Kubatana.net ~ an online community of Zimbabwean activists

Author Archive

NGO job vacancies in Zimbabwe

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Tuesday, November 15th, 2011 by Bev Clark

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.

Senior Programme Officer: Christian Aid
Deadline: 18 November 2011

Harare based
Job Reference: Zim/SPO-PRA-1112/NK

Poverty is an outrage against humanity. It robs people of dignity, freedom and hope, of power over their own lives. Christian Aid has a vision – an end to poverty – and we believe that vision can become a reality. We are striving to bring lasting change to the lives of the poorest communities. We work wherever there is great need, helping people to find their own solutions to the problems they face, irrespective of their religion, caste or creed. If you’re passionate about positive change across the world, then this job might be for you.

Christian Aid Zimbabwe seeks to fill the position of Senior Programme Officer – Profitable Resilient Agriculture based in Harare with occasional travel throughout the country, especially Southwestern Zimbabwe, to support large and complex donor-funded projects in both rural and urban settings.

If you are educated to at least a degree level in agriculture or any other relevant discipline, have strong working knowledge of development issues and current affairs in Zimbabwe and the region, programme and financial management skills, community based approaches and capacity building, then you could be the person we are looking for. You should also have knowledge of churches, local development partner organizations and funding/reporting regulations of different donors.

As a Senior Programme Officer, you will lead the PRA theme in the country; supervise staff while directly managing, supporting and giving technical guidance to CA’s partners, implementing institutional donor-funded programmes in the Matabeleland region of Zimbabwe. Fundraising and reporting are key components of your remit.

To apply for this postion, you need to access the full advertisement on Christian Aid website on www.christianaid.org.uk and follow the links to download the application form and role profile.

Please email completed form to zimbabwerecruit [at] christian-aid [dot] org quoting the job reference number for the post.

Preference will be given to capable Zimbabwean nationals with a full appreciation of the country context, can speak local languages and can drive themselves to project sites.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted and that only short listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not been contacted by 28 November 2011, please assume your application was unsuccessful.

Interview date: Week commencing 28 November 2011

Christian Aid values diversity and aspires to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

Project Officer: Christian Aid
Deadline: 18 November 2011

Harare based
Job Reference: Zim/PJOG-1112/NK

Christian Aid Zimbabwe seeks to fill the position of Project Officer based in Harare but with extensive travel throughout the country, especially Southwestern Zimbabwe, to support and monitor partner projects in both rural and urban settings. If you are educated to at least a degree level (agriculture, community development, development studies, social sciences, statistics, economics, etc) have working knowledge of large institutional donors and understand how the international development sector operates, then you could be the person we are looking for.

As a Project Officer, you will be responsible for building the capacity of partners and supporting them in the implementation, monitoring and reviewing of the DFID/GRM funded project termed Graduation from Survival to Protection/Promotion of Livelihoods. In doing this, you will need to ensure accelerated implementation, value for money, accountability and impact. You will also help ensure that project resources and outputs are delivered within budget and time frame and also that interventions have impact and permanently change the lives of the poor women and men, girls and boys for the better. You will be the interface between Christian Aid, GRM and partners and you will also represent Christian Aid at relevant stakeholder meetings, clusters and working groups.

To apply for this position, you need to access the full advertisement on Christian Aid website on www.christianaid.org.uk and follow the links to download the application form and role profile.

Please email completed form to zimbabwerecruit [at] christian-aid [dot] org quoting the job reference number for the post.

Preference will be given to capable Zimbabwean nationals with a full appreciation of the country context, can speak local languages and can drive themselves to project sites.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted and that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not been contacted by 28 November 2011, please assume your application was unsuccessful.

Interview date: Week commencing 28 November 2011

Christian Aid values diversity and aspires to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

Two (2) positions: Bulawayo Agenda
Deadline: 18 November 2011 (4:30pm)

Bulawayo Agenda is one of the leading citizen sector organizations in Zimbabwe that is public focused and devoted to promoting debate, discussion and dialogue on issues of topical interest. The organization invites suitable candidates to submit their applications for the advertised positions. These positions will be based in Bulawayo.

1) Executive Director

Reports To: Board of Trustees
Key Working Relationships Internal: Board, Program Manager, Advocacy & Communication Manager, Finance Manager, Program Staff, Administration Staff, Finance Staff.
External: Partners, Press and other strategic networks

Job Summary
To provide strategic leadership for Bulawayo Agenda Trust through advocacy and of promotion of debate, discussion and dialogue on issues of topical interest. Responsible for overall strategic planning, revenue generation, financial management, organizational development, staff management and program operations.

