I have been bugging over the past few days, imagining and re-imagining the olive leaf Tsvangirai says he will extend to Zanu PF “moderates” when he assumes power. It appears to be a given that he will saunter into State House in the coming polls, never mind the doomsayers in the form of Freedom House.

But then Zanu PF does not think it is about to hand over the keys to anyone: Mugabe and his curious motley of Afro-optimists who nevertheless many say double as inveterate political misanthropes are firmly convinced Zanu PF will win.

It strikes me as kowtowing to the politics of meaningless appeasement when Tsvangirai says he will not hesitate to co-opt favoured Zanu PF officials into his perceived government. What is he saying about the men and women within the MDC-T who have dedicated their lives to unseating Zanu PF?  Are they less skilled in “statecraft,” to borrow from his own secretary general? And he would still have to be answerable to Zimbabweans who sprung him to power having these Zanuoids in his cabinet, that is if his own lieutenants allow it to happen.

If MT is surely sincere about this thing, I call it a thing because that’s what it is, he only pays into the hands of critics who say, he along with his top officials, remain Zanu PF at heart despite all pretence to the contrary, and we know such critics only have to point to what they see as his fabulous spending habits that only seeks to keep up with Zanu PF profligacy.

There is no one to appease in Zanu PF period. The only appeasing is the one he mentioned about appeasing the gods over the blood of pro-democracy activists!

The masses trust the MDC-T with their vote because of the promise of re-birth, of restoring Zimbabwe’s UDI economic juggernaut the same MDC-T policy czars love referring to but was decimated by Zanu PF.

Come on, this is politics, appointing Zanu PF officials into an MDC government is not only political folly of the highest order considering the fact that we know how the same people have plundered state resources to finance their political party activities, but we already know Zanu PF will never respond in like magnanimity in the event Mugabe beats Tsvangirai!

This is African politics for fuck’s sake where there has been cyclical abysmal failure to transplant “the US model of democracy” on the continent despite all evidence of parallel governments being run by the frivolous coalitions that defeat the whole concept of a truly bipartisan regime.

Perhaps MT has been misquoted, perhaps like Gabriel Shumba on the formation of his political party a few years ago, he was only joking, but this ain’t no laughing matter as he seems too eager to win over some Zanu PF folks, perhaps as his own political strategy that if he has them on their side, the military and other Zanu PF spoilers are kept in check?

Perhaps he needs to re-read the history of African politics and he will find that this fantasy will turn out to be a petard that will blow up on his already perforated face.

Conclusions from the Youth Agenda’s First Time Voters Training Camp.

1. The young people of Zimbabwe will tirelessly work towards resisting any machinations by the state machinery to subvert the will of the youths and the broader Zimbabwean society through the state sponsored technical and political frustration of young people to register as eligible voters. A declaration was made that with immediate effect youths will go back to their provinces and forthwith engage in a mass identification, recruitment and mobilisation of young voters in endeavors to chat a democratic dispensation for the country

2. Youths are fully aware of the political risks they will be exposed to as they execute their constitutional mandate of encouraging the broader societies to proclaim their right to vote and choose political leaders through popular participation and a democratic process. Youth Agenda Trust was mandated to set up networks with relevant institutions that offer social solidarity, legal aid, medical aid and psychosocial counseling to affected young people.

3. The state media remains partisan, unprofessional and irrelevant in disseminating crucial information to young people on the voting process. It was noted that the state media continues to be the epicentre of hate speech, indoctrination, intolerance and the instigation of political violence amongst young Zimbabweans. The youths resolved to set up a parallel political information programme that will flood the social media, mobile networks, print media, electronic media and community information centres that will act as the hub of informing and educating Zimbabweans on the electoral process and peaceful conduct during and after elections.

4. The camp resolved that young people will participate in the forthcoming elections  as candidates, election observers, to monitor the tabulation and transmission of election results and to mobilize Zimbabweans to a  peaceful action program that rejects any 2013 electoral outcome that is against the democratic will of Zimbabweans as expressed through the electoral process.

