Just been going through online comments on the death of former Zambian President Chiluba who “died on the early hours of Saturday [18 June] morning.” The comments are from Zambians themselves and you get the sense that politicians do indeed change how the ordinary African folk – despite all the pretence – approach the concept of ubuntu.

Death, we are always told, is a realm where the living remain “too careful” about what they mouth concerning the dead, and it is all somewhat attached to our umbilical origins that “this is not how our forefathers taught us.” If anything candid at all is ever said, it is within private exchanges in pubs, diplomatic circles etc. But when you get it in writing despite being anonymous, you cannot have it any better than that.  It is interesting therefore that this is one of those few interpretations of existence where African Traditional Religion seeks to have common ground with Christian mythology despite criticism of the early missionaries that they saw all things African as inherently demonic. But who cares, we all live and die! Still, hey, you don’t speak ill of the dead, it just doesn’t jell, we all apparently know that: Ask Cont Mhlanga who tried it at the death of Mackey Tickeys but was soon eating his words! Yet over the years, the death of some political gladiators has been met by ordinary folks jettisoning these ages old strictures and speaking their mind about the dead chap.

So it has been with the Zambians concerning the death of the man once celebrated for representing the people’s pro-democracy movement from that anti-colonialist/nationalist time-warp to 21st century popular democracy. It is interesting in itself to note that shift from the traditional form of reader opinions censored in “family newspapers” [way before the advent of online press] has found unfettered expression online, and no doubt no “independent” newspaper would dare publish sentiments that have emerged in the aftermath of Chiluba’s death. Yet it provides many lessons and reminders about other presidents concerning how their exit from this wretched earth will be recalled in their death. For a peek of what Zambians had to say, you can check it out here. You will laugh, you will cry, you will understand the people’s “grief.”

For example one wrote: “Chiluba was a leader, good at first but later treated us like idiots. He became master dilibler, crooke and everything that caused pain to us. Grabbed somebodys wife e.t.c. Thts wht we shud be saying after death no one shud become a saint after death. We need to be real. MHSRP”.

Another added: “Let him meet his maker. he had the opportunity to take this country to great height but he became greedy. he allowed his love of women and money get the better of him whilst pretending to be a born again christian. that is the worst hypocrisy! we will now see all those that he gave money queuing up to sing praises…at the end of the day he was a thief of the Zambian treasury, a husband to Regina, a pain to Vera, a father to Vera;s children and a few others we wont mention. He has gone to meet people like Paul Tembo, Ronald Penza, wezi kaunda, Ngenda the lawyer who all died mysteriously, Levy mwanawasa…his day of judgement is here. jah rule!”

And for us Zimbabweans we just have to throw-back to a week ago for Tekere obituaries, and have to wonder what will be said about his remaining erstwhile comrades. Bad governance, kleptomania, human rights abuses have all bred traits among “ordinary” Africans that have inverted ages-old traditions that orbit around seeking to understand and coming to terms with death – especially that of politicians. One only has to recall how the death of Laurent Kabila was greeted in the streets of this country and the reaction of a chap named Chenjerai Hunzvi before he knew of course that his own end was nigh.

Sad indeed.

Zimbabwe’s useless Parliament. Isn’t Wednesday a golf day? You get what you vote for.

Being a Wednesday yesterday, the business of the House of Assembly was preceded by question and answer session where backbenchers quizzed Ministers about policies and programmes under their purview. Sadly, there were only three Ministers in the House during the session, namely; Deputy Prime Minister Professor Arthur Mutambara, the Minister of Finance Hon. Tendai Biti and the Minister of Public Works Hon. Joel Gabbuza. As a result, all questions with written notice were deferred. The House also debated a condolence motion on the death of Edgar Tekere.
- Excerpt from the Southern African Parliamentaru Support Trust Bulletin No 19

A mob led by kombi touts today booed and harassed a woman who was wearing a mini-skirt in central Harare. Women at the scene condemned the ugly incident.
- A text message from Community Radio Harare

Here’s a great piece by Chris Kwabato. He reflects on how “social” social media actually is, reminding us that we don’t get buried on the Internet.

When Facebook won’t bury you

We buried Mbuya Mashonga one warm May afternoon on the outskirts of Dangamvura in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Hundreds of people turned up both for the church service and the burial itself. It wasD’vat Chete interesting to see the scramble to get on the provided transport that was taking mourners to the cemetery. This was clearly a woman who was loved by the community in which she lived in.

