The Zimbabwe urban transport system has had touts for the past donkey years and all these years the authorities have known of their existence as well as the fact that they are illegal elements of society but they did not take any action against them. The authorities wake up one September morning and the touts are beaten like hell and rounded up in army vans and it’s headlines everywhere. It’s like these touts are aliens that have just landed in Zimbabwe from some far away planet and we are all amazed about them. The Harare City Council says it now wants to control kombis and one wonders why they have, for all these years, let touts control the kombi ranks.

There hasn’t been any water at our office block since Wednesday last week, and the toilets are beyond disgusting.

On Friday, the building manager organised for a bowser of water to come, and everyone filled up as many tanks, drums, bins and buckets as we could find.

For a few days, things were clean and hygienic again, but now that water has run out and the situation is worse than before.

Now, we’re being asked to bring in water from home – not just for office use, but to donate for the toilets which are shared across all tenants. This is because the bowser contacts the building manager has been phoning are too busy to come and deliver.

In other words, all over Harare, water is so scarce that so many companies are placing so many orders for water deliveries that the water companies can’t keep up. This is without even getting into the bigger question of where these water companies get their water from (sometimes residential boreholes and by pumping directly out of city rivers and streams). In the rural areas, the problem is even worse.

September has only just begun, and it’s another two months until the rains start to recharge the city boreholes and water table.

If water is already scarce, how will offices and high density areas in particular weather the water crisis that will only worsen?

For the second time today – and easily the sixth time in two weeks – I saw my new pet peeve: A “Police ATM” (Read road block where police hussle combi drivers and other motorists out of money for “spot fines”) within about 100 metres of a set of non-working traffic lights.

Now, neither of these things, the police road blocks or the out of order robots, are new or unusual occurrences in Harare. But what irks me is the proximity of the police to an obvious, present problem needing their intervention, which they are not acting on. Anyone who’s driven in Harare knows how frequently accidents happen at intersections where the robots are out of order. Particularly during the morning and afternoon commute, motorists back up, get frustrated and then try and barge their way through oncoming traffic – and regularly end up in accidents. Pedestrians trying to work their way across these intersections, including school children, face even more problems.

The helpful presence of a police officer or two directing traffic, signaling to motorists when to stop and when to turn, effectively acting as a human traffic light in the absence of a working automated one, could do a lot to ease tensions, prevent accidents, and make our roads safer. But instead of policing these intersections to help traffic flow smoothly and safely, the police literally turn their back on these accident traps, preferring to persist in the task which can get them more money in fines and bribes.

This year numerous government officials have spoken out against corruption, promising that graft is being fought at every level in the police force. If this is the case, the police should prioritise the public safety elements of their work – particularly in cases where there is such a glaring, obvious need for their helpful involvement – instead of blatantly looking for bribes.

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.

Three (3) vacancies: Local NGO
Deadline: 30 August 2012

An organisation working with children is looking to fill the following posts:

1) Finance Administration Manager
Position: Contract, 9 Months (subject to renewal)
Responsible to: Executive Director
Location: Harare
Commencement: As soon as possible

This position is responsible for the overall financial management (planning, budgeting, accounting and reporting). The role will provide strategic leadership and guidance in developing and implementing guidelines and procedures governing finance systems.

Key responsibilities
-Accurate financial accounting and grants management
-Planning and budgeting on financial aspects of the organization’s programmes
-Accurate reporting to The Executive Director, Finance Committee and funding partners
-Overall accountability of organizational finances and compliance with the organization’s policies and guidelines and donor requirements
-Prepare financial reports in line with organizational and donor reporting requirements
-Co-ordinate and maintain a cash forecasting system to ensure that adequate funds are available to meet the working requirements of the programmes
-Any other duties as may be assigned by Executive Director

Qualifications, experience and competences
-Accounting or Finance-related Degree or equivalent
-Substantial post qualification experience and demonstrable understanding and at least two years experience of finance management within an NGO
-Good accuracy and efficiency with figures
-Knowledge of accounting software like pastel, quick books etc
-Strong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken English

