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Let them eat not cake but each other

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Thursday, September 15th, 2011 by Marko Phiri

Sometimes you just have to ask yourself about the frequency of knee-jerk reactions of government officials each time there is a political scandal that the mandarins invariably blame on the media for being “beamed’ to the public. The latest of course is the WikiLeaks excitement that has Zimbabwe in suspended animation to see what happens next as Mugabe fumbles for loyalists. Webster Shamu has responded rather predictably by threatening to shoot the messenger – the private press who are understandably having a field day reporting the explosive contents of the cables from US diplomats in Harare.

Like always, Shamu is dealing with fringe players who have nothing to do with the leaks. And this at a time when the relevance of the private media has never been so pressing as Zimbabwe heads for polls anytime in the not-so-distant future. The private media and proponents of unfettered access to information have reason to sit up and take notice and can only ignore Shamu’s pronouncements about effectively outlawing “Fleet street” to their own peril well knowing of course there is precedence to these threats to press freedom.

Someone mentioned the other day that Zimbabwe is now ripe for another printing press bombing, and when people start talking like that, you have to ask yourself if our politics is really that antithetic to democratic conversations. But then, you can ignore Zanu PF threats only if your name is Johnny Bravo! That of course is not any attempt to treat the country’s political and media relations as a laughing matter – remembering of course that a miffed Shamu once called some folks Andy Capp-types! Shamu typifies the straw-man fallacy in that, instead of addressing the real issues, he chooses to attack a constituency that has nothing to do with the matter at hand: he has chosen to attack the media, effectively telling the messengers not to deliver what no doubt has so far become 2011’s biggest political story here.

After all, in the aftermath of these leaked cables, everyone (at least in my world, every sensible Zimbabwean!)  is already celebrating the  first public signs of the demise of Shamu’s party and creatives are busy crafting pun-filled epitaphs. And now that Jonathan Moyo has said it loud and proud and after sleepless nights that these presidential back-stabbers must own up to their utterances, we wonder then why the heck Shamu is getting so volcanic hot under the collar and getting all puffed up inviting the wrath of cardiac arrest and at the wrong people! But then when you have SpongeBob Squarepants-types in charge of managing political information and attempting to hide behind very thin fingers, you can bet your ass you will be engaging in a dialogue with a bunch of morons.

Instead, let them eat each other, no one will mourn.

NGO job vacancies in Zimbabwe

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Wednesday, September 14th, 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.

Paid Online Innovation Internship: MoveOn.org

MoveOn.org is looking for creative, hardworking, and self-motivated Online Innovation Interns to join MoveOn Labs, a small team with one clear, ambitious charge: Figure out the next big online organizing breakthrough by running a series of tech-enabled experiments that could truly transform MoveOn – and help us win big – on the Web, on mobile phones, and via social media. No idea is too bold or crazy. The internship is paid, and you can be located anywhere: We have a virtual office and collaborate online. Each internship will run for three months from start date, but may be extended if it works out. To apply, read the full description and instructions here

Project Co-ordinator: International organisation working in Zimbabwe
Deadline: 16 September 2011

A non-profit making International Organisation in Zimbabwe working with partners on long-term development, human rights and grass root organization seeks to employ a Project Co-ordinator with effect from 1st October 2011.

Position Summary
This is a senior position that requires a mature professional of high integrity. He/She analyses and assesses political, social and economic trends and provides substantive inputs to program formulation, evaluation and joint programming initiatives. He/She reports to the Programme Manager.

Responsibilities
- Project Administration (Identification, Planning & Management and Policy Analysis: To prepare appropriate project proposals together with estimated budgets, Monitor projects and production of project and monitoring visit reports, Attend to phasing out of projects and selection of new projects to be considered for implementation, Project evaluation and phasing out plans
- Preparation of periodic project reports relating to the progress of the project and some regular project visits to the sites.
- To strengthen and recommend the capacity of the partners that will be implementing the project on behalf of the organization.
- The Project Co-coordinator should be able to network with government, local government officials and to liaise with personnel of other Non-Governmental organizations with similar objectives to that of the organization or which are involved in developmental issues affecting communities.
- To liaise and communicate with the Programme Manager on updates, developments and any information considered relevant to the projects and the organization’s area of work.

