From a Kubatana member:

Community boreholes that are not working due to lack of spare parts and service attention by the authorities. This is in our community of Chivi Ward 18 Virimai Village, Zimbabwe. People are struggling to get drinking water and animals are already dying. Drinking water is becoming an everyday problem in this community and its vicinity. Give us a hand.

Source: Brainpickings.org

So police stopped my husband and me after crossing Fourth Street along Herbet Chitepo for “failing to stop at an amber light”. The officer who pulled us over was unnecessarily aggressive right off the bat harshly telling us ‘green is a caution to stop so you’re not allowed to proceed on amber’. I wasn’t happy with his attitude and asked for his unit number, rank and name all of which he refused to give and asked us to pull over. Basically, the whole thing devolved into threats to open a docket and us argue our case in court simply because I asked for unit number, rank and name none of which were ever given to us. The second officer then diffused the situation and let us go but not after trying to open the front passenger door so he could let me out “so we could talk”. I locked my door, told him I’m pregnant and it’s hot so no thank you but I was stunned that he was so forward and intent to “talk” and I wasn’t even the driver. It was an aggravating situation to be in and the blatant abuse of power and manipulation (twisting facts and threatening us with court) had me reduced to tears. – Kubatana subscriber, Harare

Action: Get informed. According to the Highway Code, you must stop at an amber light, unless you are too close to the stop line that you cannot stop safely, in which case “the vehicle shall proceed subject to due precaution being taken.” According to the February 2012 Traffic Fine Schedule, the fine for proceeding against an amber light (where you could have stopped safely) is $10. You can get the Traffic Fine Schedule here

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.

Information Officer: Local performing arts venue
Deadline: 15 September 2012

A performing arts venue is seeking an individual for the position of Information Officer to be based in Harare.

Basic Function of Position

To be responsible for and coordinate the following:
-Website content management
-Production and dissemination of press releases
-Design and production of daily press and internet advertising including social media
-Design and production of weekly print and email advertising
-Design and production of in-house posters and flyers

Requirements
-Experience in computer graphic design/advertising
-Conversant with standard design software – CorelDraw, Photoshop etc
-Needs to be creative, fast, accurate, able to work under pressure and as a team, and proactive with attention to detail

To Apply
Interested applicants for this position should submit the following:
-Letter of Application
-A current CV/resume, with contactable referees
-Portfolio/samples of design work

To: themanager.feb2012 [at] gmail [dot] com

Remuneration commensurate with skills and experience.

The organisation provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.

Zimbabwe / Southern Africa Researcher: Human Rights Watch
Deadline: 16 September 2012

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is one of the world’s leading independent organisations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights. By focusing international attention where human rights are violated, the organisation gives voice to the oppressed and holds oppressors accountable for their crimes. Its rigorous, objective investigations and strategic, targeted advocacy build intense pressure for action and raise the cost of human rights abuse. For more than 30 years, HRW has worked tenaciously to lay the legal and moral groundwork for deep-rooted change and has fought to bring greater justice and security to people around the world.

HRW seeks to recruit a Researcher, based in Johannesburg with frequent visits to Zimbabwe and other locations, after a period of training in HRW’s New York office.

The candidate will monitor the human rights situation in Zimbabwe/Southern Africa. This position will report to the Deputy Director in the Africa Division.

Responsibilities
-Monitor, investigate, and document human rights abuses in Zimbabwe and other parts of Southern Africa by collecting and analysing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, local media, NGOs, journalists, diplomats, security forces, and others in the field
-Write and publicise reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to national and international bodies on human rights concerns in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa as needed in a concise and accurate manner, with a quick turnaround time
-Develop and implement local, regional, and international strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices in Zimbabwe and other parts of Southern Africa
-Respond promptly to queries from the media, public, and colleagues in the human rights community
-Place abuses within the broader political, social and economic contexts and present human rights concerns to government officials, opinion leaders, inter-governmental agencies, and the media
-Work closely with colleague non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and local human rights organisations to ensure that HRW’s work complements and enhances their own work
-Liaise effectively with HRW staff located in multiple locations throughout the world to ensure effective coordination and delivery of activities
-Be prepared and willing to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events
-Travel domestically and internationally, as required, to conduct fact-finding and advocacy missions
-Deliver outputs in a timely manner and be consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the Africa Division; and
-Carry out any other duties as required.