2) Legal Aid Officer
Position: Contract, 9 months
Responsible to: Project Officer
Location: Mutare/Gweru/Harare
Commencement: As soon as possible

Purpose
To facilitate care and legal support for children in conflict with the law by i) Assisting for a timely and fair trial, ii) Ensuring that their rights are recognized iii) Guaranteeing humane and respectful treatment throughout the justice process
Specific Responsibilities
1. Identification and selection of beneficiaries
2. Institutional visits
3. Facilitating legal representation for clients
4. Case conferencing with court officials and other relevant stakeholders
5. Case plan development and implementation
6. Networking with other child protection stakeholders
7. Ensuring that minimum standards are followed in the administration of justice for children
8. Monitoring of project activities
9. Reporting
10. Any other duties assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications
-Degree in law, or any other relevant qualifications
-At least 3 years of relevant work experience
-Own practicing certificate an added advantage
-Proven experience in report writing and proposal writing
-Knowledge of laws governing the rights of children
-Excellent command of English, Shona and Ndebele both written and orally
-Proven experience of being able to communicate effectively orally and in writing
-Experience of working with children, youth and communities is an advantage
-Experience of working with non-governmental organizations, government and international organisations is an advantage
-Ability to be flexible and resourceful
-Good interpersonal skills

3) Case Management Intern
Position: Internship
Responsible to: Project Officer
Location: Mutare
Period: 1 year
Commencement: As soon as possible

Purpose
To facilitate care and legal support for children in conflict with the law by i) Assisting for a timely and fair trial, ii) Ensuring that their rights are recognized iii) Guaranteeing humane and respectful treatment throughout the justice process

Specific Responsibilities
1. Identification and selection of beneficiaries
2. Institutional visits
3. Assist with developing case plans. Conduct home visits, Case profiling, Family tracing and reunification and recommending referral of children as and when necessary
4. Provide psycho-social support; Providing emotional support and counseling services (pre-trial, during and post trial); Provide accompaniment throughout the justice process i.e. to court sessions
5. Ensuring that minimum standards are followed in administering juvenile justice
6. Project activities monitoring
7. Reporting
8. Producing weekly work plans and reports for the supervisor
9. Produce closing reports for all cases

Qualifications
-A student at any university studying social work, law, international relations, social sciences, or any other relevant qualifications
-Knowledge of laws governing the rights of children
-Excellent command of English, Shona and Ndebele both written and orally
-Proven experience of being able to communicate effectively orally and in writing
-Proven interest working with children, youth and communities is an advantage
-Ability to be flexible and resourceful
-Good interpersonal skills

All employees should be able to adhere to our Codes of Conduct and the organizational values: Human dignity, Non discrimination, Gender equality and equity, Teamwork, Confidentiality, Transparency and accountability, Ubuntu.

Applications and CV in English are to be submitted by email to: jobschildren [at] yahoo [dot] co [dot] uk

Please ensure that you state the title of the post that you are applying for in the subject line of the email, only successful candidate will be contacted.

Three (3) vacancies: Simukai Child Protection Program, Mutare
Deadline: 1 September 2012

1) Advocacy and Communication Officer

Purpose: To provide a lead in the implementation of Simukai’s advocacy and communications strategy through empowering children and communities on child protection issues.

Major Responsibilities: Advocacy and community empowerment, place of safety management, documentation, communications and Knowledge management

Requirements
-Degree in Psychology or Sociology
-Strong verbal and written communication skills
-Excellent interpersonal skills
-Knowledge of Advocacy and communication strategies.
-Extensive Knowledge on Child rights and protection issues
-Sound documentation and Knowledge management skills
-Flexibility and a willingness to perform other reasonable duties as requested, including willingness and ability to stay late on some occasions
-Applicant to be over 25 years of age

Work Experience
-At least 2 years in similar or related position

2) Education and Rehabilitation Officer

Major responsibilities: Early Childhood Education management, facilitation of psychosocial activities, Rehabilitation Centre management and Documentation

Person Specification
-A social Sciences degree or related field
-At least 2 years experience in a similar environment
-Good communication and liaison skills
-Experience in interfacing with donors

3) Outreach Officer – Rusape

Major responsibilities: Coordination of street work activities, empowering communities on child protection issues, Resources mobilization and facilitation of psychosocial activities.