Duties and Responsibilities
Strategy and Planning
-To ensure that all the organization’s programs are coordinated in an efficient and effective way, building on existing capabilities and continued institutional growth whilst maintaining Bulawayo Agenda’s current status of producing high impact quality work and products
-To develop and implement an operational programs management structure and accountability mechanism to support BA’s role in advocating and bringing about sustainable democracy in Zimbabwe in the short and long term to achieve the BA mission
-To develop and implement Key Result Areas (KRAs) and program performance goals at collective and individual levels across all departments
-Cultivates a strong partnership with the Board of Directors in setting policies consistent with the mission of the organization

People Skills
-Leads, motivates and develops staff and board so that they are passionate about what Bulawayo Agenda Trust has achieved and are committed to working effectively toward continual improvement
-Ensures the organization has diverse staff with skills appropriate to the needs of the position through people management activities including hiring, separation of employment, ongoing staff development, performance management, compensation and benefits
Fund Development
-Manages all fund development activities, including concept note and proposal writing, cultivation and stewardship of donors, event planning, and identifying new resources. Actively seeks and maintains a diverse donor base of individual, business, foundation and government segments
-Builds long term relationships with key donor segments based on mission, cultivation and stewardship, program outcomes and sound fiscal management. Public Relations/Advocacy
-Promotes the organization’s visibility and welfare through participation and membership in community forums, civic organizations and activities that are aligned with BA’s mission and vision
-Advocates at the local, regional and international level and advocate for policy shifts that impact people within the programming area for Bulawayo Agenda. Support to the Board of Trustees
-Arrange and participate in the meetings of the board Advise the board on financial, managerial, staffing and service delivery issues

Qualifications & Skills
-A relevant Masters degree from a reputable university
-A minimum of 5 years non-profit work experience in comparable fields
-At least 3 years of demonstrated success in staff leadership, fundraising, partnership development and financial management
-Demonstrated success of effectively leading change and organizational growth through strategic planning
-Demonstrated knowledge of political landscape and public policy issues that are faced by people within the country
-Demonstrated success in acquiring agency support through successful grant applications and general fund raising
-Strong fund development, marketing and public relations experience to successfully engage stakeholders, including funders, business partners, policy makers, media and communities
-Strong and effective oral and written communication skills
-Personal qualities that include integrity, commitment to BA’s mission, respect for diversity and the ability to inspire and motivate
-Must be Microsoft Office proficient, i.e. Word, PowerPoint, Excel
-Clean Class 4 Driver’s licence

2) Finance & Grants Manager

Reports To: Executive Director
Key Working Relationships Internal: Executive Director, Program Manager, Advocacy & Communication Manager, Program Staff, Administration Staff, and Finance Staff.
External: Partner Finance staffs as provided for under the Communication Policy

Job Summary
To establish and maintain financial and management procedures for Bulawayo Agenda. Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements in conjunction with the Executive Director and champion adequate resource acquisition for the development of services in the support of BA aims. The Finance & Grants Manager is responsible for monitoring the finance department’s accounting processes and developing various financial reports. S/he ensures that tasks are performed in accordance with Bulawayo Agenda’s standing policies and procedures governing financial management. S/he monitors the organization’s cash position, including ensuring that the cashbooks and related records reflect the prevailing cash situation.

Duties and Responsibilities
Program/Project Coordination
-The Finance and Grants Manager will assist the Executive Director in stewarding organization resources by ensuring that financial systems and procedures are being applied appropriately and policies adhered to
-S/he will assist the Executive Director to ensure that the department provides efficient and effective service to all stakeholders, internal and external, that would contribute towards quality programming

Accounting
-Ensure all data entries into the Bulawayo Agenda’s accounting system are accurate and complete
-Ensure that data is backed up daily
-Ensure that month-end close is conducted properly, completely, and accurately and sent in a timely manner to the Executive Director for approval
-Ensure that the cashbooks and cash related records reflect the available cash resources and are accurate
-Ensure that tasks are performed in accordance with BA’s policies and procedures.

Cash Management
-To maintain minimum cash resources at the office
-Daily downloading of cash and bank balances from bank and bank statement
-Monitor the organization cash position and timely advise the Executive Director

Supporting the Executive Director
Advise the Executive Director on financial, managerial, staffing and service delivery issues. Prepare and draft the organization’s Financial Annual Report. Advise the Executive Director on compliance with all relevant legislation (BA Constitution and Trust Deed and the Labour Relations Act and any other Act that affect the organization)

Required Qualifications
-Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Accounting, ACCA, CIMA or CIS
-Minimum of 4-year experience as a finance manager
-Excellent accounting knowledge
-Very high level of computer literacy, including thorough knowledge of Pastel Accounting System
-Ability to meet strict deadlines under pressure
-Extremely detail oriented, with special attention to accuracy and completeness
-Ability to understand and implement BA policies and procedures
-Strong organizational skills and integrity
-Driver’s licence

Concerning both advertised posts

Salary: A competitive salary shall be negotiated with a successful candidate

How to Apply

Please submit your application letter, CV and copies of academic qualifications to:
Bulawayo Agenda Offices, Suite 602, 6th Floor Pioneer House, Corner 8th Avenue & Fife Street, Bulawayo

Or by email at byagenda [at] gmail [dot] com

Please note: Only short listed candidates will be notified of the interview dates.


