From over speeding and exceeding their maximum speed limits to running away from police in a ‘movie style’ way to getting really nasty and urinating on pedestrians. These are kombi drivers in Harare. My worst encounter is when I board a kombi and the driver begins to move his vehicle before I can even take a seat and the the free seats are available only at the back.

Such inconsiderate acts by kombi drivers can be attributed to immaturity. Imagine a lady or man old enough to be their own parent being made to fiddle her way to a seat just because the driver is rushing to beat the kombi behind him to get passengers? That is lack of respect at its highest degree. The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) through its information campaign in the press is sharing the Road Traffic Act regulations with road users.  In a statement, ‘How legal are Public Service Vehicle drivers?’ published in the Herald of Monday 26 March, 2012 by TSCZ interprets regulations in the Statutory Instrument 168 of 2006 which a driver should adhere to before driving a public service vehicle.

A Public Service Vehicle driver:
- must have proof of five (5) years continuous experience before driving a public service vehicle thus those who obtained their driver’s licences in March 2007 and before (at the time of writing this article)
-  must undergo a re-testing exercise after each period of 5 years
- must be a holder of a Defensive Driving Certificate issued only by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe which is valid for a period of four (4) years
- must be examined by a Government Medical Officer and be issued wit a medical certificate which is valid for a period of one (1) year -    must display at all time, while driving a PSV: a valid defensive driving certificate and a valid medical certificate

Drivers are to charged accordingly under the various sections depending on the crime committed. Drivers who fail to produce any of the above requirements will either be fined or face imprisonment for six months or both. Those who are convicted of negligence driving or driving without due care in the first offence shall be prohibited from driving for six months and in the second offence with a period of 5 years have their licence cancelled. Operators who employ under-qualified drivers are also liable to prosecution under the Road Motor Transportation Act.

The TSCZ should now get this message to the kombi drivers. They should hold awareness campaigns, for example road shows at kombi ranks like Copacabana or Fourth Street rank to get the message out there.

We have to put an end to accidents on our roads caused be negligent driving. If you would like to get more clarity on any issue related to road safety contact the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) on marketing [at] trafficsafety [dot] co [dot] zw or 04-751203/8.

Sharing more feedback from Kubatana’s fix this.please campaign…

I placed the stickers on open electricity pipes in Mutengeni lane. These wires were left open by Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) people in 2011 until now they did not repair. They dug holes and put wires out and left. People might fall and get electrified. I put some on a sewage pipe which was broken six months ago in Mazai area and sewage keeps coming out on roads. I put the other at a dumped NRZ wagon near Unilever. These wagons are used by prostitutes and street kids to do dirty works. People are raped, handbags stolen and they run to these wagons. (Mufakose, Harare)

I put stickers in Glen View 3 shopping centre public where toilets are blocked. Tichagarika shopping centre in Glen View 8 public toilets closed need to opened and cleaned. Traffic lights at the junction of Willovale road and Glen View Way not working.
Glen View 3 shopping centre public toilets closed 5 years ago. Need to be cleaned and opened. (Glen View, Harare)

Stickers are at Nyamhuka turn off junction distance posters broken. Nyanga Rural District Council bin has been dropped off for more than two months. (Nyamuka, Nyanga)

Stickers at Glen Norah A Chitubu under structured market. The flushing system of the toilet is not working and the asbestos of the structure market is broken. Apart from that there is no electricity, no water. (Glen Norah, Harare)

I placed the stickers at corner Bank Street and Cameroon street robots and corner Mbuya Nehanda Street and Bank street robots, which are not working. During peak hours it is difficult for motorists to cross there, as they do not give way to each other. I also placed a sticker at robots near OK Julius Nyerere. At these robots I have seen a pedestrian being run over by car as they were crossing because some motorists don’t give way to pedestrians when robots are not functioning. (CBD, Harare)

I placed the stickers at Chikanga Shopping Centre where everyone got the information. (Chikanga, Mutare)

I placed stickers at the traffic light along Aerodrome Road, which has not been working for seven years. Many accidents have been occurring at the point. So there is need to get this fixed. (CBD, Mutare)

Wake at first light with much scratching and scrabbling in the ceiling above our bed
(there has been a lot of ceiling and roof bouncing activity in the last few days)
is it rats – or is it?
is it … the bushbabies coming home?
(they moved out of Mel’s ceiling some weeks ago as it has become a nesting site for the wood hoopoes)
waking with a feeling of hopeful gratitude

AND

There is ZESA! (Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority)
–it has been in even more limited supply lately
bills to Mozambique not paid/ bills of officials not paid/whatever
I scurry outside to the washing machine
(so placed to access 3 different water supplies)
but all will be well
there is ZESA – and that runs the community borehole
(the Municipality water is still leaking into the vlei – we haven’t had that for months)

but no

for some other reason the borehole pump is not working
(water supply 1 and 2 not available!)