Person Specification
-A Social Science degree or related field
-At least 2 years working experience in similar environment
-Good communication and networking skills

If you meet the above-mentioned qualifications, send your application letter and CV to simukaivacancies [at] gmail [dot] com stating the position being applied for.

Or hand deliver/post to
The Human Resources Officer
Simukai Child Protection Program
9 Aerodrome, Yeovil Road
Mutare.

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Medical/Logical warehouse Manager: MSF
Deadline: 3 September 2012

Location: Harare
Type of Contract: Fixed term contract with trial period of three months
Start Date: To commence work October 2012
Immediate Supervisor: Supply Manager

Objective of the Post
Responsible for OCB Medical and Logistic warehouse in Harare

Educational and professional background
-Diploma pharmacy technician
-Full and current registration/license with relevant professional body
-Computer literacy: Ms Word, Excel, PowerPoint (minimal)
-Knowledge of computerized stock management system
-Fluent in English and Shona, written and spoken

Requirements
-Minimum 5 years’ working experience as pharmacy technician
-Minimum 2 years’ experience on HIV supply chain management
-At least 2 years’ experience as a volunteer worker in an NGO environment
-Ability to manage logistical and pharmaceutical warehouse independently
-Good knowledge on important and MCAZ requirements
-Experience in working with public health institutions (Natpharm, Nmrl, etc)
-Reliable, honest and transparent

Interested candidates meeting the above-mentioned criteria should forward their detailed CVs and motivation letter to: The Admin Co-ordinator, MSF-Belgium, 9 Bantry Road, Belgravia, Harare or by email to: msfocb-harare [at] brussels [dot] msf [dot] org

NB: Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

I have watched over the years how the Zimbabwean government and the responsible authorities around the country watch certain illegal habits grow in cities and towns until they become the normal thing to citizens. And just from out of the blue they pounce on the unaware “law-breaking” citizen with an operation to punish them. Illegal settlements did not just wake up one day and appear. They were there for some time and the City Fathers would see these and leave the residents until the residents felt homely and legal. But in the end they experienced the harsh Operation Murambatsvina.

For years retailers with or without liquor licenses were selling alcohol. In supermarkets alcohol was being sold until the time they closed their doors overriding their liquor licenses which regulates them to sell liquor up until 8pm. But who stopped them? They sold beer until people thought buying beer from a supermarket after 8pm was legal. But again they got slapped with a reminder of the regulation just when business was good and everyone expected to buy beer whenever they wanted.

For years we have been witnessing car sales sprout in and around the city. Name any major road in Harare and you will find a number of car sales. If one needed to open a car sale they only needed some poles and fence and an open area along a major road, and boom they were in the car trading business. But now the Harare City Council is conducting a clean-up exercise to wipe out all illegal car sales. Where has the City Council been while some of these “businesses” have been trading for more than 5 years at specific locations?

Today my nerves raged a bit as I read a story by Chipo Masara, an environment journalist with The Standard newspaper who reported how human waste is among Harare’s “litter” in the CBD. The areas most affected are kombi ranks where the City has failed to provide toilets. For the rank marshals, the hwindis and all vendors in the surrounding areas, using the city center as a ‘bush’ is now seen as normal. To them urinating in containers and throwing them on the street is considered to be ok. So the next thing is we will have the City as dirty as you can imagine and our City Fathers will pounce on us with an Operation Wawetera Papi to fine anyone relieving themselves in the wrong places. I wonder what they are waiting for?

Those in authority should make sure from the onset that people know what is wrong and right.  Is it that our police force that should be helping with the enforcement of laws in the country is diverting most of their energy to political related stuff? To me they seem to be doing a really good job implementing POSA, AIPPA, the Criminal and Codification Act and all the other draconian laws that exist, at the expense of our country’s upkeep and well being as a whole. Such issues need to be addressed as the glory of the Sunshine City will continue getting lost to an extent where trying to get back to how we once were will mean building a new city altogether.

