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Consultancy in Zimbabwe

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Posted on June 23rd, 2011 by Bev Clark. Filed in Uncategorized.
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Review of Livestock Supply Chain in Caritas Hwange: CAFOD – Zimbabwe
Deadline: 1 July 2011

CAFOD is the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales. In more than 40 countries across the world, we bring hope, compassion and solidarity to poor communities, standing side by side with them to end poverty and injustice.

In Zimbabwe, CAFOD has been supporting local partners in Bulawayo, Hwange and Binga for a number of years with livelihoods and humanitarian interventions.  There are a number of ongoing programmes focused on WASH, livelihoods (including agriculture and livestock), and social protection.

Recent visits have highlighted significant gaps in the livestock supply chain, and limited resources (skills; materials; contacts; financial etc) from partners to respond to these gaps.

Purpose of the Review:

-    Review knowledge and practices in Bulawayo, Hwange and Binga of livestock supply chain (breeds; feed; vaccines; produce and sales etc)
-    Analyse the cultural beliefs, attitude and practices towards livestock
-    Recommend changes in practice to improve livestock management (as a means of economic empowerment)
-    Recommend potential market links which could be explored by the partner to further increase profitability of local producers

Expected outcomes: The consultant will be expected to submit a final report with clear and actionable recommendations by end July 2011

Required skills and competencies:
-    Advanced degree in Veterinary Sciences, Agriculture or other relevant qualification
-    Experienced in reviewing livestock supply chain practices at field level
-    Experienced in liaising and working with diverse stakeholders (community partners; donors; government actors; other civil society actors etc.)
-    Knowledge of project planning and project implementation
-    Demonstration of experience in conducting good research, analysis and evaluation skills ·    Good interpersonal and intercultural skills
-    Knowledge of the local language is an advantage

To apply, please submit your CV and a 1-page outline of your intended review methodologies and approach to general [at] cafod [dot] org [dot] zw

Please put Livestock Review in the title of your email.

Political parties in Zimbabwe guilty of repression

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Posted on June 22nd, 2011 by Bev Clark. Filed in Activism, Governance, Media, Uncategorized.
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The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) really needs to put a stop to their Zanu-fication:

Wednesday, 22 June 2011

Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) statement on the barring of ZBC crew from covering an MDC-T rally in Gweru

The Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe is concerned by reports that rowdy youths allegedly belonging to the MDC-T barred a Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) news crew from covering the party’s rally at Mkoba Stadium in Gweru over the weekend, accusing the broadcaster of reporting negatively about their party.

The Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) condemns in the strongest terms the barring of the reporters from executing their mandate of reporting accurately and objectively to society.

It is an issue of serious concern that the youths, and anyone for that matter, should interfere with journalists who are only undertaking their professional duties be they from the private media or state media houses.

The VMCZ is also of the strong view that political parties need to revisit their understanding of Section 20 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and access to information. It is this section that makes the right of the Zimbabwean public and all media professionals to receive and impart information a fundamental human right and not a privilege.

Political parties are strongly urged to restrain their supporters to refrain from attacking journalists and media practitioners and for the supporters to tolerate divergence of views that exist in the Zimbabwean society.

It is against this background that VMCZ urges all political parties in Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans in general, who have a problem with a media story as is published by print or broadcast media in Zimbabwe to approach the VMCZ Media Complaints Committee to seek redress. Email info [at] vmcz [dot] co [dot] zw

All reported cases are dealt with under the VMCZ Code of Conduct which regulates the operations of the media in the country.

Men and condoms don’t really fit

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Posted on June 21st, 2011 by Bev Clark. Filed in Reflections, Uncategorized.
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You’ve just got to wonder about the sense of it all. In Upenyu’s blog on making condoms available in Zimbabwean schools she quotes two men who say that abstinence is what should be the order of the day, not condoms. Yet how many men, who are meant to be grown up, adult, disciplined and all that, actually believe in, and practice abstinence? Or condom use for that matter. Grown men don’t say no to sex. They can’t do without it. They usually demand it. And they usually demand it without a condom. Yet these very men are the ones who say children should refrain from sex. Boggles the mind.

NGO job vacancies in Zimbabwe

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Posted on June 21st, 2011 by Bev Clark. Filed in Uncategorized.
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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.

Several positions: Land O’Lakes
Deadline: 24 June 2011

Land O’Lakes recently received a USAID award that will allow it to meet certain objectives that focus on improving small-holder agriculture and livestock husbandry in Zimbabwe.