As I cast my eyes across those present it seemed like the mothers and fathers of my youth were all there. Indeed earlier on, two of the women had chided me, “Kana wasvika kuno ukwazise vamwe. Tisu vana mai vako” (when you visit here make sure you greet us. We are your mothers.”) With a mother at every corner is it any wonder for over a century some folk always failed to understand when every couple of months a worker asked for time off to bury his grandmother. “How many times does your grandmother die, Maphepha?”

Now for the hundreds of thousands of our people in Diaspora their sense of community is largely built around social networks. Most of them are on Facebook, a few on Twitter and a handful others on LinkedIn. Everyone abroad and at home seems to have a mobile phone and so they keep in touch via sms. So, on the surface then it seems all is fine because most of us are connected.

But technology will never supplant the value of meeting people in person, shaking their hand, giving them a bear hug, looking them in the eye or just raising your glass and saying, “Cheers”. I should know because I am one of those that seem to spend their entire life online.

On the other side is my Sekuru who is always at every family-related event – awards, weddings, birthdays, funerals etc. He finds time to do that whereas some of us are caught up in the pretence of thinking we are so critical to the world that if we stop to greet people human civilisation as we know it would be under unprecedented threat. We think Facebook and some wiring of a couple of dollars will do the trick. But at some point in our lives (normally rather too late) we shall realise that the most important things in life are not what we had been chasing.

At the funeral I reconnected with real people – Lyndon, Percy, Job and others and also managed to have a real conversation accompanied by real handshakes.  That might sound absurd to you but it was important to me as I live in a place where I don’t know the names of my neighbours. When I was growing up I was taught that you asked your neighbours for some salt not because you did not have but so that you could meet and get to know each other. But this is not the culture of some folk.

At the same time, it seems the Diaspora is generally more comfortable exchanging pleasantries on Facebook than stepping out and building real communities. In saying this I should add that there are some good examples of how Zimbabweans are using Facebook to organise themselves meaningfully.

One Facebook group that fascinates me (I suppose it is because it speaks to the world I grew up in) is called Dangamvura Chete. Let me describe the group and it’s kind of conversations to illustrate a few points.

The Dangamvura Chete group describes their township of origin in the Manicaland Province as follows: Munezhu via Natvest (Dangamvura). A location we grew up in with all sorts of fun, full of rich entertaining incidences you can mention them to bring back the golden old days…We stay too far from town and it encouraged us to be wiser and organized. God bless the Pool ”Dangamvura” and its people all over the world…Socially it’s quite a good place with pubs in nearly all sections of the city a culture quite popular with all city councils ”a cow ready to milk”. What lacks are sports fields, we need an Olympic-size stadium, pool and any other facility you might think of fellow club members.

Who qualifies to be a member? Interestingly, the group is closed, meaning it is an invitation-only affair. Most of these members are now living outside both Dangamvura itself and Zimbabwe.

What kind of conversations do they have? The group thrives on nostalgia. More importantly it brings people together and therefore fosters collective memory.

Below is an example of a conversation started by one member:

Morzies Mustapha M: Was just thinking, we cud set up a Dangamvura Trust, which will look at some requirements of our Hood, Sporting Facilities, Health Club, HIV/AIDS Program, Children’s Home, Old People etc. If we are game we can get inputs from those on the ground (i.e those still staying in D’vat), then we put a committee in place, then give a bit back to the community that made most of us who we are today. Can we discuss this?

In response Eddie M wrote:  It is a gr8t idea & a very sensitive 1. How are we going to meet obviously dis is not gonna b discused on facebook & frm de luks of it we are all ova de wrld. We mst make it wrk mayb frm branches in different places.

Houston R wrote: Way to go bro I want in… How can we all meet and form this group guys.. Moze, this is a goood idea, let’s give back to our community.. It made us who we are today by the way…

Judith G wrote: Let’s try people good idea.

Having gone through the trauma of dislocation, there is a growing sense in the Diaspora of wanting to find a role in the rehabilitation of Zimbabwe. Now that for me is the kenge part – to step out of Facebook and build a country. Afterall kumusha is where we will bury you. Not on the Internet.

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.

