It is interesting that only a few weeks ago, the government was being extolled by some incorrigibly optimistic watchers of the Zimbabwean crisis for “opening” up media space by licensing new publications and also calling for applications from prospective broadcasters. Media reform is one of the sticking points of the GPA and the GNU that it birthed, and one has to imagine the reluctance of the former ruling party to give in to the demands of its sleeping partners based, of course, on its own historic knowledge of how these “tools” were used in the hands of the “white enemy” back then.

Yet there is something about some “analysts” here who are always quick to see reforms in the making each time the unflinching Zanu PF lifts its finger to scratch itself. They imagine the party is about to move the mountain of political, economic, media or whatever reform demanded by progressive forces and other people of goodwill. Yet here we are this week being told yet again that some scribes from the alternative media have once again been made very reluctant guests of the police. The latest arrest of these journalists coincided with Webster Shamu telling a gathering of SADC journos that there are scribes who continue to do the bidding of Western and other forces, a line favoured by oligarchs when referencing the private media.

That Shamu does not raise a finger – even to scratch his head – about these continued arrests tells some he could well be colluding with the police, after all, the cops have publicly avowed their allegiance to his party! How else would “ordinary” Zimbabweans read into it? Is not ours a land filled with political conspiracies? You hear it in kombis, pubs and yes, newsrooms! One just has to listen to ZBC bulletins and the unstinting dressing down of Biti and Tsvangirai to get the gist of how the Minister of Journalists favours his own. Thus it is that it is apparent that anyone dreaming of reforms of any sort in this country as long as Zanu PF lives is surely indulging in an exercise that will only give birth to ulcers and migraines.

I was distressed to read about ZANU PF youth who laid siege to the Minister of Finance’s office, apparently with the aid of the Zimbabwean police. What is worse is that one of the youths was heard in conversation with Webster Shamu, who is reported as attempting to call off the youths after presumably sending them there in the first place. The implication that politicians are ordering these youths to attack to further their political interest is not surprising.

Recently, I interviewed Grace Chirenje, who is a passionate advocate for young people and in particular young women.  This is what she had to say about the youth being used as a political tool:

I can’t blame the politicians. Imagine if the youth said no, enough is enough we will not allow ourselves to be used to perpetrate violence, we will not allow ourselves to be engaged only during elections. No one has ever approached the youth and said, there’s a crisis in this country, what do you think? I think the youth should begin to say no, we will not allow ourselves to be used by politicians. After the violence they still remain as neighbours, brothers and colleagues.  I think we need to begin to define our role as young people.

What continues to vex me is that the youth allow themselves to be used. What makes me angry is that it paints a picture of my country, my countrymen and my generation that shows us to be ignorant political tools unable to think for ourselves.

We are better than this.

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.

Project Officer – Makoni Food and Livelihood Security Support Project: GOAL
Deadline: 1 July 2011

Applications are encouraged from individuals with suitable qualifications to fill the following position within the organisation.

General description of role:

The Project Officer is responsible for the overall implementation of the project in line with the project documentation and agreements signed between GOAL and the institutional partner in the district assigned. S/he actively guides the physical implementation and on going monitoring of the project. S/he also contributes to the continuous review of the project with a view to improving the anticipated project outcomes. The Project Officer support and line manages the Field Officers and the data capture clerk who work on the project.

Qualifications and skills:

-    A minimum of a degree in Agriculture/Social Science or equivalent related field
-    2+ years’ solid experience in a middle senior capacity in managing livelihoods projects
-    Proven experience of using participatory methodologies such as Training for Transformation and/PRA techniques with rural communities
-    Good understanding and previous experience of using monitoring and evaluation tools and methodologies
-    Proven human resource management, organizing and planning skills
-    Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
-    Excellent oral and written communication skills
-    Evidence of maturity and good community approach skills
-    Computer literate in Microsoft products i.e. Word and Excel
-    Motor bike riding experience an added advantage

Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Only candidates meeting the criteria will be called for an interview. Interested candidates should submit an application letter, a CV with names and addresses of contactable referees and certified copies of certificates. Please indicate the post on the application envelope and submit no later than 1st July 2011 to:

The HR Co-ordinator, GOAL Zimbabwe, 3 Lezard Avenue, Milton Park, Harare or P. O. Box 4370, Harare.