In order to meet these objectives, Land O’Lakes – Zimbabwe seeks the following positions:

Business Development Specialist

The business development specialist should have 5 – 10 years of experience and will work to support its international development project in Zimbabwe and develop business associations and markets for select communities. Currently we plan on emphasizing dairy and animal traction based in the Mutare field office.

Key responsibilities include:

-    Develop cooperative development plan to educate and train field staff, farmers, and others as they form cooperatives / business associations
-    Organize discussion groups to learn how new cooperatives are structured
-    Coordinate training of governance to new cooperatives
-    Assist farmers to elect officers at the new cooperatives
-    Maintain close contact and make regular visits to farmers and cooperatives
-    Provide mentoring to all cooperatives

Skills and Knowledge Requirements:

-    BSc. in an area of business development, agricultural economics, or similarly field related to cooperative development
-    5 – 10 years prior experience in the farming sector, extension service provision, research, or management
-    Full computer literacy
-    Strong written and verbal communication skills are required
-    Speak and write English
-    Fluency in Shona and Ndebele desirable depending on location
-    Must be a Zimbabwe citizen or permanent citizen with legal work permits for Zimbabwe
-    Must be a team player with prior experience working in a team environment

Several Field Dairy / Non-Dairy Livestock Facilitators

Should have a minimum of 4 years experience in agricultural extension work. We are still developing partnerships that will determine the location of these facilitators, but anticipated locations are Rusitu, Chipinge, Harare and Matabeleland South.

Key responsibilities include:

-    Offering basic extension services to beneficiary farmers focusing on topics such as fodder collection, animal nutrition, milk hygiene, financial, business, and farm management
-    Acting as field liaison to participating farmers for Land O’Lakes (and partnering organization) staff, communicating and following up in training activities and coordinating logistical arrangements for Land O’Lakes activities
-    Collect data on field activity performance and report accurately to Land O’Lakes for report creation
-    Supporting farmer associations with administrative support, linkages, and communication as they seek to strengthen their organizational capacity, farming systems, member services, and economic returns

Skills and Knowledge Requirements:

-    Diploma in Dairy or Livestock
-    Experience in livestock-based agriculture and knowledge of farm management and dairy production
-    Basic English required; Fluent Shona and/or Ndebele desirable depending on location
-    Good organization and time management skills
-    Ability to travel up to 50% of time
-    Reliable and trust worthy
-    Basic computer literacy desirable
-    Must be a Zimbabwe citizen or permanent citizen with legal work permits for Zimbabwe
-    Must be a team player with prior experience working in a team environment
-    Willing to ride a motorbike with a full license

Application letters and CVs should be addressed to the Country Manager and sent to: lolzim2011 [at] gmail [dot] com

Country Director: Oxfam
Deadline: 24 June 2011

We particularly welcome applications from suitably qualified and experienced Zimbabweans – either living in Zimbabwe currently, or in the Diaspora.

Work base: Harare, Zimbabwe
Position details: 3 year fixed term contract
Salary: $52,800-$69,700 per annum net

Job purpose:

- To lead Oxfam’s work in Zimbabwe, managing the Country Leadership Team to deliver agreed results and to bring about change through Oxfam’s strategic plan and influence
- To work with the In- Country Affiliates and the Regional Centre (RC) to contribute to the design and delivery of Oxfam’s programme within the region
- To work with the Program Governance Group (PGG) to ensure the Single Management Structure (SMS) benefits are realised in Zimbabwe (Impact/cost efficiency/ brand risk managed)

Find out more


Deputy Director: Childline Zimbabwe
Deadline: 30 June 2011 (4pm)

Located in: Harare

Childline is a local Private Voluntary Organisation looking for a qualified professional to take up the position of Deputy Director.

We seek an individual with an ability to work independently with minimal supervision, motivation and passion for achieving best outcomes for children and tackling issues of child abuse in Zimbabwe.

Key Responsibilities:

-    Day-to-day management of the organisation, supporting the Director.
-    Reporting to the Director and the Board of Trustees on the progress towards targets set.
-    Networking at national level with all stakeholders, including making input to policy development and legislative review for children’s rights and promoting the best interests of children.
-    Raise awareness at national level of Childline’s operations, impact on children’s rights and issues of child abuse, giving presentations and facilitating workshops.
-    Fundraise at local, regional and international levels for the organisation.
-    Work as part of a team towards achieving the organisations objectives.