Climate Change Programme Manager: African Wildlife Foundation
Deadline: 18 November 2011

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is an international conservation organisation that works together with the people of Africa, to ensure that the wildlife and wild lands of Africa endure forever.

AWF seeks to appoint a Climate Change Programme Manager, based in Nairobi, Kenya.

S/he will lead the AWF Climate Change Programme and manage the technical design, funding and implementation of a portfolio of climate change monitoring, mitigation and adaptation projects. Reporting to the AWF Chief Scientist and Lands Director, s/he will participate in strategic, national and international climate change policy processes and prepare written technical reports for internal and external audiences. S/he will report to the AWF Chief Scientist and Lands Director.

Responsibilities:

Improve understanding and monitoring of climate change impacts in the AWF Heartlands Programme
-Work with AWF GIS and ecology teams to enable assessment of climate change impacts on key species and habitats in AWF Heartlands and prospective landscapes, to help refine programme priorities
-Help refine and apply AWF climate change vulnerability assessment methodologies and adaptation frameworks
-Support AWF climate change monitoring efforts and interpretation of findings in internal strategy, planning and action prioritisation processes.

Develop and manage portfolio of carbon mitigation projects across AWF Heartlands
-Work with AWF programme, programme design, philanthropy and marketing teams to build understanding of carbon financing opportunities in carbon markets, keeping up to date with market trends
-Provide technical support to existing portfolio of REDD projects in Tanzania, Kenya, and Democratic Republic of Congo liaising with partners and field-based implementation teams to help ensure high quality, on-budget and timely delivery of project outputs
-Support AWF field teams in developing new afforestation, re-afforestation and avoided deforestation carbon offset projects

Lead work to promote ecosystem-based adaptation across AWF Heartlands
-Work within the AWF Programme to build and guide the portfolio of work on climate change adaptation, including water storage and adaptation
-Document best practices and lessons learned, for project implementation and policy development
-Help fundraising teams to draft proposals for project funding

Support climate change policy work across AWF target countries
-Lead AWF Programme teams in identifying and prioritising climate change policy work, including participation in national and international level meetings and processes that help achieve AWF’s climate change objectives
-Build capacity of AWF teams and partners to engage in climate change policy processes
-Inform AWF Programme of implications of international climate change negotiations and decisions as well as financing processes
-Participate in strategic policy processes in support of AWF’s climate change strategy and objectives.

Prepare key papers and presentations, and represent AWF in strategic forums
-Lead on the preparation and updating of AWF climate change strategy and policy papers and make presentations in key forums as directed by line manager
-Advise AWF on institutional responses to reduce AWF carbon footprint

Requirements:
-Postgraduate MBA, MSc or PhD
-Minimum of five years relevant experience of working at a responsible level on climate change issues
-Knowledge and understanding of climate change issues related to ecosystems, forests and biodiversity, voluntary and regulatory carbon markets, climate policy, REDD policy and projects
-Experience of conservation in Africa
-Experience of designing conservation and climate change projects and of engaging in high level stakeholder consultation and policy analysis with regards to sustainable development and conservation
-Commitment to AWF mission and understanding of issues faced by AWF
-Technical skills and knowledge with respect to climate change issues and carbon financing in Africa
-Ability to conceptualise and write high level reports
-Ability to network strategically and communicate effectively with a wide group of partners, including proactive sharing of information and reporting
-Advanced computer and Internet skills
-Ability to work both as part of a team and independently
-Flexible, multi-tasking and ability to meet deadlines
-Ability and willingness to fulfil AWF administrative and accounting procedures
-Fluency in spoken and written English
-Knowledge of French would be preferred

To apply, submit a CV (with daytime telephone numbers and address), motivation letter and contact details of three referees to the Human Resources Manager at Humanresources [at] awfke [dot] org

Only short listed candidates shall be contacted.

For more about the African Wildlife Foundation, refer to www.awf.org
Vacancy sourced from NGO Pulse Portal


Reports Officer: UNICEF
Deadline: 20 November 2011

Vacancy Notice No. Zim/2011:45
NOB Level based in Harare, Zimbabwe
(Fixed Term Post)

Position being re-advertised and previous applicants will be considered, no need to reapply.

