; preparation and monitoring of library budget; approving acquisitions of Library books and electronic resources; staff recruitment and development; carrying out public relations duties for the Library as well as overseeing Library fund raising activities for identified projects.

Qualifications and experience

- A minimum of a University degree plus a Masters degree in Library and Information Science with at least 10 years working experience in a senior position in an academic library;
- He/she must be an accomplished manager with a vision, knowledge and skills to develop, organise and manage the library at the forefront of technological advances and latest developments of ICTs within the library science field, including effective use of the Internet and other electronic library information and virtual digital library system; and information management practices;
- Sensitivity and commitment to living in an international and multicultural community
- Evidence of research and publications in relevant disciplines is desirable.
To apply:

Applications together with CV, copies of certified certificates, academic transcripts and at least three referees, with their e-mail and postal addresses should be forwarded to: Assistant Registrar, Personnel and Administration, Africa University, P O Box 1320, Mutare, Zimbabwe. Or e-mail to: arpa [at] africau [dot] ac [dot] zw or arpasec [at] africau [dot] ac [dot] zw

Program Managers: AusAID
Deadline: 27 May 2011

AusAID, the Australian Government’s Agency for International Development, is seeking an experienced, dynamic and innovative Senior Program Manager and a Program Manager to help implement Australia’s aid program in Zimbabwe.

Based in the Australian Embassy, Harare, the successful candidates will be engaged for two years, with the possibility of an extension.

Key Performance Areas will include the design, implementation and review of Australia’s aid programs in Zimbabwe; Providing policy input to program development and review across a range of sectors; Liaising with government and non-government stakeholders, other international donors and multinational organisations; and Managing AusAID’s relationships with regional and international organisations and programs.

Requirements:
·    Experience (minimum 5 years for Senior Program Manager) in aid delivery, development aid program management while working for a government, NGO or regional/international organisation
·    Highly effective representation and interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to cultivate productive working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
·    Demonstrated ability to achieve results, including in the management of people, resources, projects and financial management.
·    Demonstrated capacity to think strategically and provide high level policy advice.
·    Highly developed communication skills, particularly in written and spoken English, including strong computer literacy and well developed negotiation, liaison and representation skills.
·    Demonstrated personal drive and integrity.
·    Relevant educational qualifications in development, social sciences, international relations or economics.

View the full job description and application instructions on www.actionappointments.co.za and email your application to tracy [at] actionappointments [dot] co [dot] za

Regional Financial Integration Specialist: FinMark
Deadline: 27 May 2011

FinMark Trust is an independent non-profit organisation whose business is controlled by seven trustees from countries in Southern Africa. FinMark Trust’s purpose if ‘Making financial markets work for the poor, by promoting financial inclusion and regional financial integration’.

The Regional Financial Integration Unit (RFIU) which has been established to support regional financial integration in Southern Africa and the implementation of SADC Finance and Investment Protocol (FIP) has a vacancy for a specialist and is seeking a qualified and suitably qualified person to fill the position.

Key responsibilities include:

- Participation in the development and implementation of the RFIU strategy and programme
- Manage support projects to key regional committees and countries, and provide expert advice and input to ensure effective implementation
- Develop and maintain a RFIU databank on key information in identified areas of financial integration in the SADC region and other regions on the continent and abroad
- Commission and manage research when necessary
- Develop and implement a monitoring and evaluation system for Regional Financial Integration

Experience and qualifications:

- Relevant qualification preferably in Finance, Banking or Economics
- Experience in a Central Bank, Finance Ministry or Commercial Bank will be an added advantage
- Sound understanding of finance sector regulatory matters
- Good understanding of capital markets, strategy, programme and project design and management
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Willingness to travel extensively in the SADC region

FinMark Trust is an equal opportunity employer. In addition to a competitive salary FinMark Trust offers the opportunity to grow personally and professionally in a stimulating work environment.

Please forward your CV and motivation letter to Priscilla Cebisa via email at Priscillac [at] finmark [dot] org [dot] za or fax to Priscilla on +27-86-518-3579.

Public Health Data Analyst / Health Information Use Trainer: RTI International
Deadline: 27 May 2011 (close of business)

Building Health Data Dissemination and Information Use Systems in the Republic of Zimbabwe under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

RTI, is an independent organisation dedicated to conducting innovative, multidisciplinary research that improves the human condition. With a worldwide staff of more than 4,000 people, RTI offers innovative research and development and a full spectrum of multidisciplinary services. Universities in North Carolina founded RTI in 1958 as the first scientific organisation in and centrepiece of the Research Triangle Park.