Qualifications & Experience required:

-    A degree/ diploma in social sciences, community development, public health and/or administration.
-    At least 5 years experience of working with children or in the welfare sector.
-    At least 2 years experience in a senior management position.
-    Strong networking and advocacy skills, with demonstrable fundraising skills.
-    Good analytical and writing skills as well as strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently.
-    Advanced computer literacy.
-    Clean Driver’s licence.
-    Previous experience in the NGO sector is an advantage.

Correspondence will be entered into with short listed candidates only & Childline Zimbabwe reserves the right not to fill the position.

All short-listed candidates will need to provide proof of police clearance indicating no criminal record.

All applications should include a covering letter, CV and names of at least two contactable references.

Applications to be sent to The Director at:
31 Frank Johnson Avenue, Eastlea, Harare

Or email: director [at] childline [dot] org [dot] zw

Program Coordinator: JASS (Just Associates)
Deadline: 30 June 2011

Location: Cape Town

JASS (Just Associates), a fast-growing international women’s organisation grounded in and driven by its regional networks in Southeast Asia, Southern Africa and Mesoamerica, is dedicated to strengthening the voice, visibility and collective organising power of women. We are looking for an energetic women’s rights activist with at least 5-7 years of experience working on women’s rights and HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa. This is a great opportunity for an African professional who is deeply committed to strengthening grassroots activist leadership and organizing and who brings passion; demonstrated leadership; and interpersonal and organizational skills. The ideal candidate offers relevant strategic and programmatic experience as well as some experience with participatory training and grassroots organizing. Experience writing about women’s organization and social justice issues strongly preferred.

In Southern Africa (SNA), JASS’ strategy is to strengthen and mobilize women’s activist leadership to retool and rebuild women’s movements to address practical needs and change norms, institutions and policies that perpetuate inequality and violence. The program involves training, organizing, social media, documentation and strategic action in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Now in its fourth year, the program is driven by a regional team and a unique regional alliance of LGBT activists, progressive religious leaders living with HIV/AIDS, youth organizers and ICT feminist activists to maximize their reach and impact on women’s rights and lives.

While decision-making relating to the overall JASS SNA strategy, planning and organizational development lies with the Regional Coordinator, the Program Coordinator will work closely with the Regional Coordinator and part-time organizers and consultants to facilitate country processes and communications, ensuring that relationships, programs and the regional partnership are on track and in line with JASS SNA’s mission and strategy.

Concrete responsibilities are to:

-    Provide leadership, mentoring and support to the broader JASS SNA community of women activists across the region virtually and in person;
-    Coordinate and backstop country-level processes in Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe, including overseeing the planning, design, facilitation and documentation of activities and events;
-    Establish/coordinate consultative processes for designing, planning and implementing JASS SNA strategies and programmes in line with JASS’ overall mission and strategic priorities;
-    Refine and adjust plans as needed in accordance with opportunities and funding;
-    Develop/consolidate regional systems for documentation, reporting and monitoring in close coordination with the regional team and global JASS;
-    Maintain regular communication with the regional team and partnership to ensure programmes, relationships and deliverables are on track including regular check-ins with regional staff and partners to ensure continued ownership;
-    Identify and pursue strategic opportunities to deepen and broaden the impact of the JASS SNA movement-building process;
-    At times, represent JASS SNA and involve other regional team members and JASS SNA community in representing JASS in the region at important events and among a wide variety of people and organisations who are potential allies and donors.

Qualifications:

-    2 year degree
-    Minimum 5-7 years’ experience with political activism and/or advocacy on women’s rights, HIV/AIDS young women leadership, social movements and related issues;
-    Substantive knowledge on policy issues related to the core themes;
-    Demonstrated commitment to facilitative leadership and democratic management principles;
-    Experience in promoting teamwork and working collaboratively in a multigenerational, multicultural context;
-    Ability to think critically and politically, and problem-solve with minimal resources;
-    Proven ability to operate in a virtual, global organisation where e-mail and phone communication is paramount;
-    Strong written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to write for a variety of audiences and purposes;
-    Experience working effectively with limited budgets and a corresponding ability to draft and implement budgets for regional projects and initiatives;
-    Ability to think through staffing needs and priorities; comfortable building and developing organisational processes for a young organization with a unique and flexible structure that is continually evolving in careful and well thought-out strategic stages;
-    Excitement about, and commitment to, bringing diverse interests together across boundaries of race, class, gender, sexuality and nationality in collaborative and creative ways;
-    Sensitivity/awareness of difference, power and privilege as they shape interaction and of multigenerational processes;
-    Comfortable dealing with and navigating the complex politics between traditional NGOs and women’s rights groups;
-    Ability to plan on the move and to respond and adjust to shifting constantly priorities;
-    Experience organising and facilitating events.