Purpose of the Job
The successful candidate will be under the supervision of the Reports Officer (L2), and will assist in the monitoring and writing of all Donor Reports for Programme funds. He or she will assist to ensure that all donor reports are submitted in a timely and accurate way as per donor and UNICEF reporting requirements. This includes gathering of information, writing, editing and production of interim and final reports. The person will also assist in updating and maintaining information on all the donor and programme reporting requirements. The role also ensures Section Heads and field offices are updated on these requirements and follow up as required.

In collaboration with the Reports Officer, the person will develop fundraising proposals for Harare Programme in line with the overall fundraising strategy. The role also ensures contribution to the compilation and editing of humanitarian and programmatic updates. This also involves compiling and editing monthly programmatic updates based on inputs from sections. In addition, this role will involve working with the Communications Section to ensure the availability of Human Interest Stories and Photos to enhance donor reporting and also working on briefing notes for donor visits.

Qualifications and Competencies
-An advanced university degree in social sciences or related technical field
-Two years of progressively responsible professional work experience, preferably with a humanitarian organization
-Strong report writing and donor management skills essential
-Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF’s mission and professional values
-Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment

How to apply
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 letter and curriculum vitae quoting vacancy notice number to the following address.

HR Specialist
(Vacancy Notice No. 45: Zim-2011)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue
P O Box 1250 Belgravia, Harare
Or email: hararevacancies [at] gmail [dot] com

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Finance and Administration Officer: Zimbabwe Women’s Bureau (ZWB)
Deadline: 21 November 2011

Zimbabwe Women’s Bureau (ZWB) is seeking to fill the above post that has fallen vacant within the organization.

Qualifications
-Diploma in accounting, with either ZAAT or CIS
-A degree in accounting is an added advantage
-Two years experience in an NGO environment
-Highly computer literate
-Working knowledge of pastel package

Qualities
-Ability to work under minimum supervision
-Honest and hardworking
-Good communication skills and a team player
-Goal oriented and innovative
-Sound management and leadership skills

Responsibilities
-Managing all ZWB finances
-Planning, managing and administration of donor finances
-Managing the administration department

Those interested should send their applications and CVs to: zwbtc2 [at] gmail [dot] com or ronikamumbire [at] gmail [dot] com or 43 Hillside Road, Box CR120, Cranborne, Harare.

The incumbent should be prepared to start as soon as possible.

Accounting Assistant: Population Services Zimbabwe
Deadline: 21 November 2011

12 Months Fixed Term Contract

Population Services Zimbabwe (PSZ), an affiliate of MARIE STOPES INTERNATIONAL (MSI), is a market focused and result-oriented non-governmental organization. We develop the efficient, effective and sustainable family planning and reproductive health programmes, with particular emphasis on the lower and disadvantaged communities in Zimbabwe. What we do makes a real difference to people’s lives, so it’s absolutely crucial that we fill our organisation with passionate people. An opportunity has arisen in the following area:

Job summary
Under the overall supervision of the Financial Accountant, the Accounting Assistant is responsible and accountable for providing financial, clerical and administrative support to the finance department.

Key duties
-Bank Reconciliation, payment processing and transaction updates
-Administer head office petty cash, receiving and reviewing petty cash transactions
-Capturing monthly expenditures including fuel and medical drug usages
-Reconciling actual stocks to balance sheet stock figures on a monthly basis
-Reconciling all creditors accounts
-Checking receipts for advances given to staff
-Monthly reconciliations of bank accounts. This includes posting all bank charges and interest.

Qualifications and experience
-Honours Degree in Accounting, Part ACCA or CIMA, intermediate competency in computerized accounting
-At least 2-3 years working experience
-Experience in a NGO will be an added advantage
-A working knowledge of Sun System Accounting Package a must

If you would like to be considered for this role, submit a covering letter and CV, outlining your experience to date, to:

The Human Resources Officer
Population Services Zimbabwe
9 Bisley Circle
Belvedere
Harare

Or send an email to recruitment [at] pszim [dot] com quoting the job title in the subject line.

Interview date: Week commencing 28 November 2011
Start date: ASAP

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.


OI Decentralisation Nurse: MSF
Deadline: 22 November 2011

Based in Beitbridge

Requirements

-Qualified and fully registered Nurse
-Experience and qualification in Counselling
-Knowledge about HIV/AIDS, particularly anti-retroviral therapy is mandatory
-Proven experience in decentralizing ART services in RHF
-Rapid HIV Testing qualification is an asset
-NGO working experience
-Experience in working in teams
-Good communication skills, patience, diplomacy

Send CV to:
HR Admin, MSF-Spain
165 Tower Lane
Beitbridge, Zimbabwe

Or

Msfe-beitbridge [at] barcelona.msf [dot] org

Accountant: Local NGO
Deadline: 23 November 2011

A local NGO is inviting applications for the post of Accountant based in Harare.