Qualifications
- At least 5 years experience working at senior level in programme management in development work
- Degree in Social Sciences
- Excellent English writing and communication skills and ability to work in a team
- Good analytical and programme management skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Good monitoring and evaluation skills
- Good computer skills
- Experience in financial management, budgetary work and personnel management
- Experience from networking, lobbying/advocacy and long term development assistance
- Post graduate degree/diploma
- Gender analytical skills
- Interest in youth development
- Understanding of Results Based Management
- A clean class 4 driver’s licence
- Added Advantage – Background of Information Systems or Media Information Management.

The organization promotes gender equality and none discriminatory practices. Female candidates are encouraged to apply. Only short listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Applications with detailed CV’s and certified copies of qualifications should be sent to:
The Programme Manager
P. O. Box 4669
Harare

Email address: npazim [at] gmail [dot] com

Program Manager / Provincial Focal Point (Matabeleland South)
Deadline: 16 September 2011

REF. 091105

Program Manager 75% (scope)
- Overall responsibility for effective and efficient management of the field projects consistent with the project management cycle

Provincial Focal Point 25% (scope)
- Overall responsibility for effective collaboration with the Provincial Medical Directors and PWSSC offices and other key stakeholders in the province to coordinate and support all emergency response activities to potential disease outbreaks and manmade/ natural disasters.

Qualification, Experiences and Competencies:
oMedically qualified (doctor, clinical officer or senior nurse) and strong post qualification practical experience
oQualified Nurse or Environmental Health Officer with strong post qualification practical experience
oA minimum of three years relevant previous experience in a transitional or development environment with proven experience in Liaison and coordination with government officials, local authorities, NGOs, civil society groups and donors. Also experience in managing team and strong communication skills.
oFluent in English, Ndebele and Shona
To apply for this position:

Please download an application form from our website www.merlin.org.uk

Completed form should be emailed to vacancy.merlin.zw [at] gmail [dot] com

This position is only open to Zimbabwean nationals.

Programme Officer: Local NGO
Deadline: 16 September 2011

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced candidates to fill the above post.

Requirements
-University degree in agriculture or relevant discipline from a recognized institution.
-A minimum of 2 years experience managing a sustainable agriculture programme.
-Good management and co-ordination skills, with documented experience in technical project implementation and monitoring.
-Experience in writing project proposals, developing programs and management plans.
-Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to manage time, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
-Strong planning, problem-solving, coordination and negotiation skills.
-Proficient with a variety of software programs; and willingness and flexibility to undertake a variety of tasks.
-Willingness to participate in field activities and travel.
-Driver’s Licence – Class 4 essential

Responsibilities
-Conducting and managing projects from project design to project implementation and evaluation.
-Leading analysis of data collected under the monitoring framework for assessment of progress and areas of improvement.
-Provide regular reports on the project activity implementation status against the project goals and objectives to the director.
-Documenting all the project activities and periodic reports, which will guide the project in pursuing the mandate.
-Generating project related research data to inform future programming.
-Ensure that all sub activities are aligned to the project’s main goal.
-Guide, coach and mentor field officers.

Deadline and application procedure
Applicants must submit CVs with certified copies of academic, and professional qualifications, giving date of availability, employment and experience, contact telephone numbers, names and contact details of three referees from previous jobs.

Applications to be submitted to:
The Director
No. 1 Wembley Crescent, Eastlea
Harare

Or email: cadshr [at] cads [dot] org [dot] zw or cadsprojects [at] cads [dot] org [dot] zw

Responses will be made to the short-listed candidates only.

Director of Programmes & External Relations: Population Services Zimbabwe (PSZ)
Deadline: 19 September 2011 (12 noon)

Duration: 12 months Fixed Term Contract

Be at the heart of an organisation that’s at the heart of the community.

Population Services Zimbabwe (PSZ), an affiliate of Marie Stopes International, is a market focused, result oriented non-governmental organization. We develop efficient, effective and sustainable family planning and reproductive health programmes, with particular emphasis on the lower income 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.

As Director of Programmes and External Relations, the main purpose of your role will be to take overall responsibility for providing and developing high-level associations with key stakeholders, whilst ensuring the effective management of donor-funded projects.

You will also lead in raising awareness of our organisation, and leverage additional large-scale funding to support the organisation’s continued growth.

This will involve compiling a comprehensive external relations plan annually, that is aligned with PSZ’s objectives, and managing contact with journalists from a variety of media in Zimbabwe and overseas, thereby ensuring awareness of PSZ’s presence at country as well as international level.