How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume via email, fax, or mail (email is preferred) to:

Carrie Wilson, Cross-regional Program Coordinator
Email: cjw [at] justassociates [dot] org
Fax: +1-202-232-4715

No phone calls please.

JASS is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants with diverse backgrounds and members of the queer/transgender community are strongly encouraged to apply.


Finance and Operations Coordinator: JASS (Just Associates)
Deadline: 30 June 2011

Location: Cape Town

JASS (Just Associates), a fast-growing international women’s organisation grounded in and driven by its regional networks in Southeast Asia, Southern Africa and Mesoamerica, is dedicated to strengthening the voice, visibility and collective organising power of women.

In Southern Africa (SNA), JASS’ strategy is to strengthen and mobilize women’s activist leadership to retool and rebuild women’s movements to address practical needs and change norms, institutions and policies that perpetuate inequality and violence. The program involves training, organizing, social media, documentation and strategic action in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Now in its fourth year, the program is driven by a regional team and a unique regional alliance of LGBT activists, progressive religious leaders living with HIV/AIDS, youth organizers and ICT feminist activists to maximize their reach and impact on women’s rights and lives. In this effort, JASS’ regional team works jointly with the partners located in different countries.

JASS Southern Africa is looking for an experienced Finance and Operations Coordinator (FOC) with at least 8 years of experience, including at least 2 years with a regional or international organization that implements programs in different countries and with multiple partners. This is a great opportunity for an African professional who is interested in taking on a challenging role with a growing and innovative organization where interpersonal relationships and common vision are as important as financial systems and management. Our office environment is informal yet fast-paced because of the global and dynamic nature of our work.

The FOC will report to and work in close collaboration with the Regional Coordinator to coordinate and oversee all finance, operations, human resources, and administration functions of our fast-growing regional office comprised of three full-time staff, several part-time staff and consultants in other countries in the region, and an annual regional budget of approx US$800,000. S/he will also work closely with the Global Finance and Operations Manager (FOM) based in Washington, DC to ensure that regional systems, policies and procedures are in place and in line with JASS Southern Africa’s mission and strategy, as well as JASS’ overall policies and procedures. Concretely, the FOC will:

Financial Management:

-    Oversee all regional financial activities including general accounting, auditing, cost accounting, budgeting, budgetary controls, financial analysis and forecast, sub-grants, cash flow management and monitoring, and all necessary fiscal grant close-out activities including final reports and financial statements;
-    Implement and monitor systems, policies and procedures and budgeting/planning processes; suggest best practices and implement them regionally;
-    Take direct responsibility for the accurate compilation of grant-specific financial statements and reports in the region, to ensure compliance and transparency of grant activity which will involve supporting and monitoring financial performance and reporting of our collaborating partners;
-    Coordinate and oversee the financial aspects of JASS’ partnerships including the preparation and submission of grant draw-down requests and other financial reports as required;
-    Develop and maintain updated filing and deliverable systems including communicating deadlines well in advance to relevant staff and partners;
-    Develop a collaborative working relationships with partners’ financial staff. Routinely compare regional budget projections with actual program spending in order to identify potential areas of concern and recommend necessary budget modifications based on project development. Discuss and advise with the Regional Coordinator and FOM about next steps;
-    Work with regional staff and partners to prepare operations and activity budgets;
-    Facilitate cash advances for staff and consultants for activities including preparing Cash Flow requirements;
-    Process weekly payments and monthly bank reconciliations;
-    Submit and send timely periodic Financial Reports to the FOM;
-    Review all financial reports submitted by the regional personnel and partners to ensure compliance with donors’ terms and conditions; work closely with partners to develop financial reporting systems and procedures that make sense for both partners’ and JASS’ policies and procedures so as not to create unnecessary burden on partners’ or JASS’ staff and resources;
-    Provide support and training to regional staff on financial tasks such as financial reporting and tracking activity expenses.