Driver: International NGO
Reference No. DRV001
The MoHCW and the World Bank have appointed an international NGO, to manage a Results Based Financing (RBF) program in rural districts in Zimbabwe to improve Maternal and Neonatal health.
For the INGO’s Head Office in Harare, the INGO will acquire the services of a Driver.
For more details on the vacancies, the job descriptions, and the application process, please send an email to harare.office [at] cordaid [dot] net
Mention the vacancy number in Subject line

Human Resources Officer: Cordaid
Deadline: 17 June 2011

Improving maternal and neonatal health is one of the key objectives of the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare (MoHCW). In line with this, the World Bank is supporting a results based financing program (RBF) which seeks to accelerate the availability, accessibility and utilization of quality health services at district and health centre level. The RBF program will provide subsidies, directly linked to services delivered at primary health care level, i.e. rural health clinics, and to a minor extent at district hospitals. The MoHCW and the World Bank have appointed an international NGO, to manage this Results Based Financing (RBF) program in rural districts in Zimbabwe. In the start-up phase the project starts in two frontrunner Districts.

For the INGO’s Head office in Harare the INGO will acquire the service of a Human Resources Officer.

Position & responsibility: (S)he will report to the Finance and Administration Manager and will be in charge of the organisation’s HR policy.

General objective of the posting: The position of Human Resources Officer will be occupied by a HR professional whose primary task is to review, and execute the organisation’s HR policy

Specific objectives of the position:

Main tasks:

-    Assist in the recruitment of staff such posting job adverts, review of applications, preparing shortlists, interaction with candidates, participate in interviews, checking references
-    Review, improve, and advice the management on the organisation’s local HR policy and procedures in line with domestic labour law
-    Communicate the organisation’s policy to staff members
-    Maintain and update the personnel files
-    Maintain and update all other HR files such as annual leave registration
-    Attend monthly HR meeting with other (I)NGO’s and report back to the management;
-    Prepare the monthly payrolls and payslips
-    Responsible for staff’s medical insurance
-    Keep updated about domestic labour law and tax issues and inform the management about the latest developments
-    Being the first point of contact for staff regarding personnel issues

Qualifications and competencies:

-    University degree in Human Resources or Personnel Management
-    Knowledge of human resources policies, practices and procedures and ability to apply them in an organisational setting
-    Knowledge of the domestic labour laws
-    At least 5 years experience in a similar position in the NGO sector in Zimbabwe
-    Ability to work independently and with a high level of initiative and self-motivation
-    Very strong interpersonal and communicative skills
-    Discreet, honest, trustworthy (trusted), communicative, proactive, methodical, diplomatic, and task-oriented
-    Excellent oral and written English
-    Computer literate and proficient in Ms Office

Workplaces: Harare with occasional travel to provinces and districts

Contract Period: The successful candidate will be offered a one year contract with a three month trial period, with a starting date as soon as possible

How to apply: Applications including a cover letter and a CV in English, including the contact details of at least three professional references, and salary expectations should be sent only by e-mail before 17th June 2011 to this email address: harare.office [at] cordaid [dot] net

Mention the vacancy number in Subject line, HRO001

Female candidates are encouraged to apply. Only short listed candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be held between the 22nd June and the 29th June 2011 The INGO is an equal opportunity employer and offers an attractive remuneration package.

Several (26) vacancies: Zimbabwe AIDS Prevention Project
Deadline: 17 June 2011

The Zimbabwe AIDS Prevention Project, a Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe project has funding to conduct a population-based household survey examining the effects of the national Behavior Change Programme (NBCP) coordinated by the National AIDS Council in collaboration with UNFPA. The primary objective of the study is to measure changes in knowledge, attitudes and self-reported behaviours between focus districts where the NBCP is being implemented and non-focus districts. HIV testing will be conducted among 18-24 year olds.

We are therefore looking for the following positions to start working with the team immediately. The staff will spend the majority of their time travelling and staying overnight within the rural communities to be surveyed.  The survey is expected to take six months (end of June-end of December 2011).

Team Leader

Responsibility: The team leader will coordinate the recruitment, consenting and enrolment of young people aged 18-24 and adults aged 25-44 to the survey from selected rural communities. S/he will also administer questionnaires to study participants. S/he will be in charge of the survey team and ensure high quality results in line with Good Clinical Practice during the period of survey administration.