Background

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has called for immediate comprehensive and evidence based action to turn the tide of global HIV/AIDS. Under the leadership of the U.S. Global AIDS Co-ordinator, as part of the President’s Emergency Plan, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (HHS/CDC) works with host countries and other key partners to assess the needs of each country and design a customised programme of assistance that fits within the host nation’s strategic plan and partnership framework.

The purpose of this program is to develop public health resources in-country to analyse health data for programmatic and policy development, improvement and development of methods and systems for information dissemination in Zimbabwe with a particular focus on building the capacity of the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare (MoHCW).

In Zimbabwe RTI is partnering with the Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI) to implement this programme. BRTI is an independent research institution dedicated to promote health development through research and training in Zimbabwe and the SADC region.

The programme aims at strengthening and implementing the adopted National Health Information Strategic paper (NHIS) and its objective to make wider use of health information for health service management.

This Program is looking for:

Public Health Data Analyst / Health Information Use Trainer

The successful candidate will report to the RTI Project Director based in the MOHCW. He/She will co-operate closely with the (Act.) Deputy Director Health Information Systems (DDHIS) and Provincial and City Health Information staff throughout the country.

This position will be based at the MOHCW in Harare, Zimbabwe for a period of up to 5 years.

Duties:

- Coordinate/facilitate training on quality data collection, data cleaning, report compilation and dissemination with strong emphasis on information use for management at district and provincial level
- Assist and advise the process of preparation and facilitation of data analysis workshops at national and provincial level through existing meeting routines
- Guide and assist provincial and district staff in analysis of routinely collected data and health information presentation
- Assist the DDHIS with the timely production of routine National HID’s reports.
- In line with the requirements stipulated in the NHIS, assist the process of data gathering from its sources throughout the country, ensure verification, data cleaning and compilation (including data from surveys carried out on behalf of the Ministry)
- Assist in development of handbooks and brochures on how to perform data analysis according to MOHCW data and data use needs
- Ensure a high level of communication and close working relationships with the project team, project implementers and provincial and district health information managers
- Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications and experience:

- University degree (Master) in public health, nursing, social science, statistics, education or relevant academic experience
- Experience in training and/or workshop facilitation is an advantage
- Experience with standard software packages (MS-Office, Epi-Info, etc); experience with DHIS/Access is an advantage
- Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills required
- Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines with quality products
- Strong organisational and interpersonal skills

All applications, clearly stating the position being applied for, should be forwarded by email to the following addresses: adaizi [at] brti [dot] co [dot] zw or submitted to RTI Project Administrator, BRTI, Nicoz Diamond Building, 4th Floor, Corner Samora Machel Ave/Park Street, Harare.

Regional Programmes Manager: Africa (Ref: FP/1) International HIV/AIDS Alliance
Deadline: 30 May 2011 (5PM UK time)

Salary £39,000 – £41,000 (pro-rated) plus attractive benefits package
Based in Brighton, UK with regular travel in the region

The International HIV/AIDS Alliance supports communities to meet the challenges of AIDS and build healthier communities.  Our vision is a world in which people do not die of AIDS. Since 1994, the Alliance and its partners have supported over 3,000 projects, in over 40 countries, reaching millions of people.

We have an opportunity for a Regional Programmes Manager within our African Field Programmes team.

The post holder will be responsible for the management of relationships and overseeing support to Linking Organisations (‘LO’) within the regional programmes. They will also be responsible for the development and management of collaboration with regional organisations alongside the successful development of new programmes, management of programme contracts, programme implementation and budget control.

In collaboration with the Head of Team Africa the Regional Programmes Manage contributes to the Alliance’s strategic directions in the region. The Programme Manager advises on management and quality assurance of programmes, leads regional programme development, represents the assigned programmes both in the Secretariat and externally, ensures effective knowledge sharing and develops and maintains professional relationships with programme partners and relevant donors.

Please see the person specification and job description for full details of the role.

How to apply:

For more details on this post, including Job Description and Person Specification please visit www.aidsalliance.org and click on ‘jobs’.

The International HIV/AIDS Alliance is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from appropriately qualified people from all sections of the community. Qualified people living with HIV are particularly encouraged to apply.

Finance Assistant: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Deadline: 31 May 2011

Vacancy Notice No. Zim/2011:11
GS6 Level based in Harare, Zimbabwe (Fixed Term Post)

UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s rights organization, has an opening for passionate and committed professionals who want to make a lasting difference for children in Zimbabwe. We are seeking people with a commitment for women and children, high drive for results, demonstrable embracing of diversity, integrity, demonstrable teamwork, good self-awareness and self-regulation.