Human Resources and Operations Management:

-    Facilitate the development and implementation of operating systems, policies and procedures that improve organizational effectiveness;
-    Coordinate staff recruitment and hiring; support the development and implementation of HR policies; manage consultant contracts; maintain personnel files, distribute and collect timesheets; track personal/sick leave; and allocate personnel costs;
-    Monitor staff development and satisfaction; facilitate performance reviews; Oversee employee and consultants payroll;
-    Ensure competitive salary structure for regional staff and consultants, which involves maintaining some level of coherence across JASS global;
-    Manage efficient information systems, including JASS’ regional database;
-    Oversee office and facilities management, including coordinating equipment purchases and maintenance, inventory and tracking, vender accounts management and coordination with co-tenants/landlord;
-    Support the registration process of JASS Southern Africa as a non-profit organization including researching the requirements; gathering the necessary legal documentation, etc.;
-    Ensure smooth administrative operations of the regional office including the supervision of administrative staff.

Qualifications:

-    Bachelor’s degree required in accounting, finance, business administration or other related field;
-    At least 8 years experience in financial and grants management within the non-profit sector, including at least 2 years with a regional or international organization with multiple partners and locations;
-    Ability to prepare and monitor grant budgets;
-    Ability to interpret program fiscal activity and systems for staff, and partners.
-    Experience with and demonstrated ability to learn basic accounting procedures as well as experience with management of organizational financial and operative functions;
-    Experience recruiting and overseeing staff and consultants; experience navigating and mediating staff tensions and grievances;
-    Strong communications skills, including some experience working across cultures and with virtual staff and partners;
-    Accuracy, thoroughness and attention to detail and follow-up;
-    Self-direction – effective in driving own work and priorities without direct, close management;
-    Ability to solve problems and adaptability respond to changing needs (deadlines and priorities);
-    Commitment to social justice preferred;
-    A sense of humor!

How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume via email, fax, or mail (e-mail is preferred) to:

Carmen Sahonero Finance and Operations Manager JASS (Just Associates)
Email: mcs [at] justassociates [dot] org
2040 S St NW, Washington, DC 20009

No phone calls please.

JASS is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants with diverse backgrounds and members of the queer/transgender community are strongly encouraged to apply.

Zimbabwe Program Development Head: Absolute Return for Kids (ARK)
Deadline: 30 June 2011

ARK, a leading international children’s charity, is looking for an exceptional individual to join the Sub Sahara Africa team as the Program development Head for our MNCH (Maternal, Newborn and child health) program in Zimbabwe. This role will be responsible for the successful development of a detailed programme design, potentially lead the early implementation of the program (once approved), support ARK’s registration efforts in Zimbabwe and in liaison with partners, lay down the programme foundation.

We are looking for a candidate who brings a track record of high quality delivery and expertise in program design and implementation.

We need someone with good knowledge of the MNCH and regulatory environments in Zimbabwe. The successful person needs to be a self-starter, able to learn fast, quickly build relationships, work independently, and be able to deploy strong project management skills.

If you are passionate about changing children’s lives for the better in Zimbabwe, and can offer these skills, we would like to hear from you. Please follow this link to find out more

Regional Programme Officer: Absolute Return for Kids (ARK)
Deadline: 30 June 2011

The Absolute Return for Kids (ARK) is an international children’s charity whose purpose is to transform children’s lives.

ARK seeks to appoint a Regional Programme Officer, to join the Sub-Sahara Africa team.

S/he will be supporting research, policy and advocacy, programme development and implementation, building external relationships, and reporting on the impact of programmes.

Requirements:

* Knowledge of at least one of ARK’s focus areas: health, education and child protection;
* Self-starter;
* Ability to learn fast;
* Strong project management skills;
* Commitment to changing children’s lives for the better;
* Track record of high quality delivery and expertise in development.

Find out more


People Development Manager – Tanzania Country office – WWF
Deadline: 30 June 2011

WWF, the global conservation organization, is seeking to recruit a People Development Manager. Reporting to the Country Director, WWF Tanzania, the People Development Manager has overall responsibility to provide effective leadership to ensure that WWF Tanzania and trans-boundary (Tanzania, Mozambique and Kenya) programme apply the highest standards in human resource management to facilitate the implementation of the conservation strategies.