Responsibilities
-Assists in the development and implementation of goals, policies, priorities, and procedures relating to financial management, budget, accounting, and/or payroll.
-Timely preparation of various financial statements and reports for donors and internal use.
-Timeous maintenance of cash book, ledgers and fixed assets register.
-Timeous preparation of reconciliations.
-Establishes system controls and develops procedures to improve existing systems and ensures controls are adhered to.
-Preparation of external audit materials and external financial reporting.
-Reviews financial statements with management.
-Ensures efficient and effective management of donor funds.
-Controlling budgets to ensure limits are adhered to.
-Ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.

Qualifications and Experience
-Degree in Accounting
-CIS/CIMA/ACCA or HND with part 3 CIS
-At least five years of experience in finance and administration and good knowledge of Pastel and spreadsheets
-Good analytical skills
-Ability to meet deadlines and priorities
-Clean Drivers License
-2 Years experience in an NGO

Applications including resume with three referees and their contactable telephone numbers and email addresses, should be sent to:

The Director
64 Selous Avenue/7th Street
Harare

Email: sarahmazhindu [at] yahoo [dot] com and hnyikadzino [at] gmail [dot] com and evelynchikoore [at] gmail [dot] com

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Computer Management Assistant: U.S. Embassy
Deadline: 25 November 2011 (Close of business)

The U.S. Embassy in Harare is seeking an individual for the position of Computer Management Assistant in the Information Management Office.

Basic function of position
Under the direct supervision of the Computer Management Specialist and Information Management Specialist, the incumbent maintains all aspects of system administration, installation, upgrade and management of Harare’s LAN/WAN computer network. The incumbent is responsible for troubleshooting and solving hardware, software and network problems, performing one-on-one user training on common computer applications and issues, and maintaining a variety of IT related records.

A copy of the complete position description listing all duties and responsibilities are available in the Human Resources Office: Telephone +263-4-250593 Ext 4622/4991

Qualifications required
Note: All applicants are instructed to address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each criterion. Failure to submit documentary evidence for educational qualifications will be grounds for disqualification. Foreigners/Non-Zimbabweans must attach work permit documents in order to be considered for employment by the Embassy.

-Diploma in IT is required. Certification in Comptia A+, Network + and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer or equivalent required
-Three years of progressively responsible experience in a Network Administrator’s position working with standard Microsoft Operating Systems and applications is required
-Level 4 (fluent) English and Level 3 (good working knowledge) Shona/Ndebele is required
-Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Operating Systems (Windows 7, XP etc) and applications (MS Office) are required

Interested applicants for this position must submit current resume and copies of certificates to:

Human Resources Specialist
American Embassy Harare
172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue
P.O. Box 3340
Harare

Email responses to: hararerecruit [at] state [dot] gov


Director General: Southern Africa Federation of the Disabled (SAFOD)
Deadline: 31 December 2011

The Southern Africa Federation of the Disabled (SAFOD) is a regional organisation co-ordinating and strengthening organisations of the disabled people in 10 countries within the SADC region.

A vacancy has arisen for a Director General who enjoys working with people with disabilities. The incumbent will be located at its Head Office in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

The Director General will be accountable to the Regional Executive Council (REC).

Key results areas
-Plans, directs and co-ordinates all SAFOD operations
-Supervise the implementation for programmes/projects as Secretariat level
-Sits in the REC meetings as an ex-officio
-Advises the REC in the formulation of SAFOD Strategic Policies
-Negotiate projects funding modalities with donors/funders
-Directs national Secretariat on development programmes and projects
-Acts as an ambassador of the organisation in various fora
-Implements policies decided upon by the REC

Qualifications
-A Social Science Degree or equivalent in Management Community Development
-Minimum of 5 years experience in Management position
-Excellent communications, written, fundraising, analytical skills and computer literacy
-Strong passion for development of people with disabilities
-Strong background on disability activism

Interested and qualified people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Salary is negotiable depending on qualifications.

Applications including CV, reference letters to:
The Chairperson
SAFOD
P.O. Box 2247
Bulawayo
Zimbabwe

Or

Email: safod [at] netconnect [dot] co [dot] zw or info [at] safod [dot] org

Art speaks out

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Friday, November 11th, 2011 by Bev Clark

From Pambazuka, an article on one of my favourite artists, Kudzanai Chiurai:

State of the nation, according to Kudzania Chiurai

Born in 1981 in Zimbabwe, Kudzanai Chiurai is an internationally acclaimed artist now living and working in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was the first black student to graduate with a BA in Fine Art from the University of Pretoria. Highly regarded as a leading voice of his generation, Kudzi has made a name for himself as a thought provoking artist who uses his art to highlight the many fallacies of our continent with specific focus on African leaders and culture. Chiurai’s early work focused on the political, economic and social strife in his homeland and has since evolved to reflect a continental dialogue that puts the state and its people at the centre of progress or the lack thereof. Seminal works like ‘Presidential Wallpaper’ depicted Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe as a sell-out and this led to Chiurai’s exile from Zimbabwe.