Barack and Mitt rivals for the US presidency will never get to stay in the White House together but in Kenya they will live together. A young mother in Kenya has named her newborn twins Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. Some have claimed the mum wants to bask in two-minutes of glory. Some speculate that Mitt will be bullied all his life. What are you views on this?

Unlike in some countries where political rivalry ends in the loss of lives and election results take ages to be released, Americans got to know what the future holds for them quickly as a closely fought contest ended in a nail biting finish with the current President of the United States of America retaining his post for four more years.

Running with the background of a weak economy and high unemployment in America, President Obama made successes by providing health care insurance to ordinary citizens in America, ending war in Iraq and going after the world’s most dangerous terrorist Osama Bin Laden. As people were casting their votes Obama sent a message on Tweeter to his supporters, “We’re all in this together. That’s how we campaigned, and that’s who we are. Thank you. – Barack Obama.” The rich favoured Mitt Romney but women voters propelled Obama back into the White House. Obama stole women’s hearts in America through advocating for reproductive rights, access to health care and fair pay. The next four years in office will be a challenging task for Obama – he will have to work hard to fulfill the promises, and build on the gains, made in the last four years.

Zanu PF has helped Tsvangirai gorge on the perks of power to get him fat like a pimple ready to be squeezed. Motorcades, mansions, women, trips abroad. The Savoy Hotel, one of the most prestigious hotels in London is his most recent accommodation of choice. Tsvangirai may well, at this time, be a better choice than Mugabe. But he’s showing some serious signs that he’s learning some really bad habits, really quickly.

{Note to customs at Harare International Airport: please search Morgan and Elizabeth like you do all of us ordinary folk and make sure to charge them duty on their UK shopping}

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.

Eight (8) vacancies: OPHID
Deadline: 21 October 2012

OPHID charitable trust, a local organization established in 2007, supports the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare in Zimbabwe in the implementation and management of maternal and neonatal child health (MNCH), early childhood development, sexual and reproductive health, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and paediatric ART activities.

OPHID seeks to fill the following positions for a 5-year USAID funded program aimed at expanding current national Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services. The award aims to (1) provide technical and other assistance to the national level of the PMTCT programme; (2) strengthen the provision of clinical services for comprehensive PMTCT; (3) strengthen paediatric HIV services; (4) conduct operations research and (5) strengthen the continuum of care for mother, infant and family. The positions are full-time, based in Harare.

Strategic Information and Evaluation Director

Summary of Position
Reporting to the Chief of Party, the Strategic Information and Evaluation Director is responsible for all monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities under this award.

Responsibilities
-Develop and maintain relevant systems to collect, review and analyze program related data and indicators
-Provide relevant technical support to the program and enhance capacity of the team and partners
-Collaborate and coordinate with other M&E and management staff to ensure highest standards in the quality of data of all FACE partners
-Develop and implement the partnership’s M&E plan that supports the MOHCW’s systems
-Collaborate with MOHCW and partners to optimize health information systems
-Link with stakeholders to streamline data collection systems
-Manage the preparation and timely submission of program reports and other documentation for sharing with the MOHCW, donors and other stakeholders

Qualifications and Experience
-Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Demography, Epidemiology, Statistics(s) or other relevant professional qualification
-Familiarity with Monitoring and Evaluation systems in the HIV sector
-Demonstrated knowledge of management information systems/statistical packages
-At least 7 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation of large internationally funded health programs, including the use of data to inform decision-making, planning, resource allocation and other strategic initiatives.

Skills and Attributes
-Proficiency in the development of indicators, analysis of data, and interpretation of results in an illustrative and meaningful manner
-Exceptional writing, analytical and logical competencies.

Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator

Summary of Position
Reporting to the Strategic Information and Evaluation Director, the Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator will support the data collection and quality control for monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities under this award

Responsibilities
-Support the Strategic Information and Evaluation Director in achieving his/her objectives
-Support cohesion of data collection systems and reporting among sub-grantees and ministry
-Aid in the preparation of project documentation for donors, potential program users and public relations purposes

Qualifications and Experience
-Masters degree Social Sciences, Demography, Epidemiology, Statistics(s) and related fields
-Familiarity with Monitoring and Evaluation systems in the HIV sector
-At least 5 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation of large internationally funded, multi-partner, health programs, including the use of data to inform decision-making, planning, resource allocation and other strategic initiatives

Skills and Attributes
-Demonstrated knowledge of management information systems/statistical packages
-Proficiency in the development of indicators, analysis of data, and interpretation of results in an illustrative and meaningful manner
-Exceptional writing, analytical and logical competencies

Financial Analyst

Summary of Position
Under the guidance and supervision of the Finance and Operations Director, the Financial Analyst is responsible for analyzing and evaluating the consortium’s financial and operating results and preparing management reports for senior management. The Financial Analyst will be responsible for providing advice on how to improve performance based on the analysis.

Responsibilities
-Evaluate financial performance on a regular basis and identifying areas for improvement for each sub-grantee. Scenario development and perform ‘what-if’ modelling and trend analysis
-Analyze financial information to recommend or develop efficient use of resources and procedures, provide strategic recommendations and maintain solutions to business and financial problems
-Organize and analyse financial data, develops, maintain and distribute ad-hoc reports and financial models as and when requested by the Finance and Operations Director
-Monitor and advise on fundamental economic, industrial, and corporate developments through the analysis of information obtained from financial publications and services, banking firms, government agencies, trade publications, and other sources
-Develop and review standard costs for major line items with project managers
-Assist in the preparation and organization of quarterly financial reports
-Participate in the preparation of program budgets and forecasts
-Appropriately analyse and challenge submitted plans (cash requests) and balance of year re-forecasts from sub-grantees
-Advise management on investment opportunities that are compliant with the funder’s rules and regulations
-Review the joint direct cost rates and making recommendations to ensure the fair share principle
-Provide independent support to the procurement committee in the tendering process
-Participate in special projects and assignments as required

Qualifications and Experience
-A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related area and at least three years of cost accounting and/or financial analysis experience is a requirement
-Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Skills and attributes
-Strong maths, analytical, interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Self-confidence, maturity, and the ability to work independently. Advanced excel skills and experience of using databases and spread sheets effectively for analytical purposes
-Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations

Compliance and Grants Officer

Summary of Position
Under the guidance and supervision of the Finance and Operations Director, the Compliance and Grants Officer will be responsible for grants management, compliance, governance and risk management issues. The Compliance and Grants Officer’s responsibility is to provide an in-house compliance service for the consortium that effectively support management and staff in their duty to comply with relevant laws and regulations and internal procedures.

Responsibilities
-Develop Sub-awards for the sub grantees
-Identify and advise on the compliance and regulatory risks that OPHID and the FACE consortium faces and design and implement controls to protect the consortium from those risks
-Monitor and report on the effectiveness of internal controls in the management of the consortium’s exposure
-Resolve compliance difficulties as they occur and advise OPHID and the FACE consortium on USAID rules and regulations, other applicable laws and controls
-Develop and foster relationships with sub-grantees to ensure smooth communication and speedy resolution of issues
-Arrange for and conduct regular assurance visits and discuss results of assurance visits reports with relevant sub- grantee management to determine an appropriate way forward. Provide on-site technical training/ capacity building based on the assessment of needs
-Follow up responses to assurance visit reports with sub-grantees and provide support to sub-grantees ensuring that all compliance observations are attended to within agreed time frame
-Manage existing grants by: tracking grants; developing internal reporting systems; writing reports; maintaining excellent historical records; working with staff to ensure each sub-grantee is meeting proposal conditions and expectations
-Providing in house training on USAID rules and regulations, applicable laws and policies and procedures to OPHID and the FACE consortium
-Ensure that OPHID and the sub-grantees’ financial, human, contracting, procurement and administrative systems comply with USAID rules and regulations
-Participate in the preparation of program budgets and forecasts
-Assist FOD in working with sub- grantees to assess performance.