The People Development Manager establishes and implements effective human resource organizational and management structures, policies and procedures. The position:

* Leads the implementation of the Tanzania country office component of the human resources strategic plan;
* Is responsible for recruiting and contracting of staff (local, regional and international);
* Ensures effective management of performance appraisals, job grading, talent management, compensation and benefits management;
* Ensures appropriate training and capacity building of staff;
* Provides advice and collaboration to the country office and CEA NI as appropriate;
* Develops and implements the Health and Safety Management System;
* Liaises with audit on HR issues

Key Competencies:

* University degree in Human Resources Management,  Business Management, or other related field
* Higher Diploma in Human Resources Management
* Membership of a relevant professional body would be a strong asset
* Proven track record human resources administration and management
* At least 8 years professional experience in human resources management at a senior level in an international and/or regional context
* Knowledge of the institutional, legal and policy framework of employment and HR management in Tanzania

Required Skills:

* Proven skills in administration and management of human resource;
* Demonstrated experience in applying human resources management protocols;
* Excellent inter-personal skills, and a good understanding of human relationships;
* Excellent guidance, conflict management, counselling and negotiation skills, at all levels;
* Team work and team building skills;
* Evidence of ability to work in a multi –cultural work environment
* Excellent oral and written communications skills in English; and
* Adherence to WWF’s values, which are: Engaging, Optimistic, Determined and Knowledgeable

Interested candidates should send a letter of application and a detailed CV with three professional referees to the WWF-ESARPO Human Resource Department; email HResource [at] wwfesarpo [dot] org

Note: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.Those who have applied before need not apply

Financial and Administrative Associate G7: UNFPA
Deadline: 3 July 2011

Sub-Regional Office, Johannesburg

Linking HIV and sexual and reproductive health and rights in Southern Africa
Africa Regional and Sub-Regional Office: Johannesburg
Salary range: R239,555.00 – R282,147.00 pa

The Finance and Administrative Associate position is located in UNFPA Sub-regional Office in Johannesburg (SRO). Under the supervision of the Regional Project Coordinator, the incumbent will provide assistance to the project and liaise with seven countries (Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe) within the Joint EC/UNFPA/UNAIDS project on linking HIV and sexual reproductive health and rights in Southern Africa.

Summary of functions:

1. Work closely with the Regional Project Coordinator and concerned Representatives and National Finance Associates for the Joint EC/UNFPA/UNAIDS project on linking HIV and sexual reproductive health and rights in Southern Africa to assist the country specific projects and administrative matters in line with the global document (the financial proposal, log financial frame and Action Fiche Proposal, annexes and the Funding Agreement) and UNFPA policies and procedures.
2. Assist the project management in establishing a monitoring and evaluation system for the programme and contribute to the monitoring of the financial execution of the projects in the 7 countries and at regional level. This includes reviewing and analyzing the implementation level of country projects to determine status of project activities on a continuous basis.
3. Prepare financial reports on the project on a regular basis as specified in the Funding Agreement and liaise with UNFPA HQ, UNFPA COs and UNAIDS on financial issues.
4. In consultation with regional project Coordinator and COs, review and harmonize annual implementation plans and budgets.
5. Support the preparation and consolidation of reports including annual reports (technical, substantive and financial) pertaining to the project.
6. Provide support on all administrative matters concerning the project including travel plans, travel authorization, monitoring of travel budgets, hiring of consultants and liaise with appropriate units in UNFPA Regional/Sub-Regional Office and HQ.
7. Work in synergy with the SRH and HIV team in SRO and provide assistance on an as needed basis.
8. Liaise with the Regional Office and HR in HQ to ensure that project personnel issues are addressed in a timely and correct manner.
9. Provide support to administrative and logistical arrangements for all meetings, workshops and courses in connection with the project taking place in Johannesburg or in one of the project countries.
10. Assist the Regional Project Coordinator in the design of project specific material pertaining to management and financial issues in support of project implementation.
11. Assist in identifying technical resources in the regions with a view to using their services as and when necessary for the project.
12. Facilitate and assist in annual planning, reviews and final evaluation of the project.
13. Maintain organized filing system for all financial and administrative related project issues.

Job requirements:

- Qualifications in accounting and financial management and administrative field
- 5 years of experience in financial and administrative management of development project work
- Fluent in English with excellent writing, analysis and communication skills; knowledge of other UN language is an asset
- Fully conversant with usage of computers (MS Office-Word, Excel, PowerPoint) email and the Internet
- Familiarity with UN development programmed and working methods, and particularly with UNFPA policies, financial and programming procedures, is desirable
- Initiative, courtesy, tact and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with colleagues and counterparts of different nationalities and cultures
- Ability to function in a team and dedication to multidisciplinary collaboration, with excellent coordination and organization skills

Please forward your application including a covering letter, and a comprehensive CV, marked for the attention of the Operations Manager, UNFPA Regional Office: 7 Naivasha Road, Sunninghill, 2157 or email to jobs.aro [at] unfpa [dot] org

UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.

Posts only open to South African nationals and those with endorsed permanent residents’ permits of the country.