Laboratory Technician: MSF
Deadline: 4 July 2011

Based in Beitbridge

-    Degree/Diploma in Medical Lab Sciences
-    Specialist Diploma in Immunology is an asset
-    Current registration with Medical Laboratory and Clinical Scientists Council of Zimbabwe
-    Minimum 2 years’ work experience post-qualification
-    Knowledge of HIV/AIDS screening and diagnosis is a must
-    Fluency in English is a must
-    Knowledge of Ndebele, Shona or Venda is an asset
-    Proficient knowledge of MS Office

Send CV to: Admin – MSF-SPAIN, 165 Tower Lane Baobab, Beitbridge or MSFE-beitbridge [at] barcelona [dot] msf [dot] org

Several (41) positions: Population Services Zimbabwe
Deadline: 4 July 2011

Population Services Zimbabwe (PSZ), an affiliate of Marie Stopes International (MSI), is a market focused and result-oriented non-governmental organization. We develop the efficient, effective and sustainable family planning and reproductive health programmes, with particular emphasis on the lower and disadvantaged communities in Zimbabwe. What we do makes a real difference to people’s lives, so it’s absolutely crucial that we fill our organisation with passionate people.

Opportunities have arisen in the following areas:

Programme Assistant – Harare

Job Summary:

Under the overall supervision pf the Country Director, the Program Assistant is responsible and accountable for providing technical, clerical and administrative support for assigned programme areas; and coordination procedures for scheduling and monitoring programme related activities.

Key duties:

-    Provides effective support to the Country Director in all aspects of program budgeting, implementation, monitoring, including country support activities related to programme management
-    Management of Country Director’s daily and monthly itineraries, drafting of routine correspondences, presentations, faxes, memoranda and reports in accordance with Country Director’s requirements
-    Assists on preparing work plans and budgets for all program activities
-    Provision of weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports outlining results of specific programs

Qualifications and experience:

-    Degree in Social/Behavioral Sciences, or related field
-    A minimum of two years’ work experience in programme or personal assistant role
-    Excellent interpersonal, communication and computer skills
-    Experience in development and implementation of policies and procedures for all administration procedures

Centre Team Leader – Harare

Key duties:

-    Ensures the clinic’s team has adequate stocks, equipment and staff for smooth delivery of service
-    Ensures clinical standards are being followed at the centre and offer high quality services
-    Markets PSZ products and services in liaison with the Marketing department
-    Provides consultation, counseling of clients and advice on various methods of contraception to enable the client to make an informed decision
-    Dispense drugs to clients

Qualifications and experience:

-    BSc in Nursing Science
-    Post graduate qualification in Midwifery
-    Forensic Licence (M.C.A.Z)
-    Diploma in Health Administration/Community Nursing an added advantage
-    Family Planning training
-    At least 5 years post qualification experience, of which 2 years’ must have been in a supervisory position
-    Computer literacy
-    Clean Class 4 driver’s licence

Outreach Team Leader x 2 – Masvingo and Chinhoyi

Key duties:

-    Ensures the clinic’s team has adequate stocks, equipment and staff for smooth delivery of service
-    Ensures clinical standards are being followed at all outreach sites
-    Markets PSZ products and services in liaison with the Marketing department
-    Provides consultation, counseling of clients and advice on various methods of contraception to enable the client to make an informed decision
-    Dispense drugs to clients

Qualifications and experience:

-    BSc in Nursing Science with post graduate qualification in Midwifery
-    Diploma in Community Nursing
-    Forensic Licence (M.C.A.Z)
-    Diploma in Health Administration advantageous
-    Family Planning training
-    At least 5 years post qualification experience, of which 2 years’ must have been in a supervisory position
-    Computer literacy

Administrator Assistant – Mutare
Locum Administrator Assistant x 12 – Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, Kadoma, Gokwe

Duties:

-    Welcomes clients and/or visitors to the clinic and attend to inquiries
-    Receipts and banks all income on a daily basis
-    Manages the clinic’s petty cash
-    Records performance statistics as required
-    Maintains client records, to be organized and available as necessary
-    Orders clinic supplies to ensure proper
-    Stock management and voucher filing

Qualifications and experience:

-    3 ‘A’ Levels with Maths and English at ‘O’ Level
-    Secretarial Diploma
-    2-3 years post qualification experience
-    Advanced computer literacy in Microsoft Office Packages

Locum Nurse Provider x 12 – Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, Kadoma, Gokwe

Key duties:

-    Assesses client’s reproductive health needs
-    Counsels clients and provide advice on family planning, sexually transmitted infections and other sexual reproductive health services
-    Maintains accurate and confidential client records
-    Provides cover for Centre Team Leader inn their absence