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.

Finance Assistant: Cordaid Zimbabwe
Deadline: 31 August 2012

Location: Harare Office
Reporting to: Accountant

The Ministry of Health and Child Welfare (MoHCW) and the World Bank have appointed an international NGO, Cordaid, to manage the Results Based Financing (RBF) program, in close partnership with the MoHCW and the World Bank. Cordaid has established an office in Harare that will roll-out the program in close collaboration with the MOHCW.

Purpose of the position
The Finance Officer supports the finance and administrative functions of Cordaid Zimbabwe.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
-Assist in checking the administration and their related documents coming from the field offices
-Assist in providing financial and administrative support to the LPU’s when required in liaison with the Accountant: Assist in the verification of RBF invoices and supporting documents in collaboration with the public Health expert and also in liaison with the Accountant
-To be responsible for the monthly office petty cash, ensuring all paper work is completed and all expenditure is accounted: Reconciliation and count of petty cash on a weekly basis in liaison with the Finance and Administration Manager: Receipting any cash payments into the petty cash as necessary when approved by the Head of Mission and/or the Programme Manager
-To follow up on outstanding advances with various concerned staff making sure that cash advances are utilised for intended purposes with appropriate time
-To assist in preparing payment vouchers in conformity with WB/CORDAID required procedures and make sure that all transaction documents are filed chronologically as per recordings order
-Reconciliation of RBF payments with the financial administration
-Reconciliation of salary payments with the financial administration
-To carry out any other relevant duties as requested by the Accountant or the Finance and Administration Manager.

Qualifications and Skills
-Higher National Diploma in Accounting, Finance and/or administration: At least 3 years experience in accounting and financial administration: Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.): Experience in accounting software, preferably Pastel Evolution
-Fluency in English: Good written and spoken communication skills
-Excellent administrative skills: A flexible and adaptable approach to work: The ability to work on your own initiative: Excellent interpersonal skills and maintain a high degree of professionalism: Good organisation skills and able to meet deadlines whilst being under pressure.

Mention the vacancy number in subject line (e.g. Finance Assistant FA001 – Harare)

Contract duration: Six months (probation period three months) with the intention to extend for a longer period subject to performance and continuation of the program.

Application: Applications including a motivation letter and extensive CV in English, including the contact details of at least three professional references, should be forwarded to hr.Zimbabwe [at] cordaid [dot] net A written test will constitute part of the interview process.

Technical Advisor: Women And Aids Support Network (WASN)
Deadline: 31 August 2012

WASN seeks a Technical Advisor, to provide technical support and co-ordination of the Girls’, Women’s, Information and Advocacy programs. This position is newly created in line with the Organization’s revitalization strategy and will therefore be based in Harare and contingent on funding.

Responsibilities
-Provide technical leadership, policy guidance and co-ordination to WASN activities on promoting the sexual and reproductive health and rights in the era of HIV and AIDS
-Develop and execute a comprehensive programme of technical management and leadership development for technical staff and their teams
-Improve the efficiency and health impact of the WASN programs while effectively leveraging staff and resources; devise strategies to increase synergies between WASN projects
-Oversee planning and launch of new programme areas including the Gender challenge Initiative
-Ensure adherence to WASN quality assurance standards, protocols and guidelines
-Strengthen linkages between WASN partner organisations and other institutions
-Coordinate technical support to WASN networking partners and affiliates
-Contribute to regular programmatic and donor reports and document programmatic lessons learned
-Maintain regular and strong government, stakeholder and partner relations representing WASN at local and government for a
-Actively contribute to the identification of new funding opportunities for HIV prevention, as well as for related sexual reproductive health and rights for women and girls