General Hand-Electrician: UNDP
Deadline: 4 July 2011

Type of Contract: Local: Fixed Term Appointment
Level: G2
Position Number:  00062639

Find out more

Maintenance Associate: UNDP
Deadline: 4 July 2011

Type of Contract: Local: Fixed Term Appointment
Level: G6
Position Number: 00062637

Find out more

Director: African Monitor
Deadline: 5 July 2011

The African Monitor (AM) is a pan-African body that works to monitor development funding commitments, delivery and impact on the grass roots, and to bring strong additional African voices to the development agenda.

The African Monitor seeks to appoint a Director, based initially in Cape Town with possibility to relocate to Johannesburg. This is a full time two-year contract from 2011- 2013.

S/he will lead and drive the work of African Monitor.  This will include leading and guiding the programmatic work (research, advocacy and communications), as well as providing oversight for the management of human, financial and other assets of the Institute. S/he will operate with a mandate from the AM’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and will implement the decisions of the Board. S/he will report to the President and Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Responsibilities:

-    Consolidate and strengthen the institutional framework and operating structure of the organisation;
-    Work with the President to manage the process of developing and implementing the strategic plan for the organisation over the next five years;
-    Lead the process of defining and designing AM’s programmatic work;
-    Work with the President in profiling and promoting the organisation and its work;
-    Develop and strengthen strategic relationships with stakeholders in the policy environment, business community, nonprofit sector and academic sector in order to involve them in the work of African Monitor;
-    Lead the Institute’s management team and maintain a shared vision among staff and partners;
-    Ensure fiscal robustness, sound financial management, cost effectiveness and impact of the organisation’s work;
-    Develop a resource mobilisation plan and lead the execution of the plan once approved by the BoT.

Requirements:

-    Significant and proven leadership skills developed through a minimum of six to ten years in senior management positions;
-    Master’s degree in social sciences or any related discipline;
-    Experience in policy advocacy and research institutions;
-    Visionary and acute understanding of the various innovative ideas around development issues and African affairs;
-    Strong competencies in both management and programme content.

Salary: A competitive salary commensurate with experience will be offered.

To apply, submit a CV to info [at] africanmonitor [dot] org

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

For more about the African Monitor, refer to www.africanmonitor.org

Get real – young people have sex

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Posted on June 21st, 2011 by Upenyu Makoni-Muchemwa. Filed in Activism, Economy, Governance, Reflections, Uncategorized.
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Last year there was uproar about the Zimbabwe Ministry of Education’s new policy of allowing expecting teenagers parental leave from school. This year the National Aids Council has proposed the introduction of condoms into schools as a way of fighting HIV/AIDS. This has also been met by a public outcry. Even organisations purporting to represent the best interests of young people are in denial about teenagers having sex.

Newsday quotes Programmes director for Justice for Children Trust, Caleb Mutandwa as saying: “I think for us as an organisation, seconding the placement of condoms in schools will be difficult to support. Most children in schools are young and the majority of those at secondary school are still below age, below the age of 16. What will they need them for?”

Youth Forum senior programmes officer Terrence Chimhavi also agreed, citing a lack of curricula designed to teach adolescents about contraceptives. He added, “Instead they should be taught about the disadvantages of engaging in sexual activities and be taught about how to abstain.”

The reasons why adolescents engage in sex are numerous and complex, but surely the most terrifying is economic. Intergenerational sex, where young girls have sex with older men for money, is a well-documented phenomenon. Several reports have concluded that consensual or forced sexual relations between vulnerable girls and older men – is driving much of the AIDS epidemic in southern Africa because many of the men are HIV-infected. According to UNAIDS, four out of five new infections in Zimbabwe in the 15-24 year old age group in 2005 were among girls. More specifically at risk of infection within the group are adolescents, as evidenced by the MOHCW (2000) study in which girls in the 15-19 years age group had an infection rate about five times that of males in the same age group.

It is no longer enough to say that good girls or boys don’t have sex before marriage.  Our traditional systems are collapsing, the high number of illegal abortions and the disturbing media reports of children who have been sexually assaulted by relatives should be adequate evidence of this. If we are to raise an HIV-free generation we have to look at the problem objectively, without being pious or self righteous. Our children need a sex-education curriculum that is unprejudiced and presents them with all their options, not just abstinence. They need greater access to reproductive services without being stigmatised by healthcare workers. Policy makers and non-governmental workers need to address the economic reasons young girls are having sex, and to stop living in denial. It is irresponsible to prescribe solutions that they personally do not practise.