Qualifications and experience:

-    Diploma in Nursing, preferably a Degree in Nursing Science
-    Forensic Licence (M.C.A.Z)
-    2-3 years post-qualification professional
-    Certificate in Basic Life Support is an added advantage
-    Family Planning training

Locum Nurse Aide x 12 – Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, Kadoma, Gokwe

Duties:

-    Provides cleaning services, including laundry and storage of linen
-    Sterilization and preparation of instruments before use in treatment rooms
-    Safe disposal of all clinical waste

Qualifications and experience:

-    5 ‘O’ Levels with Maths and English
-    At least 3 years experience in a hospital environment
-    Current First Aid Certificate with a recognized institution
-    Knowledge of family planning methods is an added advantage

If you would like to be considered for any of these roles, please submit a covering letter and CV, outlining your experience to date and the location you wish to be considered for, to:

The Human Resources Officer
Population Services Zimbabwe
9 Bisley Circle
Belvedere
Harare

Or send an email to: recruitment [at] pszim [dot] com quoting the job title in the subject line.

Interview date is week commencing 25 July 2011. Start date is ASAP.

Country Representative: Zimbabwe Hand in Hand Southern Africa
Deadline: 8 July 2011

Hand in Hand Southern Africa is an NGO affiliated to Hand in Hand International and shares the same focus targeting the poorest of the poor in its aim to create sustainable and replicable poverty reduction models. Hand in Hand Southern Africa welcomes applications from appropriately qualified and experienced people for the position of Country Representative in Zimbabwe.

Key responsibilities:

-    Set up HiH operations in Zimbabwe
-    Provides strategic leadership of HiH SA’s program in the country
-    Takes the lead in representing HiH SA within the country (including media and lobbying and advocacy work)
-    Builds relationships and develops networks
-    Analyses policy and policy environment in Zimbabwe and its impact on the country programme
-    Manages the country: staff, budget, funding and the program
-    Works with Country Leadership Team to ensure that minimum standards are met in the country: for program, program management, HR, finance, security, health and safety etc
-    Write proposals and design logical frameworks for a variety of donor requirements and indicators
-    Co-ordinates with the Regional Leadership Team, to identify new funding sources and negotiate funding to support program implementation

Skills and competencies:

-    Senior management experience in leading the development, and ensuring the delivery of organisational strategy
-    Proven analytical skills and ability to think strategically
-    Experience in leading and motivating multi disciplinary, geographically remote teams, a high degree of self-awareness
-    Experience in representing an organization with partners, government agencies, private sector organizations and donors
-    High level financial management skills to steer the operational budget
-    Experience of fundraising from diverse institutions, both local and international
-    Excellent written and verbal communication skills to motivate, influence and negotiate

Qualifications:

-    A degree in Development Studies or Economics or Social science or Business Management is required
-    Professional qualifications in management or MBA is an advantage
-    Over 5 years experience in senior management position

To apply, please send a brief motivational letter and CV to info [at] handinhandsa [dot] org or P. O. Box FM790, Famona, Bulawayo. HiH SA will communicate with shortlisted candidates only.

Southern Africa Sub-regional Funding Officer (Malawi and Zimbabwe): Progressio
Deadline: 13 July 2011

Based: Harare, Zimbabwe, with occasional visits to Malawi
Contract: Full-time, two-year contract
Salary: US$2,000 gross per month

Please note that the successful candidate will be required to speak and write fluent English and Shona and/or Ndebele.

Progressio has been leading the way on practical international development issues for more than forty years. Whether through placing development workers overseas, or in our policy and advocacy achievements, Progressio has a track record of making a difference. We work with people of all faiths and none.

We are looking for a highly motivated and resourceful individual with a genuine commitment and track record of fundraising for international development. The post holder will play a leading role in increasing the funding for Progressio’s programmes and advocacy work in the Southern Africa Sub-region (Malawi and Zimbabwe). The post holder will be responsible for researching new funding sources in the region and beyond, preparing specific funding bids/ reports for submission to institutional donors (this will involve liaising with the Fundraising Team, plus other staff in the UK, Malawi and Zimbabwe), donor relationship management, and maintaining up-to date information systems.

Educated to degree or with an appropriate qualification in a relevant discipline, the successful candidate will have had fundraising training; a successful track record in securing funding from institutional donors (based in the Southern Africa region and beyond), and proven experience of: networking/ building/ managing relationships with donors, writing successful funding proposals and reports, and report writing (narrative and financial).