I scurry through the morning  ferns to switch on the Green Tank
(our backup supply – access 3)
all is well

Boil pot of tea with a great plan
the satellite supplying our daily dose of BBC delivered through the battery radio
seems to have dropped out of the sky in the last few days
but …
this morning there is ZESA – which means that the internet will be working
grab my laptop
fumble around in growing light to set up the World Radio news
aah – the familiar well-modulated, dulcet tones of BBC filter through the bedroom
with all the latest disasters, killings, outrage
pour cups of tea and settle into bed

but no
it is streaming and buffering and b****ing around and we catch an occasional word or two

ahh well, think about today

- have to pick up a tire being repaired at the garage (pot-hole puncture)
- Tony’s car dropped a something from the steering into something else in the engine
that also needs repairing
- then there is the invitation from yet another funder to apply for funding for they are very interested in what we do
just fill in the form and read the online 360 page – or alternatively a more detailed 1000 page – explanation
juggling
will this be another exercise in futility?
to get a one liner 3 weeks late inviting you to apply again next time as you didn’t make it this time

check the washing machine
the water pressure is so low it didn’t even wash the soap into bowl
its rinsed anyway

The light in the kitchen dims and wavers
perhaps the ZESA supply is so low that it merely switches things on
just doesn’t get them to work?

Its 9.30am
cloudy day
cold wind
at the traffic light my friend the newspaper vendor rushes to the car window
eyes on stalks
‘look at the headlines Gogo’ he instructs
President and Prime Minister agree to elections in June
the ugly specter of renewed violence floats in a dark cloud above our heads

April 3rd 2012
riding the waves

It’s always refreshing to discover that there are Members of Parliament who take their obligations to their constituencies seriously. The Parliamentary Monitoring Trust’s publication, the Parliamentary Monitor, took this from their Facebook group page

Honourable Engineer Elias Mudzuri, the Member of Parliament for Warren Park says he used his CDF towards the following; Building of 22 people’s market stalls (broken down as labour and building materials- US$15 456; six Bore-holes and bush pump drilling and installation- US$25 750; all public toilets repairs in Ward 15- US$4 721; Warren Park Polyclinic- Pur-chase Of Generator & Capri Top Freezer US 2 100, and total toilet repairs US$1 304 bringing his total expenditure on the project US$51 229, 59 including bank charges)

And in the comments:

If all MPs were to, @ least show us this, then we will know some-thing was done. This is the first step towards transparency. If one doubts, then it will be possible to check. Unlike buying trucks!

And to imagine that some of the MPs in Harare used hate language when confronted on the usage of the CDF.

Very impressive achievements. I hope the constituents participated in these projects right from the planning stage. Trans-parency begins from planning and choosing of projects right through to the reporting stage! That is what is known as participatory ap-proach in community development parlance. If the participatory approach was used I would give Honourable Mudzuri’s performance a triple A rating!

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.

Part time research and advocacy officer: WLSA Zimbabwe
Deadline: As soon as possible

WLSA Zimbabwe seeks the services of a part time research and advocacy officer to start immediately. This is a temporary 3 months post. Candidate should have at least 5 years experience in research and/or advocacy on women’s rights. Knowledge of international instruments that protect the rights of women is an added advantage. Experience in research methodology and use of statistical packages is a must. Email Slyvia Chirawu: sly [at] wlsazim [dot] co [dot] zw

Three (3) vacancies: MSF

Medicines Sans Frontiers’ also known as Doctors Without Borders or MSF is a private non-profit; international humanitarian medical organization, which intervenes in emergencies and crisis situation, to relive human suffering from unmet medical needs and to create a space for humanity. MSF observes strict neutrality with respect to political issues and renders its assistance without making any discrimination on the basis of race, religion, ideology, or political organization, respecting its charter and shared principles.