Duties:

-    Liasing with the office administrator and survey coordinator to ensure that all logistics are in place.
-    Working with the survey assistants to recruit survey participants at individual households.
-    The team leader will ensure that survey assistants cover enumeration areas completely.
-    Monitoring the quality of the data being collected.
-    Using good ethical standards, the team leader will ensure that consent is informed and voluntary.
-    The team leader will work with (1) the driver to ensure that the team can travel to required rural areas and (2) the nurses to ensure the collection of blood samples from 18-24 year olds.
-    The team leader will be responsible for ensuring good communication with surveyed communities.  S/he will work with local leadership to ensure that they are well informed of the survey.This will involve working closely with the communities to introduce the survey.
-    The team leader will be the face of the survey in these communities.
-    The team leader will work under the supervision of the survey coordinator.

Required Experience and Skills:

-    Previous team management experience.
-    Previous experience working on population-based surveys in rural Zimbabwe.
-    Commitment to working as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
-    Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively to all community members, ranging from traditional leaders to parents and young people.
-    Excellent organisational skills.
-    Strong motivational skills.
-    Ability to work to strict deadlines.
-    Fluency in Shona, Ndebele and English

Desirable Qualifications:

-    Degree in social science, health education or a similar qualification.
-    Computer literacy with practical experience with word processing programmes and spreadsheet forms.
-    A current certificate in Good Clinical Practice and Ethics. Certificates can be obtained at www.amanet.org

Eight (8) Nurse Counselors

Job Specification: We are looking for 4 Shona speakers and 4 Shona and Ndebele speakers to be a part of four survey teams surveying in rural areas in four provinces (Mashonaland East, Midlands, Masvingo, Matebeland North) – two provinces each.

Responsibilities of the nurse counselors: The nurse counselors will be responsible for (1) collecting finger prick blood sampled from 18-24 year old survey participants, and (2) conducting voluntary counseling and testing to survey participants who request it. They will ensure that all aspects of their work are in line with Good Clinical Practice and high ethical standards. Nurse counselors will be under the direct supervision of the survey team leaders.

Duties:

-    Attend to survey participants (recruited by survey assistants) in accordance to Good Clinical Practice guidelines.
-    Collecting a finger prick blood sample for dried blood spot sample collection.
-    Conducting voluntary counseling and testing to survey participants who want to be tested.
-    Maintaining proper documentation on all study forms.
-    Any other duties as needed by the project.

Requirements

Essential qualifications:

-    Degree/Diploma in nursing.
-    Counseling diploma and experience in HIV/AIDS counselling.
-    Certified by HPC to perform rapid HIV testing and DBS testing.
-    A current certificate in Good Clinical Practice and Ethics. Certificates can be obtained at www.amanet.org

Required experience and skills:

-    Previous experience working in rural communities in Zimbabwe.
-    Experience working on research projects.
-    Experienced clinician.
-    Fluency in Shona and English (4 posts) and Fluency in Shona, Ndebele and English (4 posts)

Seventeen (17) Survey Assistants

We are looking for 17 Survey Assistants (5 Shona speakers and 12 Shona and Ndebele speakers) to be part of four survey teams surveying in rural areas in four provinces (Mashonaland East, Midlands, Masvingo, Matebeland North).

Responsibilities of the Survey Assistants: Survey assistants will assist in the recruitment, consenting and enrolment of young people aged 18-24 and adults aged 25-44 to the survey from selected rural communities. They will also administer questionnaires to study participants. They will ensue that all aspects of their work are in line with God Clinical Practice and high ethical standards. Survey assistants will be under the direct supervision of the survey team leaders.

The post is funded by the Zimbabwe AIDS Prevention Project through a grant from UNFPA.

Duties:

-    Proceeding on foot through rural enumeration areas, survey assistants will recruit survey participants at individual households.
-    Maintaining high quality standards around the data being collected.
-    Using good ethical standards, survey assistants will ensure that consent is informed and voluntary.
-    Survey assistants will assist survey participants in using personal digital assistants (PDAs), which will administer the questionnaire.

Requirements:

Essential qualifications:

-    Three A levels passes
-    A current certificate in Good Clinical Practice and Ethics. Certificates can be obtained at www.amanet.org

Required experience and skills:

-    Previous experience of surveying in rural communities in Zimbabwe.
-    Commitment to working as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
-    Excellent oral communication skills.
-    Excellent organisational skills.
-    Good time keeping.
-    Fluency in Shona and English (5 posts) and Fluency in Shona, Ndebele and English (12 posts).