Experience of maintaining grant management systems; a flexible approach to managing and prioritising a high workload and multiple tasks in a fast paced environment with tight deadlines; sound knowledge of institutional regional and international funding sources and trends; excellent interpersonal, communication and networking skills, including the ability to develop and manage effective relationships with current and new donors; demonstrable numeracy skills, including the ability to prepare and interpret financial information, and competence in spreadsheet accounting, and good team-building skills and consensus led approach to work are essential. As are excellent organisational and time management skills, with ability to work on own initiative, prioritise and meet deadlines; excellent attention to detail, accuracy, ability to assimilate and analyse information quickly; flexibility, problem solving skills and ability to adapt to a changing environment and to approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; excellent oral and written skills in English and Shona and/ or Ndebele; full employment rights in Zimbabwe; strong personal commitment to Progressio’s vision, values and goals, and ability to put them in to practice; openness to work with different partners (eg secular, faith-based) and to work with diverse and marginalised groups; cultural sensitivity and ability to work as a member of a multicultural team spread across different countries, and the ability and readiness to undertake road travel in the region and for short stays, and to work outside office hours and during weekends.

It is essential that you complete Progressio’s application form in full, as very specific information is required and will be used to decide whether or not you will be short-listed for an interview.

For further information and an application form visit www.progressio.org.uk/jobs

Interviews: Week of 18 July 2011 in Harare

Please return the completed application form to: Recruitment [at] progressio [dot] org [dot] uk

Governance & Human Rights Programme Assistant – Zimbabwe Office: Trócaire
Deadline: 14 July 2011

Trócaire is a Development Agency of the Irish Catholic Church.  The Agency works in Zimbabwe under an MoU with the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference. A vacancy for a Governance & Human Rights Programme Assistant has risen within its Zimbabwe Office. The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with the GHR Programme Officer. The key deliveries for the position include supporting the Governance & HR Programme in Zimbabwe to ensure it is implemented to the highest standards possible.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Supporting the Governance and Human Rights Programme Officer in:

-    Developing a strategically focused programme on Governance and Human Rights in Zimbabwe, which is coherent with the Zimbabwe Country Strategy.
-    Constructively supporting partners’ management of Governance & Human Rights projects.
-    Managing EU co-financed projects and other co-financed projects that may come up.
-    Building partners’ capacity individually and collectively through training and accompaniment in areas of programme development, organizational governance, institutional development and financial management.
-    Ensuring that partners provide timely and quality reports to Trócaire; both narrative and financial and reviewing these reports.
-    Developing policy & advocacy positions for Trócaire, working in collaboration with partners and like-minded organizations and networks as appropriate.
-    Working with the country representative to deliver advocacy on Governance and Human Rights relevant to Zimbabwe, working with the Regional Office and Trócaire head office to reach advocacy targets in the Southern Africa region, in Ireland and in the EU.

The ideal candidate will have:
-    Third level qualification in Development Studies, International Relations, Human Rights Law or similar.
-    Minimum 1 year development experience  -preferably in a partnership context.
-    Participated in advocacy initiatives on Governance & Human Rights issues.
-    Experience in Governance /Human Rights programming.
-    Excellent written, oral and presentational communications skills (for purposes of reporting, advocacy and sharing learning).
-    Strong commitment to human rights and social justice.
-    Commitment to Trócaire values.

In return we offer a competitive salary and package commensurate with education and experience.

Full job description available on request from: ntaderera [at] trocairezw [dot] org

To apply: Email your cover letter and detailed CV to ntaderera [at] trocairezw [dot] org with “Governance & Human Rights Programme Assistant” in the subject line.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 20th July 2011

Rituals (A look at Zimbabwe’s rituals of violence)

Venue: British Council, 16 Cork Road (off Second Street), Harare
Date: 29 June 2011
Time: 6pm

Brought to you by Rooftop Promotions

An assessment of the range of political parties we have to choose from shows that whichever way one looks at it, Zimbabweans are screwed!  It’s mediocre politicians all around, positing ludicrous policies whilst they happily take part in scandalous shenanigans.  So come next trip to the ballot box, we’ll just have to elect the lesser devil into power.  Question is, whose political thrust will be easiest to endure?