Armed with a paint brush and a strong desire for change Kudzi has become somewhat of a legend in the niche world of pan-African urban culture. For someone who has achieved so much in a short space of time with bodies of artwork that speak loudly, his humility, sensitivity and introverted personality are humbling, making for an interesting harmonious contrast between the artist and his work.

His latest presentation titled ‘State of the Nation’ is intended to explore aspects of a constructed African state that bears scars of political and cultural discourses. On a continent that has experienced more violent conflicts than any other, this exhibition follows an individual’s narration of events that lead up to the inaugural speech by the first democratically elected president. The conflict that exists between cultural vistas and postmodern political narratives is evident in Chiurai’s work. Themes range from rituals, genocide memories of Rwanda and the all too familiar propaganda machine of the state to win hearts and minds of the nation. The vivid and curated portrayal of political scenes and the fear it imposes on the general populace is both profound and sad. The political truth of our continent is captured in every line and colour and together the state of all our nations is laid bare.

Melissa Mboweni curated the exhibition in partnership with the Goethe Institute and collaborations with photographer Jurie Potgieter, singers Thandiswa Mazwai and Zaki Ibrahim as well as clever use of technology brought this body of work to life. Chiurai references child and woman soldiers, African liberation movements and civil wars. He tracks the similarities between societal, political and ideological doctrines of nations in tumultuous times of transition with the often-ignored impact these cacophonous changes have on citizens. The juxtaposing of public and private were highlighted in performances that took place in the streets of Newtown and in the exhibition space that fostered private conversations about the state of our own nation as well as the artist’s work. A sound and technology installation scores the gallery experience. The influence of hip-hop in Kudzi’s own life is evident in his installations.

In a style similar to previous bodies of work such as ‘Dying to be Men’ series and ‘Black President’, Chiurai’s constructed environments are enticing, seductive and explore real casualties of African independence and critically examine the role of state public servants in advancing democracy. This ‘State of the Nation’ exhibition is a timely theme that comes at a time when the continent is grappling with its democratic identity and the role of the state in bringing real freedom and justice to its people.

As an art lover and a follower of Kudzi’s work, I’m hoping his social themes will evolve to depict some of the goodness on our continent and the power of the individual in bringing about change in their own community regardless of the state. Kudzi has the ability, passion and drive to start painting imageries of Africa that shows progress and a people with an undying spirit for survival and entrepreneurship.

- Charles Nhamo Rupare
* Charles Nhamo Rupare is of Shona origin and lives life through the creative eye and dreams of Afrika regaining her dignity and her sons and daughters developing the necessary mental freedom to love peace and communal co-existence. He is an award-winning Afrikan-centred brand specialist, percussionist, writer and a Pan-Afrikan thinker. He is chief editor of www.kush.co.za, a co-founder of Kush Kollective and a Partner of TEDx Soweto.

Always remember

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Thursday, November 10th, 2011 by Bev Clark

How many friends have you got?

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 by Bev Clark

Zoe Williams writing for the Guardian discusses how many “real” friends most people have in the age of Facebook and Twitter and shares the Portuguese saying, “You have five friends, and the rest is landscape.” More here

NGO job vacancies in Zimbabwe

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Tuesday, November 8th, 2011 by Bev Clark

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.

Zimbabwe Country Consultant: American Jewish World Service (AJWS)
Deadline: 10 November 2011

American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is an international development organization based in New York, motivated by Judaism’s imperative to pursue justice. AJWS is dedicated to alleviating poverty, hunger and disease among the people of the developing world regardless of race, religion or nationality. Through grants to grassroots organizations, volunteer service, advocacy and education, AJWS fosters civil society, sustainable development and human rights for all people, while promoting the values and responsibilities of global citizenship within the Jewish community.

American Jewish World Service seeks to hire a country consultant in Zimbabwe to work with the AJWS grants department in New York to support our grant making to grassroots organizations in the country.

Job Description:

-Provide technical support and guidance to AJWS partners in Zimbabwe.
-Facilitate access to capacity building, training and networking opportunities for AJWS partners.
-Facilitate linkages for AJWS partners to other donors and opportunities.
-Organize AJWS partner meetings and peer exchanges to share knowledge and learning.
-Advise AJWS on current social, political and economic trends that might impact our grantees.
-Advise AJWS on private, government, UN and multi-or bi-lateral funding streams in the region.
-Travel in country to monitor and evaluate AJWS grant making, including trips with AJWS program officers.
-Provide logistical support to AJWS program officers visiting the country.