You will also support the Country Director in ensuring effective financial management and accounting systems, ensuring MSI Global Partnership, national and international systems and standards are established, used and maintained. Additionally, you will monitor cash flow and expenditure against budget.

It is critical that you have extensive experience of managing multiple programmes, budget management, with an understanding of financial information and business processes. Your robust and demonstrable experience of operating at a senior level in programmes, fund-raising and external relations will be key to this role.

In order to qualify for this opportunity, you must have the following:

Qualifications:
Minimum of a full Master’s Qualification in Social Sciences, Development Studies or related discipline

Experience
-At least 5 years’ senior management experience
-At least 2 years’ management in an international context
-Significant programming and business experience in a developing country context
-Substantial senior management experience of developing and maintaining working relationships with donors, foreign governments, development partners, civil society, national and international organisations
-Extensive project cycle management experience
-Significant external relations experience

Skills
-Strong overall leadership qualities
-Robust financial management skills
-Demonstrable experience in securing high-value contracts from bilateral and multi-lateral donors, foundations and trusts
-Understanding of the issues surrounding provision of reproductive health care services internationally
-    If you would like to be considered for this role, please submit a covering letter and CV, outlining your experience to date, to:

The Team Development Manager
9 Bisley Circle
Belvedere
HARARE

or send an email to recruitment [at] pszim [dot] com quoting the job title.

Program Manager: AusAID
Deadline: 23 September 2011

AusAID, the Australian Government’s Agency for International Development, is seeking an experienced, dynamic and innovative Program Manager to help implement Australia’s aid program in Zimbabwe. Based in the Australian Embassy, Harare, the successful candidate will be engaged for two years, with the possibility of an extension.

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

Requirements:
-Experience in aid delivery, development aid program management while working for a donor government, multilateral agency, or international NGO at national and regional level.
-Highly effective representation and interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to cultivate productive working relationships with a range of stakeholders.
-Demonstrated ability to achieve results, including in the management of people, resources, projects and financial management.
-Demonstrated capacity to think strategically and provide high-level policy advice.
-Highly developed communication skills, particularly in written and spoken English, including strong computer literacy and well developed negotiation, liaison and representation skills.
-Demonstrated personal drive and integrity.
-Relevant educational qualifications in development, social sciences, international relations or economics.

Applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

View the full job description and application instructions on the vacancies page at www.zimbabwe.embassy.gov.au and email your application to Harare.Zimbabwe [at] ausaid [dot] gov [dot] au

Two (2) Programme Officers: Harare and Lusaka
Deadline: 23 September 2011

A regional NGO is looking for 2 highly skilled Programme Officers to join its Zambia and Zimbabwe Offices. Both posts require an all rounder, able to provide programme support in a number of programme areas and able to work effectively, independently and as part of a team.

1) Programme Officer: Harare, Zimbabwe

Requirements

-Master’s Degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, Health sciences, Health Education or other relevant field
-At least 6 years experience in HIV programming
-Excellent project management skills including proposal writing and budgeting
-An in-depth knowledge of HIV issues (policy, gender, SRHR, MCH, TB and OVC) is essential
-Experience in communication, public and media relations is essential
-Excellent writing skills. The incumbent must be able to write project briefs, project reports, marketing brochures, newsletters, speeches, press releases, scripts for documentaries and conference presentations
-Ability to coordinate national and regional campaigns or events
-Must have some research experience, basic M & E knowledge and excellent analytical skills
-Demonstrated experience in training and facilitation, particularly of media personnel, is essential, as is the ability to design training programmes
-Advocacy skills would be a distinct advantage
-Excellent ICT skills
-Previous work experience in a regional organisation would be an added advantage.

2. Programme Officer: Lusaka, Zambia

Requirements

-Master’s Degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, Health sciences, Health Education or other relevant field
-At least 6 years experience in HIV programming
-Excellent project management skills including proposal writing and budgeting
-An in-depth knowledge of HIV issues (policy, gender, SRHR, MCH, TB and OVC) is essential
-Experience in communication, public and media relations is essential
-Excellent writing skills. The incumbent must be able to write project briefs, project reports, marketing brochures, newsletters, speeches, press releases, scripts for documentaries and conference presentations
-Ability to coordinate national and regional campaigns or events
-Must have some research experience, basic M & E knowledge and excellent analytical skills
-Demonstrated experience in training and facilitation is essential, as is the ability to design training programmes
-Advocacy skills would be a distinct advantage
-Excellent ICT skills

The organisation is an equal opportunity employer: People living with HIV are encouraged to apply.