The closing date for applications is 17 June 2011. Interviews will be conducted on Monday 20 June 2011. Post to start immediately. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Applications in the form of a letter and accompanying CV addressed to:

The NBCS Survey Coordinator
21 Rowland Square
Milton Park, Harare

Or email: admin.rds [at] gmail [dot] com

Regional Finance and Administrator Manager, Southern Africa: CAFOD
Deadline: 19 June 2011

Contract: 3-year contract
Based: Harare, Zimbabwe

CAFOD, one of the UK’s major international aid agencies, is presently looking for a Regional Finance and Support Manager for our office in Harare. Our work in Africa includes programmes with partner organisations in Southern Africa to combat poverty and injustice with a focus on building a strong and dynamic civil society.

In Zimbabwe, CAFOD is part of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference.

The regional programme currently comprises of work in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Swaziland and Mozambique.

As part of the Southern Africa team, the Finance and Administration Manager is responsible for:

- All aspects of financial management in the office, in compliance with CAFOD standards and procedures, providing information to enable effective management for the country and/or region
- Oversight of programme finances, including compliance with standards of donor organizations, and providing oversight or direct support to partner organizations in their financial management
- Developing a new finance team ensuring financial management and support to all programmes within the region
- Support to the Finance Officer in the Mozambique office
- Management of finance staff and office managers as well as other office support staff
- Ensuring all legal processes are followed
- Overseeing local HR processes

You will be a qualified accountant or have substantial management as a Finance Manager with at least a degree in accounting, finance or a similar qualification. You should have knowledge and hands-on experience of accounts, bookkeeping and budgeting as well as financial management with experience of multi donor funded programmes. You will be competent in accounting software packages and spreadsheets and have hands-on experience of office IT systems, including MS Office. You will have excellent written and spoken English and experience in managing others – ideally in an administrative or office management capacity.

This is an International post with a competitive salary and benefits package.

Find out more

Finance Associate G6: UNFPA, Johannesburg
Deadline: 19 June 2011

Africa Regional Office: Johannesburg
Salary Range: R196, 361.00 – R239, 996.00 pa

The Finance Associate position is located in a Regional Office (RO). Under the guidance and supervision of the International Operational Manager (IOM), and as a member of the RO management services team, the Finance Associate provides quality services in areas of finance and budget in compliance with the relevant rules, guidelines, processes and procedures.

In support of UNFPA’s strategic direction at the regional level, contribute to building regional capacity and ensuring effective and efficient application of country offices resources within the region through support and monitoring regional resources in the following activities:

- Finance
- Budget

Summary of Key Functions:

- Assist the IOM in the efficient management of the RO’s financial and budgetary applications, adherence to financial controls and corporate financial policies, rules and regulations;
- Research and draft responses to enquiries for clearance by the IOM;
- Provide advice to RO, SRO/s and on Atlas finance modules, budgeting, and UNFPA financial rules and regulations;
- Participate in preparation of year-end financial closure, assets and liabilities, and balance sheet statements;
- Develop tools and mechanisms for effective and efficient monitoring of budgets, coordinates compilation of financial data; detect potential over-under expenditure problems and suggest remedial action; and provide accurate and up-dated financial information to HQ on a regular basis;
- Implement corporate systems and applications in support of financial management and regional office operations;
- Assist IOM in the formulation and management of the regional budget, control allotments, monitor expenditures, and prepare revision according to the needs of the RO; – Interpret financial policies and procedures and provide guidance to staff in the RO, SROs;
- Ensure the effective financial recording and reporting system, internal control and audit follow-up and processes financial transactions in an accurate and timely way.

Job Requirements:

- Bachelor‘s degree in business administration and/or finance is preferable.
- 8 years financial and administrative experience in the public or private sector;
- Ability to interpret financial rules, regulations and procedures and explain them clearly and concisely;
- Experience of UN accounting framework and systems would be an advantage.
- Proficiency in use of Atlas/PeopleSoft or any ERP system and Microsoft applications.
- Good writing and communication 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 residence of the country.

Project Assistant – Water & Sanitation Hygiene (WASH): ActionAid
Deadline: 20 June 2011

Location: RDA Office, Rusape
Duration: 9 months
To Start: ASAP

ActionAid is an international anti-poverty agency working in over 40 countries, taking sides with poor people to end poverty and injustice together.