Qualifications:

-Significant work experience in the NGO community
-Minimum 4 years post-secondary education
-Strong writing and analytical skills
-At least one local language and English fluency for report writing and direct communication with US staff
-Expertise in the rights-based approach to development preferred
-Experience with NGO capacity building strongly preferred
-Women are strongly encouraged to apply

Salary:
Send salary requirements.  We are looking for a part-time consultant (approximately 6 days per month, flexible schedule) based in Harare or Bulawayo.  The contract is for six months with the possibility of extension.

How to Apply:
For immediate consideration, please forward your resume or Curriculum Vitae, cover letter and list of references to tmukuka [at] ajws [dot] org and indicate your name and “Zimbabwe consultant” in the subject line.

For more information about AJWS, please visit our website at www.ajws.org

Food Security and Relief Coordinator: CARE Canada
Deadline: 22 November 2011

CARE is looking for a highly experienced Food Security & Relief Coordinator to lead a variety of programmes including those funded under USAID’s Food for Peace (FFP), World Food Programme (WFP), USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and other as directed by the Assistant Country Director – Programmes.

Position summary:

The Food Security and Relief Coordinator directly leads the teams responsible for the final stages of the implementation of the FFP PRIZE program, an OFDA disaster risk reduction project and WFP programs along with other humanitarian response teams as necessary. The position is responsible for the entire spectrum of activities from development, implementation, compliance, budgeting and reporting on humanitarian and food security activities in strict accordance with USAID FFP regulations, WFP & other donor regulations and procedures and CARE Food Security Policies and Strategies.

The Coordinator is the key person responsible for liaising with in-country USAID – FFP, WFP, and other donors and stakeholders, including the government. S/he will also collaborate closely with lead consortium management unit and logistics department and CARE’s logistics co-ordinator. S/he will be responsible for oversight, management, planning, compliance and reporting for all food and non-food items within his/her program portfolio, in concert with the logistic co-ordinator and in keeping with all country office and donor policies/regulations.

S/he will coordinate and cooperate with all other Sector Coordinators and CARE administrative and financial departments at the sub-offices and country office to ensure established CARE procedures and polices are followed and to maximize support for project activities.

Find out more

Centre Director: Legal Resources Foundation (LRF)
Deadline: 25 November 2011

The Legal Resources Foundation a local legal services NGO invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the post of Centre Director within the organisation.

Duties and responsibilities:
-Administering the programmes and activities of the Centre
-Supervision and management of Centre staff
-Preparation of regular reports on Centre activities
-Engaging in fundraising, including drawing up funding proposals and budgeting

Qualifications and experience:
-Applicants must be registered legal practitioners with at least five years’ post-registration experience
-Background in civil society, particularly a legal services NGO, and computer literacy will be great advantages
-Applicants must be self-motivated and have a demonstrable ability to lead a team, and to work with minimal supervision.

How to apply Please send your application letter and CV to:
The National Director
P. O. Box 918
Harare

Or they can be sent by email to: pa [at] lrf [dot] co [dot] zw

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Finance Director: Legal Resources Foundation (LRF)
Deadline: 25 November 2011

The Legal Resources Foundation a local legal services NGO invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the post of Finance Director.

This position is responsible for the overall financial management (planning, budgeting, accounting and reporting). The role will provide strategic leadership and guidance in developing and implementing guidelines and procedures governing finance and support systems. The incumbent must have experience in managing and dealing with donors.

Key responsibilities

-Accurate financial accounting and bank accounts management
-Planning and budgeting on financial aspects of the organisation’s programmes
-Accurate reporting to National Director, Board of Trustees and funding partners
-Overall accountability of organisational finances and compliance with the organisation’s policies and guidelines and donor requirements
-Prepare financial reports in line with organisational and donor reporting requirements
-Co-ordinate and maintain a cash forecasting system to ensure that adequate funds are available to meet the working requirements of the programmes
-Monitor ongoing levels of expenditure on individual programmes as against budget, and provide timely advice of likely over or under-spends
-Manage payroll and income tax payments

Qualifications, experience and competencies

-Accounting or Finance-related Degree, and/or fully qualified member of a recognised Accounting Professional Association such as ACCA and CIS
-Substantial post qualification experience and demonstrable understanding and experience of finance management, preferably within an NGO
-Strong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken English

How to apply Please send your application letter and CV to:
The National Director
P. O. Box 918
Harare

Or they can be sent by email to: pa [at] lrf [dot] co [dot] zw

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Director: Training and Consultancy – Africa Centre for Holistic Management
Deadline: 30 November 2011

Position Summary
The Director of Training and Consultancy is responsible for supporting partner organizations to implement Holistic Land and Livestock Management (HLLM) program in communities in Southern Africa. The Director is expected to select appropriate partners, oversee successful workshops and training programs, and ensure effective follow up support and will be based in Victoria Falls.