Requirements
-An advanced (graduate) degree in international relations, journalism, law, history or the social sciences is highly desirable. An undergraduate degree is required
-The ideal candidate will have at least three years of experience working on human rights issues in Southern Africa
-Firm knowledge of political dynamics in Zimbabwe or Southern Africa
-Background in field-based human rights work in the region
-Ability to identify, research, analyse and effectively communicate important human rights developments in a timely and sophisticated fashion
-Ability and sensitivity to conduct interviews with a wide range of people, including victims and witnesses
-Experience working in a politically sensitive environment
-Ability to efficiently distil information about Zimbabwe and Southern Africa so as to focus time and effort on issues of greatest importance or issues that are most capable of being influenced
-Ability to produce written material under tight deadlines
-Ability to identify and advise the Africa Division in developing and implementing advocacy strategies in order to seize advocacy opportunities
-Ability to respond quickly to crises and conflicts as they may occur, often under tight deadlines
-Oral and written communication skills in English
-Ability to think strategically about the global and local media environments and how to use the media and electronic media to further advocacy goals
-Strong interpersonal skills, in order to work collaboratively within HRW as well as with local partners, government officials, African Union officials, UN officials, policymakers, media contacts, and others
-Knowledge of and experience working in international human rights and familiarity with international human rights law
-Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, and a dynamic public speaking ability
-Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organising skills and ability to work under pressure; and
-Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions.

HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits.  HRW will pay reasonable relocation expenses and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorisation, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

To apply, send a CV, salary requirements, motivational letter, a brief writing sample (unedited by others) and three references to africajobs [at] hrw [dot] org Use ‘Zimbabwe/Southern Africa Researcher Ref AFR-12-1050-B’ in the subject of your e-mail. Only complete applications will be reviewed and only qualified candidates will be contacted.

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.

National Programmes Coordinator: Zimbabwe YMCA
Deadline: 7 September 2012 (4pm)

Work Base: Harare, Zimbabwe with travel nationally and internationally
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract

The National Executive Committee of the Zimbabwe YMCA seeks to recruit a National Programmes Coordinator to design and implement innovative youth development and empowerment programmes in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe YMCA is a registered NGO and exists to enhance the mind, body and spirit of young people in Zimbabwe for the holistic transformation of their communities, Nation and the African continent.
The National Programmes Coordinator will report to the National General Secretary of Zimbabwe YMCA and will provide leadership, strategic direction and be responsible for resource mobilization, effective coordination, management and implementation of programmes nationally.

Specific roles

1.Technical Management
-Oversight and management of technical projects including planning, implementation, undertake field visits, and reporting
-Develop project proposals, create budgets and planning for new activities
-Liaison with donors and potential funders to identify and pursue potential programme and funding opportunities
-Coordinate project activities with activities of governmental agencies
-Working knowledge of social investment (CSR) programmes by the private sector in Zimbabwe

2. Reporting and Representation
-Primary programme representative to donors, relevant government entities, partners, other implementation and stakeholders
-Responsible for narrative programmatic reports, in line with grant agreements
-Responsible for submission of quarterly status reports on all projects countrywide for the information of the NGS and AAYMCA
-Impact documentation of projects and programmes countrywide, with focus on analysis and dissemination of lessons learnt and best practice models
-Support strengthening of communication strategy to make YMCA more visible to development actors in the country especially through project and programme brochures, case studies and press releases.