Purpose of the Position: The position exists to provide support to Implementing Partners (IPs) in the project/program and monitor the implementation of project and program activities by IPs.

Key Strategic Objectives:

-    Collects, records & disseminates information to partners and beneficiaries
-    Participates in training of trainers and capacity building of staff, partners and volunteers
-    Contributes to reporting and adherence to donor requirements & maintains program/project records
-    Assists in monitoring and evaluation of program/project implementation and progress
-    Supports other thematic and functional areas

Specific Duties will include:

-    Design and implement Water & Sanitation program, and be responsible for project planning and management
-    Assess community needs in relation to Water & Sanitation, mobilize and sensitize community for the project
-    Carry out water point surveys with communities, local authorities and key stakeholders
-    Take lead in design and implementation of health and epidemiology interventions, waster water and disposal systems including digging of pump wells

Qualifications & Requirements:

-    5 ‘O’ Levels
-    HND in Water Supply and Sanitation and/or
-    HND in Environmental/Community health

Other requirements and competences:

-    1 year Experience in similar position
-    Experience in NGO setting and community based work an added advantage
-    Experience in report writing
-    Strong written and verbal skills in English & Shona/Ndebele
-    Strong skills in coordination and information management and community mobilization
-    High degree of negotiation and persuasion skills
-    Willing to work outside normal working hours
-    Class 4 driver’s license a must

A detailed Job Profile will be made available to short listed candidates.

Applications: To apply submit your curriculum vitae with an application letter to Human Resources, ActionAid International, 16 York Avenue, Newlands, Harare or Box CY2451, Causeway, Harare or send an email to jobs.zimbabwe [at] actionaid [dot] org

Although we value all applications, we can only respond to short listed candidates.

NB: Please note that ActionAid is looking for candidates who reside in/or around Rusape, or who know Rusape and surrounding areas well. Whilst all applicants will be assessed strictly on their individual merits, qualified women are especially encouraged to apply.

Programme officer Information research and documentation: Local NGO
Deadline: 20 June 2011

Wanted urgently, an experienced programme officer responsible for information research and documentation.

Duties:
-    Update the organisation’s website
-    Develop advocacy material and messages
-    Write and disseminate organisation’s internal and external reports
-    Research and documentation
-    Carry out media audits and filing reports about the organisation
-    Liaise with organisation’s stake holders
-    Showcase organisation’s activities through publications and other effective means
-    Write project proposals for the organisation
-    Initiate, develop and implement new and running projects for the information desk
-    Assist with organisation of workshops and ensure workshop follow-up by collating feedback and compiling reports
-    Prepare quarterly narrative reports on projects carried out
-    Issue alerts and press statements

Qualifications, skills and experience:
-    Degree or Diploma in Journalism or Media Studies and or Public relations and marketing
-    Experience and interest in media development, press freedom and advocacy
-    Previous experience in NGO sector a distinct advantage
-    Self-driven and ability to work with minimum supervision but in close cooperation with others
-    The job requires proficient writing skills
-    Ability to blend with the media an added advantage
-    Excellent computer skills a necessity
-    Ability to update website an added advantage

Interested candidates should email detailed CVs with contactable referees to: mabledm [at] gmail [dot] com

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Accountant/Bookkeeper (part-time): Local NGO
Deadline: 20 June 2011

Wanted urgently, an experienced Accountant/Bookkeeper

Specific Duties:

-    To make daily reconciliations of all cash receipts.
-    To check all deposits before money is sent to the bank.
-    To make sure that all deposits made match with the deposit book record.
-    To make records of used and unused cheque books and keep them safely.
-    To refer to the daily cash balance and certify that there is enough money to meet required payments.
-    To make sure that all cash vouchers and purchase orders raised are approved by the relevant authority before purchasing.
-    To examine documents, scrutinize vouchers and approve as required and forward them to the secretary.
-    To make the asset register of the company.
-    To make budgets for all money received.
-    To examine payment vouchers and amend/ correct as required.
-    To prepare the trial balance that will be used to make financial statements.
-    To perform any other duties of a similar nature as may be assigned from time to time.
-    Produce monthly income and expenditure statements for internal control.
-    Fundraise for the organisation in liaison with the programmes department.
-    Prepare financial reports to donor partners as per the reporting schedule.
-    Prepare financial statements for external audits and ensuring that external audits are done on schedule.
-    Verifying payroll and ensuring that statutory payments i.e NSSA, PAYE, AIDS Levy are made on time.