We offer the right person an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to responses to the HIV epidemic in the region, competitive salary and benefits package.

Interested applicants should e-mail their application and CV, information on current salary, benefits and contact details of three referees to: salomecheuka [at] yahoo [dot] co [dot] uk

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Distasteful

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Wednesday, September 14th, 2011 by Bev Clark

Colleagues at OSISA recently  shared this news with us:

Well done sisters in  Mozambique!!

Last week, the advert above (of a local milk stout beer) sparked a furor in Mozambique and managed to galvanize the women’s movement (across the spectrum), to rally together against it.

They claimed successfully that this advert was insulting, discriminatory, sexist and against women’s dignity.

After a press conference where a campaign against the brewer (Cervejas de Mocambique) was launched, the brewer bowed to the pressure and decided to unconditionally withdraw the advert.

Fórum Mulher (Women Forum) and the Mozambican Human Rights League led the protest.

Mr Settler

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Wednesday, September 14th, 2011 by Bev Clark

More from Comrade Fatso

I’m Mr Explorer in eighteen something and three
Who discovered this vast, virgin African territory
Utterly unknown you see
Apart from a pocket of peoples like the Hutus, the Tutsis
The Luo, the Tuareg, the Shona, the Masai,
Yoruba, Bambara, Zulu and Fulani
But they don’t count really
So yes this dark continent was discovered by me
I’m Mr Missionary armed with a book
Settlers will arrive soon so quick take a look
It talks of miracles, parables, temples ‘n’ disciples
Worship God and no other idols
It’s filled with trials, tribulations, testaments and tales
Just remember the weak shall inherit the earth
And God is a white male
Your minds and souls are all we ask
Capturing your bodies is someone else’s task

I’m Mr Setller here to each colonisation 101
We’re gonna liberate your land and you’ll be governed by the gun
After stealing your soil you can’t sit back and relax
Coz we’ll make you our workers by making you pay tax
We’ll destroy your industry and make you produce products that are primary
We’ll invest in infrastructure and run your resources to the sea
We’ll pull out our paint brushes and paint you some borders
It’s a fantastic old tactic called divide and conquer
Coz I’m Mr International Finance here to fund your independence
We’ll douse you with debts while we reap the benefits
Take down your tariffs, slash social spending
Hold back on health, here comes the happy ending
We’ll flood your country with our goods
We’ll privatize your national foods
Now you ask what all this meant
This ladies and gentlemen is development.

Beatrice Mtwtwa awarded the Inamori Ethic Prize

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Wednesday, September 14th, 2011 by Upenyu Makoni-Muchemwa

Congratulations to Beatrice Mtetwa has been awarded the Inamori Ethics Prize for her defence of human rights and press freedom. Speaking at the ceremony in Cleveland Ohio, she said:

“I am optimistic that democracy and the rule of law will be restored in Zimbabwe, I abhor injustice and I fight it wherever I see it. I am driven to defend people who are struggling for their basic human rights. … I am optimistic that the rule of law will be restored in Zimbabwe in my lifetime.”

You can read her interview with Kubatana here.

Women2Drive

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Tuesday, September 13th, 2011 by Lenard Kamwendo

Its not because they cant drive or they don’t have driver’s licenses because some women even possess international drivers licenses acquired internationally when they once lived abroad. Unlike fellow women in most parts of the world who can go behind the wheel at anytime, women in Saudi Arabia still cant enjoy the same rights to drive cars in public after a religious fatwa (an Islamic religious ruling) imposed by conservative Muslim clerics to enforce the motoring ban on women. Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world that bans women from driving. The ban is one of the restrictions women in Saudi Arabia face each and everyday. One of the strict measures is that women are not allowed to leave home without a male guardian or even practice their right to vote. In June 2011 women in the Saudi kingdom staged a small protest against the ban by getting behind the wheel but most of them got arrested.

One of those who got arrested includes Manal al Sharif, an IT specialist who launched the “Women2Drive” campaign which encourages women to drive. She made a video of herself driving and posted it on Facebook but the page was pulled down and other women who participated in the campaign were threatened.