3. Team Management
-Responsible for recruitment and supervision of key project staff, interns, student on attachment, and other short term programme consultants
-Responsible for team building of project staff at national and regional level, conduct performance appraisal in line with operational procedures

4. Administration/Finance
-Assure proper budget follow up for all funded project activities, monitor budget allocation is correct and respect proposal grant guidelines
-Ensure all projects follow financial and administrative procedures of the Zimbabwe YMCA
- Prepare regular financial expenditure reports, in consultation with the Finance Department

Qualifications
-Bachelors Degree from a credible university in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Social Work, Development Planning, Community Development or a related field. A Masters Degree and the ability to speak French would be an added advantage.
-3 – 5 years professional experience at project management level with a youth serving organization, national NGO, or governmental agency.
-Result oriented with demonstrated ability to manage a team and work independently.
-Proven ability in programme management, including planning, implementation, community mobilization, monitoring and evaluation.
-Excellent communication skills oral, written and presentation skills and demonstrate ability to meet strict and high quality implementation and reporting deadlines.
-Ability to work with no supervision and under pressure.
-Willingness to travel within Zimbabwe and internationally.
-Computer literate

Applications with a cover letter, up-to-date 4-page CV with names of 3 referees and day time telephone contact and working email address, copies of relevant documents should be sent by email to: applicants [at] africaymca [dot] org

Late applications will not be considered. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Six (6) Research Programme Assistants: NANGO
Deadline: 12 September 2012

Vacancy Notice: 2012/07AU

Duty Station: Harare (2), Bulawayo (1), Mutare (1), Gweru (1), Masvingo (1)
Organizational Unit: Advocacy Unit (AU)
Position title: Research Programme Assistants (6)
Classification: Assistant
Type of Appointment: Three months, fixed-term, with possibility of extension
Estimated starting Date: 1 October 2012

General Functions
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Human Rights and Governance Programmes Officer in Harare, and in coordination with relevant units at NANGO Headquarters and Regional offices, the successful candidates will work with the Advocacy Unit for the implementation of the NANGO Human Rights and Governance Programme. The selected candidates, with the technical backstopping of the lead consultant and the Senior Human Rights and Governance Officer, will be expected to work on a full-time basis during the assigned period. In particular he/she will:

1. Assist in researching, designing and develop of the Human Rights and Governance programmes/projects in close coordination with the relevant units at NANGO
2. Assist in the development of study implementation plan and development of research tools
3. Review relevant literature and information on capacity gaps within civil society
4. Participate in field for data collection, data analysis and reporting on research findings
5. Conduct data collection from the field on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) profiles for the purposes of coming up with organizational profiles, identifying gaps and capacity weaknesses within NGOs
6. Assist in designing an electronic online database profiling all organizations that would have participated in the study
7. Assist in the production of reports at various stages in the implementation of the baseline study
8. Assist in the development of recommendations regarding capacity gaps, weaknesses and other identified challenges within CSO sector.
9. Perform any other duties as NANGO may reasonably require commensurate with the post holder’s abilities and responsibilities.

Desired Qualifications

Education
-The incumbent should possess a Master’s degree in Economics, Statistics with a major in economic modeling, or Development Studies
-Sound knowledge of the human developmental needs in Zimbabwe
-Extensive geographic knowledge of Zimbabwe
-Knowledge of and sensitivity to gender issues
-Experience and training for analytical and research skills will be an added advantage

Skills and Experience
-At least 1 years working within the NGO sector focusing on social research
-Strong report writing skills
-Strong presentation and facilitation skills
-Ability to cooperate with other NANGO programmes and regional offices
-Ability to prioritise and work to deadlines
-Ability to establish good rapport with colleagues from partner organizations
-Ability to work in a multicultural environment
-Good computer skills e.g. Word for Windows, Excel, Email & Internet
-Ability to work effectively with limited supervision
-Demonstrated sensitivity to the needs of marginalized populations
-Ability to network, especially within NGO and governmental contexts

Languages
Thorough knowledge of English. Knowledge of both Shona and Ndebele is an advantage

Method of application
All applications should be addressed to: anyway [at] nango [dot] org [dot] zw and copy machinda [at] nango [dot] org [dot] zw or posted to the Senior Human Rights and Governance Officer, 5 Meredith Drive, Eastlea, quoting the above vacancy notice number.