Qualifications:

-    A degree in Accounting, Business Studies or relevant qualification
-    Possession of or studying towards a relevant professional qualification

Experience:

At least 3 years experience in accounting and administration for an NGO organisation.

Specific Skills:

-    Ability to analyse and solve problems
-    Sound knowledge of accounting software
-    Good presentation and communication skills
-    Unquestionable integrity and a professional and ethical approach in dealing with staff and stakeholders.

Interested candidates should e-mail detailed CVs with contactable referees to: mabledm [at] gmail [dot] com

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Associate Country Director – Zimbabwe: Oxfam, Canada
Deadline: 23 June 2011

Status:  2-Year Term, Full-time
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
Salary Range: $US44,900 – $US59,250 per annum net

Oxfam Canada is looking for a dynamic, experienced leader who brings a passion for women’s rights and gender justice and a wealth of management and programming expertise and insight to lead its program in Zimbabwe. Oxfam Canada is an international agency focused on women’s rights and gender equality, committed to building lasting solutions to global poverty and injustice by advocating fundamental social change.

The Associate Country Director is the senior representative of Oxfam Canada in Zimbabwe, responsible for the successful delivery of Oxfam Canada’s program.

Under the guidance of the Oxfam Country Director and Oxfam Canada’s Regional Manager, the Associate Country Director is responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating Oxfam Canada’s programs in Zimbabwe.  S/he also plays a senior management role at the Country Leadership Table, working with the Country Director and the other Associate Country Director to ensure maximum impact and effectiveness of Oxfam’s work in Zimbabwe.

Please direct applications to employment [at] oxfam [dot] ca quoting reference ACD0611.

For a detailed job posting please visit www.oxfam.ca

This position offers a comprehensive Benefits package.

Programme Officer to the Zimbabwe Programme: Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA)
Deadline: 30 June 2011

The Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) is a growing African institution committed to deepening democracy and human rights in southern Africa. With a staff of over 50 employees, and a mandate that includes operating in ten countries in the region, including four that are in crisis and/or transition from conflict, OSISA requires individuals at the programme management level who are able to operate in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating superior leadership and judgement skills and the ability to multi-task.

In recent years OSISA has deepened its engagement in crisis and transitional countries, and has been active in seeking to address the crisis in Zimbabwe. Through a large network of partners organizations working on democracy and governance, socio-economic rights, media and public accountability issues, OSISA has sought to ensure that the voices of civil society organizations and ordinary Zimbabweans are amplified over the last couple of years.

OSISA is recruiting a Programme Officer (PO) for the Zimbabwe Programme. This individual will co-manage an advocacy, capacity building and grant-making portfolio, and will be required to work with key civil society, academic, donor and government actors. The Zimbabwe Programme Officer must share the values and ethos of open society, have strong established networks across key sectors, and possess excellent communication and facilitation skills. The PO will also be required to travel extensively in the Southern Africa region in furtherance of the objectives of the Zimbabwe Programme.

Overview of Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Programme Manager, the Programme Officer has responsibility for assisting in the development of all internal strategy documents concerning Zimbabwe. This involves assistance in the design and management of a consultative process with key players in civil society, the donor community and the government to profile OSISA, its values, mission and objectives in Zimbabwe.

In addition, he/she will be responsible for assisting in initiating and managing strategic projects, and contributing to the production of key publications and knowledge that concern Zimbabwe.

The PO will have liaison role with the OSISA office in Johannesburg. The PO will work closely with all OSISA programmes to ensure that OSISA support in Zimbabwe is holistic and represents all thematic areas in which OSISA is active at a regional level.

Networking will be a critical component of the responsibilities of the PO. This will be done with the objective of building and sustaining OSISA’s reputation as a human rights-based advocacy organization with a mandate to support civil society and provide appropriate technical assistance to the state on an as-needed basis. Key sectors with whom the PO is expected to interact include donors, government officials and civil society groups, as well as stakeholders in the private sector.