Missionaries

They’ve courted our vote for years, promising new and exciting things if we give them a chance.  They’ve positioned themselves as the party for the ordinary Joe, preaching right, opposing wrong and taking up the people’s cause.  To their credit, they’ve managed to gather a large following, many of them eager youths. Unfortunately, they have also shown signs that they will give us more of the same.  We have seen them in government and they haven’t proved themselves very different.  In fact, it’s quite predictable how things will turn out should they have complete rule.  I foresee that after they have been in office for a few years, they’ll have us lying on our backs once more, as we go through the motions of the same old same old.

Who’s On Top?

This party is small but feisty and able to play ball with the big boys.  Despite their size, they have many tricks up their sleeve and the ability to turn the heat up on events.  They are well known for rousing the political scene. The downside is that leadership issues remain unresolved.  As things stand, it appears to be a party of wrangling cowboys.  So one wonders, at election time, will we be voting for a party with a guy on top or maybe a reverse cowgirl?

Standing Up and Shaking

The little parties of Zimbabwe politics are unstable.  However, they make sure that everybody gets some and this keeps things entertaining.  Usually, as elections are coming, these groups remind us of their existence by becoming rather vocal.  Occasionally, they will make the news, either for infighting or swinging, that is exchanging (political) partners they get into bed with. For this reason, nobody truly knows what (and whom) they actually stand for.  Most people are therefore, uncomfortable about engaging with this bunch.  After all, can you really vote easy when there isn’t something solid to lean against, and you’re balancing on one leg with the other leg dangling precariously somewhere else?

Violated in Every Way

The lover who turns on you is the best way to describe this party.  Things began beautifully and we were happy bedfellows.  Today it is dramatically different and the good times are but a distant memory. It’s a case of no matter what position you choose for yourself, you will never be satisfied.  In fact, you will suffer abuse.  The party of selfish lovers have years of experience in bondage and sadomasochism.   They’ve made us perform demeaning acts, brainwashed and drugged us senseless, used and used us some more. Still, in spite of this, the results of the vote will have them firmly back in power, and power is what rape is all about.

With such a political landscape, it is understandable that Zimbabweans feel disillusionment, indifference and fatigue when it comes to voting.  Thus, when the outcome of the elections are known, by far the largest population of voters, as always, will be those who have opted not to pick a favourite position for being screwed over.

Two weeks ago, we read about jingles, written by the losing party to be put on national radio, saying “the people would rather have the military to rule them than an IMF stooge” (or western stooge, or whatever, the rhetoric is too stupid to listen to in detail).

Two days ago, we read that Air Commodore Kennedy Remigio Zimondi, director-general of military sports in Ministry of Defence, and third from the top in the chain of command in the Air Force of Zimbabwe, has been arrested on two counts of fraud/corruption, of $5000 and R235 000, and is facing a further count of fraud. So this is a senior military man, who is corrupt (or at least alleged to be, lets be fair).

How stupid do they think Zimbabweans are? How stupid can an organisation be?

And here I must pause to ask myself, what organisation? Zanu PF, the military, or the old ZANLA high command that has conducted the military coup? The one that has run Zimbabwe (into the ground while lining their pockets very well) for the last decade?

But what is the military for anyway? Defence? From whom? And if so, why are they not on border, and only on the border? Why are they so big, why so many (or is it a Zanu PF charity)? The defence of the country is done by Foreign Affairs, who see to it that no one wants to invade Zimbabwe. Talks, treaties, negotiation, good relations with our neighbours, etc. After all, even the Americans have not invaded Libya, and Libya has oil. We have … 80 percent unemployment.

Back to the military. How many planes can the Air Force fly? How many transporters, fighter jets, helicopters? Last I saw helicopters flying, they were shooting diamond panners in Chiangwa. This is not an Air Force job (at least, not the traditional/formal Air Force). But perhaps I am the stupid one. The role of the Air Force is to make money, as demonstrated by their leaders.

And the ground forces? How many armoured cars can drive? How many trucks? How many artillery pieces, rocket launchers, anti-aircraft guns, etc. can even fire? How much AK ammunition does each soldier have? It makes me wonder, what is the role of the armed forces, what are they supposed to do, what do they believe they can do? Besides rule the country in place of Mr Mugabe or some western stooge. And do they really believe they can do that?

The small amounts of the corruption arrests make people wonder, what did Zimondi do, and to who, that made him get thrown to the dogs? (Those ‘internal security dogs of “Animal Farm” fame). Because we all know they are all corrupt, so why pick this one individual to get arrested?