Qualifications
-Technical expertise in HIV and AIDS, reproductive health and rights required, including significant experience in the design and management of sexual reproductive health programmes
-Experience leading teams in project implementation, with demonstrated ability to motivate and transfer skills and knowledge strongly preferred
-Exceptional written and oral communication skills; highly motivated and organized, able to work effectively with a variety of partners and stakeholders
-A health background and previous work with women and girls will be an added advantage
-Women candidates are encouraged to apply

Detailed CV’s clearly stating the job title on the subject line should be sent to: director [at] mweb [dot] co [dot] zw

Or by hand to

The Board Chairperson
Women and AIDS Support Network
13 Walterhill Avenue
Eastlea
Harare

Graduate trainee in IT: Cordaid Zimbabwe
Deadline: 7 September 2012

The Ministry of Health and Child Welfare (MoHCW) and the World Bank have appointed an international NGO, Cordaid – to manage the Results Based Financing (RBF) program, in close partnership with the MoHCW and the World Bank. Cordaid has established an office in Harare that will roll-out the program in close collaboration with the MOHCW. Cordaid is recruiting suitably qualified IT Graduate Trainee as indicated below.

Reporting to: Finance and Administration Manager

Office: Harare, Zimbabwe

Purpose of the position: Maintain and manage Cordaid’s Zimbabwe computer network, software and hardware to ensure effective functioning and efficiency of the system.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
-Manage and maintain an internal office network of a server (Window operated) and approximately 15 PCs and laptops
-Manage and maintain a database network server operating under Linux
-Manage and maintain approximately 40 laptops in the field
-Perform proactive maintenance and reconfiguration of the IT system, including software and security updates on a regular basis
-Perform daily and weekly backups and test restore procedure
-Ensure to create, maintain, update and delete-mail accounts of all Cordaid staff
-Undertake unexpected and regular ICT support visits and follow-ups
-Provide comprehensive and effective IT help desk services to staff members at the NPA Office and in the Field
-Capture, monitor, track and address all IT issues and troubleshooting and identify the staff training needs
-Conduct training for staff in the use of hardware, software, security, and internet
-Manage and keep records of software licensing agreements
-Recommend process changes to improve internal processes (when asked)
-Develop an IT manual and guidelines and keep documentation
-Improve network and computer security measures
-Recommend and assist in the procurement of computers and other spare parts or accessories as needed and maintain the ICT inventory register and asset movement
-Supervising equipment preventive maintenance and carry out a regular evaluation of current hardware/software in order to provide timely repair, replacement Schedule or upgrade
-Ensure to provide technical support and trouble-shooting for installed servers, including implementation of disaster recovery plans and prepare standard procedures for monitoring servers, and ensure that they are fully operational
-Liaise with the National Purchasing Agent – internet service provider
-Provide advice on the selected internet service provider in the field and recommend on the best use of the fixed ASDL service or other options
-To carry out any other relevant duties as requested by the Finance and Administration Manager or Head of Mission.

Qualifications and Skills
-Undergraduate degree and/or Higher National Diploma in Information Technology and Information Science
-At least 1-2 years working experience in a related field and in similar organisation
-Excellent knowledge of Window Server 2008, Microsoft applications, Linux, Firewall server protection, Server RAID 0/1/5, Data RAID Mirror, Backup and Disaster recovery plan
- Knowledge of Microsoft Exchange Mail server
-Fluency in English
-Strong analytical thinking and troubleshooting skills
-Good written and spoken communication skills
-A flexible and adaptable approach to work
-The ability to work on your own initiative
-Ability to do multiple work assignments and establish priorities
-Excellent interpersonal skills and maintain a high degree of professionalism
-Good organisation skills and able to meet deadlines whilst being under pressure
-Willing to travel occasionally to the districts

Mention the vacancy number in subject line (e.g. IT Graduate Trainee IT001 – Harare)

Contract duration: Six months (probation period three months) with the intention to extend for another 6 months period subject to performance and continuation of the program.

Application: Applications including a motivation letter and extensive CV in English, the email contact details of at least three professional references, should be forwarded to hr.Zimbabwe [at] cordaid [dot] net

A written test will constitute part of the interview process.