The PO will also be expected – as part of the strategy implementation – to assist the Programme Manager in developing a system for building the capacity of key players within the human rights and democracy-building arena, to play an effective policy and advocacy role at this critical juncture in Zimbabwe’s history.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Management:

* Assist in the development and implementation of internal documents guiding OSISA’s strategy in Zimbabwe
* Contribute to the high quality management reports are generated on time to the relevant parties (this includes country and monthly reports)
* Make recommendations to the Programme Manager regarding grants and projects to be supported by the institution
* Provide guidance and support to OSISA thematic staff working with partners in Zimbabwe

Networking And Liaison:

* Maintain regular contact with key actors in the governance, development and human rights sectors including civil society, donors and government officials
* Provides the Programme manager with assistance on policy and international legal questions regarding Zimbabwe at the regional and global levels within the OSI network GRANTMAKING
* Assisting the Programme Manager with the relevant grants portfolio and keep track of grants administered by OSISA programmes based in Johannesburg
* Under the supervision of the Programme Manager, ensure adherence of grantees to the policies and guidelines contained in OSISA grant agreements
* Carry out regular monitoring and evaluation of grants

Knowledge Production:

* Assist the Programme Manager with the production of relevant research and publications related to OSISA issues
* Contribute to the production of wider regional publications developed by OSISA regional office

Qualifications:

Applicants must hold a minimum of a Masters degree in the social sciences, and must be fluent in spoken and written English. Fluency in an African language of the region, as well as in French or Portuguese is desirable. A minimum of 10 years grant-making experience, and/or experience working for a funding agency, bilateral institution or regional/international multilateral institution is necessary. Expertise in any of the following areas will be of benefit: democracy, elections and governance; peace and conflict; resource extraction and environmental justice. Strong networks amongst civil society organizations, donors and government are highly desirable.

An attractive remuneration package, commensurate with experience applies. The job is offered on a two-year (renewable) contract.

Interested applicants should forward a letter of interest and a detailed CV to: Prava Singh, Human Resources Manager, Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA)
Email: humanresources [at] osisa [dot] org

Only short listed candidates will receive a response from OSISA.

OSISA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Five (5) vacancies: Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council
Deadline: 30 June 2011

Applicants are invited from suitably qualified and experienced candidates to fill the following vacant posts:

1. Medical Officer

Qualifications:
-    Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) or equivalent
-    At lest 2 years’ experience in clinical work including RH/FP
-    Must be a registered member of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council

2. Assistant Director – Information Education and Communication

Qualifications:
-    Master’s Degree in Communication, Audit Education, Health Education or related Social Sciences and a Marketing Qualification
-    At least 5 years’ experience in a Communication and/or Planning field of which 3 years should have been in a management position

3. Provincial Manager – Mashonaland East

Qualifications:
-    Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health or Nursing Administration or equivalent
-    Diploma in Nursing or Health related qualification is an added advantage
-    Minimum of five years’ working experience of which should have been at a senior level

4. Theatre Nurse

Qualifications:
-    5 ‘O’ Levels including English Language
-    Diploma in General Nursing
-    Theatre Diploma
-    Family Planning Clinical Course Certificate
-    HIV Testing and Counselling Certificate
-    Valid Health Professions Practicing Certificate

5. Human Resources Clerk

Qualifications:
-    5 ‘O’ Levels including English Language
-    Diploma in Human Resources Management
-    At least 1 year’s relevant experience

Applications including curriculum vitae and certified copies of professional and academic qualification certificates to be received not later than Thursday, 30th June, 2011 at the address:

Executive Director, Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council
P. O. Box ST220
Southerton
Harare

or

The Executive Director
Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council
Spilhaus Family Planning Centre
No. 1 Swissway/Highfield Road
Southerton
Harare

This is from the very cool blog Marklives. Let’s hope we get some creative, rather than vitriolic, political posters during Zimbabwe’s next election.

The Client: Stellenbosch Eerste
The Agency: Am I Collective for agency Limbik

The Brief: Stellenbosch Eerste, a non-political initiative, wanted to address voter apathy by highlighting local issues that affect Stellenbosch residents. In phase one residents were reminded to register to vote, phase two reminded them to cast their ballot.

Creative Solution: Am I Collective used 50′s style political poster art as inspiration to portray a beautiful town in stages of decay due to bad administration. The posters addressed the various local issues such as dirty rivers and over-extended dumping grounds. It ran in the local press and as street posters. Registration went up 10% on previous election years.

Creative Team: Am I Collective

See the posters here