Qualifications and Experience
-Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Accounting, and/or any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved such as CIS, ACCA or CIMA
-At least three years experience in auditing or as a Grants and Compliance Officer of USAID grants
-A detailed knowledge of contracting process and systems is a requirement
-Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations and extensive knowledge of the various applicable Zimbabwe laws and regulations is required.

Skills and attributes
-Knowledge of USAID rules and regulation and extensive knowledge of the various applicable Zimbabwe laws and regulations is required
-A strong character and observant nature is a requirement
-Good interpersonal and communication skills
-Good computer skills with advanced Excel skills
-Project management skills are an added advantage.

Finance Manager

Summary of Position
Under the guidance and supervision of the Finance and Operations Director, the Finance Manager will be responsible for managing the creation and maintenance of financial reports and finance related strategies for the consortium in compliance with USAID rules and regulations and other applicable guidelines.

Responsibilities
-Direct the financial strategy of this USAID funded project and comply with reporting deadlines
-Review financial reports from sub-grantees and provide feedback before the next disbursement. This financial review is part of risk management
-Review monthly cash flow requests from OPHID and sub-grantees and make recommendations to the Finance and Operations Director
-Follow-up with partners for financial clarifications
-Produce monthly and quarterly consolidated financial statements and reports for submission to FOD
-Review, re-design if necessary and improve cash request template
-Support partners to ensure proper financial accountability of assets and equipment
-Assist in the conduction of quarterly compliance visits and spot checks
-Follow-up of partners’ A133 audits ensuring that corrective measures are taken
-Assist directors and program managers in the preparation of strategic plans, budgets and work plans
-Assist external auditors by providing needed data and responding to enquiries in the course of and/or at completion of audit
-Support the on-going development of professional capability within the finance team and the financial understanding of non-finance managers
-Developing financial management mechanisms that minimize financial risk
-Keeping abreast of changes in financial regulations and legislation and advising OPHID Trust and the FACE consortium’s management
-Conduct review meetings to discuss challenges and risks facing the consortium
-Participate in the preparation of program budgets and forecasts
-Participate in special projects and assignments as required.

Qualifications and Experience
-Professional Qualification such as ACCA, CIS, CIMA and/or any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved
-At least five years experience as a Finance Manager and at least 3 years managing USAID funded programs

Skills and Attributes
-A strong character and observant nature is a requirement
-Good computer skills and advanced MS Excel skills
-Project management skills
-Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations and extensive knowledge of the various applicable Zimbabwe laws and regulations is required.

Finance Analyst Assistant

Summary of Position
Under the guidance and supervision of the Finance Analyst, the Finance Analyst Assistant supports the provision of financial services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work.

Responsibilities
-Provide accounting, finance and administrative support
-Assist in proper control and filing of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for the consortium
-Responsible for maintenance of the proper filing system for finance and operations records and documents
-Checking payment vouchers and supporting documents for completeness and accuracy
-Provide support to consortium management in report preparation as required
-Ensure reimbursement of VAT and other taxes (i.e., collecting supporting documents, liaising with sub-grantees, monitoring reimbursement)
-Maintain a fixed asset register for the consortium management assets
-Act as back-up for the Finance Manager, Finance Analyst and Grants and Compliance Officer in managing sub-awards
-Assist with the preparation of payroll schedules
-Maintain books of accounts for the consortium management unit
-Participate in special projects and assignments as required

Qualifications and Experience
-A degree in Accountancy, Business, Administration or equivalent
-At least 1 year experience in similar position

Skills and Attributes
-Ability to perform a variety of repetitive and routine tasks and duties related to finance
-Ability to review data, identify and adjust discrepancies
-Ability to operate and maintain a variety of computerised business machines and office equipment in order to provide efficient delivery of service
-Good computer and interpersonal skills.