ACHM is an award-winning organization that is restoring land to health and successfully addressing climate change while enhancing livelihoods and reducing conflict. We seek a mature, dynamic, results-orientated individual with passion who values working in a learning organization.

Supervisor:  Executive Director

Key Challenge
To achieve a working knowledge of Holistic land and Livestock Management in Southern Africa and ensure successful implementation of community land and water restoration efforts through working with other NGOs and government agencies.

Required qualifications and work experience
*Relevant Degree (in Education, Organization Development, Development Studies, Social Science, or equivalent)
*Experience in community mobilization
*Knowledge of experiential learning
*Experience running training programs
*Experience in a management or leadership position
*Knowledge and experience in program evaluation

Required skills
*Excellent presentation and facilitation skills
*Ability to design appropriate training programs
*Able to assess and select appropriate organizations to partner with
*Manage, mentor and lead a consulting team
*Possess excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written
*Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Explorer & Powerpoint

Preferred qualifications, knowledge and skills
*Team player who is able to motivate/build a cohesive team
*Knowledge of Holistic Management a plus
*Fluency in Southern African languages a plus
*Entrepreneurship
*Politically, culturally and religiously neutral in work setting

Responsibilities:
1.Develop and manage the newly formed Training & Consultancy section
2.Select appropriate partners (those likely to succeed) and develop relationship with them

*Assessing and selecting partner organization using ACHM define selection criteria.
*Facilitation in Leaders seminars
*Carry out pre-visits to selected partner organization
*Drafting MOU with selected partner organization.

3.Deliver successful (and appropriate) training program
*Organizing workshops and training programs
*Designing tailor made workshops
*Evaluation of training programs and workshops

4.Follow up coaching and support to implementing organizations
*Provide follow up support to partner organizations
*Management of report writing by consultants
*Negotiating contracts

5.Maintaining relationships
*Over seeing maintenance of relationships
*Constant communication with partners
*Negotiating contracts

Application process: ACHM is an equal opportunity employer. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience.

Applications will be accepted through 30 November 2011. For consideration, please email a cover letter, C.V. and references to: hmatanga [at] achmonline [dot] org or rbikwa [at] achmonline [dot] org

For more information on the Africa Centre for Holistic Management visit: www.achmonline.org

Revenue from diamond sales is the people’s money

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Tuesday, November 8th, 2011 by Bev Clark

Most likely Zanu PF will use the revenue from diamond sales to fund their election campaign, and all the violence that will go with it. Their lavish lifestyles also need to be maintained (at the very least). Yeah folks, Zimbabwe was liberated, didn’t yer know.

The Committee of the Peoples Charter recently issued their list of the top 7 priorities for Zimbabwe’s diamond revenue – see below. And Takura Zhangazha has warned against creating ‘diamond oligarchs’ in Zimbabwe.

Committee of the Peoples Charter (CPC) Press Statement On Seven (7) Priorities For Zimbabwe’s Diamond Revenue

The Committee of the Peoples Charter (CPC) notes the recent statements made by the Minister of Mines, Mr. Obert Mpofu on the recent Kimberly Process meeting in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at which Zimbabwe was given the go-ahead to sell diamonds from Marange to world markets at competitive prices. The Honourable Minister’s announcement that Zimbabwe will be able to make an estimated gross amount of US$2 billion per annum from these diamond sales is a matter that should be further explained with particular respect to the national fiscus and the intended priorities as to how this revenue should be utilized for the public good.

This is particularly important and urgent due to the fact that the Ministry of Finance will present the 2012 national budget this month. It is therefore imperative that this potential revenue be factored into Finance Minister Tendai Biti’s budget for 2012.

In this regard, it is the CPC’s firm view that the revenue acquired by the state via the sale of diamonds must be directed toward the following priority areas of our national economy:

1. The establishment of a social welfare and social benefit grants system for unemployed citizens, women, physically challenged citizens, the elderly and socially/economically disadvantaged children/minors.
2. The reintroduction of free primary school education and the subsidization of all government secondary schools in relation
3. The re-introduction of state subsidized and guaranteed student grants and loans for all tertiary level students
4. The provision of free healthcare for all together with the modernization of all of our referral and provincial hospitals through the purchase of the relevant equipment
5. The refurbishment of our railway lines, trains and coaches to provide public transport for both rural and urban areas.
6. The completion of the dualisation of the Harare-Bulawayo; Harare-Beitbridge highways.
7. The provision of clean and safe water for all citizens through the refurbishment of all urban water supply systems and the expansion of borehole water availability in all rural areas, together with the completion of the Matebeleland – Zambezi Water Project.

Where the government fails to commit diamond revenue to these six priority areas, it will be a travesty of social and economic justice. The CPC will be tracking the usage of this revenue with the intention of bringing the government to account and in order to curb corruption as well as the misplacement of priorities by the government.