MSF Holland has the following vacancies in their newly formed Prison Project which will operate under the existing Epworth Project (please note that the following vacancies require that you spend more than 50% of your working time within the Prisons in Zimbabwe) starting date will be 1 May, 2012

1.Psychologist
2.Occupational Therapist
3.Mental Health Nurse

To obtain the requirements if you are interested in applying for the above-mentioned posts, please email to: Zimbabwe-recritement [at] oca.msf [dot] org

Field Officer – Community Enterprise Development: SOS Children’s Villages Zimbabwe
Deadline: 6 April 2012

SOS Children’s Village Association Of Zimbabwe is a member of SOS Kinderdorf International – a worldwide children’s social welfare organization, providing orphaned and abandoned children with a permanent family home and educational opportunities. We have over 1 500 projects in more than 130 countries.

We seek energetic and organized individuals to fill these positions in our Family Strengthening Programme in Harare

The responsibilities and key result areas will include:
-Identification and enrolment of programme beneficiaries who meet the criteria
-Ensure delivery of project materials and benefits to intended beneficiaries
-Provide support to community volunteers

The ideal candidates should have:
-Degree in Social Sciences/Entrepreneurship
-Diploma in Business Studies will be and added advantage
-Two years experience in field work in a similar organization
-Demonstrable commitment to working with communities, children and youth and knowledge in child rights
-Proven strong communication, documentation and networking skills
-Experience in psychological support, implementing community development and/or OVC support programmes
-Holder of a Clean Class 4 Drivers License
-Fluent in English and at least one local language

Mail detailed personal profile/CV with current salary to: resourcing [at] soszim [dot] org [dot] zw

Applications which do not meet the above criteria will not be acknowledged

“Every child grows with love, respect and security.”

Regional Emergency Food Security and Livelihoods Coordinator: Oxfam GB (Southern Africa)
Deadline: 6 April 2012

Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
Terms: 1 Year Full-Time Fixed Term Renewable Contract
Salary: GBP 24,245 – 30,853 net per annum plus substantial benefits including housing allowance, school fees and pension contribution.

Key Responsibilities
The post holder will ensure the quality and impact of Oxfam’s emergency food security and livelihoods work in Southern Africa by analyzing regional food security trends, providing technical support and capacity building to country programmes, leading new emergency assessments and programme planning, and linking programme experience to advocacy and campaigning efforts.

The post holder will provide regional analysis and updates on the evolving food security situation in the Southern Africa region. In times of acute crisis, the role provides direct advice and support to countries in order to ensure appropriate and timely emergency response. In addition to building the capacity of in-country staff and partners to design high-quality EFSL responses, the post holder will be active in providing support to programme development within the Malawi programme, regional coordination groups and will ensure linkages with Oxfam’s work on economic development, climate change adaptation, and disaster risk reduction.

For more information and to apply please click here

PRIZE Consortium M&E Co-ordinator – SYAP-Title II: Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
Deadline: 6 April 2012

Catholic Relief Services – Zimbabwe Program (PVO: 6/2002), an international humanitarian and development organization, seeks to fill the following position:

The M&E Co-ordinator will revamp as necessary and manage the M&E system for the SYAP consortium, which is comprised of three international and two local partners. This position will be a key technical specialist reporting to the Chief of Party (COP). The incumbent will be responsible for all programmatic monitoring and evaluation and information management associated with the program, ensuring that information collected is reflected upon, used to improve ongoing implementation, and is incorporated into consistently high quality reports. The M&E Co-ordinator will provide training to consortium and partner staff in utilizing the project M&E tools. The M&E Co-ordinator will lead and co-ordinate the development and refinement of the existing M&E system amongst the consortium partners, including leading the design and implementation of final evaluation, and will ensure monitoring and evaluation of program progress and impact, in collaboration with field staff.