Safe sex elusive for many women

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Posted on June 21st, 2011 by Bev Clark. Filed in Reflections, Uncategorized, Women's issues.
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Economic progress and financial independence are crucial to women being able to protect themselves both in and out of the bedroom. Here’s an interesting article from Af-AIDS.

Safe Sex Elusive for Many Women
Siphosethu Stuurman

CAPE TOWN – Most women still find it difficult to negotiate safe sex with their partners. The problem is even more prevalent among women who are economically dependent on men. Some institutionalised social and cultural norms also fuel the challenge.

Ruth Mokoena, a 30 year-old married woman from Johannesburg, believes that age difference plays a major role in whether a woman is able to negotiate safe sex in the relationship.

“Women do find themselves in a situation whereby negotiating safe sex in the bedroom becomes a burden and they end up giving in. You get some ladies where there is an age difference between the two people and I found that the younger woman (most of the time it’s a younger woman) has a lot of difficult time convincing the guy to use a condom”, she says.

Ruth reckons that she probably would have had a similar problem had her partner been older.

“I found that with me and my husband we’re the same age and we think along the same lines. It tends to be much easier”, says Mokoena.

Moses Mabala, a 31-year old male from Johannesburg, also shared his thoughts on the subject.

“Sometimes men will force their way through to have unprotected sex. A woman will be given no opportunity to stand up for herself, which is a wrong thing to do”, he says.

Zuzimpilo Clinic’s Dr. Limakatso Lebina said ascribed this to a lack of safer sex methods that put power into women’s hands. She says this and other factors, such as the economic and cultural status of women contributes to women’s struggles to negotiate safe sex with their male partners.

“It is definitely difficult for ladies to negotiate safe sex. Unfortunately, the current safer sex methods that are there highly depend on the man to say ‘yes’. And with the relationships always being that the woman will be inferior for whatever reason, whether economical or cultural, then it becomes very difficult, especially in the dim light for a lady to say ‘where is the condom?’ “, says Dr. Lebina.

Dr. Catherine Ongunmefun from the Health Systems Trust also weighed in on the subject.

“There is the issue of cultural practises that are also not helping women. When it comes to lobola payments… As a woman, a man pays lobola for you and that means you have to submit to that man. It’s not going to be easy for you to say: ‘maybe, we need to use a condom’. And also, we know that in South Africa we have a very high rate of gender violence, which means women are being abused by their partners. You can imagine if you have been just beaten as a woman there is no way you are going to say: ‘Can we use a condom’?”, Dr. Ongunmefun says.

Dr. Ongunmefun went on to say that women need to learn to empower themselves.

“Somehow, I think women give in easily. Maybe because they don’t have a choice. But if you are economically empowered as a woman and you have a good job, you can negotiate with your partner. You have to find a way not to depend on a man in a relationship. As a woman you need to empower yourself, respect yourself and say: ‘If you are not going to use a condom, then I won’t have sex with you’,” she says.

According to Mbuyiselo Botha of the Sonke Gender Justice Network, often, men view sex as an act of power. With that comes the need to be in control. As a result, the manner in which sex occurs, including whether precautions are taken or not, largely depends on them.

“A lot of men in our workshops would say ‘condoms don’t make me feel like a real man’. As you go on to ask: What does that mean? It’s that ‘I may not have sexual satisfaction, I need to know that I am in-charge, in control and she must in fact feel me and hear me’,” says Botha

Botha went on to say that men have a notion of invincibility. They tend to believe that HIV and any other sexually transmitted diseases only affect women.

“There is the thinking that HIV it’s not6 a problem for us men. It’s in fact women because there is also a notion that women are loose, they have loose morals, they need to be controlled and they need to be contained”, he says.

Dr. Ongunmefun says there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to change the mind-set of men.

“I think men are generally ignorant, they pretend to know but they don’t really know! They are aware that there is HIV out there, but they never internalise the fact that they have to do something about it themselves. We see millions of people dying out there, but what are you doing as a man?

You are contributing to the problem as men by not going to test, you need to know your status”, she says.

Moses Mabala says there is still hope that men can change. He says there needs to be a new culture of fathering young boys to make them become better men of the future.

” Fathers can contribute to the whole society in raising their boys or their sons in a manner that does not only mean sex is everything… but also learning how to respect a women and learning how to be a man because at the end of the day it is us men that force actions on women”, concludes Mabala.

Online at: http://allafrica.com/stories/201106201605.html