Program Manager

Summary of Position
The Program Manager will support the coordination of programs implemented by FACE-Pediatric HIV partners to ensure an integrated, harmonized approach. The position would be full-time and based in Harare with occasional travel in Zimbabwe. The Program Manager will report directly to the Director of Programs.

Responsibilities:
-Support the coordination of implementing partners/stakeholders engaged in the FACE-Pediatric HIV consortium through review of annual work-plans, project plans and reports
-Facilitate monitoring day-to-day implementation of program activities and support partners to operationalize work-plans
-Work with M&E/Documentation Specialist to conduct supervisory visits and provide guidance on collection of data and ensure quality control as well as support training of M&E personnel
-Review capacity building/ training and post-training follow-up.  Work with Technical Focal Person to design strategies to streamline trainings (in-service and pre-service), and refresher trainings
-Participate in program planning and review meetings, as well as represent program management (as necessary) in relevant national committees
-Support knowledge management through documentation, report writing and recording of good practices
-Support in review and development in capacity building and training materials

Qualifications and Experience
-Master’s Degree in Public Health or equivalent experience in health related field.
-At least 5 years experience in managing maternal and child health programs
-Specific experience in PMTCT is preferred.

Skills and Attributes
-Demonstrated leadership in partnership building
-Experience in monitoring, evaluation and documentation of good practices
-Experience in implementation or management of USAIDS-funded programs an asset
-Experience with report writing, documentation and knowledge management preferred
-Availability to travel occasionally
-Strong interpersonal, organizational, research, writing and verbal communication skills
-Willingness and ability to be flexible, to work independently, and to shift gears depending on changing priorities and deadlines.

Policy, Advocacy and Communication Manager

Summary of Position
Working closely with FACE-Pediatric HIV management, and reporting directly to the Director of Programs, the Policy, Advocacy and Communication Manager will coordinate consortium partners in the identification, design and implementation of national- level advocacy and communication campaigns. The Policy, Advocacy and Communication Manager will ensure that the advocacy and communication campaigns are closely aligned with existing national advocacy and communication strategies related to PMTCT.

Responsibilities
-Work with the national level partners to extend the reach of strategic information from national to district and community levels.
-Identify key advocacy issues and work with implementing partners to coordinate and develop content for diverse media and communication channels. The Manger would ensure that campaigns are aligned with national PMTCT strategic plan and national advocacy and communication plan for Elimination of new HIV infections.
-Compile strategic information and format content for a variety of media targeting a range of key populations (including partner NGOs, local networks community leaders, and appropriate end-users).
-Maintain regular flow of high-quality dialogue on identified advocacy themes in media and electronic platforms, including e-learning opportunities, factsheets, e-fora, etc.
-Assist partners with strategies to build community advocacy networks for PMTCT.
-Provide support to national PMTCT programme for development of evidence-based policies and support implementation of advocacy and communication of policies.
-Monitor policy shifts associated with PMTCT and MNCH
-Support development of national resource centre and online platforms for collection and exchange of PMTCT information and knowledge resources.

Qualifications and Experience
-Masters Degree in Media and Communications, Knowledge Management or related development
-At least 5 years experience in advocacy and policy change work in a similar environment

Skills and Attributes
-Have broad experience of maternal health and child welfare, PMTCT or HIV/AIDS programming
-Outstanding information gathering skills and good analytical skills
-Be a strategic thinker, and possess strong negotiation skills
-Be a transparent and effective manager and team leader
-Fluency in English
-Willingness for travel – within Zimbabwe.

To apply for any of the above positions, send a cover letter, CV, with three (3) current references to recruitments [at] ophid [dot] co [dot] zw

Clearly specify the position for which you are applying in the subject line of your email and on the cover letter.  Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

OPHID is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals with relevant experience are welcome to apply.