Purpose of the Job:

Under the supervision of Finance Officer, the successful candidate will perform moderately specialized tasks in the accounting and finance functions. The candidate will maintain financial records for projects or other office. The Finance Assistant will be responsible for codes and records receipts and payments whilst assuring accuracy of computation and completeness of documents, and maintains continuing status of allotments against obligations.

The Finance Assistant will prepare recurring reports on assigned accounts, noting problems resulting from excess cost or less-than-expected receipts.  This role also involves calculating and compiling cost estimates and projected budget requirements and assists in preparation of budget statements. They will also brief and assist newly arrived international staff, experts and consultants on basic financial procedures and requirements with respect to payments, entitlements, banking and currency provisions and other requirements relating to accounts and finance.

Qualifications and Competencies:

-    Completion of secondary education. Additional commercial training in bookkeeping, business or accounting at diploma or degree level is desirable
-    Five years of general accounting clerical experience
-    Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF’s mission and professional values
-    Ability to work effectively in a multicultural 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 quoting vacancy notice number to the following address:

HR Specialist (Vacancy Notice No. 11: Zim-2011) UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue, P O Box 1250 Belgravia, Harare

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

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Operations Specialist (Quality Assurance): United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Deadline: 31 May 2011

Vacancy Notice No. Zim/2011:12
NOC Level based in Harare, Zimbabwe (Fixed Term Post)

UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s rights organization, has an opening for passionate and committed professionals who want to make a lasting difference for children in Zimbabwe. We are seeking people with a commitment for women and children, high drive for results, demonstrable embracing of diversity, integrity, demonstrable teamwork, good self-awareness and self-regulation.

Purpose of the Job:

The post holders will work closely with the Operations Chief to update office’s standard operating procedures, ensure staff understands them, and subsequently to test a sample of transactions to verify that the procedures are being properly implemented. They will support various office committees in reviewing relevant documentation against financial guidelines and work processes as well as provide assurance follow up in the implementation of recommendations.

This Quality Assurance role will have substantive scope, providing training and orientation to newly recruited and exiting staff on UNICEF’s policies and procedures, review of contracts etc, prior to the commitment of UNICEF’s funds. They will also manage various internal databases relating to contracts and agreements. They will assist in the follow-up on the implementation of the audit recommendations..

Qualifications and Competencies:

-    Advanced University degree in accounting, business administration, economics or financial management and membership – or enrolled for membership – of recognized professional accountancy body
-    At least five years of relevant professional work experience in office management, finance, accounting, ICT, human resources, supply and administration and/or other related fields
-    Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF’s mission and professional values
-    Ability to work effectively in a multicultural 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 quoting vacancy notice number to the following address:

HR Specialist (Vacancy Notice No. 12: Zim-2011) UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue, P O Box 1250 Belgravia, Harare

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

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

When I was going through some articles on the latest advancements in cellphone technology, I came across an article on textually.com about how farmers in Kenya are using SMS every morning to find the best prices on the market for their produce.

On a visit to Mbare Musika in Harare you will hear lots of complaints from farmers about low prices on the market for their produce. When you compare these prices at Mbare Musika with other market places you will find a big difference in pricing and one wonders how best these farmers can get such useful information before their produce to the market.

I imagine a farmer in Mutoko avoiding the hassle and pain of selling her tomatoes at a give-away price by just sending an SMS to different market places in Harare and getting instant feedback on where to sell at a better price. This will also help vendors to know where to buy at low prices.

Kenyan farmers use SMS to beat climate-driven price uncertainty

MERU, Kenya (AlertNet) – William Muriuki and his wife are inspecting their vegetable farm in the tiny village of Karimagachiije, some 15 km outside Meru town in central Kenya. Cabbages, onions and Irish potatoes are ready to go to market. But the question is where?

Identifying the best market never used to be a problem, explains the 73-year-old farmer. “It was easy to tell what vegetables were in season in a particular area, so we knew the most appropriate places to sell our farm produce.”

But changing climatic conditions have disrupted market patterns. “It is no longer as predictable as it was,” he says. “We have to physically identify places with high demand.”

Even fairly recently, local farmers could be sure the rains would come around March 25 each year. So by the end of April, most vegetables would be in season, meaning low demand at nearby markets. In much of Eastern Province though, the rains would be delayed or not arrive at all, so farmers from the central region knew they could get a good price for their produce there.

But that’s no longer the case. “In the past few years, I have seen rains come much earlier than expected, or very late,” says Muriuki. “At times, it rains in Eastern Province much earlier or at the same time as it does here, or it fails to rain in both areas.”

In these challenging conditions, Muriuki and his farming colleagues have turned to technology to help them find the right market. Read the full article on here