Qualifications and experience
-Master’s Degree in Program Management, Development Studies, International Relations or relevant field of expertise preferred
-Significant experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative assessments and surveys (including sound understanding of sampling issues) implementing or managing relief or development programs in at least one of the following sectors: Agriculture, Food Security, Food Distribution or Livelihoods
-Experience facilitating the capacity building efforts of diverse colleagues, including those in local partner agencies
-Experience in designing and managing M&E systems
-Strong knowledge of Title II policies and procedures, including USAID food security indicators
-Proven leadership and inter-personal skills and ability to build and motivate diverse and talented teams
-Experience working in complex consortium or partnership relationships required
-Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required: estimated 30% of time
-Experience working in a variety of environments required
-Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, (including Word, Excel, Power-point and Outlook) SPSS, required

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 email addresses) of three traceable references. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Applications should be clearly marked “PRIZE Consortium M&E Co-ordinator – SYAP-Title II” and sent 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

Finance Assistant – TB Grant: United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
Deadline: 12 April 2012

Background
UNDP is a key partner to the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) and is the UN agency assuming the role of Principal Recipient of GFATM grants in Zimbabwe. In its role as Principle Recipient, UNDP ensures quality financial management, timely procurement of supplies, and efficient monitoring and service delivery.

UNDP’s management role consists in implementing grants, ensuring financial accountability, and training of national and international counterparts on programme management and financial accountability.

Under the guidance of the Finance Specialist and daily supervision of the Finance Analyst/ Finance Associate, the Finance Assistant is responsible for effective delivery of financial services, transparent utilization of financial resources and management of the projects finances.

For more information and to apply please click here

Program Manager: Christian Care
Deadline: 13 April 2012

3-Year Contract
Location: Bulawayo

Christian Care, a registered welfare organization (PVO79/67) involved in development and relief activities, is inviting applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the post listed below.

Basic Functions: To provide effective management of programs/projects and resources (human, material and financial) in Matabeleland Province in order to make an effective contribution to the strategic objectives of Christian Care and its broad mission.

Major Job Responsibilities
-Writing and reviewing of Regional Strategic Plan document.
-Consolidating annual plans and budget for the Region.
-Facilitating the carrying out of baseline surveys, research studies and reviewing program proposals.
-Responsible for Public Relations function in the Region.
-Supervising and reviewing staff performance.
-Monitoring and controlling the use of assets in the Region.
-Attending Regional co-ordination and networking meetings.
-Consolidation of quarterly and annual reports.
-Administering the organization’s finance and administration policy procedure.
-Ensuring timeous production of Regional Financial reports.
-Coordination of funding proposals and responses to call for proposals

Qualifications And Experience
-Relevant 1st degree in Developmental Studies / Social Studies /Agriculture /Equivalent.
-A minimum of three (3) years experience in developmental work, and a working understanding of development theories and processes in Zimbabwe.
-Practical experience with modern programming approaches like Value chains, Rights based programming, Results based management and proven track record in writing fundable proposals with UN agencies and other multi lateral donors.
-Good interpersonal skills, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels.
-Analytical and conceptual skills to think and plan strategically.
-A working knowledge of financial statements.
-Clean class four (4) driver’s license.
-Enclose a reference letter from your church Pastor

Remuneration: The package on offer will be disclosed to short listed candidates.

Applications: Application clearly marked “PROGRAM MANAGER – BULAWAYO” with detailed curriculum vitae and certified copies of academic and professional qualification certificates in a sealed envelope should be sent to the address below.

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted

The National Director
Christian Care
27 St Patrick’s Rd
Hatfield
Harare

Or

P.O. Box 33
Harare

Livelihoods Programme officer: CAFOD
Deadline: 13 April 2012 (5pm)

CAFOD is a UK based NGO committed to working through local partner organisations to combat poverty and injustice and to build a strong and dynamic civil society. CAFOD’s regional office for Southern Africa is in Harare and provides support to partners and programmes in Zambia, Malawi, Swaziland and Mozambique.

We are looking for a dynamic and motivated Livelihoods Programme Officer who will support the Zambia programme:
-To strengthen capacities of our Zambian partners in designing and implementing livelihoods programmes, especially on savings and lendings schemes; business development, and value chain analysis.
-The post-holder will be expected to design and deliver training, provide technical accompaniment and monitoring visits to advise and support
-To monitor programme progress, expenditure and follow reporting requirements etc
-As the only staff member for CAFOD in Zambia to run the small office and represent the organisation as required

The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years’ experience working in the livelihoods sector and should be able to demonstrate strong partnership and capacity building skills. In addition, we will be looking for a self-motivator who can work independently and make sound judgments.

