This morning I phoned COPAC Communications to try and get an electronic copy of the first draft of the COPAC Constitution. Maria, the Communications Assistant refused to give it to me, saying that they didn’t have an electronic copy available and in fact had no idea how it had been published in The Herald.

Police yesterday banned a public meeting in the MDC’s New Zimbabwe lecture series which was to have been addressed by South African economist Patrick Bond, the topic being “Global Financial and Ecological Crises, and Implications for Third World Countries.”

As one observer commented about the ban: “Hundreds had turned up for the meeting only to be greeted by baton wielding anti-riot police. Is this the state of the GNU we want?” The real question however is did we ever say we wanted any kind of GNU? The people of Zimbabwe didn’t vote for a compromise. The politicians decided to force one on us when none of them could get their own way.

Meanwhile, “The Principals” (Robert Mugabe, Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara), signatories to the Global Political Agreement met for 2 ½ hours yesterday to “deliberate key issues affecting the country.”

Amongst other things, they discussed elections, media reforms the land audit, and sticky issues like the Attorney General’s Act and Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri. The gist of the statement after the meeting? Yes, these are issues. And something should happen about them.

Somehow, I wouldn’t have thought that “something” would have involved banning a public discussion. . .

The Zimbabwean opposition, that tired bunch, would first need to reinvent itself before it could lead an uprising.
And then there is Zimbabweans’ complicated relationship with Mugabe and Zanu-PF. Many suffer from a political version of Stockholm syndrome. Zanu-PF not only liberated Zimbabwe from colonial rule, before everything started unraveling, it also delivered some measure of prosperity. The Mugabe brand is a mix of irreparably damaged and historically glorious, and that confusing combination serves as a psychological block against revolt.

Read more from the New York Times blog

HIV and AIDS Information, Education and Communication Advise: The HIV and AIDS Management and Support Organisation in Zimbabwe (THAMASO – Zimbabwe)
Deadline: 13 February 2012

Harare, Zimbabwe

Three-month placement (with the possibility of renewal)

Progressio has been leading the way on practical international development issues for more than forty years. Whether through placing development workers overseas, or in our policy and advocacy achievements, Progressio has a track record of making a difference. We work with people of all faiths and none.

Please note that for this placement we are only able to consider applicants who are fluent in English, as well as Shona, Ndebele and/ or Tonga and able to start before the end of March 2012.

The Development Worker (DW) will work as HIV and AIDS Information, Education and Communication Adviser. S/he will offer technical support in Braille and sign language material development and interpretation. The DW will also assist in the development of HIV and AIDS Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials at both organisational and project levels. S/he will also assist THAMASO – Zimbabwe in developing an effective communications and marketing strategy.

The successful candidate should have a degree and or post graduate qualification in the area of Journalism, Media Studies, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or in any other relevant discipline.

A minimum of at least five years’ experience developing IEC materials in Braille and ability to interpret sign language is essential, as is a minimum of three years’ experience in HIV and AIDS related community development work – involving research, documentation, knowledge management as well as writing, designing and editing of publications. You should also have demonstrable experience in: the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in community development work, particularly HIV and AIDS-related initiatives; developing, implementing and monitoring effective communication strategies, and training/ facilitation methodologies.

You also need competency in sign language and Braille; knowledge of new and emerging ICTs; demonstrable ability to design electronic and print IEC materials and other communication items; the ability to transfer skills and knowledge through formal or informal training in ICTs, and proven understanding of HIV and AIDS as a developmental and human rights issue.

You must have an understanding the implications of gender when working with issues relating to HIV and AIDS; excellent team building, interpersonal, communication and networking skills; initiative, proactivity, time-management and organisational skills, and analytical, report writing and presentation skills.

A readiness to work with people with widely differing belief systems and personal circumstances, including people living with HIV; demonstrable commitment towards the aims and objectives of THAMASO – Zimbabwe and Progressio and willingness to undertake road travel in Zimbabwe are also essential.

It is essential that you complete the application form in full, as very specific information is required and will be used to decide whether or not you will be short-listed for an interview.

For further information and an application form visit: www.progressio.org.uk/jobs

Closing date: 13 February 2012

Interviews: 17 February 2012

Please return the completed application form to: recruitment [at] progressio [dot] org [dot] uk