The post-holder will be line managed by the Regional Programme Manager in Harare.

Please note that this is a local post where national (Zimbabwe) terms and conditions apply.

If you are interested in applying for this post, please download the application form from our website and follow the instructions there on. Please do NOT send CVs.

A full job description is available from the same website.

CAFOD is an equal opportunities employer.

Finance Officer: Youth Forum Zimbabwe Trust
Deadline: 17 April 2012

Location: Harare
Department: Finance and Administration
Immediate Supervisor: Director

Basic Function

Major tasks
-Consolidate all Youth Forum financial statements
-Prepare the administration and consolidated budgets in consultation with relevant departments
-Develop and maintain financial management systems and set all internal control systems
-Prepare monthly cash flow forecasts to adequately plan for future expenditure and present to management and the director for approval
-Monitor, review and report on transactions against budgets on a weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual basis. Prepare reports with budget variances for management, board meetings and donors according to donor reporting requirements
-Ensure bank accounts have a positive balance
-Prepare and ensure all relevant purchasing, advances and other requisition forms are available
-Keep all cheque books and other security items in a secure place and make sure all are numbered in sequence
-Ensure all source documents are maintained and recorded in the accounting ledgers
-Ensure there is proper filing system, storage and retention of financial records

Person specifications
-Hold a minimum qualification of a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/Finance or full CIS and at least 2 years experience
-Experience in managing donor funds
-Excellent computer skills and at least one accounting package

Interested applicants should submit their CV’s and cover letter to: youthforumzim [at] yahoo [dot] co [dot] uk

Two (2) vacancies: Parliament of Zimbabwe
Deadline: 20 April 2012

1) Deputy Clerk

Location: Procedural Services
Reports to: Clerk Of Parliament

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Deputy Clerk of Parliament. In order for Parliament to comply with regional and international conventions and protocols on gender, this position, one of two Deputies, is reserved for female candidates only.

Main Job Purpose: To carry out specific procedural and general administrative duties

Key Duties
-Managing the Procedural Services Departments
-Providing procedural advice to Presiding Officers and Members of Parliament
-Undertaking Clerks – at – Table duties in the Houses of Parliament
-Performing any other duties as may be assigned by the Clerk

Personal Attributes
-Demonstrable maturity and ability to work in a multicultural and political setting
-Excellent written and communication skills
-Professionalism and personal integrity
-Demonstrated solid work ethic
-Ability to work under pressure

Minimum Qualifications & Experience
-An Honours Degree in Social Science, Arts, or Law
-A relevant Masters’ Degree would be a distinct advantage
-A minimum of 8 years relevant working experience, of which 5 years must have been spent at a senior management position
-Sound knowledge of Parliamentary Practices and Procedures

2) Director Information And Communication Technology (DICT)

Location: Information Services Directorate
Reports to: Principal Director Information Services (PDIS)

Main Job Purpose: To co-ordinate, develop, implement and manage the Parliament of Zimbabwe’s ICT policy

Key Duties
-Developing, implementing and managing the institutional ICT policy
-Overseeing the purchasing. delivery, installation and implementation of all ICT hardware and software
-Servicing and maintenance of all hardware and software
-Developing, implementing and managing the various user and operational standards necessary for the project implementation and management
-Providing guidance and a second level – support to each of the positions within the ICT Department
-Ensuring the development and management of the human resources component of the department to produce best practice delivery of IT services to the Parliament of Zimbabwe

Minimum Qualifications & Experience
-An Honours Degree in Computer Science
-A relevant Masters Degree is a distinct advantage
-A minimum of 8 years relevant continuous working experience, of which 3 years must be at senior management position in a reputable organization
-Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply

In return, Parliament offers a competitive salary, personal issue vehicles, housing allowances, generous leave conditions, contributory pension scheme and subsidized contributions to a medical aid society to the successful candidates.

Details of these and other benefits will be disclosed to short listed candidates

Applications clearly marked the position applied for, together with detailed curriculum vitae, copies of certified educational and professional certificates and three contactable referees should be emailed to clerk [at] parlzim [dot] gov [dot] zw or sent to:

The Clerk of Parliament
P.O Box CY 298
Causeway
Harare